Chelsea Loft

Created for a family of four, Chelsea Loft imagines a corner unit drenched with sunlight to bring brightness and views deep into the spaces. Efficient, comfortable, and open, the 1,300-square-foot home offers a model for family living today.

In the pre-renovation Chelsea loft, one was immediately funneled into a narrow entry bounded by the bathroom walls and kitchen counters. Relieving the tightness of this condition, AFA replaced the kitchen with a more spacious mud room that doubles as a children’s play area, overlooking the newly co-located kitchen, dining, and living areas. This openness and the direct views from the entry to the north-facing windows give the impression of a generous, airy space. Private and shared areas are separated by a vibrant cobalt custom wall of cabinetry and casework, crowned by a line of glass transoms that draw natural light into every room. Doors of acid-etched glass offer quiet separation, too, while maintaining openness and continuity.

Marked by natural materials and minimal details, the apartment is made with close to 100% reclaimed wood, everything from the flooring and kitchen ash cabinetry to the bathroom ceiling and a built-in sofa and storage unit created for the entry area.