Making New York feel like home
by Molly McDermott Walsh
Love Where You Lease: Even in a rental, there’s so much you can do to make your place feel personal while bringing in moments that remind you of home.
Here are some ideas:
Color Without Commitment
Paint can make all the difference. If you plan to paint, test swatches in morning and evening light to see how the varied NYC daylight plays tricks on color. That’s right - the Dead Salmon walls you loved in London will look very different here in NY.
Many brands offer peel & stick or large paper samples, so you can really visualize what this color will look like in your space. Just ask!
And if you’re missing a bit of home, Farrow & Ball has showrooms across Manhattan - UES, Flatiron, Brooklyn, Paramus NJ and Greenwich, CT.
The NYC Edit
From vintage treasures to smart storage, the city is full of finds; ideas on where to shop and find your style in and around the city (ideally at different price points):
ABC Carpet & Home (Flatiron)
West Elm (Chelsea or Dumbo)
CB2, IKEA Brooklyn, Kaiyo, and Housing Works – for mixing high, low, and pre-loved.
Facebook Marketplace or Chairish – local gems worth the scroll.
Measure twice before buying.
Elevators and stairwells are not always as generous as your imagination.
Rug Rules & City Living
A city as densely packed as NYC works in some part due to the rules that New Yorkers abide by, some written and some learned.
Most buildings follow the 80 percent coverage rule to keep the peace with neighbors - a great excuse to invest in a rug you love!
Many apartments don’t have overhead lighting, so rely on lamps and plug-ins to create a glow.
Storage is king!
Visit your closest Container Store or Muji for literally everything you need.
Inspiration in Every Borough
If you have the time and the inclination, get out and about and explore some of the amazing resources in and around the city:
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Cooper Hewitt Design Museum
Museum of Arts and Design (MAD)
The New York Design Center (Lexington Ave)
Brooklyn Flea (DUMBO)
The New Museum on Bowery
Walk down Park Avenue or Broadway, from Murray Hill through Nomad to Gramercy and you’ll stumble upon some of the design showrooms and shops that the city has to offer. In May, keep an eye out for NYC x Design activations in Manhattan & Brooklyn.
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