A Designer's Guide to New York City
New York designers already know their city: which showrooms quickly dazzle clients, which dealer is worth calling before dropping by, and where to retreat for a salade niçoise between appointments. This guide is for the rest of us—the designers who arrive with a tape measure in their carry-on and a few precious hours to see as much as possible. We’ve gathered the showrooms, galleries, shops, museums, auction houses, and only-in-New-York institutions worth building a few days around, from the grand dames of Madison Avenue to downtown destinations that reward a detour. Consider it an insider’s itinerary for a buying trip, inspiration pilgrimage, or, ideally, some combination of the two. This is New York, after all: a town that epitomizes business and pleasure. Thanks to our designer clients Eric Cohler, Elizabeth Lawrence, and Francis Nicdao for your expert input.
Bergdorf Goodman | 754 5th Ave.
Bergdorf’s has been the place for a proper spree since 1899 (legend has it that John Lennon and Yoko Ono once dropped $400,000 on fur coats one Christmas Eve). It’s easy to get lost in the fantastical visual merchandising of the Beaux-Arts bastion of opulence, not to mention the color and craft of the fashion itself. “I never leave without spending time in the home department,” says Francis Nicdao, Principal and Chief Creative Officer of Pembrooke & Ives. “It’s one of the few places that feels equally inspiring for both my personal life and my work as a designer.”
Cire Trudon | 146 Spring St.
The world’s oldest chandler opened in 1643 on rue Saint Honoré in Paris. The SoHo outpost is a jewelbox place to find the unexpected, like a blush pink candle in the form of Marie Antoinette made in collaboration with The Plaster Cast Workshop of the Rmn - Grand Palais.
East Village Hats | 80 East 7th St.
Every designer who works outdoors knows the value of a well-made hat. Handcrafted on site by a team of extraordinary milliners, the ready-to-wear and bespoke hats here are worth building an outfit around. Recent studio classes have taught mere mortals how to do everything from weave red cedar bark to craft a bejewelled wire tiara.
Hermès Maison | Madison Ave.
An artful fusion of four existing buildings, including a 1921 Federalist structure, the fashion house's New York flagship is home to a four story Portuguese limestone staircase and magical rooftop garden envisioned by landscape designer Miranda Brooks.
Moda Operandi | 24 East 64th St.
Tucked within a 1910 townhouse just off Madison Avenue, this appointment-only showroom is an intimate respite for discovering fine jewelry, wardrobe updates, and personal styling. Email [email protected] to arrange a visit. Owner Lauren Santo Domingo is also a McKinnon and Harris client.
The Sotheby's Salon | 945 Madison Ave.
The former Whitney Museum—designed by Marcel Breuer in the 1960s—is now among Sotheby’s best acquisitions, with a retail twist. You can now skip the auction and purchase one-of-a-kind treasures directly without the anxiety that comes with raising a paddle, from rare watches and wine to highly coveted Hermès handbags.
Antiques and Furniture
Barbara Israel Garden Antiques | By appointment, Katonah, NY | 212-744-6281 | [email protected]
Our co-founder Will Massie adores this garden resource for its consistently striking array of statues, ornaments and antiquities. Recently on offer: a carved marble spire with a pineapple finial from circa 1880s Ireland.
Frederick P. Victoria & Son | 47-32 Austell Place, Suite 216 Long Island City, NY, 11101
This storied multi-generational furniture maker with an inspiring catalogue of period-inspired pieces is also capable of crafting items completely bespoke. Would you expect anything less from a firm that worked with everyone from Elsie de Wolfe to Grace Kelly?
Karl Kemp Antiques | 36 East 10th St.
Showstopping statement antiques in flawless condition make this a wonderful resource for hard-to-please clients, whether you’re hunting for a Biedermeier chest of drawers from 1820s Germany or a Marzio Cecchi resin and cotton table that looks like draped cloth.
Maison Gerard | 43 and 53 East 10th St.
“I gravitate toward galleries and showrooms that are as inspiring as the collections they represent,” says Nicdao, who cites Maison Gerard as a favorite. From more obscure bentwood seating to standout modernist sculpture, the finds at this shop have tremendous provenance, drawing an international list of interior designer clients. Where else can you find a Venetian gondola chair from the late 1700s?
