A Sky-High Sanctuary with Soul in New York’s Hudson Yards

Perched high above Manhattan, this striking duplex penthouse on the border of Chelsea and Hudson Yards feels less like an apartment and more like a modern-day observatory - floating among the clouds, with panoramic views of the Hudson River and New York skyline. Designed by Tyson Ness, founder of Studio Ness, for a family deeply rooted in the city, this home is a bold, expressive departure from the grey-toned restraint of their former Upper East Side residence.

“I had previously worked with the clients on their Hamptons summer home, so there was already a strong level of trust and creative rapport,” Ness explains. “When it came time to design their new primary residence in Hudson Yards, they were ready for something more colourful, dynamic, and reflective of their bold art collection.”

And bold it is. Inside, street art, pop icons, and contemporary works by Damien Hirst, Andy Warhol, Mr. Brainwash, and Takashi Murakami mingle with vintage furniture and sculptural forms. From the moment you enter, the art collection asserts itself: a series of Mr. Brainwash’s George Washingtons greets visitors in the private elevator vestibule, while Warhol’s Mick Jagger anchors the hallway off the dining room.

This is a home that celebrates visual impact - but also practicality. “Inspiration came from several places, including my own love of travel - especially by ship,” says Ness. “There's something about the way ships are designed: every element is carefully considered, customised to the space, and multifunctional without ever feeling cluttered.”

That philosophy is evident in every room. The nearly 4,000-square-foot layout spans three levels and includes four bedrooms, four-and-a-half bathrooms, and over 1,800 square feet of private outdoor space. The main level includes the primary bedroom, kitchen, dining, and a double-height living room, while the top floor opens to a sprawling rooftop deck.

The living room presented the greatest design challenge: with 20-foot ceilings, two full walls of glass, and a mezzanine overhead, it needed to look beautiful from every angle. “We designed a custom, curved sofa with a sitting ledge on the back, which floats in the center of the room and allows for complete circulation while accommodating multiple sight lines - to the view, the fireplace, and the TV,” says Ness. The space is grounded by a celestial Jan-Kath rug, inspired by a Hubble telescope image, which quietly sparked a space-themed motif woven through the rest of the home.

In the children's bedrooms, the cosmic influence becomes more overt: a swirling galaxy ceiling in the eldest daughter’s room, hand-sketched moon phases in her brother’s. “One of the most memorable moments in the design process came early on, when I was informed that the eldest daughter had strong ideas for her bedroom - and wanted to share them directly,” recalls Ness.

Throughout the home, the colour palette draws directly from the family’s art. Rich inky blues, deep neutrals, and vivid statement wallpapers define the public spaces, while the bedrooms shift to softer tones for a sense of serenity. In the powder room, a Gucci tiger wallpaper makes a spirited statement, echoing the playful sophistication that permeates the home.

Despite the luxurious materials - custom corduroy and raised-cut velvet upholstery, wool-and-silk rugs, high-gloss lacquer - everything was selected with livability in mind. Custom storage solutions, built-in study areas for the kids, and durable materials speak to the family’s daily rhythms.

There’s a palpable sense of imagination in every detail - from the figured walnut bar with a glossy interior to the vintage dining chairs sourced from 1stdibs and the floating console at the entry. “Their art became the launching point for our design direction,” Ness reflects. “The result is something that feels modern but soulful, tailored but unpretentious.”

Floating above the city's ever-changing skyline, this home is more than a luxurious perch. It's a vibrant, personalized retreat that channels the energy, creativity, and contradictions of New York itself - bold and grounded, imaginative and intimate, chaotic and calm.

Credits

Interior design by Studio Ness,  Instagram: @studio.ness

Photosgraphy by Costas Picadas from Dlux Creative, Instagram: @dluxcreative

Production by Karine Monié, Instagram: @karinemonie