East 78th Street Historical Restoration

A Careful Restoration, Reimagined

What began as a sizeable repair became an opportunity for quiet reinvention. Significant water intrusion had compromised the home's plasterwork and original oak flooring, and while the client's first priority was returning the home to its original character, the project evolved into a broader refinement of the space. A client-selected palette ties every element together, lending the home a soft, welcoming warmth — while the thoughtful curation of furnishings and art gives the finished space its quiet, livable elegance.

Following structural treatments as well as plumbing and exterior repairs, our plaster conservators turned to the ornate crown molding — cast directly from a salvaged original section, then fabricated and reinstalled for a seamless, historically faithful finish. Elsewhere, wall moldings were reconfigured to the client's specifications, opening up broader, uninterrupted surfaces to showcase their art collection. Throughout the unit, damaged oak flooring was replaced to match the original, then received a custom treatment and finished in a soft, white-oak tone that unifies the space.

Custom millwork, designed by Home Work, reinterprets a celebrated icon of luxury furniture design in a personalized form. Integrated LED lighting animates the shelving, while bespoke drawers were engineered around the client's entertainment needs. Thin, floating oak shelves — deceptively delicate in appearance — were fabricated to securely support substantial art and decorative objects.

Additional refinements include the removal of a cast iron radiator in favor of a through-wall PTAC unit concealed within custom millwork and grille, custom steel pivot doors with obscured privacy glazing, and recessed electrical receptacles and cover plates for a cleaner, uninterrupted finish.

The entry received its own transformation: an eight-foot custom oak door, designed by Home Work and machine-carved from solid white oak, replaced the original. Its fluted panels and matching side panels were spaced with meticulous precision, achieving perfect symmetry without sacrificing function. Given the door's considerable size and weight, engineering-grade concealed hinges and reinforced hardware were specified to ensure the door operates with quiet, effortless precision.

The elevator vestibule was revived with fresh new finishes and a stepped cove that conceals integrated lighting, lending the space quiet architectural depth.