A young family of four asked Studio Officina to renovate the ground floor of their Brownstone duplex apartment, hoping to squeeze all living and sleeping spaces into one level so that the parlor floor could be retained for a large office and guest bedroom suite.

Given that one of the parents is an avid home cook, the design of the eat-in kitchen was crucial and the overall driver of the project.

The clients’ desire to live with a small footprint also influenced key elements of the design, and Studio Officina set out to create a kitchen that could efficiently fit all elements that a skilled home chef needs within a tight space.

The clients also asked Studio Officina to design a kitchen that faithfully follows the rules of traditional Shaker furniture and that would also incorporate a vintage utility sink that they treasured. Soft Walnut wood knobs, unlacquered brass exposed hinges and white-grey cabinets all contribute to a calm aesthetic and warm family environment.

A claw-foot tub was also included in the updated bathroom in order to provide some additional old-world charm.

Schedule and budget were crucial for this client. Studio Officina worked closely with the contractor to ensure than the project was completed in less that two months while the family was on summer vacation.