A historic apartment in Queens has been restored with care to preserve its old-world charm and embrace modern elegance. The owner, who was captivated by the original character of the property, made preservation his top priority.
Designer Paulina was concerned with maintaining the architectural integrity. She chose elegant brass fixtures, wooden accents and classic stone surfaces in order to keep a foot in the past. Original parquet flooring was repolished. Old doors were repainted. Brass knobs were restored to glory. Existing arches have been accentuated and new ones added to replace square openings.
Paulina reimagined their dining and living rooms, which were previously dark. They rearranged the dining room to be next to vintage black-framed windows and installed new lighting to create a glowing jewelbox effect. They broke their “nothing modern” rule by adding key elements such as a floating couch, Frame TV and a bar with a custom-made cabinet.
The kitchen was given a sophisticated upgrade with the addition of herringbone flooring, from Opificio’s Matera Collection. It complements the marble countertops. The ceiling is highlighted by American walnut beams and custom-built cabinets. A pull-down faucet gives it a chic touch.
Paulina & Albert have even turned challenges into opportunities. The old tiles were replaced by new herringbone panels that mimicked the cobblestone streets of Forest Hills Gardens. In the bathroom, a hexagonal tile made to order was laid with precision. The team also had to navigate the narrow doorways and ensure everything fitted perfectly.
The result is an elegant blend of modernity and history. The homeowner says, “The entire building has a rich history. It’s almost unbelievable that it exists only minutes from the station.” Paulina realized a vision even the homeowner did not know they had.
This apartment is not just a renovation–it’s an homage to New York’s rich and varied history, reimagined today for modern living.
