As designers, the nuts and bolts of what we do is problem solving. Every space we take on has its own set of “existing conditions” which we’re faced with. It’s our job to come up solutions that will meet the needs of our clients, both in terms of functionality and their budget concerns. In an apartment in Tribeca we are currently designing, one of the elements of the apartment that needed to be redesigned and reconfigured was the main wall of the large living room. They wanted to add a bar, and a more clutter free environment. Here’s what it looked like Day 1. We like to start our design process by measuring the existing space and drawing the existing furniture plan, as well as the elevations of the walls. This helps us know what’s possible.
The problems we identified are fourfold. Firstly, the fireplace is off center, so there is no focal point for a furniture plan to be grounded by. And there’s too much room for clutter! We clearly need to come up with a design for additional millwork for storage but also to ground the room. The clients hoped to include a bar in the apartment. We identified the perfect location as seen in the photo on the left.
We began to search for inspiration photos of interior elevations which we could reference, and demonstrate to the clients how the space could be transformed to accommodate their needs. This one in particular caught our eye. 
Photography by Christopher Patey for Domaine
Storage is a priority for the couple who want to be able to put things away and have a feeling of light and airiness instead of using the space to display photos and other accessories. For this reason, we decided to make the bookcases deeper, and to add slide back doors to conceal the TV when no one is watching it. We also wanted to find a way to shorten the wall where the shelves in the existing space are now so that we can create symmetry on either side of the fire place, which will help the room feel more balanced.
Photography by Simon Watson
We were inspired by this wonderful bar, tucked away to one side, lit inside, below. We hope to replicate some of its features, except of of course the red paint, which is great here but not so much in the room we are otherwise designing.
Frederic Kielemoes Interior Architect
We love the modernity of these panels, below, and they inspired us to go for a more modern profile on the cabinets.
Take a look at our elevations, and you can see how we took our inspiration elements and made aspects of them work for this specific space. Below, you can also see the new furniture plan, anchored by a mantelpiece that is more of a central focal point of the room. Symmetry prevails!
We love sharing our work with you all. Everyday brings a new challenge. Thank goodness we love what we’re doing!
