An Interior Designer Reveals New York’s Most Stylish Spots
Ryan Korban's sophisticated New York souvenirs. Compiled by Alison Boleyn.
Interior designer Ryan Korban has described his style as “definitely not minimalistic”, bridging the gap between NYC’s uptown and downtown with rich materials and visions that can be playful or dark. Korban has brought his signature drama to Manhattan stores and showrooms for Balenciaga, Altuzarra and Alexander Wang. Here are the objects he thinks best sum up his city – and are perfect if you want to take a little piece of New York home with you.
“Black Amber” candle
The intense “Black Amber” scent, in this candle from New York boutique Fivestory, enhances the dreamy feel Korban seeks in his spaces. “The three critical elements in my style are sex, romance and fantasy. It’s hard to say which one is most important, because it’s the combination that creates something alluring.”
Smoky-quartz lamps
These pieces from the Phoenix Gallery blend maximalist Korban’s two loves: exotic materials and extravagant illumination. “I don’t think you can have too much lighting in any metropolitan setting, especially in New York City.”
Flair Home Collection “Striscia” box
Korban finds the “sophisticated, sexy, youthful” homewares of Flair in SoHo a continual source of inspiration. “It’s incredible; I can go in a few times a week and still find new things I want.”
Apparatus brass candle blocks
“A contemporary room with antiques sprinkled throughout is just enough of both worlds,” says Korban, who has collaborated with Sotheby’s. Lighting design studio Apparatus uses hand-worn materials to make objects, in this case inspired by industrial precision tools, that he says feel “futuristic”.
John Currin etching from Gagosian Gallery
As a child, Korban was fascinated by table settings and how adults grouped furniture. But it wasn’t until art lessons at school that he realised he loved the idea of creating environments. “If a space has budget for art, New York-based painter John Currin should be hung on the walls.” Visit gagosian.com.
Polaroids by François Halard
Dashwood Books in NoHo is devoted to photography books, including rare titles. Korban loves how they can be both affordable and meaningful when decorating a small space.
Fox-fur pillows from Holly Hunt
For Korban, luxury is the idea of using opulent objects “in small doses in your day-to-day life”. While Europe raises the bar for decadence, says Korban, “it’s seen on a much smaller scale in New York. That’s why I love the city.” Visit hollyhunt.com. 
SEE ALSO: How to Shop like a Fashion Designer in New York
