The renovation of an apartment in a noted Portland landmark plays a set of distinct elements and concise alterations against a restored historic interior. The original plan was well organized and offered both privacy and openness. As opposed to wholesale changes to the space, the apartment’s solid plaster walls were preserved and an extensive library was divided out into three separate rooms. The new built-in shelving units are finished medium grey and read as independent free-standing blocks. Their reveals align with the existing base trim dimensions.

Restored doors and molding were painted flat white and the brass hardware was stripped, cleaned, and allowed to oxidize. The bath is lined with white tile. A mirror-polished stainless steel shelf and T8 light fixture integrate with a large surface-mounted mirror. New fixtures, accessories, and lighting are characterized by their pure forms.