The proportions of the loft’s existing spaces were right, so she left the layout untouched, but everything else got a makeover. “I used all new finishes and fixtures, designed new lighting and window treatments and worked closely with local craftspeople to add one-of-a-kind pieces,” says Kwong. In the living room, Kwong selected navy-and-silver striped fabric for the curtains, making a luxurious background for a rustic coffee table and a pair of custom-made leather sling chairs. The rolled-arm sofa is upholstered with Belgian linen and dressed up with velvet throw pillows.

As an emergency room doctor, Brian keeps odd hours. This polished guest bedroom doubles as his study and late-night crash pad, and gives him a place to display his art, records and turntable.