NYC Interior Design Inspiration

A trip to NYC from Boston is so easy—Amtrak Acela, Route 128 straight to Penn Station. We came for our client and spent the day at her Lenox Hill apartment. Wallpaper went up, the painter checked in, furniture got delivered. That said, we’ll start the post with her balcony view: the Queensboro Bridge in the distance, the sunset did its part.

After a full day on site, I headed out just as the light started to shift. Met friends, stopped into a few galleries, and ended the day with a walk through the city. We’ve been spending more time in New York for projects and sourcing, and every visit brings fresh perspective. The architecture, the creative energy, the unexpected details—all offering a dose of NYC interior design inspiration.

Architecture on the Upper East Side

Brownstone architecture on the Upper East Side—especially around East 62nd Street—reflects the refined, restrained ‘look’ of late 19th-century New York rowhouse design. Unlike the more ornate facades in the West Village or Harlem, these brownstones feel uniform, formal, and intentional. I stopped for a series of photos: first, a pale stone façade in late sun; next, a rich reddish brownstone with a pristine entryway; and finally, a crisp light (almost white) version. Each had black-framed windows and black doors—a simple, striking detail repeated across elevations.

Angular Tower, Historic Base

An impromptu catch-up with my Boston-based designer friend led me to Hearst Tower. Its angular glass form rises from a preserved 1928 Art Deco base. The contrast between historic architecture and sharp modern design always pulls me in, and the exterior stands out—NYC’s first LEED-certified building, completed in 2006. Inside, the preserved facade of the original building frames anatrium, and my friend Cecelia began her tour as we went up the tower. In the lobby/atrium, massive steel beams hold the tower above, allowing the orignal exterior stone walls to remain intact. Glass handrails and Knoll furniture add polish, and a dramatic water feature gives sculpted ice vibes… feels like every corporate lobby has a water feature.

The First Hearst

A unique and a meticulously preserved feature: a replica of the original executive office of William Randolph Hearst. Inside, some rooms mimic the 1928 interiors exactly. Traditional millwork, antique-style furniture, and vintage wall plates reappear in perfect detail. These spaces feel like a time capsule—warm, layered, and textural. Their charm offsets the modern exterior and the old-meets-new tension makes the space stand out. I was told the only real difference between these spaces and the original offices is the updated technology—every other detail is a true copy. Maybe not the most inspiring detail—unless you’re a fan of super traditional spaces—but I appreciated the gesture of maintaining the original spirit of the first Hearst offices. I like legacy.

Emerging Artists

The building also houses a gallery that highlights emerging artists at its lobby and atrium, and my favorite happened to be the pieces that incorporated textiles. One piece featured folded material (latex) with a stunning ombré effect, building a tactile, organic rhythm (by Rodrigo Franzão). Another displayed knitted “curtains” revealing “bold messages beneath “illicit libraires” (knitted pieces by Lisa Anne Auerbach). Strong statements, strong craftsmanship. The shadow play, the lettering, the detail—it stayed with me (I’m a knitter). Emerging artists are a true source of NYC interior design inspiration—we’re always drawn to fresh perspectives from up-and-coming creatives.

Landmark Mosaic Flooring

I walked through the Plaza Hotel as I made my way home, and since I have ‘this thing for floors’, I paused to appreciate the original mosaics. Designed by Henry Janeway Hardenbergh and expanded by Warren & Wetmore (thank you, Wikipedia), the flooring carries the hotel’s landmark history. Bronze accents and marble columns complete the story. The Palm Court, modeled after London’s Carlton Hotel, remains a standout. With its restored stained-glass ceiling, marble finishes, and palm trees, it delivers pure architectural clarity. No updates needed.

All About the Views

Before bed—and after sushi and wine—I got a quick tour of a penthouse under construction, designed by my friend Cecelia. I can’t share her interior work, but the view speaks for itself. From the terrace, you could see straight to the edge of Central Park. It was all about the views, and the energy of New York at night is pretty much unmatchable.

In The Details

Every time we’re in the city, there’s something new to absorb— layered architecture, inventive art, or just a perfect view at golden hour. This trip reminded me how much inspiration lives in the details: modern architecture, a hand-laid mosaic, knitted art in a gallery lobby. Even a quick work trip to a familiar city can spark new ideas. For more on how time in other places shapes our design approach, here’s a deeper look.