New Podcast: An Interior Designer’s Take on Living in New York City
Hello, Jared here, coming at you from the heart of the concrete jungle, where every street corner tells a story and every brownstone holds a piece of history. I recently had the pleasure of being a guest on the “The Big Life NYC” podcast with the fabulous host, Roderick Angle, who also happens to be a real estate guru with Brown Harris Stevens in New York. I’m so grateful to have been a guest on the show and get to share my experiences of living in New York City.
If you’ve been following along in my newsletter and blog, you probably already know a bit about me, but let’s kick things off here with a little backstory. As an interior designer, I’ve always been drawn to the eclectic energy of New York. From the bustling streets of Manhattan to the hidden gems of Brooklyn, this city is a treasure trove of inspiration for someone like me. There’s always something new, always something reinvented. So when Roderick invited me to share my insights on the podcast, I jumped at the chance to peel back the layers of what living in New York means…and I mean living a BIG LIFE in New York.
Rewinding the tape a bit down memory lane to 2005, I made the bold (some might say reckless) decision to buy a rundown brownstone in Brooklyn. And by rundown I mean it was practically held together with duct tape and dreams. But with a little elbow grease and a whole lot of sass, my then-partner Dan and I turned that hot mess into a fabulous oasis of style and sophistication. It wasn’t easy as life gets in the way sometimes, but over the years, we transformed that dilapidated space into a haven of creativity and comfort. Who knew a crack den – I mean brownstone renovation – could become a designer’s dream? Only in New York! And let me tell you, the journey was worth every moment.
As we delved into conversation on the show, Roderick and I covered everything from design philosophy to neighborhood dynamics to the overall experience of living in Brooklyn. We talked about the importance of finding meaning in every piece of furniture, and the joy of discovering hidden gems in NYC’s ever-changing landscape. But perhaps the most valuable lesson I shared was the importance of perseverance and passion in pursuing your dreams.
In a city as fast-paced as New York, it’s easy to get lost in the shuffle. But staying true to yourself and your vision, you can carve out a piece of paradise in this colossal metropolis. It’s a place that is undeniably magical, where dreams are born and reinvention is the name of the game. Sure, the streets are crowded, the rents are high, and the dating scene can be (let’s just say) complicated. But with a vibrant arts scene to endless culinary delights, there’s always something new to discover. So whether you’re a native New Yorker or a wide-eyed transplant, I encourage you to embrace the chaos and seize every opportunity that comes your way!
Again, a big thanks to Roderick for the chance to share some of my life and lessons of living in New York on “The Big Life NYC” podcast. I had an amazing time and encourage you to take a few moments and have a listen!