Subtlety had no place in the design of a luxury apartment with views as grand as the city itself. "Right from the start I wanted you to have a visual impact," says interior designer Vern Yip. "I wanted every room in the unit to celebrate the city." The front entry boasts rich wood flooring, dramatic artwork and furnishings sourced at locations throughout the city – from high-end boutiques to world-famous flea markets.

Wire-brushed walnut flooring provides a warm welcome in the hallway. Vern selected the traditional flooring to contrast with the building's modern exterior spaces. "I specifically laid the floor length-wise so that when you enter, it immediately takes you in," he says.

In a city so vibrant, why opt for subdued charcoal gray and white walls? "When you have great items to work with and an incredible view to work with," says Vern, "you want those items to come to the forefront."

Solid marble lions, circa 1860s and reclaimed from a home in upstate New York, preside over the living space and celebrate the city's architectural heritage. One figure, discolored by the rusted architectural ironwork it nested beneath, adds visual interest.

Antique Peruvian runners purchased at ABC Carpet and Home, an iconic rug and design store located in New York's Flatiron District, lend an air of elegance to the space. "The edge of that rug is not completely straight," says Vern. "It’s got some imperfections but that’s what you get with a handmade product. New York isn’t perfect either."