McKinnon and Harris NY | D&D Building | 222 East 59th Street | Suite 111
Our flagship New York showroom features artwork by our co-founder and renowned artist Annie Harris Massie, stone antiquities dating to the Renaissance and Roman eras, as well as our signature restrained, neutral color palette. We hope you’ll stop by and say hello.
Ceramics, Decorative Objects AND Lighting
Doyle Auctions | 175 East 87th St.
Interesting decorative art and objects from the estates of notable New Yorkers and other boldfaced names. Past auctions: Joan Crawford and Douglas Fairbanks Jr.
John Derian | 6-10 East 2nd St.
An enchanting trove of textiles, furniture, rugs, art, and Derian’s signature decoupage, all married with antiques and collections from hand-selected lines from around the world.
John Pomp Studio | 200 Lexington Ave., Suite 1201
Furniture and lighting designer John Pomp was reared in a Pennsylvania steel town, and has a muted, industrial aesthetic to prove it. The results are pioneering, if not intergalactic.
KRB NYC | 1024 Lexington Ave.
Curated by owner Kate Rheinstein Brodsky, this Upper East Side shop is a most reliable resource for lighting, art and decorative objects, such as corkillage obelisks by Marian McEvoy or gilt Rococo mirrors from circa 1800 England. “While in the neighborhood, stop in at KRB for one-of-a-kind shopping,” designer Eric Cohler says.
Liz O’Brien Gallery | 306 East 61st St.
Passionate about 20th-Century decorative arts, Liz O’Brien is renowned for her ability to pair highly talented (and largely undiscovered) artists with leading collectors. “Liz O’Brien has the most wonderful selection of artisan ceramics,” says Elizabeth Lawrence, partner at Williams Lawrence. Don’t miss the ceramic topiaries by Zachary Zimmerman.
Roman and Williams Guild | 53 Howard St. (Tribeca)
Design firm Roman and Williams practically broke the internet when they launched their now iconic home store nearly a decade ago. Don’t leave without stopping at La Mercerie pâtisserie for a cross-laminated Brioche Feuilletée, an architectural feat in butter and flour.
Bed Linens and Passementerie
East Coast Trimming | 142 West 38th St.
At this secret source for exquisite jacquard Hyman Hendler antique ribbons, you’ll find practically any kind of trim your heart desires.
House of Matouk | 20 East 67th St., New York, NY 10065
The first retail residence for the 1929 brand embodies the customizable spirit of the illustrious linen manufacturer (now based in Fall River, Mass.)
Prelle and Passementerie Verrier | 43 East 10th St.
Located in Greenwich Village, this lovely design space features historic silk fabrics from Lyon weaver Prelle and every imaginable trimming from Paris-based Passementerie Verrier (think tassels, fringes, and cords).
Samuel & Sons Flagship | 43 East 10th St.
A third-generation family-owned business and a leader in the world of fine passementerie, this newly renovated flagship is a veritable candy shop for the trade. “It’s a medina for all things trim,” says Cohler. “A truly outstanding collection.” Not to miss!
Schweitzer Linen | Three locations
For more than 50 years, the Schweitzer family has supplied the trade with fine European linens, creating completely bespoke bedding for some of New York’s most legendary designers—and their hyper-discerning clients.
Fabrics, Floorcoverings and Papers
ABC Carpet & Home | 888 Broadway
A mothership of inspiration and a long-beloved source for all manner of artisanal home decor. (Charlotte, Trey, and her mother-in-law Bunny famously tested beds and their nascent marriage here in an episode of Sex and the City).
Beauvais Carpets | 36 East 57th St.
In addition to hand-knotted, woven, and tufted carpets made-to-order, Beauvais offers fine antique tapestries and period carpets of exemplary merit.
de Gournay | 243 East 59th St.
A hop, skip and a jump from our own flagship, de Gournay New York is a layered experience of eleven unique rooms—each a toast to their hand-painted and hand-embroidered designs. “For exceptional wall coverings, de Gournay represents the pinnacle of craftsmanship,” Nicdao says.
