DESIGN NAME: The Upper East Suite
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Residential
INSPIRATION: Inspired by the rich history of this Pre-war apartment on the Upper East Side of New York, the designers sought to revive the elegance of the 1930s. Encouraged by the collection of lighting and furniture from that era, carefully curated by the residents, they seamlessly integrated these pieces into the newly acquired residence, creating a functional yet refined living space. Their approach was guided by meticulous spatial planning and historical research, balancing period aesthetics with modern comfort.
UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: This apartment is located in New York's Upper East Side Historic District. Built in 1924 as an apartment hotel and later converted into a residence, the building bears a French name inspired by a renowned wine region. The owners, a middle aged couple passionate about art and design, collect 1930s Art Deco lighting and furniture from New York, Paris, and Shanghai. The design harmonizes their interests with the building's history while optimizing space with custom storage and a study for a refined modern lifestyle.
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: This residence was transformed from a former apartment hotel suite, with the design maximizing flexibility despite the fixed layout. Textured glass sliding doors were added to the kitchen and bedroom, while the study features wooden sliding partitions. When open, these doors create a fluid, interactive space; when closed, they provide privacy. Strategically placed mirrored surfaces throughout enhance the sense of space, making the interior feel more open and dynamic.
PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: The project started in June 2024 in New York City and finished in February 2025 in New York City.
FITS BEST INTO CATEGORY: Interior Space and Exhibition Design
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PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: The design required high precision due to extensive full height woodwork, including bookshelves, storage cabinets, and wardrobes with seamless linear designs. These elements were prefabricated in a millwork shop for precise cutting and assembled on site. Full height glass mirrors required exact positioning and seamless integration. Additionally, the installation of a single slab marble backsplash in the kitchen and large format marble in the bathroom demanded meticulous craftsmanship.
SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: Historic Hotel Apartment Suite Renovation Design
TAGS: New York, Manhattan, Upper East Side Historic District, Pre-war Apartment, Art Deco, Contemporary Living, Feng and Chen New York, Guoqiang Feng, Yan Chen, Yicheng Feng
RESEARCH ABSTRACT: Located centrally in the Upper East Side, surrounded by classic pre-war buildings and completed in 1924, the owners aimed to capture and preserve the atmosphere of that era. The team conducted targeted research into iconic 1930s Art Deco interiors nearby, including The Carlyle, The Mark, and 740 Park Avenue.
CHALLENGE: As a protected historic building, preserving its architectural heritage was essential. Originally designed as an apartment hotel suite, the layout imposed spatial limitations, making it challenging to adapt the apartment for modern urban living. The key challenge was maximizing functionality within these constraints - integrating storage, privacy, and flexibility without compromising the building's historical integrity. Balancing heritage preservation with contemporary needs required careful planning and innovative solutions.
ADDED DATE: 2025-03-07 13:20:36
TEAM MEMBERS (2) : Yan Chen and Yicheng Feng
IMAGE CREDITS: Copyright belongs to Feng and Chen Partners Design New York.
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