Ryann Swan Design Transforms Gramercy Apartment in Just 12 Months for Growing NYC Family

By Rachel Feinblatt

Ryann Swan Design caters to the needs of a growing NYC family, completing a Gramercy apartment transformation in an impressive 12 months.

Photographed by RIKKI SNYDER

Hackett appreciates the striking juxtaposition in the kitchen, where the sleek, rectilinear millwork contrasts with the curvy barstools and vintage pendants from 1stDibs.

Storage was a top priority for the space, leading Hackett to incorporate a built-in dining area with bonus storage beneath the seats.

“They have a great amount of space, but it was not designed with a family in mind, so we focused quite a bit on creating millwork that provided functional storage and helped their spaces feel less cluttered.”–RYANN SWAN HACKETT

THE PROJECT

Transforming a spacious 2,600-square-foot Gramercy apartment into an abode that supports the dynamic lifestyle of a growing family of four requires meticulous planning and creative design. The family tapped Ryann Swan Hackett of Ryann Swan Design to create a dynamic and thoughtfully designed space amid the city’s skyline. “The clients purchased the apartment during the pandemic when their two boys were toddlers and infants, and they quickly began to outgrow their space once monster trucks and gross motor play became a part of daily life,” says Hackett. “They have a great amount of space, but it was not designed with a family in mind, so we focused quite a bit on creating millwork that provided functional storage and helped their spaces feel less cluttered.”

THE DESIGN

With an apartment of grand proportions, Ryann Swan Design tested its design skills by implementing a limited color palette and bright lighting. This choice helped connect the home, balancing the multifunctional needs imposed by the family’s lifestyle—the great room, designed for versatility, uniting the kitchen, living and dining areas. Sturdy furniture defined its edges, while the open center adapted seamlessly to activities from winter play to family meals. Drawing on the couple’s travels, the design showcased their treasured finds as curated displays throughout the home.

A cozy built-in retreat—where books, texture and thoughtful design create the perfect reading nook.

With two young kids, Ryann Swan Hacket designed the primary bedroom as a serene sanctuary, adding softness with Rogers & Goffigon drapery and a fabric-wrapped table lamp.

Hackett infused the kids’ rooms with a vintage Danish floor lamp from Round Top Market and Pierre Frey window treatments

Hackett embraced a Lego theme, arranging custom Etsy wall decals.

THE DETAILS

A key challenge of the project was seamlessly integrating custom millwork without needing a major renovation. This required meticulous planning to accommodate existing HVAC systems, align finishes with the preexisting millwork, and precisely incorporate electrical needs. The result was millwork that enhanced the home’s functionality with valuable storage solutions and elevated each space with a thoughtful, cohesive design.

THE OUTCOME

The project showcases how thoughtful, resourceful design can transform a house into a personalized family sanctuary. A highlight was reimagining the flex office/ guest room, which shifted from a cluttered space to a versatile, book-filled retreat with fully functional guest facilities. Clever millwork provided practical storage for an extensive book collection and elevated the room’s functionality and charm.

Style meets play in the entryway.