Top Interior Designers in New York City guide, US real estate design firms in Manhattan, NY
Top Interior Designers in New York: 2024’s Leading Visionaries
3 December 2024
Introducing New York’s Top 10 Interior Designers, featuring the most prominent residential designers who hold esteemed places on the A-List and among the Titans of the industry. We showcase Studio Designer clients across three categories—Class of 2024, Returning Icons, and Titans—each of whom continually sets new standards in interior design with their remarkable talent and visionary creations.
1. International Designers By Rita Chraibi
Louis Vuitton Residence at 111 West 57th Street New York Manhattan
photo : Adrian Gault
International Designers is an international firm founded by Award-Winner Interior Designer Rita Chraibi, with offices in Miami, New York, Paris, and Casablanca. Her culture in French “Art de Vivre” (Art of Living) and design expertise make her company “International Designers” a pinnacle in the field, bringing together an International Team of Interior Designers committed to worldwide Luxury Interior Design projects in collaboration with most luxurious fashion brands, to design private real estate residences, residential buildings, and hospitality projects marked with the seal of the incomparable elegance of Rita Chraibi.
2. Francis Sultana
Yana Peel’s house in Manhattan by Francis Sultana with artwork by Chris Ofili
Francis Sultana is one of the world’s leading interior and furniture designers, known for his ability to blend residential spaces with large-scale art. Based in London, his studio works on prestigious projects globally, including residential, hospitality, and commercial spaces.
Sultana is highly sought after by art collectors and has earned recognition from top design publications like Architectural Digest and Wallpaper. His recent work includes the refurbishment of Hotel La Palma in Capri, and he continues to collaborate with luxury brands on bespoke furniture and textiles. In 2019, he published “Francis Sultana: Designs & Interiors,” and a new book is in progress.
3. Nicole Hollis
A NYC apartment designed by Nicole Hollis
Nicole Hollis is an acclaimed interior designer known for her bold and contemporary approach to design. Based in San Francisco, Hollis has made a significant impact on the New York design scene with her sophisticated and minimalist interiors.
Her work is characterized by a refined use of materials, a neutral color palette, and a focus on the interplay between light and space. Nicole Hollis seamlessly blends modern luxury with a timeless aesthetic, creating spaces that are both serene and striking. Her designs in New York City highlight her ability to transform urban apartments into elegant, tranquil retreats, solidifying her reputation as a leader in modern interior design.
4. Sarah Sherman Samuel Inc.
A project in Short Hills, New Jersey, by Sarah Sherman Samuel Inc.
Sarah Sherman Samuel is a renowned interior designer celebrated for her signature blend of modern and eclectic design elements. Based in Los Angeles but with projects across the country, including New York and New Jersey, Samuel’s work is recognized for its unique mix of textures, patterns, and organic materials.
Her designs often feature custom furniture pieces and a curated selection of art and decor, creating spaces that feel both personalized and stylish. The project in Short Hills, New Jersey, exemplifies her ability to harmoniously blend contemporary design with a warm, inviting atmosphere, making her a distinguished name in the interior design world.
5. Kelly Behun Studio
A New York City apartment by Kelly Behun
Kelly Behun Studio is a premier interior design firm based in New York City, renowned for creating highly personalized and artistic interiors. Kelly Behun, the founder, is celebrated for her innovative and modern design approach, which often incorporates bold elements, custom furniture, and unique art pieces. Her work is distinguished by a meticulous attention to detail and a keen sense of balance between form and function.
The New York City apartment designed by Kelly Behun exemplifies her ability to transform urban living spaces into chic, contemporary havens that reflect the individuality and lifestyle of her clients. Her distinctive vision continues to make her a leading figure in the world of interior design.
6. Rose Uniacke
A living room in the Hamptons, New York, by Rose Uniacke
Rose Uniacke is a British interior designer known for her serene, understated, and timeless interiors. Although based in London, her influence extends internationally, including in New York. Uniacke’s design philosophy revolves around creating spaces that feel both luxurious and lived-in, with a strong emphasis on natural materials, soft color palettes, and a minimalist aesthetic.
Her work often features bespoke furniture and antiques, carefully curated to enhance the architecture of the space. Rose Uniacke’s designs exude a quiet elegance, making her a favorite among those who appreciate subtle sophistication and refined taste. Her influence in the New York design scene is marked by projects that embody her signature calm and curated style.
7. Josh Greene Design
A home on the Upper East Side of NYC by Josh Greene Design
Josh Greene is a New York-based interior designer known for his ability to blend traditional and contemporary styles, creating spaces that are both timeless and fresh. His firm, Josh Greene Design, is celebrated for its tailored and thoughtful approach to design, where each project is carefully crafted to reflect the unique personality and lifestyle of the client.
The home on the Upper East Side of NYC exemplifies Greene’s skill in balancing elegance with comfort, utilizing a mix of classic furnishings, modern accents, and art to create an inviting and sophisticated space. Josh Greene’s work continues to make a significant impact in the world of luxury interior design.
8. Studio Volpe
A Broadway producer’s Manhattan town house by Studio Volpe
A Broadway producer’s Manhattan town house by Studio Volpe. Studio Volpe, led by interior designer Gil Schafer, is known for creating spaces that are both timeless and tailored, blending classical architecture with contemporary living. Based in New York, the firm’s work reflects a deep respect for history and craftsmanship while also embracing modern comfort and functionality.
The Manhattan townhouse designed for a Broadway producer is a testament to Studio Volpe’s ability to balance grandeur with intimacy, incorporating rich materials, elegant furnishings, and thoughtful details. This project highlights their talent for creating luxurious yet livable interiors that resonate with the personal stories and tastes of their clients. Studio Volpe continues to set high standards in the world of bespoke interior design.
9. Oliver Freundlich Design
A house in Montauk, New York
Oliver Freundlich is a celebrated interior designer known for his warm, modern approach to residential design. Based in New York, Freundlich has earned a reputation for creating spaces that are both stylish and comfortable, with a strong focus on architectural integrity and functionality.
The house in Montauk, New York, is a prime example of his ability to blend clean lines with natural materials, creating a serene coastal retreat that feels both contemporary and welcoming. Freundlich’s designs often feature custom elements and a careful consideration of the surrounding environment, making his work particularly well-suited to both urban and rural settings. His work continues to influence the landscape of modern interior design.
10. Rafael de Cárdenas Ltd.
A model residence at 111 West 57th Street by Rafael de Cárdenas Ltd.
Rafael de Cárdenas is an internationally acclaimed interior designer known for his bold and eclectic approach to design. His firm, Rafael de Cárdenas Ltd., based in New York City, has become synonymous with innovative and dynamic interiors that push the boundaries of conventional design.
The model residence at 111 West 57th Street showcases de Cárdenas’ ability to blend modern luxury with unexpected elements, creating spaces that are as visually striking as they are functional. His work is characterized by a fearless use of color, pattern, and form, making each project a unique reflection of his creative vision. Rafael de Cárdenas continues to be a trailblazer in the world of interior design, with a portfolio that spans high-end residential, commercial, and cultural projects.
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