{"id":204725,"date":"2026-04-21T14:20:12","date_gmt":"2026-04-21T14:20:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/204725\/"},"modified":"2026-04-21T14:20:12","modified_gmt":"2026-04-21T14:20:12","slug":"peter-soms-sleek-new-york-city-apartment-is-a-design-lovers-dream","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/204725\/","title":{"rendered":"Peter Som\u2019s Sleek New York City Apartment Is a Design Lover\u2019s Dream"},"content":{"rendered":"

“Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links.”<\/p>\n

New York City apartment hunting is not for the faint of heart, but fashion designer, cookbook author, and tastemaker Peter Som<\/a> struck gold in 1996 when he stumbled upon a charming one-bedroom in a prewar building in Manhattan\u2019s West Village. <\/p>\n

\u201cIt was probably the 20th apartment I had seen, and the moment I walked in, I knew this was it. It felt like home,\u201d says Peter, a native of the San Francisco Bay Area. <\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Rather than decorating in \u201cone big swoop,\u201d 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. \u201cI\u2019m of the philosophy that if I love it, I\u2019ll find a place for it in my apartment,\u201d he says. \u201cI don\u2019t get too stuck on themes or time periods.\u201d<\/p>\n

Living Room\"Photo<\/p>\n

Photo credit: Prop Styling: Lis Engelhart; Photo: Mike Garten<\/p>\n

The living room fireplace isn\u2019t functional in the traditional way, but it\u2019s a great foundation for the long walnut mantel.<\/p>\n

Coffee Table\"Photo<\/p>\n

Photo credit: Prop Styling: Lis Engelhart; Photo: Mike Garten<\/p>\n

Plants, stylish trays, and personal keepsakes complement artful books on Peter\u2019s clear glass coffee table.<\/p>\n

Dining Room\"Photo<\/p>\n

Photo credit: Prop Styling: Lis Engelhart; Photo: Mike Garten<\/p>\n

The dining area is open to the living room and features a rosewood table from the 1950s.<\/p>\n

Den\"Photo<\/p>\n

Photo credit: Prop Styling: Lis Engelhart; Photo: Mike Garten<\/p>\n

In the den, Peter chose a custom couch covered in chocolate linen velvet and the durable gray wool sisal rug used throughout the apartment. A woven leather coffee table, a Hamptons find from Mecox Gardens<\/a>, exemplifies his knack for combining materials.<\/p>\n

Antique Desk\"Photo<\/p>\n

Photo credit: Prop Styling: Lis Engelhart; Photo: Mike Garten<\/p>\n

\u201cThe signs of wear make it more appealing and a little bit casual,\u201d Peter says of the 1940s French desk in his den. \u201cI\u2019m not chasing perfection.\u201d<\/p>\n

Office Nook\"Photo<\/p>\n

Photo credit: Prop Styling: Lis Engelhart; Photo: Mike Garten<\/p>\n

Peter wrote his entire cookbook, Family Style<\/a>, in this office nook, previously the apartment\u2019s kitchen. \u201cIt\u2019s a place for me that\u2019s all about imagination,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n

Primary Bedroom\"Photo<\/p>\n

Photo credit: Prop Styling: Lis Engelhart; Photo: Mike Garten<\/p>\n

When it came to the primary bedroom, Peter kept it chic and simple. One highlight? The vintage Gregory van Pelt lamp he scored on 1stDibs<\/a>. \u201cThe shade is wonky, I know, but I lean into the imperfections,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s the author of the cookbook Family Style<\/a>).<\/p>\n

Whether he\u2019s lounging on the couch or entertaining friends, Peter finds comfort in every inch of his city abode. \u201cIt really is my sanctuary,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n

A version of this feature appears in Good Housekeeping\u2019s May\/June 2026 issue. You can watch a tour<\/a> of Peter Som\u2019s New York City apartment on Homeworthy, a streaming TV network. Photographs by Mike Garten; Prop styling by Lis Engelhart <\/p>\n

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