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Dytecture This actually is a spacious sized apartment for New York standard. The option in the middle is what I would pick since it provides you with a continuous run of counter space with a nice area for a breakfast table in front of the window.

yvonnecmartin I prefer the walls as in the first layout. This makes the living room and kitchen larger and the bedroom smaller. In this arrangement you would have room for a dining table (perhaps a drop-leaf) in the living room. You could even rearrange the den to make a dining room for big family occasions if you selected a table instead of a desk.

As to kitchens, I like the arrangement with the table by the window.

dbyang You have too many corridors. The gallery you need to get to the rest of the apartment. But the corridor to the laundry is wasted space. If possible, I would move the laundry closer to the bedroom, where most of the laundry comes from, and delete the wall between the kitchen and laundry. That will give you many more options on the kitchen.

Ben Herzog I agree with dbyang. Try to expand the kitchen and take over the laundry 'corridor'. Creative cabinetry or a screenwall can effectively separate the kitchen from the powder room entrance. Scheme 3 is intriguing- built-in banquette takes up less space generally but the seating isn't open enough- no one would want to slide all the way around to the corner... Good luck! -Ben

dbyang Two entries into kitchen is always a good idea. Unlike most older NYC kitchens, you have the potential of making your kitchen into a gathering place. That would be nice if you ever needed to make the study into a second bedroom, so you can entertain in both the living space and ktchen.
I would also make the closet into a pantry again. That will free up more space in the kitchen. Then hang your coats in the gallery under the upper rows of bookshelves(upper half bookshelves, lower half coats). Just an idea.

J.T. Design Your Architect is doing a great job of helping you explore these difficult issues. Be very careful soliticing information here as it will only add to your confusion. Most don't understand that all the thick walls in this plan may contain vertical elements which cannot be moved and will lead you down a design idea path your designers cannot follow. They have given you many options already, and looks like they can work with your issues much better than any of us, who have not seen the original drawings or building.

Your Architects role is to weed out the bad ideas without even showing you, as this will only cloud the main issues of designing within your budget. Express your dislike of the various corridor and lack of openess issues with them, and listen carefully to what they tell you. If you feel they are not being honest then seek out other local professionals.

2leftsocks What a great apartment. (So jealous...) Nice plans, too - all of them. I'm most partial to the first layout. Galley kitchens are classic, wonderfully efficient designs. Everything is within easy reach, with few steps. (Just make sure there's enough space for two people to work comfortably & clearance to open the fridge & cupboard doors & still walk thru.) And the dining area is spacious, well lit & offers a nice view outside. The built-in seating wall - wonderful. (esp if the seats are hinged & open to store bulk food/kitchen items.) Just enough seating for two people & a guest or so. Also, having the laundry area & powder room closed off from the kitchen offers excellent privacy - something always appreciated by guests & homeowners. Whatever you decide, when investing in a serious, expensive redo, it's said, "Design for the way you live & not the way you want to live." Meaning, don't pour money into something you will not fully utilize. People's living & entertaining habits rarely change for the long term. So, if you live modestly & entertain only once or twice a year - don't overhaul your space to please others on those few & far between occasions. Rather, design for the way YOU live, every day. When you do have big gatherings, it's more cost efficient to purchase or rent a large folding table & comfortable, pretty folding chairs. Add a nice table cloth & set it up in the living room in front of the fireplace. Can't think of a nicer evening for you & your guests. (Re the laundry "corridor". If you line the long wall with shallow floor to ceiling built-in shelving or bookcases, eg. 8"-10" deep - you can maximize the space to it's best. Extra storage is always a plus.)

yeadonite I somehow deleted my comments – thanks Ben Herzog and dbyang
I am trying to envision how to hide the bathroom with creative cabinetry and not have so much wasted space.
Thanks JT - I like my architect (he actually told me to go here for ideas) I love most of the house but the kitchen perplexes me. I have never needed an architect so maybe I don't understand his role. Also I think I might not be as good at verbalizing my thoughts or ideas. I have been searching floor plans to see what to do with an odd space that does have pipes everywhere locations. During a prior experience I had several contractors with good ideas but found one who had a similar layout and came up with a great solution. I guess that is what I am hoping for.
2leftsocks - love the name and your wisdom. My boyfriends started this process when he planned to always live alone. So now we are living together and the use of space is different. He had never used his kitchen in 22 years; I love to cook. I want a space that is comfortable for two people where I can cook and store all the food I buy at Costco.

yeadonite So this is my latest version of our apartment! Any thoughts? Still havent worked out the bathroom problem.

decoenthusiaste One of my favorite apartments had a window counter in the kitchen overlooking Mass. Avenue in DC.. Since you don't entertain, I would consider a blend of #2, with all the counter space, and #3, with more counter space wrapping around. No table or banquette, just the window spot for eating. Then get a dual use coffee table that lowers for one use and raises to become a dining table.

yeadonite decoenthusiaste - you have great vision.

NYC10023 - is the second sketch more along the lines of what you were thinking?

judyg You have smart and talented people with you on this post. The only thing I can comment on is that I watch "Selling New York" once in awhile and you have a great investment here. Wow! Real estate has done well for us. Good job. Your future is secure.

ny10023 Here it is, don't know the exact dimensions of your space and plumbing - assumed that thick walls were not movable.

ny10023 Is that the only column in that space?

ny10023 I have erased all the columns in the space, why don't you put them back in so I know where the columns are. I have changed the shape of the 2nd bedroom to have the wall next to the window perpendicular to that window.

ny10023 I have erased all the columns in the space, why don't you put them back in so I know where the columns are. I have changed the shape of the 2nd bedroom to have the wall next to the window perpendicular to that window.

yeadonite NYC 10023 Thanks for your help - my PC decided it no longer wanted to work. please see the bearing walls in red and the heaters A/C in yellow

yeadonite This is our final - it was based on where we have the best light. Any design or fine tuning is appreciated.

ny10023 I like it. Can you add washer/dryer?

yeadonite NY10023 - Thanks I was eally hoping for your input. We can I was thinking to add it to the pantry area. Any ideas?

ny10023 Minor points: is there a way to reorient fixtures in the 3rd bathroom (off LR) so that it becomes the ensuite to the study, and the ensuite to the study becomes a powder room/laundry room?

If not, I suggest a pocket door for that bathroom off the LR.

yeadonite ny10023 - No, it would require major plumbing changes and the boyfriend hates that idea. The architect and I have been trying to convince him that it makes the most sense.
I agree about the pocket door, we are getting one in the bedroom. They are expensive but seem worth the cost. Ours is about 5K in the bedroom is that reasonable?