i would put fiberglass in the joists then run 2 x 4 cross ways on the joists for thermal break and put 1 1/2 foam board in between them and cover with 5/8 drywall or if you don't mind spending the money, put up the 2 x 4's them spary foam. that will give you alot of r value maybe price it out and see

mon Several things come to mind w/blocking windows - 1st & foremost are safety - that is an egress in the event of fire/emergency - which renders the window nearly unusable for someone trying to get out and a firefighter w/Scott pak trying to get in 2nd - CODE - not sure that NYC would sign off on that design 3rd - trying to clean/use the windows 4th - esthetics - I would wonder if the design ends up appearing that the designer had no creativity or solutions Why is the designer putting all cabs & appliances on that wall anyway? W/those dimensions I would think a better layout/floorplan could be achieved - Moving the rad is not a big deal - We have steam heat in our kit (2 cast iron rads) we lost one in remodel & replaced w/elec toe kick - plumbing/heating person should do a formula - to determine size of toe kick - The heat is not as nice as steam & it is noisy when it does go on - If the rad can be relocated or incorp in design I would rec that first Good luck

Thanks everyone! We are so pleased to be done. Palimpsest, yes the shower head is at the back of the tub. bumble_doodle, we have an extra long curtain and it does not wrap around. Turns out that while we thought we'd need a wrap around, we actually don't at all. The water from the shower does not splash there at all thankfully.

I find your apartment luxurious in the layout you now have and I updated your space without major construction, i.e. not moving the dishwasher or changing the downstairs bathroom. Living in NYC, we have welcomed guests and accommodate them as best as we can. Down the road you may want to consider enlarging the master bedroom bathroom to include a bathtub and laundry (!!!). This would enormously increase the resale of your property. I love the hot plates, but a small stove top and convection oven can do everything and more permanent, again increasing the property value. Don't spend the unnecessary expense of moving the sink or dishwasher, just to turn that corner and work with what you have. A decent size counter is a large workspace and dining area. I've had the biggest and best Thanksgivings in a teeny tiny NY kitchen!