Doris Lesli Blau | 306 East 61st St., 7th Floor
With more than 4,000 vintage rugs in its inventory at any given moment, Doris Leslie Blau is something of a magic carpet archive. The collection spans centuries and continents, from 1960s Swedish flatweaves to circa-1800 French Savonnerie carpets worthy of Versailles.
Fortuny | D&D, 979 3rd Ave.
Made in Venice since 1921, Fortuny’s signature look is brought to life with theatrical drama in the historic D&D Building.
Merida Studio | 200 Lexington Ave., Suite 500
A palette cleansing space where each of Merida Studio’s handwoven floorcoverings is presented with tremendous air, as in a true art gallery.
Temple Studio | 125 5th Ave., 5th Floor
A multi-line showroom where designers can experience small and independent textile, floorcovering and wallcovering designs at their finest: bathed in the gauzy daylight of their overhead skylights.
Soane | 22 East 65th St., 4th Floor
In the neo-Georgian building that once housed Babe Paley and Betsy Bloomingdale’s hair salon, Soane’s Madison Avenue gallery offers a stateside immersion in the British brand’s handcrafted rattan, sumptuous fabrics, and wallcoverings—no passport required.
Studio Four NYC | 900 Broadway, Suite 201
More than 40 small and independent textile lines to the trade in the Flatiron district, including fresh faces like Utopia Goods, Tacoma and Isobel.
John Rosselli | D&D, 979 Third Ave., Suite 1800
Iconic multi-line showroom representing several of the most timeless textile lines in the world.
deVOL Kitchens | 28 Bond St.
Their first showroom outside of the British Isles is a master class in the understated luxury that’s made their Leicestershire-born kitchens a global phenom.
Experience
Color Factory | 251 Spring St.
It may seem like it was made for Instagram, but 5,000 mostly five star reviews don’t lie. This thoughtfully executed experience devoted to the philosophy of color is equally as delightful with your design team as with your pre-teen, and will leave you fully inspired.
Kips Bay NY Showhouse | Location changes annually
A tradition more than 50 years and 800 designers in the making, Kips Bay is one of the world’s most notable designer showhouses—and an annual event that helped put everyone from Mark Hampton to Mario Buatta on the map.
Whitney Museum of American Art | 99 Gansevoort St.
Dedicated to championing overlooked—and often still-living—American artists, the Whitney occupies a breathtaking Renzo Piano–designed perch in the Meatpacking District. Its eye for talent is legendary (the museum helped propel Georgia O’Keeffe and Jackson Pollock to prominence).
Museum of Arts and Design | 2 Columbus Cir.
Overlooking Columbus Circle at the foot of Central Park, this space focuses on craftsmanship, often highlighting artists who otherwise wouldn’t find their work on museum walls. The café, Robert, is unmissable, thanks to a panorama over the park from floor to ceiling windows and frequent live music.
Neue Galerie New York | 1048 5th Ave.
Reopening in the fall of 2026, the Neue Galerie is a museum of Austrian and German art and design from the early 20th century (including Klimt) within a limestone Gilded Age mansion designed by Carrère & Hastings. The Viennese café, Café Sabarsky, is steeped in era decor, down to the Josef Hoffmann light fixtures and 1912 Otto Wagner fabric on the banquettes.
Salone Art + Design at the Park Avenue Armory
An annual showcase of fine art and design with galleries arriving with finds from across the globe (recently including Galerie Marcilhac from Paris and London’s Potterton Books).
The Frick Collection | 1 East 70th St.
Inside this Central Park-facing Gilded Age mansion—originally designed by Carrère and Hastings, and recently expanded by Selldorf Architects—you’ll find one of the finest collections of work by the Old Masters, such as Rembrandt and Vermeer. Cohler recommends staying for lunch; the new cafe, Westmoreland, overlooks the garden, and sweet corn risotto is on the menu.
The Morgan Library & Museum | 225 Madison Ave.
