Cassie Rosenthal had been weighing her options for years, torn between selling her Greenwich Village apartment and staying put. The decision ultimately revealed itself: stay, but renovate the space from the studs up. Cassie and her husband, Paul, had grown to love the building, the neighborhood, and the sense of community that came with it.
The building, constructed in 1906 as the original Macy’s department store, had been converted into condominiums nearly a century later. Cassie first moved in in 2003, drawn to the area’s charm and the fact that her parents had lived there early in their relationship. She had fallen for the apartment’s soaring ceilings and abundant natural light, and over the years, she had come to appreciate the neighborhood’s unique character.
Renovation Plans
Cassie’s decision to renovate was not taken lightly. She had been convinced that she would eventually move to a new address, but as the years passed, she realized that she had grown too attached to the apartment and the neighborhood. The apartment lacked storage, and the walls had become increasingly permeable to hallway and neighboring noise. Cassie knew that she needed to invest in the space to make it truly feel like home.
Renovation Takes Shape
That’s when she decided to reach out to Nate Berkus, the internationally renowned designer whose office was just a few blocks away. Cassie had spotted Nate around the neighborhood and knew that he was working on another residence nearby. She filled out the inquiry form on his website, hoping against hope that he would take on her project. To her surprise, Nate got back to her quickly, and soon he was standing in her apartment, discussing the possibilities.
Cassie came to the meeting with a clear vision for the renovation: a Parisian-inspired, mid-century-inflected space with vintage lighting and a showcase for her extensive art collection. Nate was drawn to the project, not just because of the design challenge, but because of the emotional connection that Cassie had with the space. He saw an opportunity to create a forever home for Cassie and Paul, one that would honor the memories they had made in the apartment over the years.
Nate and his team, including senior designer Rian Smith, set out to transform the apartment into a warm and inviting space. They carved out a pantry, coffee bar, wet bar, office, and ample hidden storage, all within the existing footprint. The result was a space that felt more like a townhouse than a loft, with a sense of arrival and elements of surprise at every turn.
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Design Elements Unveiled
One of the most striking features of the renovation is the curved bronze-and-glass office, which introduces a sculptural focal point visible from nearly every room. The kitchen gained a generous island and clever storage, including a sliver-thin spice cabinet tucked into what had been unusable space. The living room now revolves around a fireplace framed by oak millwork, with built-in displays for Cassie’s beloved books and Paul’s father’s record collection.
The art collection, which Cassie had spent decades building, is the true star of the show. She had negotiated acquisitions, bid at auction, and cultivated relationships with artists to assemble a remarkable collection of pieces, including works by Cecily Brown, Elizabeth Peyton, and Kehinde Wiley. The collection is deeply personal, with each piece carrying decades of family history and emotional significance.
A Home Reborn
During the 11-month renovation, Cassie and Paul lived in a bare-walled rental, the first time in her life that Cassie had experienced an absence of art. When they moved back in and hung the art, Cassie felt a sense of joy and completion that she had never felt before. The apartment, with its carefully calibrated palette of whites and restrained millwork, provides a beautiful backdrop for the art, allowing each piece to shine in its own right.
Millwork details, such as dentil molding and handmade doors, were added to give the apartment a sense of history. The team also installed hardware worth noticing, which added to the overall aesthetic of the space.
The Art Collection
The art collection is a deeply personal part of the apartment’s design. Cassie selected pieces that carry decades of family history, including works by Cecily Brown, Elizabeth Peyton, and Kehinde Wiley. The collection is displayed throughout the apartment, with each piece carefully chosen to create a sense of sentiment and nostalgia.
