Perched atop a historic 1929 Rosario Candela building on New York City’s iconic Central Park West, this penthouse blends timeless elegance with modern sophistication. Designed by Alec Holland, an interior designer known for his passion for mid-century aesthetics and a keen eye for contemporary details, this home is an extraordinary testament to luxury and ethical living.
Holland’s work in this space showcases his deep-rooted admiration for mid-century design, a style that has influenced him throughout his career. Yet, he faced the unique challenge of infusing the apartment with modern elements that felt fresh, rather than nostalgic. “I grew up surrounded by mid-century aesthetics, so I was excited to have a space where we could really lean into some of my favourite designs and designers,” Holland shares. The outcome is a home that retains mid-century charm while embracing contemporary minimalism, a perfect synthesis of past and present.
Design Elements That Speak to the Soul
The penthouse spans two stories and encompasses 4,223 square feet, with five bedrooms and five and a half bathrooms. Its crowning feature is a wraparound terrace that seamlessly bridges the indoor and outdoor spaces, offering an urban sanctuary with sweeping views of Central Park. Inside, the designer opted for a neutral colour palette enhanced by warm walnut tones and creamy textured fabrics, creating a serene, sophisticated atmosphere.
Holland’s careful selection of materials sets a distinct tone, blending comfort and style. Faux leathers were chosen for the dining chairs and bed to meet the ethical living requirements of the owners, aligning with their vegan lifestyle. The designer’s commitment to sustainability shines through in every detail - from the white boucle sofa, which adds an air of luxury, to the playful pops of mustard-yellow side chairs that provide a lively contrast.
A Space That Invites Calm Amidst City Life
“New York can be overwhelming, and I always want my projects to feel like a respite from the outside world,” Holland notes. Each detail in this penthouse has been meticulously curated to offer peace and comfort, from the walnut wood furniture and textured fabric finishes to the carefully chosen 20th-century-inspired hues. The living room is centered around a daring 10-foot-long sofa, which posed its own logistical challenge during installation. Holland recalls the unique experience of transporting the piece, which involved movers balancing it atop an elevator - a feat that, despite its risks, added an adventurous chapter to the project’s story.
Art and Craftsmanship as Centerpieces
Art plays a crucial role throughout the space, elevating the home’s design and reinforcing its sophisticated yet inviting ambiance. From the custom flower-shaped glass structure in the dining room to the vintage Mogens Koch bookcase and artwork by Menashe Kadishman in the living room, each piece adds depth and personality. Holland’s passion for showcasing the work of contemporary artisans is apparent in the custom furniture pieces and collaborations with manufacturers like ROOM and Visual Comfort.
The penthouse’s terrace features modern loungers from Frontgate and a cosy Blu Dot seating area, enhancing the seamless indoor-outdoor lifestyle that defines this exceptional home. The entryway, designed with a custom table from Global Home and wallpaper from Farrow & Ball, introduces visitors to the home’s creative spirit from the first step inside.
When the clients reached out about moving to the penthouse within the same building, the designer jumped at the opportunity to start a new journey together. The opportunity to work with them on the penthouse was one he eagerly embraced. “I had worked with these clients about six years ago when they first moved into the building, and the experience was a joy”, Holland reflects.
The renovation process presented its share of challenges, with the apartment still under construction when Holland stepped in to advocate for his clients. The collaboration took over a year to complete, marked by ongoing dialogue with the contractors and a meticulous attention to detail that sometimes tested their patience. But the effort paid off, resulting in a home that embodies Holland’s vision: a stunning, harmonious space that merges mid-century flair with modern elegance.
Interior design: Alec Holland, (Instagram @mr.alecholland)
Photographer: Trevor Parker (Instagram @trevorbparker)
