How I’d Design It: Uptown, Downtown NYC 2-Bedrooms with panoramic views
On the market: 50 West Street #49D | New York City
Is there any apartment feature more exciting than a spectacular view of the city? I think not.
For this season’s edit of my popular How I’d Design It series, I’ve featured two one-bedroom + office/den spaces currently on the New York market,* where the panoramas are as much of the draw as the units themselves.
One is a rarely special Uptown space with classy character and prestigious location overlooking Central Park. The other is a luxe modern Downtown high rise with glass walls that make you feel like you’re flying over NYC.
Each is move-in ready, and calls for a thoughtful curation of furnishings, lighting, floor coverings, window treatments, art, and styling — the layers that make for a personalized home.
I’ve shared my thoughts on how I’d approach layout and design style for each unit, and featured a sample curation of vintage + modern luxury design products that I can see working well in each space.
Enjoy the real estate peeping. And if you’re in the market for a NYC space to call home, let’s chat!
— Ksenya Malina, founder of Time & Place Interiors
*as of Spring 2026
Upper West Side: 1 West 72nd Street #92
Price: $3,750,000
What I like about it:
Imagine living in the The Dakota (yes, THAT one) — NYC’s most iconic building. This bright 1-bedroom + home office is on the top floor, with sweeping views across Central Park and the city skyline. The unit would make for an exceptional pied-à-terre for someone who wants the best of historic NYC when staying in town.
I love the sloped dormer ceilings that give storybook magic vibes, and the elegant wood trim of the windows.
The kitchen’s unusual red stone feel sophisticated, and the marble trim of the bath is an elegant touch. I also appreciate the elevated luxuries in a compact space, like a built-in closet and brass window sash lifts.
How I’d design the space: Classy, upscale, eclectic with a modern flare
For this classy Uptown pad, I’d turn to rich, textured materials like mixed wood tones, elegant fabrics, and solid metals. Vintage and antiques, juxtaposed against statement contemporary design, would give depth and character.
Any paint application should follow a color-drenching approach, where each room’s color is matched between the walls, ceilings, and trim to increase the perception of ceiling height.
I’d lay out the living room with a conversation area, with two parallel sofas or a pair of lounge chairs facing a sofa across the room. At the far end, a bistro setup with a round table and two or three chairs would make for a compact dining space without taking up excessive width.
The smaller bedroom is ideal for a home office, with a desk placed in front of the window to take advantage of the park views.
I’d swap out wall sconces and pendants for elevated luxury lighting — perhaps Art Deco alabaster or contemporary designer fixtures with brass detailing.
Financial District: 50 West Street #49D
Price: $3,100,000
What I like about it:
You can practically float above New York in this luxury high rise1-bedroom + home office perched on the 49th floor. The curved wall of windows, with views across the Hudson River and into Downtown Manhattan from each room inspire awe. With easy access to the Financial District, this would be an amazing base from which to experience the city.
The rich walnut tone of the kitchen cabinetry feels modern yet timeless, and the white oak flooring adds warmth to the open space. Clean lines and minimal design make this unit primed for making it the homeowner’s own.
How I’d design the space: Contemporary, luxe, sculptural
Bold forms, rounded edges, and luxury materials would do well in this space, whose floor-to-ceiling glass walls command designs that live up to the beauty of the view.
The rounded wall calls for a shapely curved sofa, set away from the glass but facing the interior, paired with a statement coffee table. An organic, asymmetrical area rug can be placed in the center of the room.
Across the room, along the solid wall, I’d place a stylish sideboard, topped by a large scale Mid Century abstract artwork and a handsome cocktails tray. And a stone pedestal with a tabletop sculpture would add a point of artistic interest.
I’d avoid cluttering the open area with a dining table, instead relying on stools at the open kitchen’s counter.
Window treatments should be mechanized drapes in a semi-sheer fabric, to protect the space from heat and sunlight.
Designing your luxury NYC home
Time & Place Interiors designs homes for young New Yorkers seeking a fresh start in a new space. Founder Ksenya Malina brings turnkey full service furnishings, styling, and art direction using her signature curation of luxurious vintage + modern designs. Use the link below to schedule a free 20-minute information call with Ksenya to discuss your design needs:
