The architect purchased this apartment in a state condition envision it to be a bright and peaceful retreat.
The kitchen was open in both ends to allow natural light and free flow of circulation around both ends. A new wood flooring was installed throughout to create a unified space with the living, dining and sleeping areas. New stainless-steel appliances, quartz countertops, a dotted glass backsplash and white Thermofoil cabinets doors were designed to brighten the space and to create an efficient kitchen layout with more storage.
Project Name: Home Sweet Home
Studio Name: Victoria Benatar
This alteration to the original layout includes innovative and creative use of every square inch to allow more usable space. One example was the bathroom new vanity space that used to be part of the bedroom closet.
In the bedroom the closet was reconfigured to create more storage space, installing full height doors. Also new Radiator covers in every space were designed with additional storage and quartz countertops were added to each window run the living room and one with a built-in bookcase and additional storage and desk in the bedroom.
As part of this design, all the vertical surfaces were used for art, creating individual display moments all around the apartment. A strategy of furniture with décor and utilitarian pieces grouping was implemented to create different experiences into a small space.
This renovation resulted in a 30% increase in value, for an originally undervalued apartment.
Victoria Benatar
Victoria (AIA, ASID, MWBE, LEED GA) is a registered architect in both New York and Venezuela, founder of Victoria Benatar Architect PLLC and a Co-Founder of EXD-LAB Architecture PLLC
With an extensive research on the culture of shared economies and the impact on design, she has specialized in the developing architecture and interiors for commercial, residential & public spaces by designing layered for space optimization and program for 24 hours. In understanding this shift we are developing a new typology to maximize space and add value to real estate.
She is an award-winning architect and interior designer with several published works. She has lectured at universities, organizations and with internationally renowned architects across the globe.
By combining a multicultural background, expertise in architecture, and interior design, her work focuses on creating multi-purposed customized designs for commercial, hospitality, and residential uses worldwide.
For nearly 35 years, she has explored the role of design in our lives, the correlation between the quality of space and happiness, productivity, and well-being. Her objective as an architect is to help as much people as possible to improve the quality of their lives by improving the quality of their spaces, because DESIGN REALLY MATTERS!
She has been a professor of architecture for over twenty years at Columbia University and Parsons the New School of Design, teaching courses on digital representation, professional practice, and design studio.
She received a BA in Architecture from Universidad Central de Venezuela (1983) and a Master of Science in Architecture and Urban Design from Columbia University (1994)
