RINARISA CORONEL-DEFRONZE NYC’S APARTMENT!

Rinarisa Coronel–DeFronze apartment after total remodel (above)

When I received these pictures of Rinarisa Coronel–DeFronze’s sophisticated and stylish downtown New York City apartment (which she shares with her husband), I literally said out loud “GREAT!”. The photos put an immediate smile on my face. All I could think of was …how perfect, how well done, how well planned, how lovely, how chic and how much I really loved this apartment and the designer’s sense of style!

Rinarisa is a trained lawyer but also has an eye self-trained for interior design and decor – a self-taught interior design and decor aficionado. She and her husband remodeled and decorated this apartment themselves. Rinarisa daringly took on the challenge of completely gutting and remodeling a downtown east side NYC apartment. She took on the challenge and won hands down; successfully creating a delightful, well designed and extremely livable space.

Architectural plans for apartment remodel (above)

I asked Rinarisa six questions about her New York City apartment remodel…six questions with answers that I think readers will find inspiring. Here goes:

Coco: Had you ever renovated/remodeled anything before this project?
Rinarisa: Yes, I have done a previous renovation in my other apartment I owned with my sister. My taste and style has certainly evolved since then!

BEFORE: Kitchen and entry hall (above)

AFTER: Kitchen and entry hall with Bertoia counter stools(above)

Coco: Why did you decide to take on this big project?
Rinarisa: My husband (then fiancé) and I purchased this apartment late in October 2006. We loved the 4 large windows with southern exposure in the living room, high ceilings and downtown location but knew it had to be gut renovated before we moved in. Not renovating was NOT an option for us.

BEFORE: Kitchen during remodel with drywall up and electric and plumbing complete it looks like (above)

AFTER: Kitchen impeccably finished with stainless steel cabinets and stainless tile backsplash (above)

Coco: How long did the project take?
Rinarisa: It took approximately 7 months from start to finish before we were able to move in.

BEFORE: Entry hall

AFTER: Entry hall complete with crown molding, ceiling medallion, trim decorative molding on walls and a wonderful drum shade chandelier (above).

AFTER: Entry hall (above)

Coco: What is your design inspiration?
Rinarisa: I love the modern look but still want the room to be warm and inviting which I think can be achieved through the right architecture and antique pieces. I am also attracted to the glamour of old Hollywood and the appeal of mid-century modernism. Also, my husband’s father is an antique dealer so I would be remiss if I did not credit my husband for being part of my inspiration and sounding board for his impeccable taste and attention to detail in furnishings that he inherited from being surrounded by valuable antiques his entire life.

BEFORE: Living room reverse with tall windows and exposed brick

AFTER: Living room reverse angle

Coco: What is your favorite room and why?
Rinarisa: I absolutely love the living room – its bright, airy and furnished with some beautiful antiques (zebra rug, Lucite stool, Lucite chair and roman head) that my father in-law gave to us as housewarming presents.

BEFORE: Living room angle from kitchen POV (above)

AFTER: Living room from kitchen POV (above)

AFTER: Living room featuring a Jonathan Adler Lampert Sofa

Coco: Please name just a few items/pieces of furnishing that you love and where you found.
Rinarisa: In addition to the pieces I just mentioned above I absolutely love the bench in my bedroom – I purchased the stool on ebay for a steal, had my husband paint it with a highgloss white finish and had this great upholsterer in the lower east side put on the emu leather (a great vinyl knock off I found on-line) with the chrome nail head trim. It was a custom piece I was able to put together for under $500! My other favorite piece is this peacock blue crackled Chinese lamp I found at an antique fair in Amagansett (in the Hamptons)

AFTER: Bedroom with upholstered headboard, white linens with red embroidery, exposed brick wall.

AFTER: Bedroom with stool

I will post Rinarisa’s wonderful bathroom remodel photos on another day…more Rinarisa’s “Warm Modern” style to come!

If you have any more questions about Rinarisa’s gorgeous remodel and decor finds, she says you can email her: [email protected].

Rinarisa, thank you and your husband for generously sharing your AMAZING apartment remodel before and after photos. Your designs are truly inspiring!