Inside Interiors Firm Blainey North’s Bold and Layered Model Residence at 50 West 66th Street

Evan Joseph

Extell’s 50 West 66th Street is one of the most closely watched new developments on the Upper West Side, standing as the tallest tower in the neighborhood. It is also Snøhetta’s first residential tower in the United States, bringing a sculptural, bronze-accented presence to the Manhattan skyline. Inside the tower, Sydney-based interiors firm Blainey North has designed a model residence defined by bold contrast, layered materials, and uniquely decorative details.

For the three-bedroom residence on the 52nd floor, Blainey North looked to the tower’s faceted, jewelry-like exterior, drawing a connection between its stacked forms and Gucci’s golden rings. “50 West 66th Street’s sculptural façade inspired our ‘stacked ring’ concept, drawing from the idea of carved, faceted pieces of jewelry,” said North. That idea gave the home a clear framework, with rooms designed to feel connected while balancing bold architectural gestures with refined detailing.

Evan Joseph

Rather than keeping the palette quiet from start to finish, the residence moves through contrast. A darker entry is layered with black detailing and metallic finishes, leading to brighter living areas shaped by light and views. North said the firm worked with a mix of metal, glass, and stone, then balanced those harder materials with softer textures.

Evan Joseph

That sense of layering is one of the apartment’s strongest points. Nero Marquina marble doorway portals create dramatic thresholds between rooms, while high-gloss lacquer, inlaid metals, and sculptural lighting add shine and depth without pushing the home into excess. Wall coverings from Pierre Frey, Dedar, Armani Casa, Holland & Sherry, and Phillip Jeffries help deepen the palette, while Murano glass, curated artwork, and 24-karat gold accents give the rooms a more collected feel.

Evan Joseph

“What I love most is how the residence reads as a complete, unified composition, where every detail has been considered as part of a larger narrative,” North said. That comes through in the way nearly every furnishing and lighting element was custom designed for the residence. 

Evan Joseph

A few pieces stand out in particular. North highlighted the crystal quartz coffee table from the firm’s own collection, which acts almost as a centerpiece in the living room. She also pointed to the arched Nero Marquina marble doorway portal as one of the home’s defining features, drawing the eye through the apartment toward the light and views beyond. Those moments help connect the residence back to the tower’s exterior, which served as the starting point for the design.

Evan Joseph

The design also considers the residence’s position on the 52nd floor, using mirrored surfaces and custom glass lighting to reflect the sweeping views of Central Park and the skyline.

Evan Joseph

50 West 66th Street is one of the top-selling skyscrapers in the city, and Snøhetta’s sculptural architecture combined with North’s use of contrast, glamour, and rich material detail gives the model residence a distinct character.