Kitchen in the Majestic

Modern kitchen with bold red cabinetry and sleek design.
Cozy kitchen with white cabinets and decorative shelves filled with jars and utensils.
Elegant dining table set with white tablecloth and hanging pots in a cozy kitchen corner.

Kitchen in the Majestic

Architect: Mark Holmquist Architect

This Upper West Side kitchen renovation reimagines a historic Manhattan apartment at The Majestic, the landmark Central Park West building designed by architect Irwin S. Chanin and completed in 1931. The project draws from the architectural language of the Art Deco period while adapting the space to contemporary living and modern patterns of use.

Rather than replicating historical detailing literally, the design interprets the spirit of early twentieth-century New York interiors through proportion, material, color, and restraint. Streamlined cabinetry, integrated storage, and carefully composed surfaces reference the efficiency and elegance associated with classic Art Deco kitchens while maintaining a more minimal and contemporary atmosphere.

A dedicated pantry finished in deep red lacquer became a central architectural gesture within the apartment. Inspired by authentic Art Deco color palettes and decorative traditions, the space introduces richness and contrast while reinforcing the layered sequence between kitchen, pantry, and adjoining rooms. Reflective finishes and controlled lighting further emphasize depth and materiality throughout the interior.

Particular attention was given to balancing preservation with modernization. The renovation integrates contemporary appliances, updated systems, and improved functionality while respecting the architectural character of the original apartment and the broader identity of The Majestic itself.

As with many historic apartment renovations in Manhattan, the project required careful consideration of proportion, circulation, and the relationship between old and new. The resulting kitchen feels rooted in the building’s history while functioning as a refined and highly usable contemporary space.

The project reflects an approach to renovation that values historical continuity without nostalgia—creating interiors that feel timeless, specific to place, and deeply connected to the architectural heritage of New York City.

Learn more about Mark Holmquist’s approach to historic NYC renovations.