New Yorker Spotlight: We Visit Lillian Wright of Mimosa Floral Design in her Crown Heights Studio
August 22, 2014

New Yorker Spotlight: We Visit Lillian Wright of Mimosa Floral Design in her Crown Heights Studio

By
New York is known for having spectacular weddings of all shapes and sizes at every venue imaginable. Aside from the bride, the groom and the dress, flowers are often the center of attention at these affairs. And if you have attended one such wedding, Lilli Wright's centerpieces may have graced your table. As the owner of Mimosa Floral Design Studio based in Crown Heights, Lilli has become one of the city's most sought after florists. She recently did the flowers for a ceremony at the New York Public Library, and on another weekend she found herself designing flowers for five different weddings. Lilli—whose full name is Lillian—has always had a flower in her name, but it wasn't until a friend asked the then-actress to handle flowers at a wedding that she found her true calling. After a slew of floral-related adventures throughout the city, in 2010 Lilli became a bonafide Brooklyn entrepreneur when she started a flower business right out of her apartment. In June of this year, Lilli opened up a brand new storefront studio on Kingston Avenue. 6sqft recently caught up will Lilli at her Brooklyn studio to find out more about her new shop, Crown Heights' renaissance, and why the New York wedding scene is like no other.
Read our full interview with Lilli here
August 22, 2014

Could JPods’ Solar-Power Commuter Pods Make Their Way to Manhattan?

By
Every day the NYC subway carries more than 1.3 million riders to all corners of our fair city. A feat yes, but if you're a rush hour commuter, you know the hellish conditions that can arise when trying to pack several hundred (though it can feel like thousands) of people into a line of sardine cans. If you're one of the many who constantly curse the MTA, try not to get too green-eyed as you read on. As it turns out, our neighbors in grid-locked Secaucus, New Jersey are gearing up to test a out new form of solar-powered public transit called JPods. This innovative new system uses a combination of light rail and self-driving car suspended above roads, and unlike the NYC subway, you can leave your running shoes at home. This rail network is designed to get you as close to your final destination as possible.
More on the new venture here
ChopChop: A Hyper-Functional Kitchen Unit by Industrial Designer Dirk Biotto
August 22, 2014

ChopChop: A Hyper-Functional Kitchen Unit by Industrial Designer Dirk Biotto

By
ChopChop is the ideal product for people who hate cluttered kitchens but still love cooking (or for those of us who don't have space in our apartments for an actual kitchen). It consists of two hyper-functional workbenches, one for preparing the meal and one for cleaning up. Created by Berlin-based industrial designer Dirk Biotto, ChopChop also takes into consideration elderly and disabled chefs by using a universal design philosophy.
More details on the clever kitchen
Factory Lofts Condo in Williamsburg Offers a Two-Tiered Private Patio
August 22, 2014

Factory Lofts Condo in Williamsburg Offers a Two-Tiered Private Patio

By
Restored from one of Williamsburg’s original turn-of-the-century factory buildings, the Factory Lofts at 66 North 1st Street made headlines for its unusual and controversial rooftop addition by architect Robert Scarano. But now that the dust has settled, this adaptive reuse project offers some of the most hip residences in Williamsburg. Known for making the most of every inch of square footage, the Brooklyn-born Scarano has a knack for thoughtfully designed spaces like this one-bedroom condo with a mezzanine loft — his signature design element.
See what else this pad has up its sleeve
Stuyvesant Square: Not Gramercy Park Nor Stuyvesant Town
August 22, 2014

Stuyvesant Square: Not Gramercy Park Nor Stuyvesant Town

By
That's right--Stuyvesant Square is its own neighborhood. Haven't heard of it? That may be because you've been confusing it with neighboring Gramercy Park or Stuyvesant Town. But in fact, this charming little neighborhood is a highly desirable enclave in its own right. Situated around Stuyvesant Square Park, the area is bound roughly by 14th and 18th Streets and First and Third Avenues. It could be considered the southeastern corner of Gramercy Park or an extension of planned development Stuyvesant Town, but some real estate professionals like the exclusivity that the lesser-known moniker offers. Others have come up with creative alternatives like "Gramercy Park on Stuyvesant Square." But regardless of what you call it, Stuyvesant Square has a unique blend of limited space, historic landmarks, and mixed uses that makes for a bustling New York City neighborhood.
More on Stuyvesant Square here
Gramercy Duplex by Slade Architecture is a Healthy and Eco-Friendly Home
August 22, 2014

