Skip to Content
CityRealty Logo
After so much time at home, many of us are ready to redecorate and start anew. Homes and Gardens recently presented the biggest interior design trends for 2021, and recommendations include being bolder with color, embracing patterns and global influences, and incorporating elements of "cottagecore" to add extra comfort to urban dwellings. It also recommends giving extra attention to home offices and garden space, two elements that have risen to the top of New Yorkers' wish lists in the wake of the pandemic.

Coincidentally, many of these recommendations may be found in of some of the most imaginatively designed listings on the market, as seen below. From the "saloon room" in a late-night host's home to a loft-like Bushwick carriage house to an exquisite Upper East Side mansion, there is no shortage of inspiration and creativity to be found among New Yorkers. While an apartment showing too much individual personality is often frowned upon by experts, the colorful listings below serve as a refreshing departure from the sea of blank canvas, neutrally furnished pads we've grown accustomed to.

In this article:

East River Coop, 575 Grand Street
East River Coop, 575 Grand Street Lower East Side
870 Fifth Avenue
870 Fifth Avenue Park/Fifth Ave. to 79th St.
203 West 87th Street
203 West 87th Street Broadway Corridor
The Gramercy, 34 Gramercy Park East
The Gramercy, 34 Gramercy Park East Gramercy Park
The Alexandria House, 250 West 103rd Street
The Alexandria House, 250 West 103rd Street Riverside Dr./West End Ave.

↓ Loft-like home's walls are ideal for displaying an art collection, especially one curated on the Lower East Side.

575-Grand-Street-01 All images of East River Coop via Compass

↓ Original concrete ceilings, eastern exposure, exposed pipes, built-in window seats, and a wall of deep bookshelves are among this home's unique characteristics.

575-Grand-Street-02
575-Grand-Street-03
From the listing: Designed by Onespace Architects, this frequently published home mixes the old with the new creating a unique space with high contrast pairing of polished and raw materials throughout. Spacious flexible layouts, with purpose- for example, a large home office with ample cabinetry and a wall of deep bookshelves can easily convert to a third bedroom with tree lined views. The distinctive character of the bright, modern kitchen is emphasized by the original concrete ceiling, gleaming stainless steel countertops and appliances, and abundant flat front cabinetry containing deep functional shelving. The east facing window provides lovely all day light and iconic bridge views. Two bedrooms are set away from the living area by a hallway and outstanding custom closets, providing generous storage and additional privacy. See floor plan and full details here.

↓ A wall of floor-to-ceiling windows faces breathtaking Manhattan views.

150-Myrtle-Avenue-01 All images of Toren via Compass

↓ The kitchen has been upgraded to feature a new island with generous storage and stone countertops.

150-Myrtle-Avenue-02

↓ The king-sized primary bedroom offers generous space and storage.

150-Myrtle-Avenue-03

↓ In the second bedroom/home office, ocean hues and massive windows create a calming atmosphere.

150-Myrtle-Avenue-04
From the Listing: The Toren is just ONE STOP away from Manhattan on multiple lines, on-site fresh market, and parking. The Toren also features luxury amenities not otherwise found at this price point, including a yoga studio, heated indoor pool, his and hers saunas, library, bike room, two-level roof terrace and a 2,000-square-foot fitness center including the renowned interactive Peloton Bikes, and techno gym treadmills. LOW monthly costs associated with a 421A TAX ABATEMENT UNTIL 2035 and LOW utilities with LEED GOLD CERTIFICATION. See floor plan and full details here.

↓ A fully landscaped roof garden boasts an automated irrigation system, lounge and entertaining areas, and endless views.

300-West-135th-Street-01 All images of Strivers Gardens via Douglas Elliman

↓ Inside, a separate dining area can easily be converted to a home office or nursery.

300-West-135th-Street-03

↓ Interiors feature custom window treatments, abundant closets with custom buildouts, upgraded bath, and contemporary kitchen.

