On West 72nd Street, Manhattan, sits a pre-war building that houses our client’s one-bedroom apartment. VAKOTA was tasked with coming up with an intelligent way to use the limited space and budget to create an overnight guest-friendly environment.

The key to this was to create a powder room for guest to use. But with the added hurdles of a limited budget, and the restrictions in Manhattan which do not allow wet space expansions without board approval, we had to get creative and innovative in both our design and use of space.

We submitted our design for board approval, convincing the board that our creative solution was a good addition to the building, and something other residents could emulate. They allowed our project to be the ‘guinea pig’ and test the plans – setting a creative precedent for future projects.

In order to keep the existing wet space in an approved location, we decided to split the one bathroom into two, creating a powder room for the main apartment that linked to the living room, and slightly reducing the size of the master bathroom. Due to the original decorative moldings, we were hesitant to disturb the living room any more than necessary – and so we created a hidden door on the living room side of the bathroom. It has minimal impact on the living room and creates a secret passage to the new facilities!

Removing the large bathtub, we then installed a ‘connecting shower’ – a shower set behind frosted glass that links both rooms, so both guests and the owners are able to make use of it, without the need to install two cumbersome facilities.

We then continued our mission to maximize and creatively utilize space by installing all wall-hung fixtures. When working in a small space, anything that can be wall hung not only saves on room but also allows for much easier cleaning. We installed a wall-hung toilet, and a custom wall-hung vanity.

For the tiles, we used simple and readily available materials but incorporated a custom design pattern created by the owner themselves. With the savings from the tile selections that Owners were able to select high-end fixtures which helped to upscale the project and create a high-end look. Due to the economical tile selection and the custom design, we were able to come up with a solution that worked really well for the project – and crucially, for the budget.

“Whenever we work with a smaller budget on a project, I explain to clients that they can have two of three things; they can have the project done fast, good or cheap!” explains Stephen Taylor, our architect on the project.

“The client, also an architect, completely understood the need for careful planning on a budget, and was willing to take things slowly in order to get what they wanted at the price they wanted.

“Despite being just 100sqft, it took around four months to complete. We always tell clients to be open with their expectations when it comes to working within a strict budget, and this client understood that fully.”

“The client was overjoyed with the result – I’m really proud of this project as a study in the use of small spaces to their maximum potential, as well as creating something new within the boundaries of New York City construction regulations.”

This stunning 72nd Street renovation project features in the December 2021 edition of Elle Décor.