NEW YORK, NY

The owners of this Upper West Side apartment were looking for a reconsideration of their kitchen not only in appearance but also in the fundamental way they used the space.

Their existing kitchen was renovated over 20 years ago, but had a vibrancy of color and a practical approach to materiality that was inspiring to Solk Architecture. The cooking space had been located towards the rear service entrance of the apartment, while the best light and views were closed off for a laundry area and storage room. The eat-in kitchen had an island doing double-duty as a dining table; the clients asked for these two functions (eat & prep) to be separate areas.

The design solution inverted the kitchen and laundry locations, which created a new informal eat-in area with views out to the North and West. This new dining nook opens to the main kitchen which now has space for a stainless steel island. The materiality of the island is intended to denote that this is the workhorse and center of the space. The laundry and pantry areas were relocated to the service entry side. These simple shifts in layout were transformative to how the clients were able to use and enjoy the home. The renovation also allowed for more storage and a better connection to the existing formal dining room.

The clients wished for the design to utilize durable materials for everyday meal prep. They requested joyful colors and playful patterns that would integrate beautifully with the existing language and palette throughout the home. Solk Architecture also worked with the owners on the interior design of several bedrooms to shift these spaces towards new uses now that their children are grown.

This project was featured in the April 2026 issue of Architectural Record.

Solk Architecture provided architectural & interior design, and furniture & decor selection services.