Project: Gramercy Apartment
Architecture: Batliboi Studio
Interiors & Styling: Dasha Kuni Inc
General Contractor: JR Construction & Renovation
Location: Manhattan, New York City, United States
Area: 750 ft2
Year: 2024
Photo Credits: Ines Leong, Hormuz Batliboi
Located in Manhattan’s Gramercy Park neighborhood, Gramercy Apartment by Batliboi Studio redefines compact living through creativity and precision. Designed for a textile designer and her son, the apartment gained efficiency, light, and a renewed sense of comfort — all within the same footprint. Every element serves a clear purpose, proving that thoughtful design can elevate even the smallest urban spaces.
Smart Space Reconfiguration
Batliboi Studio approached the layout of Gramercy Apartment with surgical precision and clarity. The kitchen and bathroom were carefully redesigned to improve both flow and usability. In the kitchen, additional counter surfaces and smart storage solutions make everyday routines smoother and more enjoyable. Meanwhile, the bathroom — now almost 50% larger — offers extra comfort and accessibility without compromising the rest of the plan.
Equally important, a clever modification to the old walk-in closet created a small but functional interior bedroom for the son. Reeded glass panels allow daylight to pass through while maintaining privacy. This addition not only maximizes space but also introduces a sense of openness and warmth to the interior.
Functional Flow and Integrated Storage
To improve movement and storage, the designers reimagined the apartment’s entrance. By removing the former closet and turning the access point by 90 degrees, they established a more generous entryway lined with continuous storage. Cabinets now wrap around the corner and connect seamlessly to the expanded kitchen peninsula. As a result, circulation feels effortless, and every inch of space is used intelligently.
Moreover, this reconfiguration helps unify the home visually. The transitions between zones are smoother, creating a fluid rhythm throughout Gramercy Apartment. Small shifts in perspective make the layout feel both dynamic and harmonious, a hallmark of efficient city living.
A Calm and Balanced Palette
The color palette plays a vital role in shaping the apartment’s serene atmosphere. Shades of white, off-white, and light grey dominate the cabinetry, providing a neutral background for the homeowner’s colorful rugs and textiles. These elements bring warmth and a personal touch, transforming minimalism into a story of texture and tone.
At the kitchen floor, a bold accent of orange-red terrazzo tiles injects energy and nostalgia. The color pays tribute to the linoleum flooring that once existed there — a personal DIY project from the homeowner’s past. Consequently, the space connects memory and modern design in a subtle yet meaningful way.
Reusing Materials with Care
Sustainability remains an essential principle in Gramercy Apartment. The original parquet flooring and ceilings were preserved, maintaining a tangible link to the building’s history. Outdated lighting was replaced with energy-efficient fixtures and shallow pendant lamps, enhancing both ambiance and performance.
Even small remnants found new purpose. Quartzite offcuts from the kitchen countertop installation became thresholds, shower niches, and display shelves. This resourceful reuse of materials reduces waste while adding character — a detail that reinforces the studio’s sustainable mindset.
Compact Living, Redefined
Ultimately, Gramercy Apartment by Batliboi Studio demonstrates that limited space can inspire great design. Through careful planning, warm textures, and a clear design narrative, the apartment feels brighter, larger, and more connected. Each modification brings value, improving comfort and functionality without altering the structure’s original footprint.
In essence, Gramercy Apartment stands as a model for modern urban living — efficient, elegant, and deeply personal.