300-West-135th-Street-02
From the Listing: The Striver's Garden Condo is a full-service building with 24hour concierge, resident manager, gym, residents lounge, common roof garden, WIFI in common areas and a garage. A 421-A tax abatement is in effect until 2029. The B/C trains are just on the corner, and the 2/3 trains are one block away. Luxury Live Auction Thursday, July 29, 2021, at 3:00 pm EDT. No Buyer Premium. Due Diligence Package Available. Download at https://liveauction.link/300w135th-12j All offers encouraged. Submit offer to stop auction -- loan or cash. Easy process to register to bid. Online bidding and streaming available. See floor plan and full details here.

↓ An open floor plan provides abundant living space and beautiful views of a tree-lined street.

203-West-87th-Street-01 All images of 203 West 87th Street via Douglas Elliman

↓ The tiled galley kitchen offers abundant cabinetry and storage as well as designer stainless steel appliances.

203-West-87th-Street-02

↓ A split bedroom layout offers excellent privacy, and both bedrooms boast high ceilings and generous closet space.

203-West-87th-Street-03
From the Listing: 203 West 87th Street is a prewar boutique co-op with live-in super, on-site laundry (renovation of the laundry room with new appliances is underway - to be completed July 2021), free hanging bike storage, low-fee storage lockers, and an attractive, recently updated common area and elevator. This pet-friendly co-op is perfectly situated between Central Park and Riverside Park, in a coveted area convenient to the very best of Upper West Side living with museums, restaurants, library, community gardens and sports clubs, and easy commute with the 1,2,A,B,C subway lines, numerous bus routes, and CitiBike stations all nearby. See floor plan and full details here.

870-Fifth-Avenue-03

↓ Upon arriving at this Fifth Avenue home, an entry foyer with sophisticated custom wood paneling leads to the Great Room.

870-Fifth-Avenue-01 All images of 870 Fifth Avenue via Sotheby's International Realty

↓ The Great Room faces Central Park and features an ethanol fireplace, custom rosewood lit shelving, and dining area.

870-Fifth-Avenue-02

↓ The windowed eat-in kitchen features a spacious breakfast area, walk-in pantry, black stone countertops, European cabinetry, and state-of-the-art appliances.

870-Fifth-Avenue-04
From the Listing: This is a great opportunity to acquire a luxurious corner 2-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home in pristine condition with full frontal and corner views of Central Park. Located in one of the most sought-after buildings on Fifth Avenue and 68th Street. The generous and bright corner primary bedroom has double exposures, an ample custom walk-in closet, and a Carrara marble en suite bathroom with Central Park views. The second en suite bedroom is also spacious and has bright southern exposures with beautiful oblique views of Central Park and an en-suite carrara marble bathroom. See floor plan and full details here.

↓ Gracious apartment features a sprawling floor plan, high ceilings, wide-plank hardwood floors, and generous storage space.

100-Maspeth-Avenue-01 All images of Olive Park via Corcoran

↓ The open foyer is ideal for a home office or dining area.

100-Maspeth-Avenue-02

↓ The open kitchen has stone countertops, modern appliances, and seamless flow into the living/dining areas.

100-Maspeth-Avenue-03
From the Listing: Enjoy gorgeous sunsets on the balcony and endless treetop views from this spacious, sunny and serene home. Located on the back of the building, the apartment is quiet and serene and has a wonderful southwesterly views of the meditation garden and reflecting pool, as well as the charming gardens and backyards of neighboring homes. Wide-plank hardwood floors and high ceilings carry throughout the apartment. Unit 4O has its own storage space, in-unit washer/dryer hook-ups, and HVAC for heating and cooling (heat is included in your monthly maintenance). Enjoy low monthly taxes with an abatement in place through 2033. See floor plan and full details here.

650-Sixth-Avenue-01 All images of The Cammeyer via Sotheby's International Realty

↓ Luxury loft in the Ladies' Mile Historic District features 10' ceilings, oversized windows, and a chic entertaining space.

