Top NYC tips for those attending COVER Connect

Where else might CCNY visitors discover design inspiration, downtime and more great rugs? We asked two New York locals to share their top recommendations.

Rachel Fasciani, She Runs in Heels

Best rug-related location in NYC
“Just one? I love New York Design Center (200 Lexington) for its assortment; there are numerous rug manufacturers in the space who offer everything from programme to custom in an assortment of qualities. For luxury, I recommend FJ Hakimian, available at ABC and COVER Connect New York. Their quality and customer service are second to none.”

• NYDC, 200 Lexington Avenue, 10116 – nydc.com
• ABC Home, 888 Broadway, 10003 – abchome.com

NYC’s best kept secret
“The Gardens at St Luke’s. Around a ten-minute subway ride from the CCNY venues, the gardens are a beautiful, quiet oasis offering the opportunity to breathe, reset and draw inspiration.”

• The Gardens at St Luke’s, 487 Hudson Street, 10014 – stlukesinthefields.org

Top design or art experience
“My most recent favourite finds have been Nickey Kehoe and Pinch. Both are housed in unassuming brownstones and offer a feast for the eyes. Pinch requires an appointment; Nickey Kehoe is walk-in. Both feature knowledgeable, warm staff, a unique selection of goods, and the neighbourhood is filled with art galleries and restaurants — what’s not to love?”

• Nickey Kehoe, 49 East 10th Street, 10003 – nickeykehoe.com
• Pinch, The Apartment, Greenwich Village – pinchdesign.com

Paul Melo, Fort Street Studio

Design inspiration
“In midtown east, the Waldorf Astoria has reopened after an eight-year renovation and restoration. One can appreciate all the deco glamour of the refurbished space that includes a clock from the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago.”

• Waldorf Astoria, 301 Park Avenue, 10022 – waldorfastorianewyork.com

Luxury experience
“This French retailer Printemps’ first US store is located at Wall Street and Broadway in a deco building with a famous red mosaic seat designed by French designer Laura Gonzalez. Its store ambience carries a consistent, thoughtful aesthetic throughout. It boasts multiple cafes and restaurants and offers a shopper experience aligned with Paris for anyone who appreciates design and luxury.”

• Printemps, 1 Wall Street, 10005 – us.printemps.com

Relaxation & hospitality
“Drinks in the grand bar at Ritz Carlton NoMad, with a folia print silk chandelier and nice carpeting designed by Yabu Pushelberg.”

• Ritz Carlton NoMad, 25 West 28th Street, 10001 – ritzcarlton.com

Extra tip
“From Chelsea, head to the High Line, City Winery, Little Island, the Whitney, and flagship RH store which will certainly inspire and tire out your feet!”

• RH New York, 9 Ninth Avenue, 10014 – rh.com