Banking kingpin J.P. Morgan’s private library in his Gilded age palazzo is yours to explore here (don’t miss the circa 1454 Gutenberg Bible.) It serves as a contemplative source of inspiration for architects and designers looking to conduct primary research from Renaissance masters.
The Orchid Dinner | the Plaza Hotel
If you still have FOMO from missing Truman Capote’s Black and White Ball, this dazzling annual gala held at the Plaza Hotel is a must (and all in support of the New York Botanical Garden).
The Winter Show at the Park Avenue Armory
Trust us, the strict quality requirements at this juried show exhibiting more than 70 international dealers are worth it; you’ll see everything from ancient antiquities to post-modernist art.
Institute of Classical Art & Architecture
The National Office of the Institute of Classical Art & Architecture often hosts lectures and events open to the public, so even if you’re not an ICAA member, you can benefit from their exquisite programming. Recently: a lecture with Bunny Williams.
Affordable Art Fair | Starrett-Lehigh Building
Held twice annually, regional galleries display works under $12,000 here. It’s a particularly good place to discover insider artists before everyone else does.
TEFAF | 643 Park Ave.
Set within the 1881 Park Avenue Armory, TEFAF New York gathers more than 90 celebrated international galleries to exhibit a curated selection of modern and contemporary masterpieces, fine jewelry, and ancient art. Held annually in mid-May.
Taste
Breakfast at Buvette | 42 Grove St. (West Village)
This cozy gastrothèque with its tiny marble bar and no-reservations charm offers expertly crafted tartines worth every bite.
Breakfast at Daily Provisions | Multiple Locations
A coffee and sandwich shop initially set amongst the stylish bustle of Gramercy has grown into multiple well-placed Midtown locations. Don’t miss the crullers.
Coffee at Felix Roasting Co. | Multiple Locations
The Aesthetic Movement inspired these coffee houses—which were sumptuously designed by king of maximalism Ken Fulk—offering indulgent antidotes to large-scale commercial chains.
Breakfast at Giulietta | 200 Park Ave. (Midtown)
At the base of the 1962 midtown MetLife Building, designed by Walter Gropius (the founder of Bauhaus), this new Italian spot is a charming place for a sit-down breakfast, like brioche French toast with citrus compote and whipped crème fraîche.
Breakfast at Jack’s Wife Freda | Multiple Locations
A charming, plant-filled atmosphere for Mediterranean-meets-Southern-comfort dishes like halloumi and malva pudding.
Breakfast at Cafe Cluny | 284 West 12th St. (West Village)
With its cobblestone streetfront and well-heeled crowd, Café Cluny pairs refined Franco-American vibes with attentive service in a solid see-and-be-seen setting.
Brunch at Friend of A Farmer | 77 Irving Pl.
Pioneering the concept well before it became mainstream, its regionally sourced farm-to-table fare offers a cozy environment with delicious, rustic preparations.
Lunch at Grand Central Oyster Bar | 89 East 42nd St. (Grand Central)
Favored by aesthetes and editors, this charming old-world interior in a landmark New York setting offers more than 25 oyster varieties and a most famous pan roast on the menu since 1913.
Lunch at abcV | 38 East 19th St. (Flatiron)
A Michelin Guide, plant-forward restaurant by Jean-Georges Vongerichten with artistically plated items, all served up in a buzzy, it-girl setting within ABC Carpet & Home.
Lunch at BG, Bergdorf Goodman | 754 Fifth Avenue 7th Floor (Midtown)
Sweeping views of Central Park, Kelly Wearstler-designed interiors, and the most delicious roast chicken salad in existence make this an A+ mid-day spot.
Tea at Tiffany's | Blue Box Cafe (Inside Tiffany & Co.) | 727 5th Ave., 6th Floors
Reimagining Breakfast at Tiffany’s, celebrated chef Daniel Boulud puts a delightful spin on afternoon tea for the weary Midtown shopper. Holly Golightly (played by Audrey Hepburn) would undoubtedly love the almond financiers and orange apricot sable gâteaux.
Lunch at The Polo Bar | 1 East 55th St.