Gramercy Duplex by Slade Architecture is a Healthy and Eco-Friendly Home

By
Oftentimes when environmentally friendly homes are designed the client wants to keep a low carbon footprint or be sensitive to the surrounding landscape. But there's another very important reason to go green in residential design, which is personal health. And that's exactly why Slade Architecture was asked to take an eco-friendly approach when creating this contemporary Gramercy Duplex. The renovation combined two existing one-bedroom duplex units into a single two-bedroom duplex. All materials were specified as low VOC, including recycled denim insulation, recycled paper countertops, Low-e windows, and Eco Spec paint.
Take a look at how Slade created a functional space with a green mentality
This Whimsical Noho Rental Has a Tin Ceiling, a Swing, and a Tree House
August 21, 2014

This Whimsical Noho Rental Has a Tin Ceiling, a Swing, and a Tree House

By
Okay, so this two bedroom rental at 5 Great Jones Street doesn’t really have a tree house, but given all the interesting touches in this Noho apartment, it wouldn’t surprise us. The “tree house” is actually a fully enclosed and windowed loft space overlooking the enormous master bedroom and accessed via a metal spiral stair. It’s suspended in such a way that it reminded us of a leafy escape; and the whimsical swing hanging at its side certainly lent to our imagination. Call it what you want, this elevated room is as functional as it is fun and can be used as a small den and adjoining office without sacrificing any of the master's 800-square-feet, which perhaps is so large because it once doubled as puppeteer Kermit Love's set studio, where Sesame Street's Big Bird and Snuffleupagus were born.
Tour the enchanting home here

Distinctive Homes

VIEW ALL
Real Estate Wire: Karim Rashid’s Colorful Harlem Design Gets a Thumbs-Down; Islamic Cultural Center Near Ground Zero Seeks Permits
August 21, 2014

Real Estate Wire: Karim Rashid’s Colorful Harlem Design Gets a Thumbs-Down; Islamic Cultural Center Near Ground Zero Seeks Permits

By

Neighbors of Karim Rashid’s colorful complex planned for Pleasant Avenue in Harlem are in an uproar over the building’s pink and blue color scheme. [NYDN] Soho Properties is seeking permits for the construction of their proposed Islamic cultural center designed by Jean Nouvel. The controversial project, which will host a “museum and sanctuary space”, is located 49-51 Park Place near Ground Zero. […]

Brooklyn-Based Designer Danielle Trofe Grows Compostable Lights From Mushrooms
August 21, 2014

Brooklyn-Based Designer Danielle Trofe Grows Compostable Lights From Mushrooms

By
Danielle Trofe Design is a Brooklyn-based studio that creates function-forward, sustainable furniture and lighting. One of their most curious designs is the Mush-Lume collection, which is not manufactured but rather grown from mushrooms. Organic and biodegradable, these brilliant designs will light up your days and, most likely, end up in your compost bin.
More on this curious mushroom lights here
Whaler’s Lane Residence by Rogers Marvel Architects is a Beacon on the Amagansett Shores
August 21, 2014

Whaler’s Lane Residence by Rogers Marvel Architects is a Beacon on the Amagansett Shores

By
As far as the Hamptons go, Amagansett is one of the most exclusive neighborhoods. From Lou Reed to Sarah Jessica Parker, celebrities love the quiet hamlet, located on Long Island's South Shore. Eclectic beach houses dot the dune-lined beachfront, and one of our favorites is the Whaler's Lane Residence by Rogers Marvel Architects. A renovation and expansion of an existing oceanfront beach cottage, this home is made up of a series of shingle-wrapped exterior and interior spaces connected via wooden pathways. The original structure provided inspiration for the design, as the project maintained similar materials and profiles to create a contextual residence.
Explore the rest of this Hamptons hideaway
Floor Plans of the Woolworth’s $110M ‘Pinnacle’ Penthouse Revealed
August 21, 2014