650-Sixth-Avenue-02

↓ The spacious primary suite offers enough room for a desk and a spa-like bath.

650-Sixth-Avenue-05

↓ A large home office/den is outfitted with a Murphy bed that can easily double as a guest room.

650-Sixth-Avenue-04
650-Sixth-Avenue-04
From the Listing: The versatile layout of Apartment 5H features 10-foot ceilings, gleaming oak floors and oversized windows, as well as central air conditioning throughout. The thoughtfully designed open-plan Poggenpohl chef's kitchen features integrated stainless steel appliances and is equipped with a Sub-Zero refrigerator/freezer, a Thermador oven and cooktop with externally vented exhaust, and a Miele dishwasher and garbage disposal and features Corian countertops and an under-counter Sub-Zero wine storage unit. The oversized primary bedroom suite, includes a spa-like en suite bath with a undermount soaking tub, a separate glass-enclosed rain shower, side-by-side twin sinks and custom medicine chests with Duravit and Waterworks fixtures and an enormous walk-in closet/dressing room. See floor plan and full details here.

225-East-21st-Street-01 All images of 225 East 21st Street via Corcoran

↓ At this dental factory-turned-carriage house, historic details shine through.

225-East-21st-Street-04
Would you like to tour any of these properties?
Just complete the info below.
  1. Select which properties are of interest to you:

Or call us at (212) 755-5544

↓ On the ground floor, the two rooms of the living space are connected by a "drawbridge" walkway.

225-East-21st-Street-02

↓ The living area looks towards a moat and waterfall feature, and "stepping stones" are made of leftover shoring posts.

225-East-21st-Street-05
225-East-21st-Street-06

↓ An industrial steel staircase leads to the bedroom.

225-East-21st-Street-07
From the Listing: This Lab loft is the ultimate eccentric live work space in a late 18th century building near Gramercy Park. Despite the perceived impracticality, the threshold is an important spatial concept for the offerings architect who is drawn to the tension created by the juxtaposition of opposites. Throughout this dwelling, one sees the old counterpoised with the new, the rustic with the smooth, lines with curves, and the organic with the rational. Aged materials and acquired patina, change and accident. The house was gutted to its original shell which was then remade into this one of a kind live/work loft that is subdivided into three distinct areas with transitional spaces in between, those being: a bridge, a moat, and a cantilevered second story. See floor plan and full details here.

290-Bleecker-Street-01 All images of 290 Bleecker Street via Compass

↓ Loft-like home features soaring ceilings, a wall of windows, and a large backyard.

290-Bleecker-Street-02

↓ In the well-equipped kitchen, a red spiral staircase leads to three bedroom suites.

290-Bleecker-Street-03

↓ The home's piece de resistance!

↓ The bedroom evokes a vibe from another time

290-Bleecker-Street-05
290-Bleecker-Street-04
From the Listing: This gorgeous and superbly designed carriage house, located in the heart of Bushwick, is so ready for you to move in. Up the sweeping red spiral staircase from the well-equipped kitchen, you will find the bedrooms. Down the stairs, to the basement you'll find the W/D, a half bath, and storage space. The house is close to lots of transportation-trains and buses, stores, restaurants galore, Knickerbocker and Bushwick Avenues, which are filled with people and so much life. See floor plan and full details here.

↓ In a historic Gramercy building, four apartments have been combined into one singular home with restored infrastructure and extraordinary vintage and antique finds.

34-Gramercy-Park-East-01 All images of The Gramercy via Evan Joseph for Sotheby's International Realty

↓ A west-facing "saloon room" features vintage barback with stained glass, custom wet bar, and gas fireplace.

34-Gramercy-Park-East-02

↓ Under the stairs, a hidden children's playroom features monkey bars, secret hatch doors, and a chalkboard wall.

34-Gramercy-Park-East-03

↓ The primary suite is bathed in light from a skylight and features a gas fireplace, wet bar, custom massage bed, and cozy seating area.

34-Gramercy-Park-East-04

↓ The ninth floor houses two more bedrooms.

