“When we went into the unit, it was original,” Fortuño said. “It was the original design with the original finishes. … Obviously, there was a lot of work that needed to happen. But we took the opportunity, given that here at the Watergate the [spaces] between columns are quite big compared to new buildings, it gave us the opportunity to take down some walls and open up this space.”
“We took a lot of ideas from the famous architect [Ludwig] Mies van der Rohe,” Fortuño said. “Less is more. … We tried to do less because I think that opens the space for interpretation.” Fortuño opened the kitchen to the family room, which brought natural light into the space. The peninsula, which extends about 10 feet and is topped by white granite with a waterfall edge, can seat five people comfortably. Many mornings the family gathered there for breakfast. The high-gloss lacquered cabinetry by Downsview was imported from Canada.
Another clever use of lighting came in the powder room. Fortuño took a piece of alabaster for the vanity and illuminated it from behind to give it a warm glow.The fireplace surround is a work of art. The Fantasy Brown marble is bookmatched, meaning the two adjoining surfaces mirror each other. The effect gives the impression of flames leaping up the wall.