Scandinavian in New York

Designed by architect Benjamin Andres

From the architect:

Taking his design inspirations from the owners’ Palm Beach home with added nautical themes, architect Benjamin Andres transformed a Fifth Avenue, Manhattan pied a terre overlooking Central Park from a decidedly traditional style to a relaxed, contemporary home for easy indoor/outdoor living.

The apartment appears in the new book 150 Best of the Best Apartment Ideas by Francesc Zamora, being published by HarperCollins.

Throughout, Andres separated different areas of the larger spaces without the usual barriers. This not only adds a sense of spaciousness but also creates innovative solutions that provide added design appeal.

For example in the passageway that divides the living spaces he added a step, creating a floor level difference to enhance the spatial experience.

Every room has custom built-in cabinetry to utilise every single corner of the apartment for storage.

We have used the same design language for all built-in pieces throughout the apartment.

While the bedroom windows open to a darker light well, moving toward the public spaces, including the kitchen and living room, the south facing windows bring more light into the apartment, until finally you exit onto the expansive roof deck. This has a certain yacht feel to it.

Andres took full advantage of the windows on three sides of the apartment. Together, along with the expansive roof terrace, they make the apartment bright and airy.

The open layout created promotes fluid circulation and allows rooms with less light , such as the entryway, to borrow from the adjacent ones. The use of sliding glass panels as dividers further enhances the architect’s approach to creating open spaces.

The kitchen, with customised built-in cabinetry, and the dining area are treated as design extensions of the living room.

Andres used the same finish on the kitchen cabinets as is seen on other surfaces throughout the apartment.

In the master bedroom and in other areas of the apartment, white walls, neutral area rugs and the light wood flooring create a relaxed atmosphere reminiscent of the Scandinavian design approach called hygge.

Mr. Andres collaborated with builder/contractor Michael Daddio who fabricated and installed the unique cerused white oak cabinetry and panelling.

Designed by: Benjamin Andres

Story by: Trendsideas

Photography by: Regan Wood