Forest Hills Greenway Apartment

This picturesque apartment is situated in the landmarked Forest Hills neighborhood of Queens, designed to resemble a traditional English village. The area features a charming town center with a commuter train station that provides quick access to Manhattan. Established in 1910, the tree-lined residential streets are curvilinear to discourage through traffic and encourage pedestrian use. The neighborhood features a mix of Tudor and Georgian single-family homes, townhouses, and garden apartment buildings.

SQUARE FOOTAGE

1000 SF

Our renovation preserved the apartment's original details, ensuring that updates were consistent with the building's architecture and the neighborhood's character. The parquet floors were refinished to restore their original elegance, old doors were repainted, and brass knobs were meticulously preserved and polished to their original shine. The original charming arches were preserved, and new ones were added to replace square openings that did not match consistently.

The living and dining rooms initially lacked proper lighting. To modernize the space while preserving its charm, new electrical wiring was installed in a dropped ceiling. The dining area was relocated to the corner with black-lined vintage windows, and a Frame TV was added to blend seamlessly with the decor. A floating sofa was incorporated for a contemporary touch. A new bar area features a beautifully landscaped bar cabinet. Moody and sophisticated textures, including vases, wood accents, and pillows, were added to enhance the space with a high-end feel.

The delightful kitchen underwent a remarkable transformation, enhancing both its functionality and charm while preserving the historic character of the landmarked building. Originally featuring just a single wall of cabinets, the redesign introduces a new layout that significantly improves the cooking experience. The updated design includes ample storage solutions and a spacious island that serves both as a prep area and a casual seating spot. To honor the building’s unique heritage and its location, the design emphasizes natural materials. The palette includes elegant brass fixtures, warm wooden accents, and classic stone surfaces, all contributing to a cohesive and inviting bistro-style ambiance. The new herringbone floor tile mirrors the cobblestone streets of Forest Hills Gardens.

Both the bathroom and bedroom were updated while maintaining their original layouts. The bathroom showcases a black-and-white tile theme, with custom-designed floor mosaic hexagons featuring a unique, one-of-a-kind pattern. An old cast iron bathtub was retained due to its durability and unique character. A new toilet with an integrated bidet was installed, and a cabinet at the bathroom entry was custom-designed to house a hamper. The walls were painted a soft blush pink, complemented by brass fixtures. Additionally, a built-in mirrored medicine cabinet, shaped like the apartment’s arched doorways, adds a cohesive architectural touch. The spacious bedroom features three closets, each retrofitted with new clothes organizers. Custom-designed light-filtering and Roman shades enhance the room’s ambiance. A custom radiator enclosure with a solid brass grille complements the apartment's vintage character.

New furnishings and decor were chosen and installed to reflect the style of a young professional client, while preserving the historic character of the landmarked apartment and building.