Kips Bay | A Glamorous Gut Renovation
This full gut renovation of a Kips Bay apartment redefines modern living while preserving the timeless character of classic New York design. From reimagined layouts to finely crafted finishes, every square foot of the space has been thoughtfully transformed. The result is a sleek, functional, and sophisticated residence that feels fresh, tailored, and effortlessly stylish. The centerpiece of this gut renovation is the two-tone kitchen, where traditional and modern aesthetics merge seamlessly. Full-overlay white shaker cabinets line the perimeter walls, bringing a clean and timeless appeal. The central island, finished in a matte gray tone, adds contrast and depth while grounding the space visually. The combination offers not only a dynamic palette but also exceptional functionality, meeting the needs of both everyday cooking and frequent entertaining. A 3" x 6" NYC-classic white subway tile backsplash ties the kitchen into its metropolitan setting, offering a nod to the city’s architectural heritage. Above the cooktop, a custom stone hood cover introduces natural texture and visual interest. Brass finishes are used throughout—on cabinet hardware, plumbing fixtures, and accent lighting—adding warmth and a touch of elegance to the overall design. The large quartz waterfall island is a focal point in the open kitchen layout. Its expansive surface provides ample room for meal prep, dining, or casual gatherings. The integrated overhang accommodates bar stool seating, making this kitchen ideal for hosting guests and enjoying intimate conversations over coffee or cocktails. As part of the gut renovation, the space was reconfigured to support a more open, fluid lifestyle—perfectly in tune with modern urban living. The bathroom continues the design language with an elevated combination of textures and finishes. Calacatta gold hexagon floor tiles add a luxurious foundation underfoot, bringing both pattern and opulence to the space. Complementing these floors are the same classic 3" x 6" NYC white subway tiles, used here as field tile in the custom walk-in shower. The contrast between these finishes creates a layered, rich aesthetic that feels both contemporary and timeless. Modern brass fixtures echo those in the kitchen, maintaining design consistency throughout the apartment and reinforcing the warm, elegant tone of the gut renovation. Moving into the master bedroom, the gut renovation extended into the creation of highly functional and beautifully integrated storage solutions. A custom walk-in closet offers dedicated space for wardrobes and accessories, while a separate shoe closet—discreetly concealed behind folding doors—adds practicality without compromising style. These thoughtful additions not only maximize storage but also reflect the client’s personal lifestyle needs, elevating the bedroom into a personalized retreat. This gut renovation wasn’t simply a cosmetic update—it was a complete reimagining of the apartment’s form and function. Every design decision was intentional, from space planning to material selection. The result is a cohesive living environment where classic New York style meets modern convenience and luxury. Whether in the brass accents, the natural stone details, or the refined layout changes, the project speaks to the power of a well-executed gut renovation to dramatically enhance how a space looks, feels, and functions. In the heart of Kips Bay, this transformed apartment now stands as a shining example of what’s possible with vision, craftsmanship, and attention to detail.
Designer:
Eli Z
Location:
Kips Bay, Mid-Town Manhattan
Designer:
Eli Z
Project Budget:
200K - 500K
Project Client Testimonial:
“Eli and his team were great to work with from the first consult all the way up through the punch list and more. I was especially impressed with Eli and Star's ability to manage the project while I was away for 2+ months during the renovation. The daily picture updates were always the best part of the day. Look forward to working with Eli again in the future!”
the journey
Materials Used:
- Kitchen cabinets – SRNY Semi-custom line
- Tiles – TileBar NYC
- Plumbing fixtures – Delta
- Counter top and hood – MSI Calacatta Laza quartz
- Lighting – Design Within Reach