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Waterfront Warehouse Rehab > Episode 12: Penthouse Interior Design

Planning the Decor

Project: Waterfront Warehouse Rehab, Episode 12, Part 3

With major construction nearly complete in the penthouse apartment, interior design is ready to begin.

Project manager Chris Vila joins artisan Jonas Everets to learn more about the faux Marmorino finish that is being applied to the walls of the penthouse. A combination of marble dust, pigments, and plaster, Marmorino takes a bit of artistry to apply and gives the space a unique look. It is a multi-step process that involves masking-off the work area, applying a base primer coat, a top coat of tinted plaster, and finally a wax finish.

Next, Bob joins designers Jonathan Adler and Darren Brown to talk about their plans for the top-floor apartment. And finally, Bob travels into Manhattan to visit Adler's retail store in the SoHo shopping district.

Part 1: Applying Marmorino Plaster
Part 2: Waxing Venetian Plaster
Part 3: Planning the Decor: Bob meets with Darren Brown and Jonathan Adler to discuss the interior design of the penthouse apartment. Adler identifies the casual, open plan, and the richness of the exposed brick and wood, as the guides to his approach. He plans to put an emphasis on fabrics and furniture surfaces, and to use dark colors (which the abundance of natural light makes possible). Envisioning the space as a bachelor's pad, Adler suggests turning the second bedroom into an office. In this space, Adler would change the tone and make strong use of color and graphic patterns (in the vein of British designer David Hicks). The office, according to Adler, would have a crisp, choreographed feeling. In the bedroom, since there is so little space, Adler sees the deep mahogany windowsill serving as a storage shelf.
Part 4: Touring the Jonathan Adler Soho Boutique

Bob Vila heads to the DUMBO neighborhood of Brooklyn, NY, for this project involving an abandoned warehouse built in the mid-19th century. Bob's adaptive reuse will yield three ultra-hip apartments with commercial space at street level. Project manager is Bob's oldest son, Chris Vila, who helps guide this complete rehabilitation of a beat-up building in the city that never sleeps.

Also from Waterfront Warehouse Rehab

Episode 1 - Welcome to Brooklyn!
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Description:
Bob begins a project in Brooklyn, New York, in an area known as "DUMBO", or Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass. With beautiful downtown Manhattan in the background, Bob delivers a brief history of Brooklyn's waterfront area. Next, he joins his son, Chris Vila, who is manager of the project, to discuss what's in store. Slated for three floors of residential space, the building will reserve its ground floor for commercial use. Jared Della Valle and Andrew Bernheimer chat with Chris about possible floor plans, while Bob talks with Jacker Beyer, of Beyer Blinder Belle, about restoring the façade.
Episode 2 - Demolition and Preservation in Brooklyn
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Description:
Bob and his son Chris tour a loft space in the nearby Sweeney Building. On top of stunning views of the Brooklyn Bridge and downtown Manhattan, the building boasts a "tar beach" rooftop deck.<br> <br> David and Jed Walentas of Two Trees Development communicate their vision for the area. Back on site, demolition is underway and preservation expert Bill Higgins, of Higgins and Quasebarth, tells us more about the history of the building.
Episode 3 - Interior Demolition, Water Taxi Tour, and Framing With Metal Studs
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Description:
Interior work and demolition are progressing simultaneously. Bob and his son, the project manager Chris Vila, review three weeks' worth of progress. Work performed to date includes removing an old elevator shaft and sandblasting exposed wood and brick surfaces. A new tongue and groove plywood subfloor is being installed and basic wall framing has begun. Also, Bob takes us on a water taxi tour to learn more about the history of heavy industry along Brooklyn's waterfront.
Episode 4 - Brick Façade Restoration and Window Installation
Episode 5 - Electrical Work, Navy Yard Tour, and Insulation Install
Episode 6 - Interior Construction and Skylight Install
Episode 7 - Rooftop Work and Wood Floor Installation
Episode 8 - Marble Tile, Cherry Cabinets, and the Brooklyn Academy of Music
Episode 9 - Stone Countertop Installation and Interior Trimwork
Episode 10 - Noise Reduction and Security
Episode 11 - Roof Deck and High-Tech Bathroom Features
Episode 13 - Brooklyn Project Wrap-Up

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