Lenox Hill is a minimalist apartment located in New York City, designed by Atelier RO. This 2,000-square-foot classic six apartment in the 1931 Andrew J Thomas-designed Millan House on land purchased by John D Rockefeller Jr demonstrates how Parisian design sensibilities can inform Manhattan pre-war apartment renovations. The project untouched for 45 years required delicate gut renovation for couple relocating from Brooklyn Heights to Lenox Hill where the husband was born and raised.

The Parisian inspiration driven by both owners and designer Juliette Spencer’s admiration for French designer Joseph Dirand’s clean lines combines with shared love of natural materials and patina creating laid-back luxury atmosphere. The warm welcoming environment avoids preciousness while elevated finishes suit empty-nester owners without pets who maintain tidy household. Parchment tones and natural materials prevail including white oak, linens, and leathers while lighting pieces employ plaster, alabaster, ceramic, and brass with unlacquered brass hardware and plumbing developing patina over time.

The stripped-back original flooring receives very matte finish avoiding excessive perfection and polish while limestone floor in kitchen and marble in kitchen and bathrooms with Tadelakt plaster bathroom walls add warmth to formal classic six layout. The previous 45-year owner’s antique gilt mirrors and original dining room chandelier were purchased and reused, demonstrating how existing elements can contribute character when integrated thoughtfully.

The back-of-house spaces reworking allows more gracious kitchen and office area maintaining formal main area proportions while opening divided kitchen previously broken into cooking area, laundry room, and butler’s pantry. Laundry moves toward back entrance while maid’s room transforms into office-TV room and small powder room where client works several days weekly with daybed sleeper for three visiting children during holidays.

Living room custom bleached walnut arched millwork discreetly houses TV below rising on lift with shelving above showcasing client collections of found objects and artworks flanking new minimal limestone fire-surround by Atelier Jouvence and alabaster Rewire LA wall sconces. Oversized vintage gilt mirror purchased at Austrian auction reflects light paired with De La Espada leather desk and Dumais Made table lamp beneath monolithic refinished douglas fir coffee table with Woven rug and Montauk Sofa.