The Upper East Side is rife with prewar sleeping beauties waiting for the day when their modern prince will waltz in and sweep away the cobwebs. In this case there were two princes: architects Scott Bromley and Jerry Caldari, who did a 180 on the dark rooms of this 1,900-square-foot four-bedroom to create a very different interior landscape for a young family. This is how it looked before the apartment was gutted. Photo: Courtesy of Bromley Caldari Architects
The former owners took Kay Thompson’s credo, “Think pink!” (from the movie Funny Face), to heart. Photo: Courtesy of Bromley Caldari Architects
In with the new, which includes a new marble mantel, recessed lighting, and windows along with a Noguchi coffee table and custom-designed sofas. Photo: Mikiko Kikuyama
One of the four bedrooms was decorated with a stately four-poster before work began. In spite of the lively yellow painted walls, the room still comes off as dark and somber. Photo: Courtesy of Bromley Caldari Architects
The soft hues of the recessed lighting in the floating ceiling open up the room, which had felt cramped before. The new, minimalist furnishings don’t come off as austere or cold, but actually inviting. Photo: Mikiko Kikuyama
Behind these closet doors lies the promise of even more awesome closet space. Photo: Courtesy of Bromley Caldari Architects
Promise delivered, with a walk-in component and a shelving addition as well. Photo: Mikiko Kikuyama
I admit I have a soft spot for prewar bathrooms, especially one done in that lovely tile, and yes, I would take that sink any day. Photo: Courtesy of Bromely Caldari Architects
But I totally get that the two-sink counter gives a gleaming, polished look to the kids’ bathroom. Photo: Mikiko Kikuyama
The familiar service door in prewar kitchens like this one led to dark, narrow hallways. Photo: Courtesy of Bromley Caldari Architects
Here’s the new open kitchen, with American-walnut wood and marble-topped counters adding elegance and polish. The appliances are Miele. Photo: Mikiko Kikuyama
The new master bath is resplendent in vein-cut travertine walls and herringbone tile floors. Photo: Mikiko Kikuyama
