Modern Carnegie Hill duplex living room with a blue velvet sectional sofa, gray pillows, round wooden coffee tables, built-in fireplace, and open kitchen. Decorative shelves with white vases and abstract wall art are visible in the background, with natural light brightening the space.

duplex ph on carnegie hill

After having previously renovated their Bridgehampton shingle-style house, Anik Pearson Architect was commissioned again to redesign their clients’ newly purchased rooftop duplex apartment along the Museum Mile in the Expanded Carnegie Hill Historic District. The penthouse floor, originally hastily constructed during the Great Crash of 1929, needed a full reconstruction to stabilize its shell while its core required a complete update. The redesign of the openings at the bulkhead achieved the delicate balance of preserving historical Neo-Renaissance features conceived by the original architect, while reconfiguring the openings beyond, satisfying both preservationists and clients. Large expanses of glass were added, creating a meaningful connection to the wrap-around terrace, and expanding the views of both Central Park and the East River on the opposite side. Working on a top-floor apartment was an opportunity to re-engineer the roof, opening the ceiling to the sky to flood the upper rooms with natural light while introducing lightwells to reach the deeper parts of the apartment below.

Collaborating with the interior designer, the team clad the rooms with stone, wood veneers, custom metalwork, and hardware. Oak, walnut, teak, and olive woods were introduced for their beautiful grains. In the family room, floor-to-ceiling book-matched walnut veneer panels trimmed with metal edging enhanced the room with warmth and texture. Hard surfaces included figured Burlesque marble, linking the entrance foyer to the family room in geometric abstraction. A lively quartzite was chosen as a feature wall in the double-height stairwell, mimicking a waterfall. The master bathroom was clad in a deep blue Azul Macauba, recalling aquatic landscapes. Integrated lighting throughout was designed to discreetly illuminate planes, edges, and recesses, highlighting unique features in every room.

Modern living room with a patterned rug, wooden bench with a black-and-white cushion, yellow bolster, geometric side table, marble wall, large window, brass ceiling fan, wooden paneling, and a blue sofa in an adjacent room. Natural light fills the space.
Modern living room with eclectic, stylish furniture, sculptural white sofa, round glass coffee table, geometric rug, unique chandelier, large windows, potted plants, and a wall-mounted TV. Soft lighting and warm colors create an inviting, contemporary atmosphere.
Modern living room with marble fireplace, glass coffee table, purple armchairs, neutral sofas, abstract art on walls, bookshelf, large chandelier, wood and marble textures, and decor objects throughout the bright, airy space.
A modern room features a light blue cabinet with unique brass handles, a woven vase, and a white abstract sculpture on top. A gold and white floor lamp stands nearby. The wall is wood-paneled, and part of a patterned rug and sofa are visible in the foreground.
Mid-century modern living room with a yellow sofa, three dark pillows, a wavy rug, and a lamp. The wooden wall has a green artwork showing an upright hand. Glass table with a round lamp and decorative items; framed art hangs beside the painting.
Modern dining room with a white table, sculptural black candle holders, blue chairs, purple cabinetry, artistic wall mural, white vases, glassware on shelves, and a geometric wooden ceiling. Natural light enters from a large window to the left.
Modern kitchen with white countertops, gas stove, and wooden cabinets opens to a living area with a blue sofa, dining table, and large window overlooking a cityscape. Decorative vases line a shelf on the right. A fruit bowl sits on the island.
Modern kitchen with light wood cabinetry, white countertops, island with sink, two dark stools, dining table, green vase, bowl of lemons, wall art, lounge chair, large window, and outdoor view with metal beams and a wooden structure. Bright, minimalist decor.
Modern dining nook with a geometric wood table, navy blue built-in bench, single black chair, green apple centerpiece, wall-mounted lamps, large windows, and a door opening to a terrace with city views and wooden privacy slats.
A modern living room with an orange sofa, assorted colorful pillows, a knit blanket, a small succulent plant on a coffee table, and a wood-paneled accent wall with built-in lights. Stairs and textured wall panels are visible in the background.
Modern bedroom with a gray upholstered bed, neutral bedding, two wood nightstands with lamps, two windows above the headboard, a white blanket on the bed, and a marble bench at the foot of the bed. Minimalist decor and soft, natural lighting.
A modern hallway with white closets and wood cabinets leads to a bright bathroom with glass shower, blue-gray walls, and a gold accent table. Soft lighting runs along the floor, and a beige rug covers the hallway.
Modern bathroom with glass shower, blue-waved tile accent wall, wooden vanity with gold basin, folded towels on shower door and wall hook, black-framed window, white floor, and two bottles and a canister on a shelf. Minimalist design with clean lines.
Rooftop patio with wooden seating, colorful cushions, flower planters, and decorative tables. Tall building in the background under a partly cloudy sky. Lush plants and grasses line the deck of this inviting Carnegie Hill duplex, creating a relaxed and welcoming outdoor atmosphere.
Modern living-dining room in a Carnegie Hill duplex with blue sofa, geometric chairs, wooden panel wall, and city skyline at sunset visible through large windows. Stylish lighting fixtures, contemporary decor, and lush plant enhance the cozy, elegant atmosphere.

duplex ph on carnegie hill

  • Interior Design by Jenny Vorhoff of Studio Riga
  • Landscape Architecture by Holly Wood & Vine
  • Photography by Annie Schlechter
  • Featured in Luxe Interiors + Design