A Gloomy Manhattan Apartment Is Transformed Into a Light-Filled Showplace

Thanks to a gut renovation, you'd never guess that this 2,000-square-foot Manhattan apartment originally consisted of a succession of small, dark rooms — the norm for many Manhattan spaces. In order to modernize the unit, design firm Alisberg Parker removed most of the walls and shifted rooms around in order to open up the floor plan. The result is a light-filled home that's conducive to both entertaining and relaxing.

The living room immediately sets the tone with a 130-square-foot balcony that maximizes light and Central Park views. Paneled walls add a layer of visual contrast while complementing the owners' repurposed antique furniture. Orange and blue pillows break up an otherwise neutral color scheme.

In a clever design choice, the Alisberg Parker team hid a wine and storage cabinet in this part of the living room. (It resides behind the paneled doors with brass hinges.)

This game table is ideal for entertaining, along with custom-upholstered dining chairs and ottomans in the prefered accent colors of orange and blue. Meanwhile, a custom media and storage cabinet separates the living room from the den, along with floor-to-ceiling pocket doors. "This allows the den to be used as a guest bedroom or a cozy seating area," says designer Susan Alisberg.