Floor Plans of the Woolworth’s $110M ‘Pinnacle’ Penthouse Revealed

By
It looks like Alchemy Properties' plan to price the penthouse at the Woolworth building for $110 million has been approved by the New York Attorney General’s office, making it one of the most expensive listings to ever hit the downtown market at $11,700 per square foot. According to The Real Deal, who got a first look at the floor plans, the unit will be called the "Pinnacle" and host 9,400 square feet with about 500 square feet of outdoor space.
More plans and pricing this way
Mastering the Master Plan: A Look at NYC’s Planned Neighborhoods
August 21, 2014

Mastering the Master Plan: A Look at NYC’s Planned Neighborhoods

By
We often think of the street grid as New York's greatest "master plan." Officially known as the Commissioners' Plan of 1811, this put in place the original, gridded street pattern that we still know today. But there have been several other master plans that took shape on a smaller scale within the linear configuration of Manhattan. These planned communities were largely conceived to transform blighted or underutilized areas into suburban enclaves or peaceful oases within the big city. And just like the neighborhoods that grew organically among the street grid, these master-planned areas each have a unique character. They've also influenced a new crop of developments, currently under construction on the West Side and in Brooklyn.
We take a look at planned communities that historically changed the fabric of the city, as well as those on the horizon
Priciest Townhouse in Washington Heights Sells for $2.4 Million
August 21, 2014

Priciest Townhouse in Washington Heights Sells for $2.4 Million

By
Acknowledged back in June as the most expensive townhouse in Washington Heights, this historic home at 431 West 162nd Street was met with skepticism from local bloggers. They cited its “colorful wall-to-wall carpeting” and the dearth of immediate amenities in the area. But according to city records, the townhouse has sold for $2.38 million, less than $200,000 under its $2.5 million asking price and still higher than any other townhouse in the area. Looks like Washington Heights gets the last laugh here.
Take a look inside the home that beat the odds
Pulltab Design’s Penthouse Renovation Lets the Light in with a Beautiful Brise-Soleil Sun Room
August 20, 2014

Pulltab Design’s Penthouse Renovation Lets the Light in with a Beautiful Brise-Soleil Sun Room

By
There’s no question that indoor/outdoor living is a trend that is alive and here to stay. And when you live in a neighborhood as lively and eclectic as the East Village, it’s only natural to want a peaceful haven that still allows you to enjoy the energy of the city that never sleeps. The owners of this residence were looking for just that. They wanted a seamless indoor/outdoor living space off their fifth floor loft that was conducive to entertaining guests as well as enjoying a quiet afternoon with a book. Enter Pulltab Design who set out to create a home that was both durable and elegant, while accommodating the practical needs of their clients.
Take a look inside this sturdy renovation, here
Pitch a story icon Know of something cool happening in New York? Let us know:
Sands Point Renovation by CDR Studio Architects is Clad in Charred Cedar
August 20, 2014

Sands Point Renovation by CDR Studio Architects is Clad in Charred Cedar

By
Can't you smell the musky cedar just by looking at this rustic dwelling? Located in a rural community on the edge of the Long Island Sound, this Sands Point home was renovated by CDR Studio Architects to both preserve and refine the structure that had been present on the site since 1961. To achieve this balance, the firm retained the house's frame, but added large expanses of open windows and a more seamless roofline. The dilapidated skin was replaced with a highly insulated, open-joined rain screen made of cedar boards charred using the traditional Japanese burning method of Shou-sugi-ban, an environmentally friendly way to preserve the timber.
See more of this vision in cedar
Flux Chair: A Colorful Plastic Seat That Can Fold Up in Just 10 Seconds
August 20, 2014

Flux Chair: A Colorful Plastic Seat That Can Fold Up in Just 10 Seconds

By
The Flux Chair might look like a giant plastic envelope, but it's actually a surprising seat that can be assembled in about ten seconds. Design by Dutch duo Douwe Jacobs and Tom Schouten, it's made from recyclable plastic and comes in eight different colors. Flat-pack, space saving, and durable, this clever product can quickly become a comfortable, graceful seat.
More about this fantastic plastic seat here
Daily Link Fix: Find Out What It’s Like To Inspect A Tenement; The Story Behind Your Favorite Brooklyn Heights Restaurants
August 20, 2014

Daily Link Fix: Find Out What It’s Like To Inspect A Tenement; The Story Behind Your Favorite Brooklyn Heights Restaurants

