an upper east side remodel with young huh

Young Huh is a New York-based designer specializing in luxury residential interiors. We’re joining Young and design partner Kohler as they begin a new remodelling project for a family in Sutton Place near the East River.

Update: See our “big reveal” of this completed project here!

Let’s talk shop. What will this project entail?

We will be demolishing the three existing bathrooms and building four new ones with a full suite of Kohler products — from baths, toilets and sinks to fixtures, faucets and showerheads. We’re giving a little facelift to the kitchen- changing out the eating area, repainting cabinets, replacing the backsplash and updating with a Kohler faucet. We will remove existing cabinetry and replace it. Two new bedrooms will be created from the two existing libraries that flank the living room. A new bathroom hallway will be created to access the new girl’s bedroom suite. The living room and dining room will be redecorated as well.

What made your client choose this apartment?

They were attracted to our building’s unique combination of stately charm with modern amenities and characteristics. They wanted our next apartment to be a home in which they could easily host guests, so one of the prerequisites was a formal living and dining room, which is not an easy find in New York City.

What inspired this remodel?

The client purchased the home with renovations in mind. It is a very traditional and classic apartment, but it requires some bold updating. Also the previous couple didn’t have children and my client wanted to make the home child-friendly. There were two libraries off the living room which will be transformed into two bedrooms for the client’s son and daughter. The client also wanted to give their children bedrooms that they could grow into. The client believes a child’s bedroom needs to be their own sanctuary, and that children need their own space as much as adults do.

What’s the biggest change you’re looking forward to?

I am really looking forward to the bathroom updates. The current bathrooms are very dated. The clients are a young, dynamic and stylish couple and they, as am I, are looking forward to a stylish but livable home for their family. Kohler’s fixtures will help achieve this goal in the newly remodeled baths.

What was the greatest challenge in preparing for this remodel?

We are transforming the current master bathroom into two bathrooms- a master and a little girl’s bath. While the current bath is large, it both rambles and lacks a central point of view. We will be making the master bath fresh and sophisticated. The little girl’s bath will be charming but something she won’t get tired of when she is a teen.

Describe the demo process for us.

The demo process is always exciting. You’re demolishing aspects of the home you can’t stand- old yucky tile, crumbling paint, dated molding. It feels great when you’re starting with a clean canvas!

Can you give us an idea of how you see this project taking shape?

I love utilizing luxe finishes but in a way that is not too precious and serious. I want the family to feel comfortable and happy in their home. The clients also want the home to feel welcoming to other families with young children. Recognizing that the apartment is in Sutton Place, a very traditional and proper area of the upper east side, the home will reflect its traditional elegant bones. However, Rebecca and I have plans to make it colorful, cheerful, and beautiful.

See our “big reveal” of this completed project here!