As the founder and lead designer at Sygrove Associates Design Group, I’ve spent over thirty years leading a brilliant team of interior designers in transforming lobbies and hallways in New York City’s co-op and condo buildings.

We are often asked to do a “lobby refresh,” which typically means the Board or property management wants to do as little as possible to enhance the building’s image.

Assuming that it functions well now, a lobby refresh may be an ideal solution. Here are three elements of a “functioning” lobby:

1. The doorman station is in an optimum location to greet arriving residents and guests.
2. It is located in close proximity to the package area, eliminating the need to construct a new package room or ADA-compliant ramp.
3. The entry doors function with a tight seal from wind and drafts.

If you answered yes to these questions, then your lobby has the functional foundation that makes a refresh both practical and cost-effective. With the basics working in your favor, the designers can focus your budget on the visual and aesthetic improvements that will transform residents’ daily experience.

New York’s pre-war lobbies, which number in the hundreds, often just need the right attention. These lobbies often feature amazing materials like marble or terrazzo floors in classic patterns and marble walls with marble trim caps. Those with elaborate plaster crown moldings and ceilings showcase the great design and craftsmanship of their era.

For these architectural gems, our typical lobby refresh includes:

• Plaster Repair. Many pre-war buildings feature plaster embellishments; repairing them restores their original glory.
• Upgrading Lighting. We often retrofit existing decorative fixtures with LED, add a strategic sprinkling of downlights, or even a ceiling cove – all of these do wonders to brighten up a dim lobby.
• New Paint or Wallcoverings. We research the building and the era in which it was built to create a color palette that honors the past and elevates the lobby’s historic character.
• Furniture Refinishing and Reupholstering. We often use the period pieces that are already in the lobby – if they are in good condition, adding new cushions or having them completely re-upholstered has a significant impact.
• Doorman Desk Additions or Replacement. When the doorman’s station needs an upgrade to accommodate new technology, we either add to it or replace it totally – but always with details that reference existing pieces so the new elements blend seamlessly with the older ones.

Post-War buildings are another story entirely. If the existing flooring is neutral enough to retain, then our refresh will focus on paint colors and wall covering replacement, furniture editing and/or replacement, and lighting upgrades.

Post-war buildings may not have the ornate details of their pre-war counterparts, but they offer clean lines and flexibility that respond beautifully to contemporary updates.

• Lighting. Upgrading the lobby lighting is always transformative.
  Often, we use a “statement” piece as a focal point in a lobby to give the building a sense of place. Additional and various lighting sources add interest, such as supplementary downlighting and sconces. Other lighting options would be floor lamps and table lamps in the right lobby setting.
• Artwork & Accent Features. We love artwork and accents. Removing or changing the artwork and accent features can make the old lobby feel like a completely redesigned lobby.
• Paint & Wallcoverings. We always recommend a fresh coat of paint on the walls, ceilings, painted doors, and trim. It’s amazing how new paint can bring a dull lobby back to life.
• Furniture. We strive to utilize existing pieces and refurbish them. However, sometimes we have to remove them altogether and replace them with new pieces that are true to the building’s period. In this way, we celebrate the clean lines and uplifting character of the post-war era.

At Sygrove Associates Design Group, we take the time to thoroughly understand your specific needs, then personally direct all interior design, planning, and installation activities. Our work has been delighting clients, co-op and condo boards, and homeowners for over 30 years.

It all starts with a design consultation. We help you achieve consensus with everyone involved—from the Board to building management to residents.

You can reach me by email at hello@sygrove.com or call me directly at 212.757.0631.