“This duplex apartment is tucked away in the heart of Morningside Heights and is home to a family of four with two young boys,” Kylie K. Bass of KKB Interiors tells us. “Morningside Heights is such a special neighborhood for families. There’s also a great sense of community here, with so many family-friendly spots like local cafes, libraries, and cultural gems. It’s the kind of neighborhood that feels warm and welcoming, with something for everyone.”

The busy young family reached out to Kylie with a few specific design needs. “The mom is a TV correspondent, so her early mornings meant it was amazing to have a space where she could get ready and enjoy her coffee without disturbing the boys downstairs,” Kylie explains. “The two boys, full of energy and big fans of baseball, inspired the addition of a mudroom on the bottom floor—perfect for coming in after their games without tracking mud through the front door.”

Hosting is also a big part of their lifestyle, so they wanted the space to feel warm and welcoming. “A top priority was designing a kitchen with the largest island possible since it’s the heart of their home and a natural gathering spot,” she shares. “Another must-have was a cozy fireplace, which we brought to life beautifully with Hearth Cabinet. The ultimate goal was to create a home that felt effortlessly functional while fostering comfort, connection, and a sense of joy for everyone who walks through the door.”

Since this was a pre-war gut renovation, the biggest challenges came from the surprises that popped up during demolition—particularly unmovable pipes in the primary bathroom. “To work around them, we had to think outside the box, dropping certain parts of the ceiling and incorporating a custom-built design to cleverly conceal the rest,” the designer recalls. “While it was a bit of a puzzle, these adjustments ended up adding unique character and a distinctive touch to the space!”

The home is a fresh take on “modern classic” design, with warm textures and the curated details Kylie’s design firm is known for. “I was involved from the very beginning, working closely with the family to design a floor plan that perfectly fit their lifestyle,” Kylie explains. “From selecting finishes to ensuring every detail came together seamlessly, I was there every step of the way—ready to tackle any curve balls and make sure their vision became a reality!”

Take a tour in the slideshow.