Workshop/APD Revitalizes A Pre-War Central Park West Home

By Doreen Abril Albuerne Rodriguez

Workshop/APD revitalizes a pre-war Central Park West home by seamlessly blending historic charm with contemporary functionality.

The den is appointed with a custom Workshop Collection sofa in Holly Hunt and Pierre Frey fabrics.

THE PROJECT

When architecture and design firm Workshop/APD was called to help a family redesign their apartment overlooking Central Park, the mission was clear: preserve the building’s ornate pre-war details while modernizing the space. “When the clients engaged Workshop/APD, they weren’t utilizing a large percentage of the home, and we really wanted to change that,” says Nicole Ficano, director of interiors. “The former dining room is now a wonderful family room, and the original living room space now houses a formal living room and dining room—combined because the original dining room was used infrequently and occupied so much precious real estate.”

The dining room stars Giopato & Coombes’ Gem Suspension Light and Se Design’s Atlas dining table.

Agnes Studio’s Lana chair and a Nero large table lamp from Circa Lighting

The Marlene mirror from Avenue Road.

THE PROCESS

The three-bedroom and two half-bathroom project was completed in less than a year. “We replaced the fireplace mantle and hearth, completely renovated the primary bathroom and the powder room, refinished the floors, and painted every imaginable surface,” Ficano adds, adding that this part took about four months. The family’s enthusiasm for change and open minds allowed Ficano and team to craft a stylish, functional home. “One of my favorite stories is how they went to Ikea and bought a temporary low media console of approximately the same dimensions we were proposing so they could better understand how a piece of that scale would work in practice,” she says.

The pristine bathroom creates a luxurious aesthetic.

THE DETAILS

Workshop curated a soft, earthy color palette that complements Central Park below. “Th e decor is inspired by French modernism; with the frieze moldings, French doors and lush green park views, there’s an unmistakably Parisian feeling that we wanted to play with,” Ficano says.

Ici wall sconces from Articolo pair with a custom Workshop/APD bed.

THE CHALLENGES

“Working with an existing structure without architectural intervention isn’t an unforeseen challenge, but it means less flexibility in the design and a need for creative problem solving,” Ficano notes, adding that the team needed to be more flexible during the painting process due to the physical properties of existing historical decorative elements. “Some of the biggest challenges were entirely out of our hands, like small, old elevators in a pre-war NYC building, or having to work with existing conditions which dictated where lighting could be placed.” Design director and senior associate Brook Quach adds that the primary bathroom’s size challenged and pushed their team to develop creative solutions. “To increase the size of the shower, we integrated concealed storage throughout the space, which is beautifully detailed with soft curves and fluted marble,” Quach says.

Workshop/APD created a custom desk and ottoman to complement the RH Italian Shelter sofa.

THE OUTCOME

In addition to fully trusting Workshop/APD, the clients helped integrate tasteful pieces into the finished product. “The hallways had big existing vintage Murano pendants that felt timeless, and we were thrilled to reuse them,” Ficano says. Th is modern Parisian home was pulled together by other elegant items, from a floating bathroom mirror, brass floor lamps and the clients’ own artworks—all adding unique elements to this Central Park West home.

“The dcor is inspired by French modernism,” says Ficano. Photography by Nicole Franzen
“The decor is inspired by French modernism,” says Ficano.