Mid-Century NYC Apartment: House Tour

The Building

Built in 1946, our building is a classic example of the art deco buildings of the era in New York City. It was designed by architect Philip Birnbaum, who went on in his later years to design hundreds of New York high rises, including Lincoln Center Plaza. Birnbaum was an architect best known for his interiors. Developers applauded his economical use of space. But, inspired by a British urban planning ethos called the Garden City movement, he packed a whole lot of light and air into his designs. 

Having grown up poor in New York City, Birnbaum brought an appreciation for small-space living and public vs. private spaces to his work, resulting in very congenial floor plans.

I love the interior architecture of our home, but I have to say that I quite like the exterior of our building, too, with its compact scale, minimalist marquee entry, and open balconies (despite some of the clumsy enclosures.)

For Mr. Renov8or a major attraction was the underground parking garage, and I've grown to appreciate that too, especially on summer weekends driving back from the North Fork. To swoop right into the "bat cave," unload bags, pets, and gear, and cart it all up the elevator in one fell swoop rather than spend hours circling the neighborhood looking for parking late on a Sunday night, as we used to in Brooklyn, is very hospitable. 

Now, let's have a look inside.

Brooklyn Garden Apartment: Before & After

I'll never forget the first time I laid eyes on this apartment. The salvaged french doors leading out to the garden instantly won me over. I could already picture it  in my mind's eye looking somewhat like it does today. But it took some imagination, because the apartment back then was raw. 

Check out the before and afters.

Brooklyn Garden Apartment: House Tour

View from the Bedroom down the hall

This apartment is beautiful today, and I love living here. But it was in fixer-upper condition when I found it. There was no kitchen to speak of, just an ancient stove, a foul-smelling dishwasher that didn't drain, and a fridge circa 1970 that didn't get cool enough to make ice. And the bathroom had a four-foot tub, with no tiled surround. Just peeling wallboard.

This renovation marked the first time that I laid out both the kitchen and bath designs myself. Though the home is small, that almost made designing it all the more enjoyable. I had to take full advantage of the vertical space the 10 foot ceilings offered.

Let's take a look.

Brooklyn Garden Apartment: Kitchen Reveal

Photo, David Castillo, Blue Barn Pictures

The kitchen is finished! Come, have a look.