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Colorful Accents Give Prewar Penthouse Modern-Day Style

February 19, 2018

By: Patricia Sanchez Lee

From: Lauren Rubin Architecture

A two-story prewar penthouse has an updated style that makes the most of its layout and architectural features. The home features an all-white palette that allows colorful furnishings, decor and artwork to be the focus of attention without overpowering the space.

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White Contemporary Dining Room

Photo: Alyssa Kirsten. From: Lauren Rubin Architecture

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Contemporary Dining Room with Bold Blue Accents

White walls, ceiling, cabinetry and trim create a clean, neutral palette against which bold blue chairs, artwork and accent pieces pop. This artful space is youthful and fun, with natural light filtering in from the large window. A contemporary pendant adds to the room's whimsical feel while also blending with the room's white backdrop.

White Contemporary Kitchen

Photo: Alyssa Kirsten. From: Lauren Rubin Architecture

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White, Contemporary Kitchen with Colorful Accents

Colorful accessories add an element of fun to this all-white, contemporary kitchen. Clean-lined cabinetry is accented with a backsplash of Blue de Savoie marble. The eat-in area features blue, molded acrylic chairs whose bold hue is repeated in a modern abstract painting and a colorful striped rug.

White Modern Kitchen

Photo: Alyssa Kirsten. From: Lauren Rubin Architecture

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White, Modern Kitchen with Colorful Accents

High-tech stainless steel appliances, streamlined white cabinets and clean-lined countertops combine to create a contemporary kitchen filled with luxe touches. The all-white palette and large window lend the space a light, bright and airy vibe. A slab of Blue de Savoie marble serves as a backsplash as well as a focal point, while boldly colored accents add flair.

White Contemporary Kitchen

Photo: Alyssa Kirsten. From: Lauren Rubin Architecture

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White Kitchen and Dining Room with Blue Chairs

This white, contemporary kitchen opens onto a dining room where blue accessories pop against an all-white backdrop. Clean-lined cabinetry is accented by a backsplash of Blue de Savoie marble. Hardwood flooring helps to warm up the cool space.

White Contemporary Living Space

Photo: Alyssa Kirsten. From: Lauren Rubin Architecture

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White, Contemporary Living Space with Bold Staircase

A contemporary, open staircase connects this 15th floor, pre-war apartment to the penthouse above. White walls and ceilings create a clean, simple backdrop, while a striking, high gloss wall of color makes a design statement and offers concealed storage behind the boldly hued panels. Colorful abstract artwork weaves a thread throughout the contemporary home.

Red Contemporary Stairway

Photo: Alyssa Kirsten. From: Lauren Rubin Architecture

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Contemporary Staircase with High-Gloss Panels on Accent Wall

Red-orange, high-gloss panels form an accent wall that turns this contemporary stairway into a focal point. Wood stairs and metal rails are clean and modern, and the wall panels, attached by magnets, conceal built-in storage. The staircase connects the 15th-floor pre-war apartment to a penthouse above.

White Contemporary Living Space with Bar

Photo: Alyssa Kirsten. From: Lauren Rubin Architecture

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White, Contemporary Upstairs Landing with Bar, Dining Area

An upstairs landing provides a great spot for a casual dining area and a built-in bar. Clean, white walls and ceilings provide a crisp background for a contemporary design with colorful artwork and accents. A red accent wall along the stairway draws the eye upward to the bold modern artwork in the same color.

White Contemporary Living Space

Photo: Alyssa Kirsten. From: Lauren Rubin Architecture

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Contemporary Living Space with Office, Bar, Dining Area

In this functional upstairs landing, various areas provide spots for dining, working and entertaining. At the top of the stairs to the left, floating shelves and a built-in desk create a cozy home office nook. Nearby, dark cabinetry and dark floating shelves characterize the built-in bar. Meanwhile, a loft-like landing offers space for a modern bistro table and four chairs, creating a fun area for dining or playing games.

White Contemporary Office Nook

Photo: Alyssa Kirsten. From: Lauren Rubin Architecture

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Contemporary Home Office with Floating Shelves

A nook at the top of a stairwell functions well as a compact, built-in home office. Floating shelves provide storage for office supplies and decorative objects. An all-white palette on the walls, ceiling and woodwork makes the red-orange panels of the stairway accent wall stand out even more in the contemporary space.

White Contemporary Living Space

Photo: Alyssa Kirsten. From: Lauren Rubin Architecture

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White, Contemporary Media Room with Colorful Furnishings

Colorful modern furnishings pop against the all-white palette in this upstairs living space. White draperies draw for privacy and to the shield the space from natural light for TV watching. A traditional rug grounds the space and gives dimension to the sitting area, while also giving the room a collected, eclectic vibe.

White Contemporary Bedroom

Photo: Alyssa Kirsten. From: Lauren Rubin Architecture

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White Bedroom with Colorful Pillows

A sleek and simple metal bed gets dressed up with brightly hued pillows in this contemporary bedroom. White walls form a neutral backdrop for bold accessories, while a wall-mounted sconce provides light for reading. A patterned screen offers privacy and filters light from the tall windows.

White Contemporary Bedroom

Photo: Alyssa Kirsten. From: Lauren Rubin Architecture

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White Bedroom with Eclectic Touches, Colorful Accents

White walls provide a great backdrop for adding colorful accents in this eclectic-contemporary bedroom. A patterned shade filters light at the window, while a sleek leather bench offers a perch for putting on shoes. The clean-lined metal bed is dressed up with an array of brightly colored pillows.

Black and White Contemporary Bath

Photo: Alyssa Kirsten. From: Lauren Rubin Architecture

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Black and White Contemporary Bathroom

Black hexagonal tile with contrast grout makes a bold and sleek statement in this contemporary bathroom. The floating vanity is clean-lined and simple, while the window beside it bathes the space in natural light. A frameless glass enclosure screens the shower, which also features a black tile floor, creating a continuous line that adds visual dimension to the space.

Colorful Contemporary Patio

Photo: Alyssa Kirsten. From: Lauren Rubin Architecture

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Contemporary, Comfortable Terrace with Colorful Accent Pillows

This fun and colorful terrace features comfortable, casual seating and a friendly vibe, not to mention a great city view. Wood furniture sports neutral cushions that allow the colorful accent pillows to pop, while metal chairs provide additional seating for dining and entertaining.

Neutral Contemporary Terrace

Photo: Alyssa Kirsten. From: Lauren Rubin Architecture

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Contemporary, Colorful Terrace on Prewar City Apartment

A mix of wood and metal furnishings provides ample seating for dining and relaxing on this contemporary terrace. Neutral furniture and finishes allow the bright, colorful accents to pop, giving the outdoor space a fun, youthful vibe.

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