By

If You’re Not In Brooklyn, You Can’t Be “Brooklyn Made”: This is for all the posers out there capitalizing on the made-in-Brooklyn trend. AM NY reports that the Brooklyn Commerce will now be certifying big and small companies in King County that are “Brooklyn born and made.” Restaurants in the Heights History: Brooklyn Heights Blog […]

With New Transparent Solar Concentrators, Glass Towers Can Generate Solar Energy
August 20, 2014

With New Transparent Solar Concentrators, Glass Towers Can Generate Solar Energy

By
It's no secret that super tall, glassy towers are the go-to architectural style for many of today's leading starchitects. But environmentalists worry that the huge expanses of curtain wall windows are not very eco-friendly. A new product, though, just might satisfy those on both ends of this debate. Researchers at Michigan State University have developed a new transparent luminescent solar concentrator that creates solar energy when placed over a window. The exciting part is that the product is totally translucent, so people can still see through the window while the green technology is working. The concentrators can also be placed on cell phones or any device with a flat, clear surface.
Learn more about the solar cells here
Watch Charles and Ray Eames Unveil Their Iconic Lounger on NBC’s ‘Home’ Show
August 20, 2014

Watch Charles and Ray Eames Unveil Their Iconic Lounger on NBC’s ‘Home’ Show

By
Few chairs are as recognizable as those designed by Charles and Ray Eames. And though Modernist duo were pioneers in the creation of quality furniture, both easily produced and sold at affordable prices (though you wouldn't exactly guess that now), did you know that their lounger was their first foray into the high-end furniture market? Officially titled Eames Lounge (670) and Ottoman (671), the chair was originally designed for Herman Miller back in 1956, and when it was released, Charles and Ray were already household names counting nearly 1 million chairs in homes across the country. To that end, when the pair were ready to debut this latest luxury creation, NBC's Home show invited them to come on and talk about their design. Anyone who admires the Eames will without question love this video featuring the adorable twosome modestly taking compliments from host Arlene Francis while discussing everything from their plywood chair, to their precedent home in Los Angeles, to their lounger, which in the segment gets a comically dramatic unveiling complete with curtains, lights and music.
Watch the video here
Adorable Park Slope Apartment Comes With Its Very Own Pied-à-Terre (Sort of)
August 20, 2014

Adorable Park Slope Apartment Comes With Its Very Own Pied-à-Terre (Sort of)

By
Homes like this adorably perfect apartment don't come on the market all that often in this neck of the woods -- because who would ever want to leave? Even if Park Slope hadn't been "New York" magazine's choice for the 'Most Livable Neighborhood' in the city in 2010, one would have to look no further than its charming, small-town feel and notable residents (Maggie Gyllenhaal, Kerry Russell and Steve Buscemi, to name a few) to know they hit the neighborhood jackpot. Plus, this gem of a home located at 99 Berkeley Place has a fun bonus all its own. We'll get to that a little later on.
This way for a great apartment in a great neighborhood
Forget the Crayon Box: Scribble Pen Draws in 16 Million Colors
August 20, 2014

Forget the Crayon Box: Scribble Pen Draws in 16 Million Colors

By
It's hard to even imagine 16 million colors, let alone draw in them, but the Scribble pen does just that. The first-of-its-kind creation, developed by the San Francisco-based startup Scribble Technology, scans colors and transfers them either to paper or a mobile device. See a paint hue you just love or want to capture the shade of a dress in a store window? Just tap your pen on the wall or object and, voila, you can draw in that color.
More about the new technology
Quirky West Village Co-Op Has Beams Made from Salvaged Ship Parts
August 19, 2014

Quirky West Village Co-Op Has Beams Made from Salvaged Ship Parts

By
For some bizarre reason the owner of this remarkable home decided to put her stamp on it, then vacate. Well, life’s too short to contemplate all of its mysteries. Instead we’ll just accept this twist of fate as the perfect opportunity to take a glimpse behind the private gate on Greenwich Street, and inside a truly unique West Village co-op. You’ll feel like a kid in a candy shop the minute you step inside this 3,000-square-foot, oversized playhouse at 719 Greenwich Street. Unit 1S is filled with whimsy, from the salvaged sailing ship beams that adorn its nearly 13-foot ceilings, to the international door collection, which includes a few beveled glass models from a hotel in Fleury, France.
Take a look inside this charismatic loft here

