This NYC penthouse is both chic and child-friendly

An impending arrival brought about the redesign of this penthouse apartment

penthouse
(Image credit: Grisoro Studio / Photography: Kirsten Francis)

THE PROPERTY

A recently renovated 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom triplex penthouse condominium in Nolita (aka North of Little Italy), New York City.

The modern apartment includes three private outdoor spaces that open west and east offering 360º views over Manhattan.

The penthouse is the home of Gabriela Gargano, founder, Grisoro Studio. She shares her home with her husband and new born, Alba, having redesigned it this summer for their new arrival. 

'I didn't specifically design for a child, but allowed it to be a factor in selecting fabrics and creating the floor plan,' says Gabriela. 'We left open spaces in the living room to allow for some room to play, leaned towards curved pieces over sharp corners and favoured durable, natural fibres like wool for the upholstery'.

LIVING ROOM

The focal point of the living room is a gas fireplace hearth set within a marble wall. 

Beautiful bespoke joinery provides storage and a chic display area for art and objet, safely out of reach of little hands.

penthouse

(Image credit: Grisoro Studio / Photography: Kirsten Francis)

See Also: Stylish White Living Room Ideas

Sunlight floods the living room through oversized windows and glass doors off the West terrace, which features ipe wood decking and an irrigation system for the garden.

Furniture with curved edges offers a safe path for a little one, whilst still remaining stylish.

penthouse

(Image credit: Grisoro Studio / Photography: Kirsten Francis)

DINING AREA

The dining room features built-in shelving in the form of a low, long bookshelf, with a gallery wall above.

Gabriela studied Art History at Brown University and has a particular interest in Ottoman art.

She loves collecting and working with vintage furnishings, such as the dining chairs. Not only because of their history and that it's environmentally friendly, but also because they tend to have a smaller profile, which is particularly helpful for city living

penthouse

(Image credit: Grisoro Studio / Photography: Kirsten Francis)

KITCHEN

The windowed kitchen and dining area overlook the East balcony. The muted palette flows throughout the space. A 146-bottle Subzero wine fridge and dry bar ensure easy entertaining.

penthouse

(Image credit: Grisoro Studio / Photography: Kirsten Francis)

See Also: Gorgeous Grey Kitchen Ideas

PRINCIPAL BEDROOM

The bedroom adjoins an ample walk-in wardrobe by California Closets and a chic ensuite bathroom. 

penthouse

(Image credit: Grisoro Studio / Photography: Kirsten Francis)

BATHROOM

The marble clad bathroom has dual sinks, a large walk-in shower, and Watermark fittings.

penthouse

(Image credit: Grisoro Studio / Photography: Kirsten Francis)

NURSERY

Gabriela wanted Alba's room to feel youthful, yet be a space that suited the rest of the home, and provide a style that she could grow with. 

She has used a mix of vintage and modern pieces such as the Kalon crib and the mid-century chair and ottoman.

The art is a mix of new work and vintage pieces bought on the couple's travels. 

penthouse

(Image credit: Grisoro Studio / Photography: Kirsten Francis)

TERRACE

Head upstairs to the private roof deck with 360º views of New York, which include the Empire State Building.

Gabriela worked with Katonah Roots to add custom planters with tall evergreen trees to flank the side of the terrace and provide beautiful year round greenery.

An irrigation system on a timer was installed to allow for a maintenance free garden.
The irrigation timer is by Hunter and used in conjunction with components from Netafirm.

penthouse

(Image credit: Grisoro Studio / Photography: Kirsten Francis)

See Also: This 19th century New York brownstone townhouse features a refreshingly modern interior

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Jacky Parker is a London-based freelance journalist and content creator, specialising in interiors, travel and food. From buying guides and real home case studies to shopping and news pages, she produces a wide range of features for national magazines and SEO content for websites


A long-time contributor to Livingetc, as a member of the team, she regularly reports on the latest trends, speaking to experts and discovering the latest tips. Jacky has also written  for other publications such as Homes and Gardens, Ideal Home, Red, Grand Designs, Sunday Times Style and AD, Country Homes and Interiors and ELLE Decoration.