The design lover’s guide to New York

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As a homewares shopping starting point, no trip to NYC is complete without visiting the legendary American stores Anthropologie and Jonathan Adler! I would usually add West Elm and Pottery Barn to this list but, luckily for us, they’re now open in Australia (just Sydney for now but West Elm opens in Melbourne too, later this month).

Design lovers cannot go past the Jonathan Adler stores to pick up a quirky piece or a signature colourful, patterned cushion or throw. Friends of Interiors Addict Kate and Lu, from The Ooh Blog, were lucky enough to go on a trip earlier this year. “I developed a devastating idol crush on this uber fun designer a few years ago and it felt a little bit stupid really that I had never physically stepped foot inside one of his stores,” says Lu, an interior designer in Sydney. “I had a moment on the front steps then delved into a happy-chic paradise full of colour and pattern and retro, regency gorgeousness. It was a little overwhelming to see the pieces I’ve been frothing over online for years in the flesh but I was so thrilled to find that Jonathan, who began his career as a potter, is one seriously talented individual and his product is of an incredible standard and well worth the slightly heftier price tag. His tongue-in-cheek approach to decorating is evident in many pieces like the hilarious Delirium Coasters while others like the Desmond Screen are effortlessly chic.”

Anthropologie offers a more eclectic, global take on homewares and fashion (got to love both in one store!) and many of us have been coveting their wares in magazines and on blogs for years. Kate (designer of divine stationery) and Lu stopped in there too of course, reporting back: “Beautiful, handcrafted wares and clothes that march to the beat of their own pretty drum. Nature is the name of the game at Anthropologie where flora and fauna adorn everything from aprons to door knockers. My favourite section is the door knobs and wall hooks. Every little piece is so special and designed with love in what I like to call an earthy-princess colour palette. And here’s the good news… THEY SHIP TO OUR SUNNY SHORES! It’s not quite the same as being in the immaculately decorated store but check out their website to garner a feel for their style.”

Another, less obvious, store to visit, as recommended by the girls, is The Evolution Store. “The store we almost passed… and thank Darwin we didn’t! Either the owners have no idea how trendy natural history has become or they are very loyal to their customers because the prices are SO reasonable. If you have a problem with stuffed, dead animals you might need to psych yourself up before you enter, but trust me, it’s well worth it for the antlers, agate coasters and gorgeously framed butterflies. They can ship internationally so check out their website. Just prepare yourself to see some freaky shiz along the way!”

After all the homewares shopping and sightseeing, you’ll probably be ready for a nice nap (or is that just me?), or indeed afternoon tea and a glass of bubbles. Or maybe you fuel up pre-shopping trip. Either way, NYC is an incredible place to eat so be prepared to put on a few kilos. It’ll be worth it. Personally, I can’t think of New York without thinking of my favourite show, Sex and the City, so if you want to check out some of the places the (other) fab four dined on the show, you can find a few suggestions here. If you spent all your money on homewares and shoes and need to save on the eats, Time Out recommends Jack’s Wife Freda in Soho as one of the best bargain brunch spots in the city.

In terms of where to stay if you love interiors, on my own dream trip, I’d head straight to Ace Hotel in Midtown Manhattan for the perfect New York boutique accommodation experience. It’s seriously cool. Great art, vintage furniture and heaps of character. For something a little more luxe, check out Hotel Giraffe, home to Big’s penthouse apartment in Sex and the City (ok, last SATC reference, I promise!). It’s sophisticated and timeless with a great rooftop garden in summer.

And of course, if you have even a passing interest in art and design, you can’t hit up NYC without visiting the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), considered one of the best in the world. Some of its most famous works include Monet’s Water Lilies (an impressionist favourite of mine), The Starry Night by Van Gogh, The Persistence of Memory by Salvador Dali, Frida Kahlo’s Self Portrait with Cropped Hair and The Dance by Henri Matisse.

I could write about New York all day and I’m well overdue a visit as I haven’t been since 2004. It’s such a magical, buzzing city with an atmosphere unlike any other. I hope to go back next year. If you’d like to win a dream trip to the Big Apple, read on!

Win a $10,000 holiday with Laminex

This competition has now closed.

The Laminex Group is giving away a $10,000 travel voucher to 1 lucky person in its latest promotion – Designer Destinations.

Visit The Laminex Group Australia’s Facebook page and complete a quick 4-question multiple choice quiz to find out which city suits your style: cosmopolitan New York, eclectic Shanghai, historic London or fashion capital Milan (my result was New York, which I’d have to agree with, much as I love the Motherland! If Paris had been an option it would be a close call!).

Along with the grand prize of a $10,000 travel voucher, there are also weekly prizes of $250 eftpos cards up for grabs. The promotion runs until 2 October, with a new set of questions each week, meaning you can enter once a week over the promotion period.

To enter the competition and keep up-to-date on design trends from around the world and stylish home living ideas, visit the Facebook page.

Check out last month’s design lover’s guide to London for further travel inspiration.