Within Manhattan’s iconic Millan House — a building purchased by John D. Rockefeller Jr and designed by architect Andrew J. Thomas in 1931 — this timeless pre-war apartment has undergone a magnificent transformation, harmonising Parisian elegance with New York City cool. The result is a home that exudes refined luxury, welcoming warmth and sophisticated restraint — a place where clean French lines meet the dynamic energy of the Big Apple.
Atelier RO, led by designer Juliette Spencer, expertly navigated a delicate gut renovation of the apartment, which had remained untouched for 45 years. With a keen eye for natural materials and patina, the design team curated a neutral, understated palette of parchment tones, white oak and linen, creating an inviting atmosphere that is both elevated and laid back.
Key materials, such as alabaster, plaster and brass, bring a refined elegance throughout, from the custom millwork in the living room to the beautifully patinated hardware and plumbing fixtures.
The owners, who made a full-circle return to Manhattan from Brooklyn Heights, envisioned a home that was warm and welcoming yet effortlessly high-end. Spencer preserved the formal proportions of the classic six-apartment, but reimagined the spaces to better suit the owners' lifestyle.
The kitchen was opened up to flow seamlessly into the dining area, while the former staff quarters was transformed into a flexible office and guest bedroom. The apartment is an ode to sophisticated functionality, where every element has been thoughtfully designed for both beauty and comfort.
Vintage pieces, such as the oversized gilt mirror and an antique chandelier, are juxtaposed with contemporary designs, including the sleek De La Espada desk and the Dumais Made lamp. Each room, from the intimate TV room to the light-filled primary suite, tells a story of understated luxury, inviting both relaxation and celebration in equal measure.
In a masterclass of refinement-meets-contemporary, this apartment takes the elegant, timelessness of Paris and reimagines it for the modern New Yorker.
Text by Catherine Mo
Styling by Brittany Albert