34-Gramercy-Park-East-05
From the Listing: A remarkable, no-stone-unturned renovation has combined four different apartments over three floors to create a home like no other in New York City. Features of the approximately 4,950-square-foot home include original, restored window frames and casings throughout, original, restored hardwood floors throughout, and the highest quality fixtures and finishes combined with a curated collection of treasured vintage and antique finds from around the world. See floor plan and full details here.

551-Lexington-Avenue-03

↓ Historic home in the heart of Brooklyn opens up to a lush backyard oasis.

551-Lexington-Avenue-01 All images of 551 Lexington Avenue via Engel & Volkers
551-Lexington-Avenue-02

↓ Interiors feature exposed brick walls, hardwood flooring, and skylights.

551-Lexington-Avenue-04

↓ The space is ideally designed to meet the buyer's needs.

551-Lexington-Avenue-05
From the Listing: 551 Lexington Avenue presents a unique opportunity- a sun-filled turn of the century detached home and with what can only be described as lush backyard oasis. This historic home dates from 1899 and retains some original details and is currently configured with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. It is approximately 1,750 square feet (approximately 1,200 square feet in the main portion of the home, and the basement, below grade, is approximately 550). See floor plan and full details here.

↓ Upper East Side townhouse is configured as a single-family residence atop a private gallery space.

170-West-80th-Street-01 All images of 170 West 80th Street via Compass

↓ The gallery operates as a hub for contemporary and international art.

170-East-80th-Street-02

↓ The residential interiors incorporate Eastern and Western design influences as well as natural materials.

170-East-80th-Street-03

↓ The crowning glory is a beautifully landscaped rooftop garden.

170-East-80th-Street-04
From the Listing: The exquisite Waterfall Mansion at 170 East 80th Street is among the most unique properties in Manhattan. A creative collaboration by real estate developer Kate Shin and renowned architect Toshiko Mori has transformed this historic 22 foot wide, 1899 carriage house into a breathtaking, tranquil oasis. This mansion is LEED Silver certified eco-friendly, constructed with green design elements including naturally sourced and environmentally sustainable materials. While the 19th century brick facade and stone details have been meticulously restored to their original grandeur, the interior exudes modernism. See floor plan and full details here.

↓ High-floor home faces east and is flooded with natural light and sky views.

250-West-103rd-Street-01 All images of The Alexandria House via Bond New York

↓ From the partially opened kitchen to the silver maple floors, no detail was overlooked in an extensive gut renovation.

250-West-103rd-Street-02

↓ The bright bedroom houses a custom California closet and in-unit washer/dryer.

250-West-103rd-Street-03
From the Listing: No expense was spared turning this apartment into the home of dreams. The kitchen is top-of-the-line with Carrera marble countertops, white cabinetry to the ceiling, a Wolf oven/range, Blomberg refrigerator, Bosch dishwasher, and Monogram convection/microwave. The bathroom is also all Carrera marble and an oasis of a shower with its waterfall shower head. See floor plan and full details here.

↓ Sunny studio looks out on tree-lined street views in a peaceful Midtown retreat.

304-East-41st-Street-01 All images of Hatfield House via Corcoran

↓ Interiors feature a living area, sleeping area, and office nook.

304-East-41st-Street-02
From the listing: You will be thrilled by this tranquil, sunny prewar studio apartment in an historic, full service prewar building with a 24-hour concierge. Enjoy a verdant, tree-lined street view, high ceilings, hard wood floors, a wall full of oversized casement windows, excellent storage including two closets and an attractive white tile bath with a period pedestal sink and large tub. This cool retreat in a superb midtown location is served by two beautiful parks, endless services, restaurants of every known cuisine, the East River waterfront and Grand Central Station. See floor plan and full details here.
304-East-41st-Street-03

Would you like to tour any of these properties?
Just complete the info below.
  1. Select which properties are of interest to you:

Or call us at (212) 755-5544
Would you like to tour any of these properties?