Photography: Tim Lenz
Published in Architectural Digest Middle East
Tucked within the Central Park West Historic District on the Upper West Side, 133 West 87th Street is a Queen Anne–Romanesque Revival brownstone dating to 1899—part of a harmonious row designed by architect Charles Guilleaume. Hallmarked by gracious proportions, including 10- to 11-foot ceilings, generous bay windows, and a tranquil private garden, the home offered a rich architectural canvas for a sensitive yet transformative restoration. We sought to honor the home’s historic integrity while elevating its livability for a modern family, preserving original elements such as four wood-burning fireplaces and the original stair, while enhancing natural light, flow, and connection to the outdoors.
The reimagined plan restores the kitchen to its original garden-facing location on the parlor floor, anchored by a monumental set of custom steel-and-glass pivot doors by All The Details, measuring 16 feet in both height and width. These frame views to the rear terrace and introduce a luminous counterpoint to the home’s classical detailing. Inside, a circular rug and tailored furnishings define the living area, which opens into a dining room centered on the home’s former hearth—now reinterpreted with a bespoke banquette and pendant. A trio of arched openings subtly delineates living, dining, and kitchen zones, creating both spatial clarity and visual rhythm. The result is a sequence of rooms that feel both rooted and refreshed, where historical craft meets a measured modernism.
Ascending through the preserved stair hall—painted a deep, anchoring black—light cascades from a new skylight above, illuminating each level. The second-floor primary suite is composed of a serene, garden-facing bedroom, a generous four-fixture bath, and integrated storage that prioritizes functionality without visual clutter. The third floor accommodates two additional bedrooms and a shared bath, unified by a restrained palette that softens transitions and celebrates texture. Throughout, our approach was one of reverence and restraint—crafting a brownstone renovation on the Upper West Side that quietly bridges past and present with architectural clarity and composure.
I wanted to take a moment to recognize the amazing work of Aurora and Chad. When we purchased our townhouse 5 years ago, we had a vision for what we wanted our family home to become, but we needed someone who could help us translate that vision into reality. Aurora and Chad have been with us every step of the way—from shaping the different spaces and rooms to designing the staircase, selecting materials, refining countless details, and helping us find the right contractor to execute the project. What made working with Aurora particularly special was her ability to guide us without ever taking away our own creativity. She listened carefully, understood how we wanted to live and what we wanted the house to feel like, and then helped us make better decisions at every stage. We always felt understood, and the final result feels deeply personal to us while being far more cohesive and beautiful than we could have achieved on our own. Her attention to detail, availability, and support throughout the renovation were exceptional. Just as importantly, the project was executed remarkably efficiently—we were able to complete the renovation of an entire townhouse in a little over a year. We are incredibly grateful to Aurora and Chad for their talent, patience, and hard work. They didn't simply renovate a townhouse; they helped us create the home we envisioned for our family. We couldn't recommend them more highly.
Published in Architectural Digest Middle East
Our work at this 1899 Queen Anne–Romanesque Revival townhouse on Manhattan’s Upper West Side encompassed a full gut renovation and historic restoration of the entire property, including a comprehensive reconfiguration of the floor plan, preservation of original architectural elements, and new interventions that enhance natural light, circulation, and connections to the garden. Our architectural work was complemented by a selective approach to interior design, including custom millwork, finishes, lighting, and furnishings, creating a cohesive family residence that balances historic character with contemporary living.
Photography: Tim Lenz
Tucked within the Central Park West Historic District on the Upper West Side, 133 West 87th Street is a Queen Anne–Romanesque Revival brownstone dating to 1899—part of a harmonious row designed by architect Charles Guilleaume. Hallmarked by gracious proportions, including 10- to 11-foot ceilings, generous bay windows, and a tranquil private garden, the home offered a rich architectural canvas for a sensitive yet transformative restoration. We sought to honor the home’s historic integrity while elevating its livability for a modern family, preserving original elements such as four wood-burning fireplaces and the original stair, while enhancing natural light, flow, and connection to the outdoors.
The reimagined plan restores the kitchen to its original garden-facing location on the parlor floor, anchored by a monumental set of custom steel-and-glass pivot doors by All The Details, measuring 16 feet in both height and width. These frame views to the rear terrace and introduce a luminous counterpoint to the home’s classical detailing. Inside, a circular rug and tailored furnishings define the living area, which opens into a dining room centered on the home’s former hearth—now reinterpreted with a bespoke banquette and pendant. A trio of arched openings subtly delineates living, dining, and kitchen zones, creating both spatial clarity and visual rhythm. The result is a sequence of rooms that feel both rooted and refreshed, where historical craft meets a measured modernism.
Ascending through the preserved stair hall—painted a deep, anchoring black—light cascades from a new skylight above, illuminating each level. The second-floor primary suite is composed of a serene, garden-facing bedroom, a generous four-fixture bath, and integrated storage that prioritizes functionality without visual clutter. The third floor accommodates two additional bedrooms and a shared bath, unified by a restrained palette that softens transitions and celebrates texture. Throughout, our approach was one of reverence and restraint—crafting a brownstone renovation on the Upper West Side that quietly bridges past and present with architectural clarity and composure.
I wanted to take a moment to recognize the amazing work of Aurora and Chad. When we purchased our townhouse 5 years ago, we had a vision for what we wanted our family home to become, but we needed someone who could help us translate that vision into reality. Aurora and Chad have been with us every step of the way—from shaping the different spaces and rooms to designing the staircase, selecting materials, refining countless details, and helping us find the right contractor to execute the project. What made working with Aurora particularly special was her ability to guide us without ever taking away our own creativity. She listened carefully, understood how we wanted to live and what we wanted the house to feel like, and then helped us make better decisions at every stage. We always felt understood, and the final result feels deeply personal to us while being far more cohesive and beautiful than we could have achieved on our own. Her attention to detail, availability, and support throughout the renovation were exceptional. Just as importantly, the project was executed remarkably efficiently—we were able to complete the renovation of an entire townhouse in a little over a year. We are incredibly grateful to Aurora and Chad for their talent, patience, and hard work. They didn't simply renovate a townhouse; they helped us create the home we envisioned for our family. We couldn't recommend them more highly.