Scarffe/Lanspe Residence — Elegant Renovation on Central Park West
Some renovations dramatically reinvent a space, while others take a quieter, more considered approach. This refined New York apartment, located in a 1930s tower on Central Park West, takes the latter path. The project blends traditional, contemporary and Midcentury influences to create a cohesive, timeless interior that feels both comfortable and sophisticated. What began as a two-bedroom apartment was reconfigured by Stonefox Architects into a single-bedroom residence, with the former second bedroom repurposed as a flexible home library and guest room. The design relies on a restrained neutral palette enlivened by thoughtful pops of color and striking wall art that give the home a distinct personality.
The Scarffe/Lanspe Residence balances modern detailing with carefully selected vintage and classic pieces—most notably the Papa Bear Chair by Hans Wegner—alongside subtle metallic accents that introduce warmth and a hint of glamour. The layout emphasizes clear, livable spaces: a welcoming living area with a conversation nook and a separate sitting area flows naturally into the dining room. Large sliding mahogany doors provide a tactile transition between the dining room and the kitchen, allowing the homeowner to open or close the plan depending on the occasion.
Although the kitchen is not oversized, its layout and custom cabinetry make excellent use of every inch. Storage is integrated to maintain clean sightlines and a calm atmosphere, so function never interrupts the room’s understated elegance. Sliding mahogany walls can conceal the cooking area for a tidy aesthetic, or open to create an extended entertaining zone when guests arrive.
Color is used sparingly but decisively. The dining area, for example, features carefully chosen hues that complement a gallery-style wall and the surrounding furnishings. Art plays an important role throughout the apartment, creating focal points and guiding the eye from one room to the next. These curated accents help the home feel lived-in and personal rather than staged.
To increase versatility, the renovation introduced a compact yet elegant home bar and a discreet workstation—both integrated so they complement the apartment’s overall aesthetic. The bedroom was refined to emphasize calm and comfort, with floating bedside surfaces and minimalist storage solutions that keep the room feeling open and serene. The bathroom received an understated upgrade as well, using stone finishes and clean lines to create a spa-like atmosphere without excessive ornamentation.
The overall approach to this renovation favors simplicity and ergonomics. Every intervention was chosen to improve daily life—clever storage, flexible rooms, and carefully curated furnishings—rather than to call attention to itself. The result is a warm, elegant urban retreat that respects the building’s history while feeling entirely contemporary and tailored to the homeowners’ needs.
