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New York City apartment hunting is not for the faint of heart, but fashion designer, cookbook author, and tastemaker Peter Som struck gold in 1996 when he stumbled upon a charming one-bedroom in a prewar building in Manhattan’s West Village.
“It was probably the 20th apartment I had seen, and the moment I walked in, I knew this was it. It felt like home,” says Peter, a native of the San Francisco Bay Area.
From the classic proportions and the fact that it was flooded with natural light to the original floors and pronounced ceiling beams, the apartment offered much to appreciate. Plus, it was the ideal blank canvas for Peter, who loved a design challenge.
Rather than decorating in “one big swoop,” Peter put his stamp on the space slowly, filling it with thoughtfully chosen furniture and decor, including pieces from vintage shopping adventures around the world. “I’m of the philosophy that if I love it, I’ll find a place for it in my apartment,” he says. “I don’t get too stuck on themes or time periods.”
Tour Peter Som’s Apartment
Open Gallery
After Peter had spent 10 years in the apartment, an opportunity arose that was too good to pass up: A studio next door was for sale. Peter decided to buy it and embarked on a gut renovation with the help of architect Ian Colburn.
He now has the luxury of a 1,300-square-foot home with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a spacious kitchen where he enjoys testing recipes (he’s the author of the cookbook Family Style).
Whether he’s lounging on the couch or entertaining friends, Peter finds comfort in every inch of his city abode. “It really is my sanctuary,” he says.
A version of this feature appears in Good Housekeeping’s May/June 2026 issue. You can watch a tour of Peter Som’s New York City apartment on Homeworthy, a streaming TV network. Photographs by Mike Garten; Prop styling by Lis Engelhart
Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand’s home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, “What’s in My Cart.”