The gut renovation of a 19th century New York townhouse afforded Mark Zeff the opportunity to reinvent the concept of an urban, single-family home. Rear windows were greatly enlarged and ceilings covered in Venetian plaster to welcome in and amplify available the light. (Street-facing windows were limited by landmark regulations.) Furniture is pared down to a clutter-free minimum in the relatively small rooms. The palette is bright an neutral to keep spaces open and airy.

The media room’s iron folding doors lead to the family room beyond. A neutral rug forms the spacious island on which a large velvet sofa and mid-century coffee table comfortably reside.