A New Color Palette Rewrote the Story of This Art Deco Gem, Previously Untouched for Over Half a Century
When it comes to iconic New York City apartments, few rival the charm and history of an Art Deco building. But while the exterior of these architectural gems often stands the test of time, the interiors can become a little... tired. That was certainly the case for an Upper East Side apartment, perched high in a 1948 Art Deco building with sweeping views of Central Park. Untouched for over 50 years, the apartment had great bones, but its outdated design no longer suited the homeowners’ contemporary lifestyle.
Enter BUILTIN Studio, the NYC architecture and design firm known for transforming forgotten interiors into sophisticated, modern sanctuaries. Under the direction of Simon Babin, Studio Director, the team set out to completely reimagine the space, drawing from vibrant color palettes and luxurious materials to create a chic Manhattan perch for the owners, Linda and Ben McGrath.
The Challenge: An Apartment Frozen in Time
“The apartment was in total estate condition,” Simon recalls. When the McGraths, empty nesters downsizing from a larger Park Avenue residence, decided to make this space their new home, they needed something that matched their cosmopolitan lifestyle. The apartment had everything they could ever want—functionality, incredible Central Park views, and a prime Upper East Side location—but the interior was a relic of the past, with no real design updates since its construction in 1948.
Though the floorplan worked well, the once-stately apartment had been frozen in time, with worn-out finishes, heavy draperies, and outdated materials throughout. The challenge? Breathing new life into the apartment without compromising its original Art Deco charm.
(Image credit: William Jess Laird)
The Vision: A Glamorous, Yet Livable, Makeover
The McGraths wanted a space that felt glamorous and sophisticated, but also warm and inviting—a true reflection of their new chapter as empty nesters. "We knew that simple updates wouldn't cut it," explains Simon. "The apartment needed to feel like a fresh start, but still hold onto the sense of history and grandeur that comes with a 1940s Art Deco building."
So, the team got to work with a daring new vision—one that blended timeless Art Deco details with bold, modern updates. The result? A glamorous, high-style home that feels vibrant and energised, all while nodding to the apartment’s rich architectural past.
The Colour Palette: Bold, Elegant, and Luxe
One of the most dramatic transformations in the apartment was the introduction of a striking new colour palette. Drawing inspiration from lively stones and Schumacher fabrics, BUILTIN Studio created a chic color story that breathed life into the space.
The palette is a celebration of rich, warm tones: deep greens, rich charcoals, warm taupes, and luxurious golds. This combination works beautifully with the original architectural details—like the apartment's polished wood floors, geometric mouldings, and period fixtures—allowing those classic elements to shine while updating the space with a modern flair.
The real showstopper? The custom lacquered green walls in the living area, which perfectly balance the apartment's history with a bold statement. Paired with plush velvet upholstery in deep jewel tones and metallic accents, the color choice evokes the glamour of old New York while maintaining a sense of chic sophistication.
The design team also incorporated Schumacher fabrics throughout the space, adding a level of luxe and textural depth. Fabrics in bold patterns were used for draperies, throw pillows, and custom upholstery, creating contrast and a sense of vibrancy that complements the neutral background tones.
The Living Room: A Bold Yet Cosy Statement
(Image credit: William Jess Laird)
The living room is where the magic truly happens. BUILTIN’s design transforms the space from a cold, forgotten room into a showstopping entertainment hub. The colour palette of deep green walls, rich greys, and warm taupes creates a warm, inviting environment that still feels elevated.
The furniture selection was key in maintaining both comfort and style. A plush, low-slung velvet sofa in deep emerald was complemented by tailored armchairs in a complementary shade of muted gold. The room’s layout, now more open and airy, makes the most of the apartment’s stunning Central Park views.
Bold artwork and carefully curated accessories inject personality, while the Schumacher fabric curtains provide an elegant frame for the windows, playing off the green tones of the walls. A carefully chosen selection of lighting fixtures, from modern chandeliers to soft table lamps, illuminates the space with a sophisticated glow.
The Kitchen and Dining Area: Timeless Meets Modern
The kitchen, once a drab and functional space, underwent a complete overhaul. BUILTIN’s approach was to marry timeless materials with a more modern layout, emphasising both form and function.
The design team chose sleek, dark cabinetry in a rich charcoal, contrasted with white marble countertops that had subtle veins of gold running through them. The result is a kitchen that feels both luxe and functional, perfect for both casual meals and sophisticated entertaining. The cabinetry was paired with brass hardware for a modern, metallic touch.
In the adjacent dining area, a custom-designed marble dining table sits beneath a statement chandelier. The combination of textures and the continued use of the green and taupe tones creates a visually stunning space that’s equally welcoming for intimate dinners or larger gatherings.
The Master Bedroom: A Tranquil Escape
The master bedroom, a place for relaxation, features a calming colour scheme that still nods to the apartment’s new, glamorous aesthetic. Built-in shelving and a custom upholstered headboard frame the room with quiet luxury.
(Image credit: William Jess Laird)
Soft taupes and creams make up the bulk of the colour palette, with accents of deep green and gold used sparingly to provide depth and warmth. Schumacher fabrics were again used in the bedding and drapes, making the space feel both luxurious and comfortable.
The room is finished with carefully chosen lighting, including a statement chandelier that ties in with the gold accents throughout the apartment. The result is a bedroom that feels peaceful and restorative, an ideal place to retreat after a day spent enjoying the vibrancy of the city.
Final Thoughts: A Chic and Modern Manhattan Home
The transformation of this Upper East Side Art Deco apartment is a testament to the power of design to reshape a space while honouring its history. By introducing a rich, glamorous colour palette, incorporating luxurious fabrics, and reworking the layout, BUILTIN Studio created a home that reflects the McGraths' cosmopolitan lifestyle without losing sight of the apartment’s original charm.
What was once a tired, outdated space is now a stunning, vibrant home that feels as timeless as it is contemporary. For the McGraths, this chic Manhattan apartment is not just a new home; it’s a place where history and modernity live together in perfect harmony.
Ready to transform your own space? Take inspiration from this glamorous Art Deco update and see how the right colour palette can completely change the feel of your home—whether you're living in a historic building or a more contemporary setting.