UPPER EAST SIDE CONTEMPORARY CLASSIC CO-OP RENOVATION

Timeless Design Meets Modern Living in Pre-War Co-op Transformation

Upper East Side living room with traditional fireplace, mounted flat-screen TV, herringbone wood flooring, and potted green plants, designed by Rauch Architecture.

Rauch Architecture undertook the comprehensive renovation of a classic pre-war co-op, breathing new life into a space rich in history and architectural detail. The design philosophy was simple yet ambitious: maintain the residence’s timeless elegance while introducing contemporary comforts and efficiencies.

Bright Upper East Side living room with large window, gray sofa, wooden coffee table with books, and potted plants against a backdrop of paneled walls by Rauch Architecture.

As guests enter the redesigned space, they’re welcomed into a living room that balances the old and new. The traditional marble fireplace was re-clad with a dramatic stone to become a focal point of the entire space. White oak herringbone wood flooring with a clear coat was added to create a sense of directionality.

Contemporary Upper East Side kitchen with marble backsplash, stainless steel appliances, white cabinetry, and chevron wood flooring by Rauch Architecture.

The kitchen, once a narrow galley, has been transformed. The walls that once confined the space have been expanded to allow a wider walkway, and the old countertops were replaced with new marble countertops with a backsplash and custom cabinetry that exude a minimalist aesthetic while providing functional sophistication. State-of-the-art stainless steel appliances reflect the client’s passion for modern technology updating a classic design.

Upper East Side kitchen corner with marble splashback, white sink, beige cabinetry, and herringbone wood floor designed by Rauch Architecture.

This side of the kitchen displays a marriage of form and function, with a focus on the marble backsplash and a white undermount sink set into a marble countertop. Beige cabinetry with silver hardware and the consistent herringbone wood floor complete the space.

Upper East Side kitchen detail with marble backsplash, espresso machine, gas stove, and contemporary white light fixture designed by Rauch Architecture

Detailed view of a kitchen sink with marble backsplash and countertop, stainless steel faucet, and white cabinetry in an Upper East Side renovation by Rauch Architecture.

Each corner of the residence, from the espresso nook to the sink areas, showcases the attention to detail that Rauch Architecture is known for. These vignettes of modern luxury, set against the backdrop of the Upper East Side, tell a story of a residence reborn, ready to offer its occupants a blend of historical charm and modern-day elegance for years to come.

Upper East Side bathroom with glass-enclosed shower, subway tile walls in shades of gray, white porcelain toilet, and a herringbone pattern floor.

The transformation is highlighted by a sophisticated, glass-enclosed shower surrounded by serene gray subway tiles, setting a contemporary yet timeless tone. The layout includes a herringbone-patterned mosaic tile floor, which leads the eye to the pièce de résistance—a window that frames the quintessential cityscape, offering a rare luxury in NYC: a bathroom with a captivating view.

Modernized Upper East Side bathroom featuring glass-enclosed shower with gray subway tiles, white freestanding sink on a white vanity with marble countertop, and herringbone-patterned tile floor

In the bathrooms, the renovations respect the original character while enhancing the resident’s experience with luxury in mind. Handmade green zellige tiles line the glass-enclosed showers, while the herringbone pattern tile floor complements the serene palette, creating a spa-like retreat.

New York City co-op bathroom with herringbone marble tile, glass shower, white beadboard vanity with marble top, and rectangular mirror with wall-mounted lights.

The rooms are graced with elegant paneled walls that exude sophistication while providing subtle architectural interest and depth. These panels, with their clean lines and classic appeal, complement the classic yet contemporary aesthetic and herringbone wood flooring.

Spacious living room in Upper East Side co-op featuring a large window, traditional fireplace, mid-century modern chairs, and a decorative rug, designed by Rauch Architecture.