NYC Design: An Artful Mix of the Old with the New

Classic architecture and cutting-edge design blend perfectly in this Manhattan loft.

New York City has played an important role in American history. It even served as the nation’s capital from 1785 to 1790.  But, it’s no secret that “the city”–as it’s affectionately called–is also at the cutting edge of everything: fashion, food and business. So, it’s only natural that design in NYC apartments is an artful mix of the old with the new.

A perfect example of this marriage of old and new is 182 Lafayette Street, listed by Coldwell Banker Bellmarc Group. The design of this spectacular 2,500 square foot SoHo/NoLita loft highlights the original architectural features like wood plank floors, cast-iron columns and exposed brick, but incorporates modern amenities and design.

In the kitchen, stainless steel cabinets and appliances are softened with natural accents like the wooden shelved island. The massive natural wood dining table is modernized with black lacquer chairs. The clawfoot tub and crystal chandelier play well with the bold wall colors and vintage anatomy poster. While the apartment oozes authenticity, the modern luxuries abound, including a glass-enclosed, tiled wet room with a steam shower and deep soaking spa bathtub.

Certainly a space fit for a musician, even the musical references in the space are a mix of old and new(ish). The three pianos that line the living room are juxtaposed by a 70’s rock poster in the dining area.  Clearly, NYC design has it’s own set of rules–one it’s constantly breaking.

Despite Manhattan’s confusing tendency to make the old feel new and the new feel old,  happily, this NYC apartment just feels like home.  For more information about this fabulous rental in the heart of Manhattan, click here.

Victoria Keichinger

Victoria Keichinger is the Vice President, Brand Marketing for Coldwell Banker Real Estate. When she's not managing national media and advertising for the Coldwell Banker brand at work, she finds herself most at home in Jersey City, NJ with her pre-school crush turned spouse and son. A true Francophile, she loves to travel and will go anywhere there are ski slopes.