A family of eight had been living for years in a two-level penthouse apartment with one major flaw: access to the upper floor was only through the building’s communal staircase. Each time they left the apartment, they were forced to lock three different doors in order to maintain roof access for the other tenants—an arrangement that was not only inconvenient but dysfunctional.

Frustrated, the homeowners sought advice but were offered only cosmetic “touch-ups.” This left them questioning whether it was even worthwhile to continue investing in the apartment. Just before giving up and starting the search for a new home, they turned to me for a professional vision.

Together, we carefully analyzed their needs, translated their wishes into design sketches, and reached a bold decision: return the staircase to the building residents and create a brand-new, private staircase within the apartment itself. From that moment, the transformation began.

The new design established a refined entrance zone featuring a guest restroom, a unique ritual handwashing corner, and a storage room. To the left, a passageway leads to an elegant master suite with a luxurious ensuite bath, alongside an additional bedroom with a private bathroom. To the right, a grand living room stretches outward, bathed in natural light through glass doors opening onto a slim wraparound balcony. This level also includes a large gourmet kitchen, a dedicated Passover kitchen, and an inviting family lounge.

At the heart of the home stands the striking staircase—crafted in a graceful fan-like form—seamlessly linking the two floors while creating both flow and visual impact. It leads to a bright, open play area with access to a spacious terrace. From here, two beautifully styled bedrooms and a shared bathroom can easily transform into one expansive guest suite. The upper floor also features a generous laundry room with balcony access, a private home office, and an additional bedroom with ensuite bath.

The result: a complete reinvention of the penthouse into a home that is modern, classic, and warm all at once. The apartment is now functional, comfortable, and designed with timeless elegance—an inspiring living space that the family loves, and that leaves every visitor with a lasting sense of harmony and sophistication.