The New Urban Luxury: Designing Penthouse Apartments That Feel Like Private Homes

As cities grow more densely populated and urban living becomes the norm for many affluent individuals, the concept of luxury living is evolving. Traditionally, luxury was synonymous with expansive suburban homes—large yards, privacy, and tranquility. Today, the new frontier of urban luxury lies in designing penthouse apartments that recreate this same feeling of privacy and personal space while being situated high above bustling city streets.

The Blend of Privacy and Space

One of the biggest challenges in urban penthouse design is creating the sense of separation and refuge that homeowners seek. I've worked on multiple projects where this was the core design goal—bringing the serenity of suburban living into city environments. In a recent Manhattan penthouse I designed, the layout centered around partitioning spaces to create distinct zones of relaxation, work, and socialization. By integrating biophilic elements such as indoor plants, floor-to-ceiling windows that open onto expansive terraces, and custom-made partitions, the space exuded a sense of personal retreat.

Another project, a penthouse in Brooklyn Heights, focused on optimizing privacy by creating visual and acoustic barriers between spaces. We installed soundproof walls and used soft textiles throughout to dampen urban noise while crafting rooms that felt separate yet open. This created the perfect environment for a family who wanted to feel connected to the city without sacrificing the peace they enjoyed in their previous suburban home.

Bringing Nature Into the City

Designing penthouses to mimic the feel of suburban homes isn’t just about privacy—it's also about bringing elements of nature into urban spaces. I often work with clients who crave a connection to the outdoors even within city limits. In a penthouse overlooking Central Park, we included a living wall, which not only improved air quality but also created a lush, tranquil environment for the owners. The use of natural materials, such as stone, wood, and marble, was essential to crafting a warm, home-like atmosphere amidst the glass-and-steel skyline.

In another project in NYC, we designed a spacious rooftop garden that wrapped around the penthouse, blurring the lines between inside and outside. The goal was to create an outdoor space that felt like a private garden, despite being several stories above the city. A seamless transition between the interior and the exterior was achieved through large sliding doors and matching materials that created visual continuity.

Tailored to the Individual

Each penthouse I design is a reflection of the individual client's lifestyle, and luxury is defined by how well the space serves their needs. In a West Village apartment for an art-collecting couple, we created gallery-style walls with hidden storage to display their collection of rare pieces while maintaining a clean, minimalist aesthetic. The lighting was a crucial part of the design, with adjustable systems that allowed them to spotlight individual pieces or create an intimate ambiance.

For another client, a tech entrepreneur based in Tel Aviv, we crafted a high-tech sanctuary with integrated smart home systems that allowed every function of the home—from lighting to climate control—to be managed with ease. The key to luxury in urban living often lies in the small, seamless touches that make life effortless.

Designing for the Future of Urban Living

As city living continues to evolve, so does the way we approach luxury design. Penthouses are no longer just about impressive views and high-end finishes; they’re about creating personalized sanctuaries that offer the comfort, privacy, and tranquility of suburban homes. Whether through integrating nature, designing for privacy, or tailoring spaces to the client’s unique needs, the future of urban luxury lies in designing spaces that don’t just look beautiful but also elevate how we feel and live in them.

Would you like help transforming your city apartment into a personalized, luxurious retreat? Reach out to discuss how we can bring the comforts of suburban living to your urban home.

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Written by Carole Vaudable, interior designer