Maximizing Luxury in NYC's Compact Kitchens
In this Upper East Side apartment, the Bakes & Kropp team was challenged with transforming a dated, cramped galley kitchen into a luxurious, functional space to meet the demands of modern city living. Our team, guided by Senior Designer Ellen Schott and in collaboration with interior designer Cathy Buik, employed custom design solutions to transform the compact space into a bright and sensible kitchen.
The original kitchen space suffered from common New York City property limitations: a lack of storage, immovable architectural obstacles, and rigid plumbing fixtures and gas lines. Our team carefully considered the placement of each fitting and appliance, accommodating both the homeowners’ needs as well as the strict regulations of NYC housing.
To optimize storage space, Bakes & Kropp installed sleek floor-to-ceiling custom cabinets. Frameless overlay doors give the impression of inset drawers, and open shelving keeps the kitchen from feeling boxed in. Finished in Benjamin Moore’s Decorator’s White, the cabinets balance dark rift-cut oak with nickel accents and hardware for a contemporary yet classic design.
Functionality is crucial in any kitchen, and in this project, we paid meticulous attention to every detail. Under-cabinet lighting was installed to provide practical illumination and an extra layer of functionality. The crisp, clean white cabinetry finish was thoughtfully selected to create a sense of openness and brightness, essential in small spaces.
The design of this Upper East Side kitchen struck a balance between contemporary and classic. The rift-cut oak elements added a touch of warmth and texture, making the space inviting. Nickel accents and hardware were carefully selected to infuse ornamental flair into the design, elevating it Bakes & Kropp’s signature level of luxury.
The transformation of this galley kitchen on the Upper East Side proves that luxury design is attainable, no matter the constraints of space.
