The brownstone in Harlem is historic and the parlor-floor apartment needed updating from its earlier 1990's renovation. The client has a predilection for Chinese antiques and pop art and in need of a serene retreat. The solution was to gut the cookie cutter U-shaped 90's kitchen and re-configure it as a galley layout to work more efficiently, to update the bathroom and to bring in new furnishings, window treatments and finishes to mix in with some of her antiques and artwork.  

A challenge was allocating space in the living area for dining, work and entertaining.  Originally, a triangular below-stairs office nook was contemplated and designed.  In the end, the client opted to use a custom-designed and built wood trestle table and chairs with cushions placed near the tall living room windows and built-in mirror as her "home office".  It does double-duty as a place to eat and to entertain.