Contemporary Apartment Reno at Sutton Place
411 E 53rd St, NYC
Gut Renovation & Contemporary Transformation with Interior Design and Procurement Services
Including Interior Design Services and Procurement by Paula McDonald Design Build & Interiors
This project was a new twist on our full-service design build offerings during the height of COVID-19 in NYC. The three-bedroom, three-bathroom apartment in Sutton Place required a total gut renovation, combining construction, restoration, and interior design expertise to achieve a clean, contemporary look with practical functionality.
We incorporated modern conveniences such as a stackable washer and dryer, an electric panel upgrade and rewiring, and through-the-wall heating and air conditioning units, while reimagining the apartment’s flow and scale. Working closely with the client, we guided every detail—from finish selections to custom built-in designs—to create a seamless open floor plan suited for modern living.
Renovation Project Overview
Type: Contemporary Style Apartment (Renovation & Interior Design)
Rooms: 3 Bedroom, 3 Bathroom
Location: Sutton Place (411 E 53rd St, Manhattan)
The Full Story Behind This Sutton Place Contemporary Apartment Renovation
Originally planned as a finish selection and interior design project, this Residential NYC renovation quickly evolved into a full architectural rework. We revised the plans to improve both functionality and scale, ensuring every inch of space was thoughtfully optimized.
Our design build expertise proved invaluable when managing millwork design, procurement, and coordination with the contractor—especially since we were not handling labor directly in this case. By managing each design phase, we ensured a smooth execution from the furniture layout to the final installation.
The aesthetic focused on a warm, contemporary palette: lighter engineered wood flooring throughout (PID), area rugs from Stark and Tufenkian, and a harmonious mix of white tones balanced with contrasting kitchen cabinetry colors. The seated peninsula and Hudson Valley Lighting pendants subtly defined the open concept while maintaining flow and interaction between spaces.
Each bathroom featured mixed porcelain and marble mosaics, custom vanities, and Caesarstone quartz surfaces. In the kitchen, Silestone and Caesarstone countertops, custom cabinetry, and a Sub-Zero wine refrigerator elevated both function and style.
Although this project’s timeline extended beyond our typical design build process due to its unique structure, the final result was stunning. We’re proud to have created exactly what this young couple envisioned—a sophisticated, contemporary home designed for their growing family.
Contemporary Apartment Renovation Highlights
Kitchen Renovations & Interior Design:
Warm white color palette with contrasting cabinetry
Seated peninsula with Hudson Valley Lighting pendants
Sub-Zero wine refrigerator
Silestone and Caesarstone countertops throughout
Bathroom Design Features:
Mixed porcelain and marble mosaic feature walls
Custom vanities in all bathrooms
Caesarstone quartz surfaces throughout
Other Interior Design & Renovation Features:
Finish selections, furniture planning, and procurement
Color consultation
Custom furniture sourcing and buying
Wall-to-wall custom built-ins
Hunter Douglas custom window and door treatments
Lighting design and fixture selection
Stackable washer and dryer
Electrical panel upgrade and rewiring
Through-the-wall heating/air conditioning units
Light wood flooring (PID) throughout
Area rugs from Stark and Tufenkian
Transform Your NYC Apartment with Expert Design-Build Services
At Paula McDonald Design Build & Interiors, we specialize in gut renovations, construction, and restoration for co-ops, condos, lofts, and townhomes across Manhattan and Brooklyn. Whether your home is Prewar, Post-War, or newly built, our full-service design build team brings your vision to life with creativity, precision, and seamless project management.
If you love this Sutton Place contemporary renovation as much as we do, book a renovation or interior design consultation today to discover what our Residential NYC design-build team can do for you.