Originally, I encouraged a friend of a friend to purchase this apartment as an investment—its stunning sunset and sunrise views, ample closets, and flexible layout made it a gem. But with its untouched 1950s features, she passed. Months later, I thought, Why don’t I buy it?

My vision? To transform it into a prewar-style Parisian residence. In the kitchen, I installed sleek black cabinetry with black and white marble accents, tiling the columns floor-to-ceiling in subway tile for a classic French bakery feel. Instead of marble floors in the kitchen, I reserved the Versailles-inspired black-and-white checkerboard pattern for the bathroom and hallway, creating a luxurious statement.

To enhance the architecture, I added crown molding, baseboards, and rich herringbone oak floors. I opened up the dining room slightly for better flow, closed an awkward kitchen pass-through, and replaced all the doors with tall, black-paneled ones for a dramatic yet refined look. Exposed heating pipes were seamlessly enclosed for a polished finish.

The compact, windowless bathroom became a refined retreat with white subway tiles, Waterworks fixtures, and Thassos moldings. Thoughtful details—robe hooks, a towel rack, and radiant heated floors—added both elegance and functionality.

To modernize the space, I rewired the electrical system and installed new ceiling lights and fans throughout. The result? A seamless blend of timeless elegance and modern comfort—proof that with the right design, any space can be reimagined into something truly special.