A Prewar Apartment Renovation on the UES
315 E 68th St, NYC
Project Overview
TYPE: Full-service design build transformation of a Prewar one-bedroom apartment
LOCATION: Manhattan – Residential NYC
CONSTRUCTION DURATION: Less than 3 Months
The Full Story Behind this Prewar Apartment Makeover:
This full-service design build project by Paula McDonald Design Build & Interiors transformed a dated Prewar one-bedroom apartment into a bright, modern, and functional home. The kitchen, originally a small 7 x 10 galley, had a great window over the sink but left the adjoining room dark. Paula McDonald Design Build & Interiors created a dream kitchen while also enhancing the overall flow and brightness of the apartment.
By removing as much of the kitchen wall opening as possible and incorporating glass panels in the cabinetry around the window, this north-facing layout became significantly brighter throughout the dining and living areas. Additional improvements included:
New doors, moldings, and trim throughout the apartment
Combining closets into a wall-to-wall bedroom closet for maximum storage
Updated electrical systems
Architectural accent walls and ceilings to create focus areas in the foyer and kitchen
Thoughtful paint detailing to highlight the apartment’s best features
This renovation is a perfect example of Paula McDonald Design Build & Interiors’ expertise in co-ops, condos, lofts, and townhomes, with a focus on Prewar and Post-War construction, restoration, and residential NYC design build.
Key Renovation Highlights:
Complete kitchen transformation in a small galley layout
Open-plan enhancements to increase natural light in dining and living areas
Wall-to-wall bedroom closet for optimized storage
Custom architectural accents and detailing
Updated electric, doors, moldings, and trim
Harmonious combination of contemporary design with Prewar charm
Full design build, construction, and restoration expertise applied
Project Result: Contemporary, Bright, and Functional One-Bedroom
The apartment now features a modern, warm, and highly functional layout. The kitchen, dining, and living areas are brighter and more inviting, while the bedroom and overall apartment feel cohesive, thoughtful, and timeless. Paula McDonald Design Build & Interiors successfully transformed this “diamond in the rough” into a home that meets the client’s every need and vision.
More Prewar Reno Before & Afters, Walkthrough Videos: We Renovate Co-ops, Condos, Townhomes, and More
For those who love the ups and downs of renovation transformations, don’t miss Paula McDonald Design Build & Interiors’ Prewar project playlists featuring before-and-after videos of some of the most challenging apartment renovations, as well as full walkthrough videos highlighting kitchen, bath, and open-plan transformations.
If you love this Prewar One-Bedroom Apartment Makeover as much as Paula McDonald Design Build & Interiors does, and you’re ready to transform your home, contact Paula McDonald Design Build & Interiorstoday! Paula McDonald Design Build & Interiors provides full-service design build solutions that handle every detail — from concept through final construction and restoration.