Uploaded May 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
On Manhattan’s Upper West Side, designer Bennett Leifer transformed a white-box apartment into a layered, multi-functional home that balances beauty, practicality, and personal expression. With full creative freedom, Leifer approached the project as a chance to craft spaces that not only look elegant but truly serve the way his client lives.
From the moment you step inside, the tone is clear: calm, understated, and thoughtfully composed. The entryway pairs neutral hues with textured walls and sculptural lighting, enhanced by colorful artwork that adds just the right amount of personality. A custom bench doubles as discreet storage, offering form and function in equal measure.
The main living space continues this careful balance. Designed for both entertaining and daily life, the area is divided into distinct living and dining zones. Neutral tones anchor the palette, while rich green accents introduce warmth and energy. A backless daybed maintains an open line of sight to the windows, and swivel chairs allow guests to either face the conversation or turn toward the view. Overhead, a high-gloss lacquered ceiling reflects natural light, while an understated carpet helps ground the space. Meanwhile, in the dining area, Leifer used the same lighting fixture as in the living room, but in a new configuration, creating a sense of unity without repetition. A marble round table with an integrated lazy Susan invites effortless hosting. The artwork and mirrors are chosen with intention—each piece visually striking yet harmonized with the apartment’s serene atmosphere.
Versatility is central to a home’s design and this residence is no different. The guest room doubles as a study and media space, with a stylish sleeper sofa that conceals a bed. Deep green tones wrap the room, while sculptural sconces made of textured glass continue the apartment’s emphasis on artful lighting. The primary bedroom draws inspiration from the clouds and sky right outside, using soft silvery grays and deep blues to evoke a sense of peace. Every detail—from the bedding to the nightstands—feels curated yet cohesive.
Overall, Leifer describes good design as the balance between beauty, function, and personality—and this home exemplifies that philosophy. Through flexible layouts, nuanced textures, and deeply personal touches, he’s created a space that feels as thoughtful as it is livable.
Enjoy the full Open House episode here: youtu.be/0a4qxb-Ug3I
Subscribe to Open House TV on YOUTUBE: bit.ly/openhouseyoutubesub
Open House TV INSTAGRAM: bit.ly/2T0aorL
Open House TV TWITTER: bit.ly/2szkqEX
Open House TV FACEBOOK: bit.ly/2TXSztC
On Manhattan’s Upper West Side, designer Bennett Leifer transformed a white-box apartment into a layered, multi-functional home that balances beauty, practicality, and personal expression. With full creative freedom, Leifer approached the project as a chance to craft spaces that not only look elegant but truly serve the way his client lives.
From the moment you step inside, the tone is clear: calm, understated, and thoughtfully composed. The entryway pairs neutral hues with textured walls and sculptural lighting, enhanced by colorful artwork that adds just the right amount of personality. A custom bench doubles as discreet storage, offering form and function in equal measure.
The main living space continues this careful balance. Designed for both entertaining and daily life, the area is divided into distinct living and dining zones. Neutral tones anchor the palette, while rich green accents introduce warmth and energy. A backless daybed maintains an open line of sight to the windows, and swivel chairs allow guests to either face the conversation or turn toward the view. Overhead, a high-gloss lacquered ceiling reflects natural light, while an understated carpet helps ground the space. Meanwhile, in the dining area, Leifer used the same lighting fixture as in the living room, but in a new configuration, creating a sense of unity without repetition. A marble round table with an integrated lazy Susan invites effortless hosting. The artwork and mirrors are chosen with intention—each piece visually striking yet harmonized with the apartment’s serene atmosphere.
Versatility is central to a home’s design and this residence is no different. The guest room doubles as a study and media space, with a stylish sleeper sofa that conceals a bed. Deep green tones wrap the room, while sculptural sconces made of textured glass continue the apartment’s emphasis on artful lighting. The primary bedroom draws inspiration from the clouds and sky right outside, using soft silvery grays and deep blues to evoke a sense of peace. Every detail—from the bedding to the nightstands—feels curated yet cohesive.
Overall, Leifer describes good design as the balance between beauty, function, and personality—and this home exemplifies that philosophy. Through flexible layouts, nuanced textures, and deeply personal touches, he’s created a space that feels as thoughtful as it is livable.
Enjoy the full Open House episode here: youtu.be/0a4qxb-Ug3I
Subscribe to Open House TV on YOUTUBE: bit.ly/openhouseyoutubesub
Open House TV INSTAGRAM: bit.ly/2T0aorL
Open House TV TWITTER: bit.ly/2szkqEX
Open House TV FACEBOOK: bit.ly/2TXSztC