THE 6SQFT SHOP

The best websites for buying and selling used furniture in NYC The best websites for buying and selling used furniture in NYC
The 6 best furniture rental companies in NYC The 6 best furniture rental companies in NYC
8 best places in NYC to thrift for home goods 8 best places in NYC to thrift for home goods
Everything you need to know about using a guarantor in NYC Everything you need to know about using a guarantor in NYC
15 quintessential NYC gifts for the New Yorker in your life 15 quintessential NYC gifts for the New Yorker in your life
New York City's best holiday markets of 2023 New York City's best holiday markets of 2023
Everything you need to know about affordable housing: applying, getting in, and staying put Everything you need to know about affordable housing: applying, getting in, and staying put
Raising chickens in NYC: Laws, tips, and everything else you need to know Raising chickens in NYC: Laws, tips, and everything else you need to know
10 Ways to Decorate an Exposed Brick Wall Without Drilling 10 Ways to Decorate an Exposed Brick Wall Without Drilling
Snag the Greenest Seat in Town: Gufram's 1972 Pratone Chair is Shaped Like a Patch of Grass Snag the Greenest Seat in Town: Gufram's 1972 Pratone Chair is Shaped Like a Patch of Grass
VIEW ALL
From Swamps to Swank: A Brief History of Gramercy Park Hotel and the Garden’s Highly Coveted Keys
August 19, 2014

From Swamps to Swank: A Brief History of Gramercy Park Hotel and the Garden’s Highly Coveted Keys

By
With a prime location overlooking Gramercy Park, accessible solely to those with keys, the 183-year-old Renaissance revival Gramercy Park Hotel was built on the site of infamous architect Stanford White’s home (which had replaced the house where novelist Edith Wharton was born) nearly 90 years ago. The neighborhood, the park, and the hotel date as far back as the 1830s, when more than 60 swampy lots were allocated to developers looking to lure downtown city folks to a new “uptown” community. In time, those lots were transformed into what is now 39 dwellings surrounding a leafy park reserved for a select few lucky enough to live in luxurious homes framing the two-acre park between 20th and 21st Streets at Irving Place. But it wasn't until 1925 that the stately hotel opened its doors at 2 Lexington Avenue. By 1930, it was extended westward along the park frontage on 21st street, and today it is one of the city's most coveted quarters.
More on the history of Gramercy Park Hotel here
Real Estate Wire: East NY Residents Weigh In On the City’s Revitalization Plans; A Father and Son’s Land-Use Legacy
August 19, 2014

Real Estate Wire: East NY Residents Weigh In On the City’s Revitalization Plans; A Father and Son’s Land-Use Legacy

By

Residents of East New York react to the city’s revitalization plan for their neighborhood. [WSJ] A developer’s best friends: The father and son law team who have worked for decades to secure changes to properties’ permitted use or size. [WSJ] Renzo Piano’s design for the new Whitney Museum along the High Line is almost complete. [Curbed] A […]

Levenbetts’ CCO1 House Leaves a Modern Mark on an Upstate Agricultural Field
August 19, 2014

Levenbetts’ CCO1 House Leaves a Modern Mark on an Upstate Agricultural Field

By
When you think farmhouse, images of red barns and wooden fences probably come to mind. But the CCO1 House by Levenbetts couldn't stray farther from this nostalgic vision; and that's a good thing. Built in the middle of an agricultural field in Columbia County, New York, this contemporary home was designed to work around the site's existing linear grooves, etched into the rolling hills from years of farming. The organization, cladding, and details all take the topography into account, and the house steps up from east to west to follow the contour of the land.
Plenty more design details are ahead
Federica Bubani’s Wood and Ceramic Nordic Lamp is Beautifully Strange
August 19, 2014

Federica Bubani’s Wood and Ceramic Nordic Lamp is Beautifully Strange

By
Italian designer Federica Bubani is constantly researching and experimenting with new materials, but she especially loves ceramics. One of her latest designs, the beautifully strange Nordic Lamp, was the result of one of her explorations. The lamp consists of two parts made from the earthen material, which together with the wooden parts and grey cable give the design a cool Scandinavian appearance.
More details on this beautifully simple Nordic Lamp here
Soho Loft with Taxidermy Tendencies Sells for $4.7M
August 19, 2014

