A Taiwanese couple paid $19.5 million for a condo that had never been occupied in One57, an exclusive Manhattan condo building. Their challenge to their designer: “Change it. Take the developer feel out of it.” Here’s how Jennifer Post, of Jennifer Post Design, transformed the space for the couple, both in their 50s.
The master bedroom.
PETER KRASOWSKICultural Touches
The clients requested certain features that are popular in Asian cultures: a shoe closet by the front door because footwear is removed upon entry; a “lucky” red stripe on the master bedroom’s feature wall.
Biggest Hurdle
There were few hiccups, Ms. Post says, but the biggest challenge was transporting workers, equipment and furnishings up the elevator, because a number of other apartments in the building were also under construction.
The views.
JENNIFER POST DESIGNNuts and Bolts
The first step involved structural changes, such as adding steel support beams and moving ductwork and other mechanical systems. Ceilings were lowered 6 inches to add recessed lighting. The living room’s south wall was moved to create an architectural feature with lighting and a bump-out for artwork. “Pockets” were built above windows to house protective solar shades. An estimated $350,000 went into structural changes.
Social Studies
The floor plan has big rooms with multiple seating areas, and the design optimizes the Central Park views. When her international clients come to the U.S., they typically stay five or six days, see friends and business contacts and go out to dinner a lot, Ms. Post says. “Nobody uses their kitchen. Or they cater in.”
Furnishings included household items like linens and towels.
PETER KRASOWSKIJust Show Up
The couple travels frequently—the husband is in tech software and commercial real-estate development. So the furnishings included all the household items, such as towels, linens and blow dryers. “All they have to bring is their toothbrush,” says Ms. Post, who is curating custom artwork for the apartment.
Tech Specs
A home-automation system control lights, draperies and audiovisual systems and built-in speakers. There’s also a TV in every room. This article originally appeared on The Wall Street Journal.