Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Small is Beautiful


This tiny townhouse originally built in 1830 in the West Village of New York had only one room per floor. The architects restored the interior and exterior and then designed a four story wood frame addition overlooking the rear garden. The addition included two additional bedrooms, home office and laundry. Original materials were restored and salvaged materials, including vintage pine floorboards, were used wherever possible. A secret bookcase door is built-in to cabinets in the home office which is on the garden courtyard level. The exterior rear garden facade was stripped of 1950s asbestos cladding to reveal the original wood clapboards, which were restored. Salvaged pine boards clad the new addition, and match the scale and texture of the original clapboards. I think this is a triumph for the less is more school - what do you think?











All images Fink & Platt (Photos by Patrik Rytikangas)
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29 comments:

  1. vicki archerJuly 8, 2009 at 2:38 PM

    Less is more definitely wins here Millie - this is a gorgeous renovation, xv.

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  2. HeidiJuly 8, 2009 at 2:52 PM

    I love the secret book case door. And I would love for you to put down a deposit for us on the property, only I am afraid MOTH would not approve since it is on the market for $800,000.00 But if he does, then GREAT!!!! Love ya, Heidi

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  3. Brabourne FarmJuly 8, 2009 at 3:20 PM

    Just perfect Millie!

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  4. mondocherryJuly 8, 2009 at 5:09 PM

    Beautifully done - although I don't think my sluggish pregnant body could handle 4 levels of living right at the moment. It would be a great way to lose all that baby fat later on though! I want a secret bookcase door too...
    Clare x

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  5. Jacqueline @ HOMEJuly 8, 2009 at 5:18 PM

    I love that house. I was really shocked when you said it was in New York because, when I saw the front door, I really thought you were going to say it was in London. I think it looks so Emglish.I have been to New York though, and have seen houses like that, so don't listen to me. I don't know what I'm talking about!! Anyway, back to the plot. What I love about it is that it is aooooo the opposite of the house that I showed yesterday,isn't it ? Clean, crisp, but still with character and a little self expression. And wonserfully so.It would keep you fit, running up and down those stairs every day, wouldn't it ? XXXX

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  6. The House That A-M BuiltJuly 8, 2009 at 5:48 PM

    Oh it's breathtakingly divine Millie. I LOVE it! Proves that if done well, small is perfect! A-M xx

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  7. UnknownJuly 8, 2009 at 6:53 PM

    Oh wow, just gorgeous! They have done a beautiful job haven't they -hard to pick out any one thing really. And I know what Jacqueline means, I thought it was going to be in London too!!
    :)

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  8. Brown Button TradingJuly 8, 2009 at 8:30 PM

    this is AWESOME - perfect home, dream home for moi. thank you x

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  9. Rustic TartsJuly 8, 2009 at 8:34 PM

    Oh it looks lovely, doesn't it?

    I am sure MOTH is over the moon with Justine's win tonight, I was hoping for her and Julie to be the winners.

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  10. Renée FinbergJuly 8, 2009 at 8:56 PM

    it looks like paradise to me.
    x

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  11. OliveauxJuly 8, 2009 at 9:16 PM

    Definitely! Just the inspiration needed midway through renovations - the end result is worth it!! Ax

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  12. Porchlight InteriorsJuly 8, 2009 at 9:16 PM

    I think this is absolutely adorable! Perfect post Millie! Tracey xx

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  13. Content in a CottageJuly 8, 2009 at 9:18 PM

    Millie...I think you'd get lots of exercise living in this delightful home. :-)

    I love everything about it!

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  14. debra@dustjacketJuly 8, 2009 at 9:27 PM

    I love the sash colonial windows and the red front door! Really nice inside too!

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  15. KarenJuly 8, 2009 at 9:57 PM

    Hi Millie
    Haven't commented for a while. But I still enjoy reading your blog everyday. Hope you are well
    Kind regards
    Karen

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  16. DebraJuly 8, 2009 at 10:16 PM

    I have a fondness for sweet, small spaces and this one is perfect!
    Very well done~ as Vicki stated- 'Less is more'...

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  17. Mrs. BlandingsJuly 8, 2009 at 10:42 PM

    Completely charming - that bookcase is wonderful.

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  18. Ry @ Sotto Il Monte VineyardsJuly 8, 2009 at 10:44 PM

    White walls - dark floors - love it! Nice touch in the bathroom with the pop of periwinkle.
    Glad you are feeling better Millie!
    Cheers!
    Ry

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  19. KaraJuly 8, 2009 at 11:25 PM

    I'm pretty sure I could live here.

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  20. Come Away With MeJuly 9, 2009 at 12:54 AM

    Quite charming! And I love that touch of a ghostly woman in red on the staircase...

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  21. Reader WilJuly 9, 2009 at 2:03 AM

    This is a fantastic house so beautiful, so artistic! I should like to live in such a house! Thanks for showing.

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  22. UnknownJuly 9, 2009 at 3:59 AM

    outstanding renovation, thanks for sharing! Love the red door!

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  23. Draffin BearsJuly 9, 2009 at 6:08 AM

    Beautiful post and what a delightful little home.
    Love everything about it especially the bathroom.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  24. FROM THE RIGHT BANKJuly 9, 2009 at 9:15 AM

    I've always been a fan of small spaces. I would move into this house in a heartbeat! A house in the West Village? Hello!

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  25. Melissa@VidastyleJuly 9, 2009 at 9:36 AM

    Beautiful! I just love it.

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  26. for the love of a houseJuly 9, 2009 at 12:15 PM

    Love it! So charming! I believe I've seen it featured on HGTV?? Looks familiar!

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  27. Vanya WilkinsonJuly 9, 2009 at 4:12 PM

    loving the secret door :)

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  28. Crystal @ Plush PalateJuly 10, 2009 at 3:37 AM

    Love this! Especially the bookcase door!!

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  29. Maggie MayJuly 12, 2009 at 12:45 PM

    oh i love love....

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And none will hear the postman's knock
Without a quickening of the heart.
For who can bear to feel himself forgotten?
~W.H. Auden