Soho Loft with Taxidermy Tendencies Sells for $4.7M

By
We were quite astounded when, earlier this summer, we came across a taxidermy-filled apartment on Central Park West (there's a first time for everything!). And now, in an even more surprising twist, we've stumbled upon another "stuffed animal" loving pad. Though not filled to the brims like our first find, this apartment at 465 West Broadway will still make you look twice. The three-bedroom unit has been picked up by jewelry designer and artist Lisa Pevaroff for $4.7 million. Likely selling points include 15 windows, four exposures, and an easily convertible floor plan.
Check out the rest of this funky home
Stunning…Exquisite…Classic…We’re Running Out of Adjectives for this $16M Brooklyn Heights Townhouse
August 19, 2014

Stunning…Exquisite…Classic…We’re Running Out of Adjectives for this $16M Brooklyn Heights Townhouse

By
We have never been more thankful for the phrase "a picture is worth a thousand words." And though we may have expressed this sentiment before when bringing you other properties, we are pretty sure our words for this $16,000,000 townhouse at 192 Columbia Heights may fall a wee bit short. Fortunately, we have lots of lovely photos in our gallery to ensure you are properly astonished. We had our pick of beautiful Brooklyn residences to share with you today, but this one called to us. It wasn't a "Pick me, pick me!" kind of calling, but more of a "Could this home be anymore beautiful?" type of calling. In our humble opinion the answer is "no."
Come see why this home spoke to us, and in turn, left us speechless
New App Wheely Will Make the NYC Subway More Accessibilty Friendly
August 19, 2014

New App Wheely Will Make the NYC Subway More Accessibilty Friendly

By
If you ride the New York City subway you likely have some type of app installed on your smart phone that provides a map of the underground system or calculates the time to the next train. And it's just as likely that your app doesn't have a feature for accessibility. For those who cannot push through a crowd on the stairs or bolt up the left side of the escalator, the subway is extremely hard to navigate and oftentimes quite useless, as only 18% of stations have accessible elevators. To address this major flaw in our mass transit system, Anthony Driscoll developed a new app called Wheely, which helps those with accessibility needs (wheelchair users, the elderly, parents with strollers, injured people, etc.) better navigate the subway.
All the details on the smart new app here
Steven Harris Architects’ West 87th Street Townhouse is a True Urban Sanctuary
August 19, 2014

Steven Harris Architects’ West 87th Street Townhouse is a True Urban Sanctuary

By
Walking down West 87th Street past the stately brick and brownstone townhouses, a stunning white home with huge picture windows stands out as something special. The magic really starts, though, upon entering the house. Renovated by Steven Harris Architects, this striking townhouse not only provides a spacious layout filled with tasteful contemporary furniture, but the firm's work retains historic details like ornate crown moldings and the original, commanding staircase. The highlight of the townhouse is the oversized windows, which let in plenty of natural light, offer cross ventilation, and open to an abundance of outdoor space.
Tour the rest of this Upper West Side beauty
Morpholio’s Innovative Mood Board App Lets You Design Your Entire Apartment on an iPad
August 18, 2014

Morpholio’s Innovative Mood Board App Lets You Design Your Entire Apartment on an iPad

By
The brilliant minds over at The Morpholio Project are at again, and this time they've introduced a real doozy to their already impressive suite of design apps. Devised for interior design professionals and design enthusiasts alike, this ground-breaking new application is pretty much like Pinterest on steroids, but made for the tech savvy who never stop creating. Featuring an incredible cloud library of over 1,000 top-notch curated design products and a highly refined suite of editing tools, this powerful app allows you to pull images of everything from furniture to materials to complete backdrops, onto a digital board that can be manipulated and transformed into a one of a kind vision: your own. The app was launched today and is now available at the Apple store for free!
More on this game-changing design app here
This West Village Remodel by HS2 Architecture Wows with a Greenhouse Dining Room
August 18, 2014

This West Village Remodel by HS2 Architecture Wows with a Greenhouse Dining Room

By
It’s rare that you see a townhouse as grand and spacious as this 6,500-square-foot West Village dwelling. So, it’s no wonder the team at HS2 Architecture was delighted for the opportunity to renovate the historic house of their clients, the family of a work-from-home author. The goal was to create a home that reflected the clients’ lifestyle, transforming the space into a residence that makes a strong architectural statement while maintaining a level of comfort and functionality.
Take a look inside this Greenwich Village remodel here
Amazing NYC Office Interiors That Inspire and Promote Innovation
August 18, 2014

