Worldwide Plaza Duplex Renovation

On the top floor of Midtown Manhattan’s Worldwide Plaza complex, we led the renovation of an unremarkable duplex into a refined home and with strategic space planning upgraded it from 2 to 3 bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths to 3 baths. Our client, a busy Columbia University anesthesiologist and educator, aimed to optimize the apartment and prepare for starting a family. Drawing inspiration from the distinct spatial characteristics of its two levels, we aimed to accentuate these differences, creating a design that negotiates between contrast and harmony. A neutral palette of white walls, clear and etched glass, and white oak floors forms the backdrop, with select furnishings enhancing the contrasts between the levels.

Downstairs we kept the layout of foyer with two bedrooms and bathrooms arranged symmetrically around a central stair, and created a warm environment with a rich palette of materials. The primary bedroom features smoked oak casework, a fully upholstered warm grey leather bed, and heavy drapery. The secluded bathroom combines honed black marble floors and polished herringbone walls with large matte white porcelain tiles, monochromatic fittings, and dimmable lighting for a spa-like atmosphere. Opposite the stairs, the nursery is furnished in natural wood tones and a contrasting black wood and durable leather armchair set atop a small wool rug, intended as a place for bonding with a child, from bottle feeding to story time.

A light above the stair invites you to the second level. Like a folded ribbon, the back-lit etched glass starts at the foyer ceiling and extends to the level above forming a translucent glass wall. The living area, bounded by windows on two sides, includes the kitchen, living, and dining rooms, unified by a large light cove that maximizes ceiling height and provides ample, warm illumination. We replaced the traditional fireplace with a modern gas unit in a new location, giving it a point of focus separate from the TV. Built-in casework showcases the client’s collection whose visual richness contrasts with the contemporary surroundings. We also added a new bedroom where the utility room was and converted the powder room into a full bath. A pocket door in the corridor, which connects to the building hallway, ensures privacy between the owner and future guests or a nanny.

Upstairs features tall ceilings, abundant natural light, and light-toned finishes and furnishings. The living room is decorated in light neutrals with durable materials selected for families. A round oak dining table is surrounded by white modern classic chairs with tan leather seats. The all-white kitchen, with stain-resistant quartz counters, laminate cabinetry, and white glass appliances, is complemented by a bathroom with white quartzite floors, white porcelain walls, and herringbone marble.

The design of this home for a busy professional and new father was an exploration of harmonizing contrasts—balancing respite and liveliness, moody and luminous—composed in an unapologetically contemporary fashion embracing of its urban context. Integral to its success was a client who shared our vision and championed its development and realization.