# Lang Architecture Revives Art Deco in East Village Apartment A 1930s building gets a modern yet restrained Art Deco-inspired transformation. - **Source:** [Design MilkInterior Design Ideas for Your Modern Home | Design Milk](https://brifing.si/source/1484120b-1655-4db8-bcd5-582962f690ac) - **Published:** 2026-09-10 - **Topic:** [Design & UX](https://brifing.si/c/design) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/d3f93fb9-1b0a-4787-9eff-cfda784a039b ## Project Overview Lang Architecture transformed two separate units in a 1930s Art Deco building into a single 1,650-square-foot family home in NYC's East Village. The renovation preserved the building's subtle Art Deco character while modernizing the space. Key features include a central great room combining kitchen, dining, and living areas, flanked by two bedroom suites. A glass-doored den serves as a flexible space for work or play. The design balances historical reverence with contemporary functionality. ## Architectural Restraint Unlike bold Midtown Art Deco landmarks, the original building featured subtle geometric brickwork and vertical window groupings. Principal Drew Lang translated this restraint indoors through coved ceilings, rounded jambs, and brass-trimmed leather drawers. Custom cabinetry was built to furniture specifications rather than as fixed millwork. This approach distilled Art Deco motifs without overwhelming the space, creating a sophisticated yet livable environment that honors the building's heritage. ## Material Palette The apartment features limewashed walls paired with Calacatta Panozzo marble slabs and warm wood surfaces. This material selection bridges vintage and contemporary aesthetics. Notable pieces include the Palm sconces by Blue Green Works and a rare Hans Bergström pendant light over the dining table. The great room showcases Jorge Zalszupin's Cubo sofa and Estudio Persona's Segment coffee table. Each material choice contributes to the restrained Art Deco revival while ensuring modern comfort. ## Blending Eras Rather than recreating 1930s decor outright, the design carefully mixes vintage and contemporary elements. The architects selected mid-century modern furniture alongside custom Art Deco-inspired details. This approach avoids pastiche while maintaining visual cohesion. The result feels timeless rather than dated, with each era's design language complementing the other. The blend respects the building's history while meeting a modern family's needs. ## Personal Touches A custom shelf designed by Lang and built by a client's relative adds a deeply personal element. This family-made piece sits among designer furniture and premium materials, creating meaningful contrast. Such details embody Lang Architecture's philosophy of 'generational sustainability through connected design.' The inclusion of heirloom-quality custom work ensures the space reflects its inhabitants' story as much as its architectural heritage. ## Spatial Strategy The floor plan centers on a formal entry opening directly into the great room, creating an immediate sense of space. Bedroom suites anchor opposite ends for privacy, with the versatile den acting as a buffer. This layout maximizes natural light flow while providing distinct zones. The architects carefully considered circulation patterns to accommodate family life, proving thoughtful planning can make 1,650 square feet feel expansive yet intimate. ## Lighting Design Lighting plays a crucial role in the apartment's ambiance. The vintage Palm sconces and Bergström pendant provide warm, directional light that highlights architectural details. Their placement creates layered illumination that changes throughout the day. The fixtures serve as both functional elements and sculptural objects, reinforcing the Art Deco influence without literal reproduction. This lighting strategy enhances the space's material richness and spatial qualities. ## Design Philosophy This project exemplifies Lang Architecture's approach to historic renovations. By interpreting rather than copying Art Deco, they created a home that feels contemporary yet rooted. The emphasis on generational sustainability shows in material choices and flexible spaces designed to evolve with the family. The successful blend of personal, historical, and modern elements demonstrates how thoughtful design can honor the past while serving present needs and future adaptability. ## Sources covering this story - https://design-milk.com/lang-architecture-east-village-apartment/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._