New York Design Guide
The Layered Eye by Mariana Rivera
Edition No. 01 / Updated July 2026
The places I return to—not because they're the most famous, but because they continue to shape the way I see design.
A personal note
This is not a list of New York's most famous places. It is a working edit of the addresses I return to every visit...
Collect
A curated edit of the galleries, studios, and showrooms that continue to shape my perspective on collectible design and contemporary interiors.
Please note: Some galleries are open by appointment only. I recommend checking availability before your visit.
Colony
196 west Broadway - Tribeca
Why I go
For its carefully curated selection of independent American designers and emerging collectible design.
What caught my eye
Emerging designers
American Design
New Perspectives
Contemporary craftmanship
Studiotwentyseven
241 Church street - Tribeca
Why I go
For its refined collection of limited-edition furniture, textured minimalism, and exceptional contemporary craftsmanship.
What caught my eye
Sculptural forms
Textured minimalism
Limited editions
Material richness
Atelier Courbet
134 Tenth avenue - Chelsea
Why I go
For its extraordinary collection of collectible design that celebrates master craftsmanship and timeless artisanal traditions.
What caught my eye
Heritage craftmanship
Japanese & european ateliers
Timeless techniques
Collectible Objects
Carpenters Workshop Gallery
693 5th Ave - Midtown
Why I go
For its extraordinary collection of collectible design that blurs the line between functional furniture and contemporary art.
What caught my eye
Sculptural furniture
Functional art
Exceptional craftsmanship
Museum-quality design
Love House
179 E Broadway- Lower East Side
Why I Go
For its thoughtful curation of contemporary collectible design. Love House blends emerging and established designers from around the world, offering sculptural furniture, lighting, and objects that feel both artistic and livable. I especially love it for discovering highly customizable pieces and one-of-a-kind works that bring personality and originality to residential projects.
What caught my eye
Contemporary collectible design showroom.
Features both emerging and internationally recognized designers.
Offers made-to-order, limited-edition, and one-of-a-kind pieces.
Custom fabrication and bespoke design services available.
Ideal for sourcing statement furniture, lighting, and collectible objects.
Appointments are recommended for the best experience.
Orior
32 Mercer street- Soho
Why I Go
For its refined blend of Irish craftsmanship and contemporary design. Orior creates sculptural furniture with rich materials, impeccable detailing, and timeless silhouettes that feel both sophisticated and inviting. It's one of my favorite places for discovering statement pieces that balance warmth, craftsmanship, and understated luxury.
What caught my eye
First U.S. flagship showroom in SoHo. Orior Furniture
Family-owned Irish furniture brand founded in 1979.
Every piece is handcrafted in their workshop in Newry, Northern Ireland.
Furniture is made-to-order with extensive customization in upholstery, stone, wood, and finishes.
Beautiful source for sofas, lounge chairs, dining tables, credenzas, and statement casegoods.
A must-visit if you're drawn to warm contemporary interiors with exceptional craftsmanship rather than trend-driven design.
Lighting
The places where light becomes architecture, and every fixture is designed to shape the experience of a space.
Apparatus
124 West 30th Street - Chelsea
Why I go
For its sculptural lighting, extraordinary material palette, and immersive showroom experience that feels more like stepping into a beautifully imagined residence than a retail space.
What caught my eye
Sculptural lighting
Patinated brass
Rich material palette
Atmospheric interiors
Roll & Hill
3 Mercer street - Soho
Why I go
For its contemporary lighting, exceptional craftsmanship, and collaborations with some of today's most exciting independent designers.
What caught my eye
Contemporary lighting
Independent designers
Handcrafted finishes
Timeless forms
Allied Maker
81 Franklin Street- Tribeca
Why I go
For its beautifully crafted lighting, where exceptional materials and timeless design take center stage.
What caught my eye
Artisan craftsmanship
Natural materials
Rich finishes
Sculptural simplicity
Lindsey Adelman
Open by appointment only
Friedman Benda
515 west 26th street - Chelsea
Why I go
For its sculptural lighting that beautifully blurs the line between art, design, and craftsmanship.
What caught my eye
Sculptural lighting
Hand-blown glass
Organic forms
Experimental design
Observe
A selection of galleries that continue to shape my perspective on contemporary art, architecture and design.
Why I Go
For its museum-like approach to collectible design, bringing together iconic and contemporary designers through beautifully curated exhibitions.
What Caught My Eye
Sculptural furniture shown as art, unexpected materials, and exhibitions that completely transform the gallery.
Salon 94
3 East 89th Street
One of my favorite stops for discovering the intersection of contemporary art and collectible design. Beyond the exhibitions, the restored historic townhouse offers a remarkable spatial experience, where architecture, furniture, and art exist in constant dialogue. It's a place I visit not only to see what's new, but to observe how contemporary culture is shaping the future of interiors.
Why I return
Because it blurs the line between contemporary art, collectible design, and residential interiors. The building itself is worth the visit.
What caught my eye
• Historic architecture thoughtfully restored
• Contemporary art alongside collectible design
• Museum-quality curation
• Furniture presented as functional sculpture
• A residential rather than traditional gallery atmosphere
Italian Design Showroom
My go-to destinations for discovering the latest collections, timeless icons, and the craftsmanship that continues to define contemporary Italian design.
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