Redefining Luxury: A Fifth Avenue Apartment Renovation  

Explore a Striking Apartment Renovation on Manhattan’s Upper East Side 

When a style-conscious couple decided it was time for a new chapter, they didn’t just move – they upgraded. Trading one elegant Upper East Side home for another, they set their sights on creating a more refined and personally meaningful space. Their destination? A stately prewar Manhattan apartment with sweeping views of the Frick Collection’s manicured gardens.  

To bring their vision to life, they turned again to interior designer David Kleinberg, a trusted creative who helped shape their previous home. Partnering with architect Peter Pennoyer, Kleinberg embarked on a complete apartment renovation – one that would emphasize elegance, modernity, and a personalized lifestyle, all within the walls of this quintessential New York residence.  

This meticulous apartment renovation results in a sophisticated, layered home that merges architectural clarity with artistic depth – a reimagined Manhattan apartment that reflects history and contemporary living.  

Reinventing the Layout: Prewar Charm Meets Modern Function  

This was no ordinary makeover. The apartment’s layout was entirely rethought to better suit the couple’s new lifestyle. It lacked openness and fluidity, and it was initially built with compartmentalized rooms and service hallways typical of prewar buildings. Through a thoughtful architectural apartment renovation, Pennoyer and Kleinberg turned it into a functional and beautiful space.  

Entryway: Art and Architecture in Perfect Balance  

The moment one steps into the apartment, it’s clear that every detail has been considered. The entryway sets a tone of quiet luxury, with black lacquered doors, marble inlays, and sculptural lighting establishing a sense of drama and refinement. At the end of the hall, a pixelated, human-shaped sculpture draws the eye forward, anchoring the space with a mix of futurism and classicism.  

This thoughtful interplay between art and architecture is a theme throughout the apartment renovation. Kleinberg, known for his careful curation, balances clean lines with emotional resonance, creating a visually calm space that is never sterile. 

Living Room: Layers of Light and Texture  

The main living room exemplifies the apartment’s refined tone. Bathed in soft, natural light, it features a neutral palette with subtle tonal shifts – ivories, warm grays, and occasional hits of gold. Plush, custom-upholstered sofas anchor the room without overwhelming it, while carefully selected sculptures and abstract artworks give the space character.  

A standout feature is the Jacques Jarrige coffee table, a swirling pearl-gray lacquer and gold leaf that feels more like sculpture than furniture. Paired with modern lighting and mirrored fireplace surround, it demonstrates how this Manhattan apartment renovation achieves harmony between form and function.  

Dining Room: Where Intimacy Meets Impact  

Adjacent to the living room, the dining room provides a moodier counterpoint. Walls finished in charcoal Venetian plaster bring depth, while crisp white chairs and Lucite-and-steel dining tables add lightness.  

The tables—one for everyday use and one for entertainment—can be joined together for dinner parties. This clever solution underscores the apartment renovation flexibility. A towering figurative sculpture lends a gallery-like atmosphere to the room, reinforcing the couple’s love of art and design.  

Main Bedroom: A Sanctuary in the City  

The primary bedroom was designed as a sanctuary, with soft textures and warm tones creating a cocoon of calm. A sculptural headboard frames the upholstered bed, while rare vintage pieces from Frances Elkins and Maison Jansen add subtle glamour. Above the bed, an abstract painting echoes the room’s color palette.  

Kleinberg‘s mastery of materials is especially evident here. From the silk wall coverings to the wool area rug underfoot, the tactile experience is as rich as the visual one. It’s a perfect example of how a Manhattan apartment renovation can be both luxurious and deeply personal.  

Study: Personal, Purposeful, and Poised  

One of the most striking aspects of this Manhattan apartment renovation is the attention given to personal work and reflection spaces. Once a spare bedroom, the study is now a rich, wood-paneled sanctuary filled with character.  

The custom-built shelves, deep-toned wood surfaces, and bold artwork on the wall create a thoughtful space that fosters creativity and clarity. Plush seating, artfully chosen books, and sculptural lighting ensure that this room is beautiful and functional, like every other in the Manhattan apartment renovation.  

A Manhattan Apartment as a Living Legacy  

Ultimately, what sets this home apart is not its style or location, though both are exceptional, but its seamless integration of architecture, design, and personal narrative. It’s not merely a place to live; it’s a living expression of who the homeowners are and how they wish to live.  

As luxury urban homes continue to evolve, this serves as a benchmark: an inspiring example of how thoughtful apartment renovation and design can elevate a space and a lifestyle. 

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HOMMÉS Studio: Design as a Signature of Style

The Manhattan apartment renovation echoes the philosophy behind HOMMÉS Studio’s design ethos: that furniture should not only serve a purpose but also tell a story. Just as this residence marries classic architecture with a modern, curated aesthetic, HOMMÉS Studio celebrates bold, sculptural design that brings identity into every space.

With a refined mix of unexpected materials, confident silhouettes, and a fearless approach to color, HOMMÉS Studio invites homeowners to shape interiors that reflect sophistication and individuality. From eye-catching consoles to custom lighting and tailored seating, each piece is conceived to become more than décor—it’s a statement of character.

Much like the narrative of the Manhattan apartment renovation, HOMMÉS Studio reimagines interiors as an extension of the self, spaces where design doesn’t just complement daily life. Still, it elevates it into something deeply personal and enduring.

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Bring Character Home with HOMMÉS Studio

The Manhattan apartment renovation is a masterclass in timeless luxury and expressive living — a harmonious blend of architectural grace and personal style. With bold shapes, rich textures, and a commitment to artistic detail, the space illustrates how interior design can reflect one’s identity while honoring refined craftsmanship.

Bring that same spirit into your own home with HOMMÉS Studio’s latest collection. Designed for those who view interiors as a canvas for self-expression, each piece is crafted to stand out. Discover sculptural furniture, statement lighting, and bespoke accents that don’t just complete a room — they define it.

Source: 1STDIBS