Nestled within a historic building on West 67th Street in New York City, this two-story grand salon was reimagined as a classic, trend-transcendent space. Originally built in 1903, the apartment was purchased as a wedding gift. Designer Toni Sabatino took on the challenge of blending old-world charm with modern functionality in this space.
An Individual Touch
This project was a fresh start for the homeowners and needed a designer with heart. Sabatino’s client-focused approach — as well as her knowledge of technology and design — is what got her the job. These high-profile clients were book collectors and travelers, and they wanted to highlight these facets of their lives while maintaining a comfortable living space.
“The homeowner hired me because the other designer she interviewed had researched the apartment, but he didn’t ask her anything about herself,” says Sabatino.
By asking the client to share personal inspirations — such as her favorite dresses in pale blue and rich red — Sabatino created a design deeply rooted in the homeowner’s identity.
“The apartment was a backdrop for new beginnings,” Sabatino reflects. “It was about taking a lifestyle and turning it into something that felt like home.”
The scope of the renovation extended far beyond aesthetics, aiming to reflect the homeowners’ unique personalities. The main focal point was the book collection, but other highlights included the fireplace and the large windows. The team custom-built rolling ladders and millwork to underscore the homeowner’s treasured books while incorporating lighting into the shelves for a dramatic yet functional effect. Every design decision — from paint colors to furniture placement — contributed to the room’s harmonious ambiance.
The Hidden Technology Solution
The homeowners wanted a discreet entertainment solution to avoid disrupting the room’s timeless aesthetic. The solution was Nexus 21 and its innovative motorized lift system.
“I felt that the Nexus 21 L-65 was the appropriate solution to make sure that they could watch the television,” says Sabatino. “So, we built the scenario for the TV to come up.”
The lift system allowed the 55-inch television to rise from a custom-built enclosure and swivel, enabling viewing from multiple angles. The TV is visible from the sofa, and, if the homeowners want to lie on the daybed by the fireplace, the TV can swivel out in view.
This thoughtful solution extends the functionality of the room, doubling as a family movie space or even as a holiday caroling area, with lyrics displayed on the screen for group sing-alongs. When the homeowners are working or enjoying their book collection, the TV discreetly slides down into the cabinet out of view, leaving the décor and the books as the main focus.
Nexus 21’s motorized specialty lifts offer a seamless solution for integrating televisions into spaces where discretion and design are paramount. These innovative systems allow TVs to remain hidden in custom cabinetry, as well as ceilings, or walls, preserving the room’s aesthetic when the screen is not in use. With smooth, quiet operation, the lift can reveal the TV at the push of a button, providing convenient access to entertainment without compromising the room’s style.
Ideal for multi-purpose spaces, these lifts create the flexibility to enjoy technology when needed and effortlessly conceal it when it’s not, making them perfect for living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, or even outdoor areas. Nexus 21’s motorized lifts ensure that technology complements the space rather than dominating it, enabling homeowners to achieve a balance between functionality and design.
Working Around History
Retrofitting technology into this century-old space came with its share of lessons. The hunt for better technology started with the network, which suffered because of the building’s thick walls. Addressing connectivity issues required innovative wiring solutions and working around thick walls, gas pipes, and large round columns. In the end, crown molding was installed to hide additional wiring.
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This project demonstrates the power of thoughtful design and innovative technology. The Nexus 21 hidden TV lift seamlessly integrated modern functionality into a historic home, ensuring practicality without sacrificing beauty. Along with the designer’s meticulous attention to detail and commitment to reflecting the homeowners’ passions, this historic New York City apartment is a timeless haven where history and modernity coexist in perfect harmony.
For more information about Toni Sabatino Style visit https://tonisabatinostyle.com/. For more information about the Nexus 21 L-65 mount used in this project, visit https://www.tvlift.com/tv-lifts/pop-up-tv-lifts/model-l-65/.
