A Couple In New York City Decide To Downsize With Minimalism In Mind
An attorney and her retired husband dreamed of a smaller but still polished residence when they decided to downsize in New York City, and they came across an industrial loft in Chelsea with plenty of potential. They hired Elizabeth Maletz of Maletz Design to refine the rough space, but they still wanted to keep the apartment's industrial history visible. The team started by replacing all of the windows with larger models to maximize natural light flowing into the narrow layout, and then they chose pale oak flooring and white paint to soften the original exposed beams, sprinkler pipes, and track lighting. Once that was finished, Maletz moved on to another important task: coming up with storage options that pushed the pair to discard unnecessary possessions. "They really wanted to embrace minimalism to improve their lives," she said. "We planned accordingly for discreet storage throughout the apartment, but based on the idea of only having what was needed to live simply." With everything in its place, the couple has embraced a life with less clutter, but just as much style.
1. Living Room
Maletz took full advantage of the long and narrow main living space by creating a dining area with a striking Lindsey Adelman chandelier overhead.
2. Living Room
Maletz Design
Built-in bookshelves help corral the couple's collection of titles and art.
3. Kitchen
Maletz Design
Pendant lights by Niche Modern illuminate the kitchen island. Maletz chose pale Caesarstone countertops and sleek custom cabinetry to give the kitchen a minimalist look.
4. Bedroom
Maletz Design
In the bedroom, sculptural reading lights by David Weeks were installed above the B&B Italia bed and nightstands.
5. Bedroom
Maletz Design
The Rakks shelving system above the custom desk keeps the bedroom's workspace organized.
6. Bedroom
Maletz Design
Maletz added an inconspicuous wall of storage to the bedroom.
7. Bathroom
Maletz Design
A bathroom's custom vanity is topped with a Corian® counter, and the walls and floors are lined in Ann Sacks tiles.
8. Bathroom
Maletz Design
Ann Sacks tiles were also used in another bathroom, which was outfitted with a Duravit toilet and vanity.
Corian® is a registered trademark of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company.