With its ability to appear effortlessly cool yet always luxurious, it's no surprise that the classic New York design aesthetic is among the most revered. Designers far beyond the East Coast often draw from this city's quirkiness in their work, but it would seem that celebs are similarly not immune to its charm.
Kelly Clarkson is the latest figure to assocaite herself with NYC's quintessential allure via her new Wayfair collection that's 'inspired by her move to the city'. We've already penned a love letter to her conversational sofa (that's a standout piece from the collection in question), but we haven't delved into what exactly makes the range so New York-centric – until now.
'Capturing that classic ‘New York’ style living space is all about blending industrial chic with sophisticated comfort,' comments Joyce Huston, the lead interior designer and co-founder at Decorilla. 'In my experience, I’ve found that the key is to start with an open floor plan and embrace features like exposed brick walls or ductwork, real or faux.'
Naturally, we can't all live in a NYC loft (and, sometimes, recreating these architectural features is not so simple. This is where furniture like Clarkson's takes center stage.
'When it comes to furniture, I like to find pieces that are both sleek and multifunctional. A leather sofa [like this one from Kelly's Wayfair collection] and a glass coffee table [again, such as this one] are perfect to balance comfort with urban cool. I like to stick to a neutral color palette and complement it with statement lighting or bold artwork to add personality,' Huston says.
There's no better time to invest in these stand-out pieces, as they're enjoying reductions for Way Day now.
Constructed from a solid and engineered wood frame, this faux leather sofa rests on four super-short turned legs for a more traditional look.
This clean-lined coffee table stands as a focal point in any living room thanks to its geometric base and mixed-material finish.
Embrace clean lines and sumptuous texture with this cozy, clean lined sofa. We love its neutral colorway that's the perfect base for any pillow or throw.
As Huston explains, the right furniture is key to achieving classic New York style beyond the Empire State. However, accessories are equally as crucial.
'Think of vintage New York maps, subway-themed decor, or even large-scale photography of city scenes. To complement the industrial aesthetic, I like to soften the space with area rugs and plants to create a livable urban space. The goal here is to create a space that reflects a sophisticated city lifestyle. It’s about striking the right balance between raw and refined, old and new.'
We love these three pieces, especially the beautiful mirror that has a place in even the smallest of living rooms (something that's likely welcome news in NY abodes).
This gray, blue, and cream oriental rug is perfect for adding texture and pattern to a living room or entryway, where making a first impression counts.
This leather pillow adds visual interest and texture to a neutral sofa (and we think it'd look great on a statement accent chair).
Mirrors can help your space appear larger and this one has an additional metallic pop. It's the perfect NYC-inspired accessory for every kind of home.
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