Onyx Court Apartment by GRT Architects

A Passionate Revival of a Historic Manhattan Apartment

Nestled in the vibrant East Village of Manhattan, New York, lies a remarkable apartment with a storied past. Housed within the six-story Onyx Court, built in 1902, this captivating corner spot has welcomed illustrious figures such as opera singers, Oscar-winning composers, and other luminaries from the city’s bustling arts and theater scene.

GRT Architects took on the exciting challenge of modernizing this apartment while retaining its unique turn-of-the-century character. The mission involved re-envisioning the layout and adding custom rooms to suit the client’s lifestyle, all without compromising the apartment’s inviting openness. The result? A harmonious blend of functionality, warmth, and timeless charm.

In a brilliant move, GRT Architects repositioned the kitchen to a more delightful area with picturesque windows. They transformed it into a semi-open space, seamlessly connecting the kitchen, living, and dining areas and enhancing them with practical features. One such delightful touch was placing the low cabinets on elegant brass legs, creating a smooth entryway.

Every element in the kitchen works together to radiate a cozy warmth. The white oak cabinets, adorned with bespoke oversized pulls, are locally crafted in New York, adding an air of lightness to the space. In unison with the satin white countertops, these tones are mirrored in the mosaic floor tiles and backsplash, honoring the original tilework of Onyx Court’s communal areas. The eye-catching tiled burgundy island becomes the kitchen’s stunning centerpiece.

The dining room boasts a gracefully curved plaster cove and a bold brass pendant, fostering an effortless flow between the kitchen, dining, and living spaces. A wall of white oak built-in shelves lends structure to the living room, further enhanced by the nostalgic mustard armchair and a striking geometric rug.

GRT Architects ingeniously relocated the master bedroom to the former kitchen area, reconfiguring the corridor for added privacy and seamless transitions. The bathroom draws inspiration from the kitchen’s design, skillfully blending hard surfaces with the softness of oak. Throughout the entire apartment, GRT Architects’ innovative vision has artfully merged modern living with a beautiful piece of New York history, crafting an enchanting and inviting space. Photography © Nicole Franzen.