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Bleached walnut replaced cold concrete floors in this family-friendly renovation of a dated loft in West Chelsea’s late 19th-century Spears Building. To make the loft feel more welcoming, architects Ravi Raj and Evan Watts toned down the heavy industrial elements of the 2,700-square-foot loft with a warmer and lighter palette and added custom built-ins for a streamlined look. At the same time, the loft still preserves much of its historic appeal—from the exposed brick seen throughout the home to the oversized openings left intact.

Raj and Watts extended the fireplace column to the ceiling to highlight the room’s expansive scale, and had it coated in concrete plaster. It was important to retain the wood-burning fireplace—a rarity in the city—but “we wanted to re-clad it in a material that also spoke to the industrial past of the building,” says Raj.

Once you figure out the "lead element" in your kitchen's design, Hodges says it's easier to choose a backsplash. For instance, if you want the cabinetry to stand out, then choose a backsplash that will highlight it.

Hip Haven Bullet Planter

Outside, the glass border almost disappears, so as not to interfere with the architecture of the home. “It’s a full glass panel that meets all safety codes with planters at the bottom for added warmth and dimension,” explains Uzcategui.

Full-height windows wrap the room, and glass sliding doors lead to the terrace.

The upstairs level holds three of the home’s four bedrooms and a “tree room” surrounded by canopy views.

The living room features an Isamu Noguchi Freeform sofa, a brassy Slit Table XL from Hay, and a square silver coffee table from FOUND home by Ruth Davis. The artwork is by Carlos Cruz Diez.

New glass sliders lead to the courtyard from the lower-level master bedroom.

The home’s original footprint, circular front driveway, and original brick facade were preserved.