AHG New York Design Guide: Top Spots to Visit for Interior Design Lovers
New York City, a city that needs no introduction, is a vibrant cultural hub and home to world-famous museums, galleries, hotels, theaters, and restaurants - there are endless things to do and places to visit.
When reviewing our favorite spots it was almost impossible to narrow it down to just a select few (hint there may be a part II coming) - this list features some of our top picks for interior design lovers.
Whether you’re an NYC local or just visiting, these are hotels and restaurants to check out (or revisit) for major design inspiration.
The Carlyle Hotel
The Carlyle - Upper East Side
The Carlyle Hotel is one of New York City’s most iconic hotels and has been visited by countless famous faces. Its walls are infused with the cities culture and history.
The hotel was originally built in 1930 and has undergone a number of renovations and updates over the years. The Art Deco influence of the original design by Dorothy Draper and Bien & Prince architects has been maintained to stay true to its roots.
In 2019 the guestrooms were revamped by tonychi studio, with luxurious and modern updates. Tony Chi’s design was inspired by the glamour of the 1930s Upper East Side - creating a fusion of elegance and comfort. He included murals and artwork that give a nod to the hotel’s famous bar Bemelmans.
The hotel’s newest restaurant Dowlings at the Carlyle recently opened this fall and was also designed by tonychi studio.
The property boasts stunning views of Central Park and the surrounding skyline. It includes 4 dining options, a spa, salon, fitness center, and event spaces. If you want a classic New York experience, visit the Carlyle.
The Greenwich Hotel
The Greenwich Hotel - TriBeCa
Designed by Axel Vervoordt and Tatsuro Miki, The Greenwich Hotel opened in 2008 and is owned by Robert De Niro, who had a lot of influence in the design as well.
The property itself is full of hidden gems and celebrates fine craftsmanship at its core taking inspiration from many different cultures and regions. The designers used re-claimed civil war era wood throughout the hotel, including the ceiling beams, doors, and paneling. The marble and terracotta floors in the lobby were inspired by a 14th-century palazzo in Italy. The Italian artisans handmade each title using the same methods as the original tilemakers.
Each guest room is designed uniquely. While the spa is enclosed by a 250-year-old Japanese farmhouse, meticulously reassembled. The grand stone fireplace in the dining room is modeled after Di Nero’s own fireplace. No detail in this place was overlooked, it is meticulously and thoughtfully designed.
The hotel is home to 88 rooms and suites, a spa, and a restaurant - Locanda Verde. It also has a pool and gym, lounge, and courtyard all designed differently with their own personalities, while also maintaining a cohesive aesthetic that is warm and inviting.
If you’re looking for an escape from hustle and bustle of the city The Greenwich Hotel is a beautiful sanctuary.
The Mark Hotel
The Mark Hotel - Upper East Side
The Mark Hotel on the Upper East Side is another New York classic. In an original 1927 Art Deco building, the hotel was redesigned in 2009 by legendary designer Jacques Grange along with Spivak Architects. The aesthetic blends old-world comfort, Avant Gard design, with timeless New York style, along with 5-star luxury amenities. All the furnishings and decor were custom-made for the hotel.
The contemporary and sophisticated hotel is comprised of 157 guest rooms and suites, along with a restaurant and bar by award-winning chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten.
The Mark Hotel
The Highline Hotel - Chelsea
Originally a seminary Roman and Williams reimagined the 1895 neo-gothic building into the charming Highline Hotel in 2013.
The Highline Hotel
They maintained the building’s character and history by keeping the original facade, stained glass windows, detailed fireplace mantel, original moldings, and restored much of the floors. While infusing new life with an eclectic mix of American and European-inspired interiors. They sourced vintage furniture to mix in with contemporary updates, giving the place a cozy and lived-in feel.
The Highline Hotel
In addition to the hotel’s 60 attractive guest rooms, you’ll find the lobby bar, Ingeligensia coffee bar, and their Parisian-inspired cocktail garden - the perfect spot to enjoy a drink and snacks before dinner In Chelsea.
One White Street - TriBeCa
Recently opened in August, One White Street is a collaboration between sommelier Dustin Wilson and chef Austin Johnson.
The restaurant is in the former location of John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s Nutopia embassy - a conceptual country they founded in 1973 as a way to respond to Lennon’s deportation and immigration issues. As a way to honor the building’s history, the owners kept the same name.
Wilson and Johnson reconverted the 1808 townhome into a three-story restaurant. The first floor is a more casual lounge and wine bar area while floors two and three are the main restaurant for a more upscale experience. All produce is sourced from a small farm upstate, and their menu changes regularly.
One White
San Francisco-based designer Richard Felix-Ashman took on the project and designed each of the floors with separate dining rooms and kitchens to create intimate dining experiences. The aesthetic is a mix of a rustic farmhouses with sophisticated mid-century decor and finishes. Original photography by local artist Gordon Matta Clark is featured on the two upper levels.
Be sure to visit at least twice for an elevated yet casual dinner on the ground level and then sample their upscale 6-course tasting menu on a night out.
SAGA
SAGA - Financial District
SAGA in the Financial District also opened this August. The restaurant is a collaboration between James Kent and Jeff Katz. It’s located on the 63rd floor of an Art Deco tower, in a former private apartment building of oil tycoon Henry Latham Dohery.
The space was redesigned by the MN design firm to still feel like a luxury penthouse apartment. The chefs wanted it to seem like they were hosting an elegant dinner party. The dining area spans multiple rooms that open onto outdoor terraces. The space also features a bar and a solarium. Below the main restaurant there are the bathrooms and private dining rooms, and on the floor above the main room is Overstory an intimate cocktail bar. Last but not least there is the 66th floor which features stunning 360-degree views of the city.
The restaurant offers a $245 per person 7-course globally-inspired tasting menu. Expertly curated by chef Kent to convey a story very personal to him through food.
Though the design is refined and high-end, it does not feel cold or stuff with artwork by Jean-Michel Basquiat on the walls and a classic hip-hop playlist.
Le Coucou
Le Coucou - Soho
If you’re looking for classic French food in a stunning setting, look no further than Le Coucou.
Another design by Roman and Williams, in the 11 Howard Hotel. When creating the space they removed years of renovations and stripped the interior down to the original brick and gave it a classic whitewash. Black steel-framed windows, contrast against the light brick, giving it an industrial yet refined aesthetic. Other elements like the chandeliers, upholstery, and window treatments add some softness to the space.
One of the main design focal points is the gorgeous mural that covers the ceiling and walls of the bar area. Hand-painted by local artist Dean Barger, inspired by the 18th-century French landscape painter Hubert Robert.
Note that the restaurant is sadly temporarily closed due to COVID but we’re crossing our fingers that they reopen soon!
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