A Mindful Minimalism
Simon Apartment - 1975
New York City
Designer: Joe D’urso
This renovation at the top floor of a Gothic Revival building on the UWS is the perfect marriage of the minimal design and high-tech design which took flight in the 70s. The transformation of this 4BR duplex shows how space can be manipulated by the addition and subtraction of strong architectural details. In the main living space, which was originally designed to accommodate music performances, the use for built-in platforms helped transform the rooms sightline and seating arrangements. The platform visually created a secondary floor line which ran even with the window sill. The allowed for an elevated seating area to be added to the space. The rolling Formica coffee tables were designed to be moved and repositioned in the main living area. The dining room also featured a set of custom Formica table which could be combined to seat 20 people. The entire apartment was also covered in black commercial grade carpeting which contributed to the high contrast feel of the space when meeting D’urso’s signature high gloss white walls. Traditional molding work on the ceilings and wall were preserved to add the spaces overall character. This renovation displays what art of mindful editing, material knowledge, and high design taste.
A minimalism with character.
Photos: Joshua McHugh