Upper East Side Penthouse

Project Type: Post-war gut renovation
Location: Park Ave and East 70s (Lenox Hill)
Renovation Year: 2024
Size: 2,800 sqft

A full reimagining of a Post-War apartment with great bones but a clunky configuration allowed mdg to create an open space with lots of storage and a flow that simply works.

Every inch of the apartment was detailed and layout out to maximize utility, luxury and livability for this growing family to enjoy.

Great bones with a clunky layout meant lots of opportunity to create a beautiful and spacious home

This growing family found a gem on Park Avenue with a corner view and two generous terraces.

The fundamentals of the space were great, but the layout needed help. mdg was able to completely reimagine the layout of the kitchen and living space to maximize the value for the family.

Moving the kitchen, and adding a full rear laundry and utility area drastically improved the flow and functionality of the apartment. The new finishes highlight this family’s fun and sophisticated style giving them the modern apartment they will enjoy for years to come.

Textures and Details

In the powder room, a restrained, desert-inspired palette brings warmth and cohesion to the space. Textured tile and wood-grain marble harmonize with soft Venetian plaster walls, creating a quiet yet striking monochrome environment where every surface speaks the same language of tone and texture.

The second image highlights a custom detail at the kitchen countertop, where curved veneer cabinet corners meet a thermoformed quartz countertop with a crisp beveled edge. This precision-driven detail, though technically complex, introduces a subtle elegance and clarity to the design—accentuating the finger pull and enhancing both the function and visual flow of the piece.

Navigating unpredictable conditions found in the ceilings caused a lot of headaches but also made our team get creative with integrating lighting and systems

This series of photos highlights the transformation of a kitchen, living room, and entry foyer where existing site conditions pushed us toward unexpected creativity. In the main living spaces, low ceilings and concealed beams revealed during demolition posed significant design challenges—but also opportunities. Rather than conceal or ignore them, we embraced these elements, introducing a more intricate ceiling design than initially planned. The result is a layered, sculptural overhead landscape that brings richness and depth to the space, proving that low ceilings can still have high impact.

In the foyer, a short and wide volume lacked the sense of arrival we envisioned. By subtly reconfiguring the proportions—raising the ceiling height and narrowing the footprint—we brought elegance to the entry sequence. Custom millwork with warm veneer panels now lines the space, cradling the beams and drawing the eye upward, giving the illusion of added height and setting the tone for the refined interiors beyond.