West 53rd Street Apartment by Messana O’Rorke

Situated in a predominantly industrial area of Manhattan, with entertainment venues lining the lower levels of the building, this Hell’s Kitchen condominium features light-filled, malleable spaces that emit a welcoming sense of calmness and elegance.

The layout of West 53rd Street Apartment was completely overhauled in this redesign by architecture firm Messana O’Rorke. Spaces are seamlessly connected by an oval-shaped, cove-lit corridor that skirts the perimeter of the space, following the slanted angle of the building’s facade, while partial walls and hidden doors allow for variable spatial configurations. An office and media room can be converted into guest bedrooms through pocket and folding doors. Similarly, a powder room adjacent to the entry, perfectly located for when the homeowners are entertaining, hides a bathtub behind mirrored panels.

Spaces are seamlessly connected by an oval-shaped, cove-lit corridor that skirts the perimeter of the space, following the slanted angle of the building’s facade, while partial walls and hidden doors allow for variable spatial configurations.

An early step was to repaint the original gridded window frames in deep charcoal. As these border the home on three sides, they create a dark, linear motif that lends a sense of modernism to the interiors, framing the urban views while also underpinning the colour palette, which is made up of natural timbers, dark stone and grey-white walls. White oak flooring creates warm contrast throughout, changing only in the bathrooms where stone tiling features. Here, the natural texture is accentuated by Carrara stone tiled walls and vanities, illuminated by the glow of brass fixtures.

The open-plan living and kitchen space benefits from the natural light that flows through the glazed walls and connects to an ample terrace lined in greenery for retreat. The kitchen is placed in the centre of the floor plan and features a sleek aesthetic with white cabinetry, Carrara marble island, counters and splashback, and rich tones of timber stools and brass fittings that give warmth to this otherwise cool space.

The open-plan living and kitchen space benefits from the natural light that flows through the glazed walls and connects to an ample terrace lined in greenery for retreat.

The bedroom suite is arranged in a U-shape, featuring an ensuite bathroom, an adjoining office overlooking the city through floor-to-ceiling windows and an elongated walk-in wardrobe. The condominium’s natural colour and material palette continues here, with soft browns and warm mustards brought in through the bed linen and a stoneware collection that is artfully displayed on the office shelving.

With its clever arrangement of spaces lending opportunities for privacy as well as connection, the multi-award-winning redesign of West 53rd Street Apartment provides for the flexibility of modern life in a contemporary, urban setting.

Architecture and interior design by Messana O’Rorke. Build by UC Group.