A Punchy Pre-War Coop by Studio DB

A Punchy Pre-War Coop

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For a young family’s prewar co-op unit on the Upper West Side, the directive was to respect the building’s history but make the interior bold with lots of wall space to display their art collection. We started by demolishing many of the small rooms and tiny closets, so common in prewar buildings, to make the spaces lighter and brighter. Then, we built on the period details while bringing in the drama. In the living room, we retained the original fireplace but added graphic Calacatta Viola marble for the hearth and surround, coated the ceilings in high-gloss lacquer, and installed panel molding on the walls to frame their art while adding a purposely imperfect layered look that seems like it developed over time. In the dining room, we went in the opposite direction: painting the ceiling, deep blue and lining the walls with navy-and-gold wallpaper. On one wall, we installed a concealed bar that lights up with sunset-inspired orangey ombré wallpaper when you pull open the door. The rest of the apartment continues this sense of discovery.

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Professional Reviews

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“I have worked with StudioDB on several large projects including two gut renovations (of a 4000sq.ft. downtown loft and a 7000sq.ft. townhouse), as well as the conversion of a once derelict 8000sq.ft. yard into a vibrant, beautiful playground at a public hospital in the Bronx. The latter project was a largely philanthropic effort which was completed thanks to extreme generosity of StudioDB's time and spirit. I am THRILLED with all of Studio DB's work. Britt and Damian are an incredible design duo: brilliant, pragmatic, wildly creative and fun! They bring deep experience and indefatigable enthusiasm to every aspect of the design and renovation process. Damian is calm in the storm, unflappable and meets the unexpected hiccup with grace and ease. He worked within my budget and steered me in the right direction about where I needed to spend and where I could save. Damian approaches structural conundrums as an opportunity for creative problem solving. He relishes an architectural challenge seems to have an endless supply of patience and good humor even in the most frustrating of circumstances. Britt brings the spaces to life with her outstanding eye and creativity. Her design sensibility is a rare combination of playfulness and elegance. She goes the extra mile to source materials both new and old from unexpected vendors and places, rendering each space unique. She works tirelessly to get each room right and to ensure that the each space and choice plays well with the others. Britt and Damian (and all of the designers and staff at Studio DB) are a JOY to work with. They encouraged my good ideas and - more importantly - saved me from all sorts of terrible decisions!! I learned so much from the whole process. I could not recommend StudioDB more highly. They are the consummate dream team!!”