Architect Visit: Peter Himmelstein in NYC

This five-story Gramercy Park townhouse is owned by Carin van der Donk and actor Vincent D’Onofrio (of Law and Order fame) who enlisted architect Peter Himmelstein to completely renovate the structure in 2007. The architects maintained the integrity of the building, infusing it with modern touches; interior designer Jan Eleni Lemenades of Jan Eleni Interiors brought a sense of exuberance to the interiors (her specialty is children’s rooms), choosing a color palette reflecting Netherlands-born Van der Donk’s Dutch sensibility and outfitting the adult spaces with a Lindey Adelman chandelier and classic midcentury pieces from Cherner and Wegner.

Above: The architects installed a low wall across the banisters that works both as as a safety barrier but also creates a work space for young children.