During the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, architect Andrea Leung renovated a loft in a historic Manhattan building that would be her refuge in the city.
Leung installed a wall of mirrors and glass along the length of the entire apartment, a defining feature rooted in function as well as sentiment: aside from separating the private and public areas, the wall is fitted with hidden doors and inconspicuous openings, which were inspired by her fascination for the secret spaces and doorways in her grandmother’s Vancouver penthouse.
Leung chose to leave the bedroom visible to the rest of the apartment through glass panes while concealing the bathroom behind accordion mirrored panels.
Being a corner unit, the apartment is drenched in sunlight via numerous large windows and lofty ceilings, the latter achieved by knocking down a mezzanine that occupied part of the space. Against a minimalist palette of white walls and oak flooring, Leung filled her home with subtle, sophisticated elements that spell out her aesthetic: self-designed brass and walnut furniture, a geometric Lee Broom Eclipse Chandelier, veined stone kitchen and bathroom components, brass fixtures, art pieces that accent the walls.
The loft’s original cast-iron Corinthian columns were maintained, a tribute to the building’s history.
Leung is a senior associate at Steven Harris Architects and is based in New York City. Follow her on Instagram.
Photography © Sarah Elliott