Downtown Duplex Revamp

Andrew McLaughlin’s downtown maisonette, with cathedral-like ceilings, plenty of natural light, and an open, loft-like layout, is highly sought after in New York’s ever-competitive real estate market. The space was also featured in House Beautiful recently.

For the art-loving financial advisor, however, the newly acquired space had to be drastically upgraded. A cavernous master bedroom and cramped bathrooms were certainly not representative of the couple’s stylish, glowing lifestyle.

McLaughlin hired Decor Aid, a revolutionary interior design company, to plan the gutting of the space and finish the interior design. The space had to be both comfortable and highly functional as the owners work from home.

While they don’t use the stove too often, the couple love to entertain and wanted comfortable walkways throughout the house. And nothing could stand in the way of the real king of the castle: Harper, a 10-year-old bulldog.

Over the next eight months, a contemporary, elegant and animal-friendly space was created.

By gutting the kitchen and bathrooms, Decor Aid was able to create contemporary, streamlined designs with a black and white palette. To create an expressive flooring statement, cement tiles were placed in the kitchen while the rest of the loft received newly polished wooden floors.

To give the master bedroom more light, a large interior window that brings natural light into a previously drab room. To give the room a more industrial feel, the fireplace was finished off with cement and iron in addition to the iron railing of the stairs.

Completely new furniture was selected to furnish the room. A bespoke walnut bar offers a multifunctional space that can serve as a bar, buffet or storage.

Lindsey Adelman lighting, dining chairs by Vitra and carpeting by Tom Dixon added a chic, masculine touch. A bespoke area made of Kravet fabric is sturdy enough for harpers and comfortable enough to watch TV.