Amazing NYC Office Interiors That Inspire and Promote Innovation

By
Workplace designers are always trying to find new ways to make offices a more inspiring and productive place, especially for professional creatives. A beautiful work space can keep employees excited when they clock in every day, and make sure that the water cooler talk is about new ideas, not the shoddy carpet. These new NYC offices are pretty to look at and to work in.
See our gallery of amazing workplaces here
90% of NYC Buildings Fail to Meet Energy Codes
August 18, 2014

90% of NYC Buildings Fail to Meet Energy Codes

By
In early 2014, the Department of Buildings (DOB) set up a permanent audit unit and started reviewing the architectural plans for thousands of new and renovated buildings. What they've found is alarming; nine out of every ten office and/or residential buildings failed to meet the New York City Energy Conservation Code (NYCECC). The energy standards were implemented over 30 years ago, but are just now being enforced. And while environmentalists welcome the stricter monitoring, some building owners and construction companies are nervous about the potential increased costs of compliance, both in terms of money and time.
More on the city's energy codes and how they're being updated
Daily Link Fix: Mapping Jewish Literature in NYC; Make Your Way Through Derek Jeter’s Head Maze
August 18, 2014

Daily Link Fix: Mapping Jewish Literature in NYC; Make Your Way Through Derek Jeter’s Head Maze

By

A Detailed Map of Jewish Literature: Take an adventure through the city and schlep to these landmarks found in Jewish literatur. See the full map on Tablet. Google Street View With Sound: Because as if Google Street View isn’t creepy enough, one company decided to add sounds to certain scenes like pigeons flying overhead, street performers and babies […]

Trapezoidal Pool by Susan Wisniewski Landscape Completes the Greene County Residence
August 18, 2014

Trapezoidal Pool by Susan Wisniewski Landscape Completes the Greene County Residence

By
In typical rural esthetic, the grounds of the Greene County Residence are rolling and untamed. To work with this natural terrain, as well as juxtapose it, Susan Wisniewski Landscape created an angular outdoor pool setting that is both traditional and modern. The flat, rustic pavers surrounding the watering hole fit with the conventional barn, but the pool's trapezoidal shape adds a geometric punch to the otherwise organic setting.
More about the outdoor design here
Let the Sunlight In and Save Up to 70% on Energy Costs with the Lightcatcher Solar Dome
August 18, 2014

Let the Sunlight In and Save Up to 70% on Energy Costs with the Lightcatcher Solar Dome

By
In theory, it seems silly to pay for light bulbs and electricity when natural sunlight is free, and now this eco-fantasy is becoming a real possibility. Developed by EcoNation and installed on the roof, Lightcatcher is a sun-tracking solar dome that uses a mirror and technology-based system to generate green energy, bring light indoors, and mitigate temperature fluctuations. The sensors and motorized mirror and lenses harvest sunlight, reducing energy costs and environmental impact eight times more than solar panels, according to EcoNation. The company also claims that Lightcatcher can provide sufficient light for up to ten hours per day, using only 1-3% of roof surface area.
More details on the new technology
Fully Furnished Upper West Side Rental Has Everything You Need and More
August 18, 2014

Fully Furnished Upper West Side Rental Has Everything You Need and More

By
Personally, this 2,500-square-foot triplex at 108 West 78th Street in the Broadway Corridor had us at its gorgeous exposed brick walls, but there’s plenty else to get hooked on even without its close proximity to some of the best New York City has to offer. What makes it even better? This beautifully appointed and fully-furnished rental can be yours (in a manner of speaking) for only $16,500 a month.
Exposed brick and more right this way
Tower House by Gluck+ is a Stairway to the Treetops in the Catskills
August 17, 2014

