The kitchen and living room were at opposite corners of this pre-war apartment--thirty paces apart. By uniting the common spaces, we doubled their size, allowing the entire Riverside Park view in one glance. Our new windows set a standard for this Landmark building. The new oak floors are long planks in the bedrooms and herringbone in common spaces. Our kitchen sink and island were carved from the same block of soapstone. And we added central air without the luxury of outdoor space. By taking charge of both architecture and decorating, we made the finishes and furnishings a seamless whole.