Park Avenue Apartment, NYC

Like the Fifth Avenue project, this fine pre-war apartment continues one of aRTLIFEdesign’s primary ideas: how to live better by living with less. Maureen Jerome’s goal was to clear the living space physically, psychologically, and visually. The front, corner apartment’s space is defined by generously proportioned rooms, 10-foot ceilings, and new oversized soundproof windows.

The entrance gallery has dramatic floor to ceiling glass and steel sliding doors that separate the public space from the Kitchen and Bedrooms. It opens onto a large sun-flooded loft style Living/Dining space facing Park Avenue in a celebration of openness. Given the owners’ affinity for the work of Donald Judd, the most architectural of artists, with walls painted a gallery-like soft white and Rift & Quarter-sawn Clear Oak herringbone floors stained a dark shade, the attention moves to the art collection. Washed by recessed art lighting and augmented by natural light, the two-bedroom home glows from within. Jerome’s concentration on purity of color, form, space, and materials exemplifies Judd’s thesis: the simple expression of complex thought.

The Living Room with a Moleanos Limestone Wood Burning Fireplace has architecturally designed Afrormosia bookshelves with sliding doors to conceal a Media/TV screen. The entire apartment has a highly sophisticated central air conditioning system with humidification, a high-tech LED lighting, Lutron shades, and custom walk-in closets. The stainless steel surfaces of the Bulthaup kitchen with Imperial Danby Marble surfaces dramatically defines this state of the art space which includes a Sub Zero refrigerator, Blue Starr gas range and hood, Asko washer/dryer, Miele dishwasher, and a Perlic signature wine cooler.

The exposure from the Kitchen overlooking the church is flooded with sunlight & has a beautiful view of the budding spring trees. The two master bedrooms each have en suite baths and face Park Avenue. Glacier glass tiles, a double shower, and marble counter tops distinguish the master bath.

Photography by Tom Grimes