Janette Ewen

How is it that in NYC they just get good design? Every space you walk into has some unique character, design feature and just looks, well, cool. And some how it all seems effortless, too. I was in NYC a few weeks back on a photo shoot at the New York Palace Hotel — usually this means I’m the stylist but for this shoot I was the “talent” instead. The experience gave me a renewed respect for models. I found the experience so outside of my usual realm and that I felt the need to escape to some great design spaces and my roots more important than ever!

My friend Natalie Dean (she’s a producer and could be the best social secretary) did her research and set up me up on a mini-design tour NYC-style. Translation: she took me to the hottest clubs, hotels and restaurants. I was blown away by the style in many of these establishments and here are my top picks…

This ultra-chic lounge located on Gansevoort in the Meat Packing district, featured design inspired by the industrial revolution. Pressed metal walls, ornate furnishings and uber-glam lighting were balanced by masculine and traditional velvet banquettes and a gorgeous herringbone floor. My favourite element was the oversized ceiling mirror hung on an angle and adorned with crystal chandlers. Simple yet brilliant – I think will try knocking this idea off in my bedroom. Overall, this was one of the freshest, most inspiring spaces I have visited in a long time.

This resto-lounge, made famous by Sex in the City, is a hybrid of Chinoiserie and gothic glamour. If you want to play out your James Bond fantasies, this is the place. Highlights for me included the jewel-tone screens playing off dark walls. I loved the cabinets of taxidermy birds and the drama of the main dining room space with the huge chandlers, Louis IX wall moldings and massive dining table.