Tower House by Gluck+ is a Stairway to the Treetops in the Catskills

By
Though you may not be as limber as you once were, there's still hope that you can climb to the top of a tree. Well, sort of. Rising above the Ulster County landscape is a uniquely glazed home that was designed as a stairway to the top of its surrounding landscape. Created by New York-based architecture firm Gluck+, the contemporary Tower House works as both a viewing platform and a functional home, sitting atop a plateau on the 19-acre property. Its unusual, cantilevered shape causes minimal impact on the ground and provides inhabitants with amazing views of virtually the entire Catskill mountain range.
Learn more about the Tower House and peek inside
My Gay Summer: Maybe We Are Moving Forward After All
August 17, 2014

My Gay Summer: Maybe We Are Moving Forward After All

By
Last Saturday, I walked out of a Fire Island Pines liquor store just as a friend was walking in. “Hello, handsome,” I said without pause. My friend was less decorous. “What the f*%k are you doing here?!?” He asked, his face flushed with wonder. It was a legitimate question since The Pines is famously gay, and I’m neither famous nor gay; but, considering my summer so far, me in the company of gay men no longer seems wonder inducing to me.
Andrew's revelations this way
The Nearly Fatal Design Flaw That Could Have Sent the Citigroup Center Skyscraper Crumbling
August 15, 2014

The Nearly Fatal Design Flaw That Could Have Sent the Citigroup Center Skyscraper Crumbling

By
When it comes to skyscrapers, we put a lot of trust in architects. We have to trust that they know what they're doing, and these seemingly impossible buildings are safe to be in and around. It's even harder to trust what used to be known as the Citicorp or Citigroup Center, now 601 Lexington Avenue, whose bottom floors are like four stilts, holding 50 stories of building above them. It looks like a strong wind would blow the whole structure over. And when the building was constructed in 1977, before some emergency repairs, that was true.
The dangerous details after the break
Stereotank’s Taku Tanku is a Floating Sleeping Shelter Made From Recycled Water Tanks
August 15, 2014

Stereotank’s Taku Tanku is a Floating Sleeping Shelter Made From Recycled Water Tanks

By
Light enough to be towed by a car or bicycle, or even carried by hand, the Taku Tanku shelter will change the way you camp, travel, and prepare for possible disasters. Created by the architecture firm Stereotank, along with Japanese designer Takahiro Fukuda, the portable, floating structure is made from two 3,000-liter recycled water tanks connected by a wood-framed entrance. It has sleeping space for two or three people, but the designers also envision it as a sculpture that "celebrates the vital role of water in our lives."
Learn more about this convenient, eco-friendly pod
Architecture Day Trip: Visit the Mansions of Gatsby’s “Gold Coast”
August 15, 2014

Architecture Day Trip: Visit the Mansions of Gatsby’s “Gold Coast”

By
F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby is an immortal novel about Long Island millionaires in the Roaring Twenties, inspired by actual parties Fitzgerald attended at the time. The Jazz Age mansions of Long Island's "Gold Coast" certainly represent a bygone era, but you can still visit several of these Gatsby-esque architectural relics today.
Plan your architecture day trip here

Our Mission

More than just current events, here you'll learn about the places, people, and ideas that are shaping your city.
Pitch a story icon

Pitch a Story

We love to hear from you!

"*" indicates required fields

Interested in seeing the property in person?

It’s free, with no obligation.

CityRealty Logo

"*" indicates required fields

or Call (212) 755-5544

Interested in seeing the property in person?

It’s free, with no obligation.

CityRealty Logo

Distinctive Post Form

"*" indicates required fields

or Call (212) 755-5544
Contact us image

Get in Touch

We love to hear from you!

"*" indicates required fields

Send us a tip image
Delivering New York stories focused on design, lifestyle & real estate.

Send us a Tip

We love to hear from you!

"*" indicates required fields

Interesting in learning more about purchasing a new home?

Let us know what you are looking for and we’ll help you find the home of your dreams. It’s free, with no obligation.

CityRealty Logo
or Call (212) 755-5544

Thinking about selling your home?

We’ll provide current market comps and connect you with a trusted expert.

CityRealty Logo

Sell a Home (Footer)

"*" indicates required fields

or Call (212) 755-5544

Before You Move On
from this Page.

Subscribe for NYC's Lastest Design, Lifestyle,
and Real Estate Trends!

No Worries. We Don’t Spam.

By providing your email address, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Your Passport to NYC:
Subscribe for Local Insights and Stories!

No Worries. We Don’t Spam.

By providing your email address, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
You can unsubscribe at any time.