With exposed original brick, industrial steel doors, and classic subway tile, the pre-war apartment well reflects its metropolitan setting. “It’s quintessential New York,” describes Raver. “That definitely influenced the design because I wanted something that reminded me of the way I grew up.”

While there were challenges with Raver’s Big Apple-inspired vision as COVID-19 thwarted her remodeling plans, she was lucky to have the collaboration of Skipp and BOXI. “Almost all of my choices in this renovation had to do with the pandemic,” she admits. “The combination of Skipp and BOXI was unbelievable because I had to pivot constantly because of the supply chain issues.”

The result, however, is even better than Raver imagined. A timeless black, white, and gray palette defines the open-concept space, which is anchored by a sleek, inviting kitchen. High-end appliances are ideal for her culinary aspirations, while durable finishes accommodate her two sons. Here’s how she pulled it off.

Building a Foundation

Raver designed the entire apartment around her first purchase, BOXI by Semihandmade Mushroom Shaker cabinetry. She picked the ready-made storage system for its efficiency, quality, and aesthetic. “I wanted it to be very soothing, with clean lines, because New York can be so overwhelming and stressful at times,” she explains. “The Mushroom Shaker has this amazing calming effect, which I really love.”

The traditional, warm gray cupboards are adorned with contemporary textured black Schoolhouse pulls for a stark contrast. “My fashion style is kind of rock-and-roll chic and I was like, ‘I want to do that in the apartment,’” Raver shares. “The knurled hardware gives it a little bit of that edge, which I think is cool.”

Prioritizing Durability

For the countertops and backsplash, Raver searched for a dramatic, veined surface that was tough enough to withstand frequent use. When she discovered Laminam, she knew the porcelain material was a perfect fit. “I wanted the look of marble, but I needed something that was more durable,” she says. “It’s still smooth and has that waterfall effect on one side.”

While Raver takes advantage of the vibrant local restaurant scene, she’s also an avid home cook, so she opted for luxury, heavy-duty appliances. She paired an LG refrigerator with a Bosch dishwasher and a ZLINE range. “That was another unbelievable challenge—everything was stuck on backorder,” she remembers. “I was going to put a Viking or a Wolf in, but they weren’t available, so I found ZLINE. I’m really happy with it. I think it’s great.”

Adding New York City Flair

To complete the Manhattan vibe, Raver incorporated a bold Wall&decò flower mural and metal mesh counter stools with leather cushions. The latter choice was informed by a 1970s photograph of the subway, when the seats were a retro tan hue. These subtle nods to Raver’s hometown make all the difference, forging the ultimate connection between the kitchen and its environment.