John Cannon's innovative layout and design ideas helped me to maximize the useable space of my small condominium while at the same time giving the unit the feel of a much larger space. He helped me to transform a cookie-cutter unit into a unique residence, my personal retreat, reflecting my style and way of life. Homeowner

Although the space was small, this project still presented some big challenges for Cannon Frank. This modest two-bedroom apartment was initially a boring, typical apartment with several architectural problems and many storage and function concerns. Additionally, Cannon Frank’s client was far more sophisticated than the original apartment. Cannon Frank approached this project like every project: solving the issues for the client and turning the space into something unique, fresh, and extraordinary.

The original drab entry hall had three different types of doors and an exposed electrical panel. Now this same corridor is inviting, connects the entire apartment and conceals HVAC, storage areas and laundry while incorporating speakers, air vents and switches all in a seamless wall of wood. Next, Cannon Frank completely gutted the kitchen and two bathrooms to include more highly engineered storage capacity as well as warm woods for an earthy connection. The tones throughout the apartment are soft, yet the materials are rich and luxurious.

The living and dining rooms are incorporated into one space with a brilliant John Cannon custom-designed coffee table that rises to make the area suitable for both dining and entertaining.

Finally, by removing the closet in the second bedroom, the space became a quiet retreat for the client with custom-designed, sumptuous ebony and anigre cabinets, which house all AV and electronic components, and provide more suitable storage and display for artifacts. The shelves actually make the room feel larger and expand the visual space.

The end result is a modern, clean, light and dramatic pied-a-terre that is just as chic and avant-garde as the client.

Photography by Nathan Kirkman