How Maya Hawke Makes a Grand, Historic Space Feel Unexpectedly Inviting – Hint: Calming Neutrals Reign Supreme
Maya's former apartment might occupy a spectacular pre-war building in Greenwich Village, but her living room is brimming with cozy charm
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New York might be the city that never sleeps, but there are always pockets of serenity to be found – and I'd say that Maya Hawke's former Greenwich Village apartment is one of them.
Nestled on the sixth floor of a landmarked building, the apartment is brimming with historic charm. In the living room, you'll spot a treasure trove of architectural features, including a set of towering arched windows – and thanks to some ingeniously simple design choices, the entire space feels breezy, expansive, and utterly calming.
Maya's soaring windows might be a statement feature, but her gorgeous Art Deco wall sconces still steal the spotlight. These are a sleek, budget-friendly way to get the look.
Upholstered ottomans are a brilliant way to add extra seating to your living room without taking up too much space. Maya's boasts a gently curved silhouette and a granite hue, just like this one.
Maya brings plenty of personality to her neutral scheme using pops of burnt orange and pale blue. This patterned throw pillow is ideal for an earthy-toned, mid-century modern look.
In a space that prioritizes comfort and calm, tactile throw pillows are always a good idea. Maya pairs her oversized bouclé pillow with a collection of cozy blankets.
Nothing says tranquility quite like pale blue – and Maya decks out her living room with a teal rug just like this one. It's a wonderful way to ground the space while still adding depth and dimension.
Layering is key in neutral spaces, which is why textured blankets are crucial. This waffle knit throw is available in a variety of calming shades, from cream to taupe.
As you might expect from a landmarked apartment building, there are plenty of breath-taking structural details in Maya's home.
Just as impressive as the huge windows is the wood-burning fireplace, which is finished in gleaming black marble. Meanwhile, a recessed shelving unit – which echoes the sweeping shape of the windows – reaches right up to the 11-foot ceilings.
Yet, even with all of these spectacular features standing side by side, the space doesn't feel imposing. To me, the secret is the neutral color palette: cream walls and an off-white sofa keep the room feeling airy and inviting, while carefully layered materials add dimension and tactility.
It's easy to associate properties like these with Art Deco glamor and an almost unattainable sense of sophistication. New York is rich with architectural history, and landmarked buildings can often feel like grand movie sets or magnificent show homes.
In Maya's former apartment, however, the prevailing feeling is warmth, comfort, and ease. The pale living room paint colors reflect the sunlight, while textures like leather and varnished wood keep the space grounded and add a dash of mid-century modern flair. Naturally, Art Deco design details like the wall sconces offer subtle nods to the heritage of the building, but every piece feels classic and timeless.
Neutral color palettes can enhance the elegant architectural features in period rooms
Decorating with neutrals can run the risk of washing out a space, or making it feel a little flat – but Maya showcases an expert use of calming colors. The textured teal rug is a perfect example: drawing out the lighter hues from the artwork above the couch, it marks out the space as a kind of sanctuary, softening the richness of the hardwood floors.
Above all, Maya's living room is brimming with personality. From the stacks of books on the shelves to the impressive collection of cozy blankets, every detail feels relaxed, inviting, and human. I'd say that there's no better way to epitomize everyday elegance: this might be a gem of a home in Greenwich Village, but Maya proves that even the most spectacular spaces can feel cozy and charming.
According to designers, comfort-led spaces like Maya's are a growing living room trend for 2026.
'We’re moving away from harsh, all-white minimalism toward more complex neutrals, like grays or beiges with subtle undertones,' says Art Director and Designer Gayla Fesenko. 'They feel calmer, more human, and less perfect.'
This kind of authentic design sees living rooms as 'mood spaces', with a focus on wellbeing and functionality.
'There’s a clear vibe toward spaces that feel real, not staged,' explains Gayla. 'Living rooms are becoming mood spaces: rooms that work from morning light to evening downtime.' I'd certainly be happy to spend all day in a room as quietly elegant as Maya's.
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