New York City based studio Magdalena Keck Interior Design has a reputation for conceptual, minimalist design. Their approach lies in letting the materiality of spaces breathe, allowing the volumes and textures to replace ornaments. With that said, who better to be tasked with a 140-square-metre apartment on one of the top floors of the Four Seasons Private Residences in Tribeca? This voluminous two-bedroom apartment became the perfect canvas for Magdalena to demonstrate her keen awareness of light, composition and materials – all with some spectacular views to boot.

It was the third residential project Magdalena had worked on for her client, who she was simultaneously completing a weekender for in the Catskills at the time. She admitted it was “interesting to experience the design process in parallel, working with different spaces and concept.” Not only that, the client was a designer and photographer offering an added layer of depth to the projects.

Need we say more on the exclusivity of this spot than the panoramic views of New York harbour, captured by the almost floor-to-ceiling windows, feel as though you’re suspended in the sky. As a result, the design of the apartment was inspired by the atmosphere present at 700 feet, informing Magdalena’s decision to use warm whites and soft textures, underlined by decisive forms. According to Magdalena, there is ” A sense of oneness and completeness rooted in an awareness of lighting, composition, and balance.”

Every piece of furniture – vintage, contemporary and custom pieces designed by Magdalena for the project – was selected to serve a function and to exist as an object within the space. The designer’s name is on the cabinet in the living room, the lucite desk, nightstands in the master bedroom and cabinet in the study/ guest room. The apartment is also designed so that the artwork can change over time.

The foyer is what Magdalena calls the “Welcoming, tone-setting space” – particularly for the subdued palette that continues throughout. Moving into the dining space, you pass a sculptural piece by Dominic McHenry and soon be privy to the prized vistas on offer. At the centre of the space, a bleached solid maple dining table by Mark Jupiter and Densen dining chairs by Egg Collective backs onto striking photography by Robert Anderson. Overhead the pendant light by Michael Anastassiades matches to the floating experience.

The airy living room – that almost has an ethereal quality – houses another array of special objects, including Frank sofas by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia, with the Pasmore Chair and Mid-century Rosewood Nesting Tables by Rex Raab for Wilhelm Renz Germany. In the bedroom, the Pierre Lissoni bed in textured linens is in good company with the Trix floor lamp by Marcel Wanders for Moooi. As with the rest of the spaces, the bedroom reveals Magdalena’s refined ability to curate fine art, with the inclusion of the Donald Judd print, Untitled, 1978.

The Four Seasons Residence by Magdalena Keck Interior Design is the way we would live if our head were in the clouds. It’s a sign, that when the designer and client are aligned on taste, the sky really is the limit.