Step Inside Designer Phillip Lim's Airy, Art-Filled New York Penthouse

Designer Phillip Lim has exhibited his great taste in the realm of fashion, and his expert design sense clearly also extends into the world of home decor. Phillip recently opened the doors of his New York City penthouse to WSJ. Magazine, revealing the stunning results of an 18-month renovation.

The magazine takes readers inside the SoHo building where Phillip has lived for seven years. With the 2011 purchase of a neighboring apartment, Phillip expanded his living area. He brought in architect Joe Nix to help unify the two spaces, and together the two created an airy retreat in the middle of bustling Manhattan. Phillip was committed to preserving the open flow of a loft but still managed to designate spaces for individual uses such as dining, cooking, relaxing, and entertaining.

Treasures befitting someone with exquisite taste are scattered throughout the home. Phillip brought in a coffee table made by artist Yves Klein featuring Klein's stunning trademark blue. There's even a hanging Hermès crocodile-skin swing in a reading nook. Artwork by Richard Serra, Cy Twombly, Ellsworth Kelly, and more are scattered throughout the home.

Some big names contributed to the apartment's look and feel, but the home is entirely a Phillip Lim original. He designed the whole space, without the assistance of an interior decorator.

"I wanted to create my own home," Phillip told WSJ. Magazine. "And not have someone tell me how to live."