Party Pad—Design Awards 2015 Gold, Residential Specialty

Residential Specialty
TimeLine Renovations, Maspeth, N.Y.

Project goals: Convert the studio apartment on the second floor of the clients’ duplex into a space for entertaining and guests.

Challenges: The cabinet manufacturer had to fly to the U.S. from Europe to take detailed, precise measurements of all walls, ceiling heights, and window and door openings to create the shop drawings. All millwork was custom-made in England, so there was no room for error. Another issue was that the neighbor living below complained of always hearing footsteps in the apartment.

Solutions: The studio’s small kitchen was turned into a walk-in closet, while the main room remained the living room and the bedroom alcove became a library. The entire apartment was rewired with new electrical for outlets, wall sconces, a center chandelier, and recessed lighting. Each light location is controlled by its own dimmer for energy efficiency. A soundproof mat with two layers of plywood was installed prior to the installation of the carpet to rectify the issue of sound transmission to the apartment below.

In the end, the two-tone wood combination of tiger birch and mahogany gives definition and shows the depth of layering. All fixtures are gold plated, from the chandelier to the recessed-light trim. Even the custom screw-less plate covers  are gold. Custom millwork disguises the radiators; the front panels are removable for servicing.

What the judges said: “This is Old World style and quality work virtually never seen anymore. The materials—tiger birch and mahogany—are rich and opulent. The meticulous process—handcrafted in England and shipped pre-cut—demonstrates detail and precision of the highest degree.”