An instant icon when it opened, The Polo Bar is arguably one of the toughest spots in Manhattan to secure a reservation. Call well in advance for your table: reservations open 30 calendar days ahead, and walk-ins aren’t accepted.
Lunch at Frenchette | 241 West Broadway
Spot-on French classics (like note perfect salade niçoise) paired with natural wines in a cozy setting make this bistro the perfect spot for a power lunch.
Lunch at La Mercerie, Roman and Williams Guild | 53 Howard St.
After you’ve had your fair share of shopping, you can plop yourself down at the gorgeous restaurant, La Mercerie, for a light French bite and glass of wine.
Dinner at Claud | 90 East 10th St.
Thoughtfully done menu with a simple, understated environment and cleverly executed desserts (get the pistachio bundt cake with whipped ricotta).
Dinner at Jua | 36 East 22nd St.
Wood-fired Korean flavors served prix-fixe style in a striking industrial setting have earned chef Hoyoung Kim—an alum of the Ecole Ferrandi in Paris—a Michelin star. Jua is named after Chef Kim’s firstborn daughter; a fresh spelling of French “joie,” or joy…and the menu lives up to it.
Dinner at Le Coucou | 138 Lafayette St.
Designed by Roman and Williams, Le Coucou feels like a Parisian dream filtered through New York: layered, intimate, and appropriately lavish. If you can’t secure dinner reservations, don’t hesitate to give the bar a go.
Dinner at Gramercy Tavern | 42 East 20th St.
Thanks to its enduring philosophy of elevated hospitality and flawlessly prepared classic dishes, this cozy New York spot never gets old.
Dinner at Per Se | 10 Columbus Cir.
If you are hard to please (in a foodie kind of way), this is your place. An absolutely outstanding three-Michelin-starred spot by Chef Thomas Keller with megawatt views over Central Park.
Cocktails at The Bar, Mandarin Oriental | 80 Columbus Cir., Floor 35 of Mandarin Oriental
Arguably NYC’s best skyline view for drinks, and just revamped with the Silk Road as its muse. Go on Wednesdays for live piano music.
Stay
Waldorf Astoria | 301 Park Ave.
With a careful restoration of public spaces led by French interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon, this Art Deco icon reopened its doors in 2025, cementing its storied position as among the most luxurious hotels in the world. (Don’t miss the original Waldorf Salad at Peacock Alley.)
The Whitby | 18 West 56th St.
Kit Kemp employs her trademark playful design choices and British eclecticism at this charming Midtown hotel; the location is especially convenient for design district shopping.
The Marlton | 5 West 8th St. (Greenwich)
Cozy doesn’t begin to cover this chic retreat in Greenwich Village, where despite jewel box-sized rooms, the attention to hospitality is a priority and proximity to restaurants is wonderful. “Whenever I have guests visiting the city, I always recommend The Marlton Hotel in Greenwich Village,” Nicdao says. “It has an old New York charm that's increasingly hard to find. The rooms are intimate rather than oversized, but that's part of its appeal. It's a beautifully designed, understated hotel with a cozy bar that's perfect for a quiet drink at the end of the day.” Try to snag a spot by the fire in the winter.
Greenwich Hotel | 377 Greenwich St. (Tribeca)
Owned by Robert De Niro and adorned by Belgian designer Axel Vervoordt, with a serene Shibui spa and candle-lit indoor swimming pool.
The Ned NoMad | 1170 Broadway (NoMad)
As Soho House’s first US outpost, The Ned NoMad blends the vibrant social buzz of a members’ club in a 1920s-inspired New York setting.
The Plaza Hotel | 768 5th Ave. (Midtown)
Made immortal by notable past guests such as John F. Kennedy and The Duke and Duchess of Windsor, the 1907 grande dame delivers timeless Fifth Avenue grandeur from its French Renaissance château style-perch over Central Park, not to mention a legendary afternoon tea in its Palm Court.
East Village Hats, Barbara Israel, Maison Gerard, John Pomp, Samuel & Sons, Kips Bay, Le Coucou, and The Whitby images kindly provided by the business. McKinnon and Harris Showroom images by Kip Dawkins Photography. All other images are iPhone.
