We are pleased to introduce you to one of our newest members, Inga Oren Architect, PC and a serene & airy project from her portfolio of work, the Battery Park City Conversion.

*Design by* *Inga Oren Architect, PC.* *Photography by Anee Atelier.*

Inga, please tell us a bit about the project.

The project was a 750 square foot gut renovation of the existing kitchen, bathroom and living spaces. The layout was completely re-worked and the large one-bedroom condominium apartment was converted into a comfortable two bedroom for the growing family, in accordance with all local codes and light and air requirements.

Where is the project located?

The project is a full-time residence in the quiet neighborhood of Battery Park, that is filled with an abundance of public parks and young families.

Tell us a bit about the homeowners.

The home was designed for a professional millennial couple who have busy fast paced lives in anticipation of possibly growing their family one day.

What is the architectural style of the home?

The original building was built in the late 1980’s and the architecture of the home was untouched prior to this renovation, which was completed in 2019. The low ceilings and compact spaces facilitated a minimalist interior architectural approach in order to create a sense of much needed expansiveness within the space.

What convinced you to work on this project?

The client was very much hands off on this project, which created a situation where the architect could fully express their design vision for the home which is always an exciting opportunity and typically nets the most cohesive final product.

What were your sources of inspiration to design and decorate this home?

The design inspiration was the client’s travels. They have a deep love of the Caribbean and these getaways would always bring them much needed respite. Architecturally, the One Hotel in Miami Beach served as a jumping off point as to what the design could be. In actuality when designing their home we took all these sources of inspiration, deconstructed them and then reconstructed them with the same beachy serenity but with a very clear New York City feel.

What type of atmosphere did you want to create and how did you achieve it?

The atmosphere we were trying to create was one of serenity and calm, like a quiet morning on a deserted beach bathed in tepid sunlight. This was achieved by bringing in sandy warm tones, light filtering linens, woven materials, heavily grained light woods, some authentic sun-loving greenery (cacti and succulents) and feature wall art comprised of sea coral. The client also enjoyed hosting and nightlife, so the space had to transform at night to accommodate this vision. We achieved this with hidden Sonance speakers throughout the space, a down lit kitchen bar peninsula with seating as well integrated strip lighting on dimmer controls throughout so the client could create the perfect nighttime atmosphere for hosting.

What type of colors did you decide to use in this home and why?

In keeping with the goal of creating airiness and space, the color palette selection was comprised exclusively of neutrals, whites, greys and beiges with just a sprinkle of subdued blue tones. The client wanted a touch of beachy calm, almost a haven away from their hectic lifestyles, layered into the minimalist space. By bringing in some blue tones to contrast against the sandy beiges and whites we created the serene minimalist beachscape right in their home.

What key Furniture, Fixtures or finishes were instrumental to creating the space?

The custom couch, chairs and upholstered bedframe in a sandy wool mélange were instrumental in making the space cohesive and allowing the rooms to flow and connect with one another. All the upholstered pieces were sourced from Design Within Reach. The dining pendant with it’s organic hidden reliefs within the cupola of the shade were sourced from Flos. The woven dining chairs in a soaped oak are classic mid-century modern pieces designed by Hans Wegner which were essential in adding an organic woven tactility to the space. The bathroom is a minimalist piece clad in whole quartz slabs of Caesarstone in order to create a sense of expansiveness in the compact space. All the plumbing fixtures are marine grade steel in a brushed finish designed by Italian fixture manufacturer Cea.

What type of materials did you decide to use in this home and why?

In keeping with the minimalist and beachy aesthetic we chose warm and natural materials. A variety of wood pervades the interior in some cases cerused to bring out the grain, in others, painted to pare down the grain. But in all cases an organic calm is woven into the fabric of the architecture. The textiles are warm and natural. Wools, linens and furs are dabbled throughout the interior. There’s also a touch of biophilic design, from the Peruvian cacti, the preserved moss pieces as well as the white coral wall sculptures, all designed by Paloma Teppa, the mastermind behind Miami based Plant The Future.

What was the biggest challenge you faced to design this home? How long did it take?

The biggest challenge for designing the space was to create a sense that the space was larger than it was. We achieved this by creating a one-inch recessed base trim molding which allowed the walls to seem taller than they were. We also created a one-inch recessed ceiling trim molding which visually detached the ceiling plane from the wall plane and created an illusion of floating and airiness within the space. All the doors were specified to be floor to ceiling as opposed to standard height doors, which served to create the illusion of taller ceilings as well. The design process was meticulous and took nearly a year to compete. Construction was completed a year thereafter.

If you would have to describe this home in one sentence, what would it be?

If I could describe this home in one sentence it would be, “Warm minimalist beachy chic with touches of mid-century modern.”

Inga Oren RA founded Inga Oren Architect PC in 2015 as a boutique interior architecture firm providing services from schematic design and budget allocation to permitting and construction.

We pride ourselves on our attention to detail, providing clients with well designed spaces within the budgetary constraints that translate as intended throughout the construction process.

View INGA's Profile

contact form listed within profile

Are you an interior designer?

We would love to hear from you! We are a not-for-profit collaborative of Interior Designers, Decorators & Architects with the goal of self-representation. We’ve come together to help Clients find experienced & qualified Interior Designers all in one place. We welcome you to the community!

Learn more

PROJECT FEATURE WITH INGA OREN ARCHITECT, PC

Are you an interior designer?