Shop
Inside a Reimagined Upper West Side Prewar Apartment
There’s something deeply meaningful about designing for family—especially when the project marks a turning point. For Nicole Shapiro, founder of Nicole Dorothy Interiors, this Upper West Side prewar apartment was exactly that. After decades in the home where they began their life together, her aunt and uncle made the emotional decision to downsize while remaining in the neighborhood they’ve always loved.
Their new apartment, a 1925 prewar co-op overlooking the river, offered beautiful bones and timeless architectural character—but it needed thoughtful updates to reflect how they live today. With a shared appreciation for traditional Americana, collected French antiques, and clean modern restraint, the design became a true collaboration rooted in history, family, and quiet refinement.
Design: Nicole Dorothy Interiors | Photography: Julie Leffell
Modern Heritage in the Kitchen
From the start, the kitchen set the tone for the entire home. Original wood floors and antique beams ground the space in warmth, offering an immediate sense of continuity with the building’s past. Shapiro introduced subtle color through the island, painted in Benjamin Moore’s Vintage Vogue—a muted, sophisticated green that feels both fresh and timeless.
The backsplash, crafted from artisanal Ann Sacks tile, adds texture and depth while complementing the kitchen’s understated palette. One of the most charming architectural moments is a wall niche outfitted with antique wood shelving, now home to the couple’s carefully curated collection of antiques gathered from Parisian markets and upstate New York shops. The result is a kitchen that feels layered and lived-in, never overly designed.
The adjacent dining area centers around the couple’s longtime dining table, reimagined with reupholstered chairs and a custom bench to accommodate growing family gatherings—including visits from new grandchildren.
A Classic & Chic Living Room
Bathed in natural light, the living room was envisioned as a serene retreat for both quiet mornings and lively family visits. Shapiro leaned into a soft, airy palette that allows the clients’ existing art collection and antiques to shine while maintaining a sense of cohesion.
A Maiden Home sectional anchors the space, paired with sculptural accent chairs and layered textiles that add depth without heaviness. Every element was chosen to feel harmonious and inviting, reinforcing the room’s role as a place for connection, conversation, and calm.
A Restorative Primary Retreat
In the primary bedroom, restraint became the guiding principle. Original floors remain visible beneath a classic area rug, while custom textiles and carefully chosen furnishings introduce softness and warmth. The palette remains intentionally subdued, creating a space that feels restorative and personal.
This balance between simplicity and comfort transforms the room into a true retreat—one that honors the home’s architectural integrity while supporting the rhythms of daily life.
The primary bathroom underwent a complete gut renovation, emerging as a clean, classic space defined by thoughtful restraint. Every finish and fixture was selected to feel quietly refined, prioritizing longevity over trend. The result is a bathroom that feels effortlessly timeless—aligned with the broader design ethos of the home.
Scroll on to see more from this space and shop the look below.
BY: Jasmyne Muir
Shop
