Layers of Life: Finding Design Inspiration at the Tenement Museum

I recently I visited the Tenement Museum in New York City, and it left a much deeper impression on me than I expected not just as a visitor, but as a designer.

Walking through the preserved apartments at 97 Orchard Street is like stepping directly into another time. The chipped paint, the worn floorboards, the faded wallpaper tells a story. As an interior designer, I am usually focused on creating fresh, beautiful spaces. But at the Tenement Museum, I was reminded that sometimes the soul of a space is in its imperfections and history.

Each apartment reflects the lives of families who lived there, often in difficult circumstances, but always with resilience and hope. Small kitchens, simple furnishings, practical layouts which fit their needs. From a design perspective, it was a powerful reminder of how important authenticity is. In a world filled with trends and fast makeovers, the Tenement Museum teaches us to appreciate the beauty of imperfection and to respect the layers of a space’s story. Even in hardship, these homes carried heart.

As I left the museum, I felt grateful for the inspiration and the chance to reflect on why home matters so much. Whether it’s a grand estate or a humble walk-up, every home deserves to tell its story. For me as a designer, helping clients share their story through thoughtful design will always be the greatest honor.