New Homes, New York

By James Clark

If you're looking to upgrade your living situation this year, here are two incredible new residences you'd be very happy to call home. 

The Oosten

In the heart of South Williamsburg lies the Oosten, a new luxury building designed with Brooklyn's ebb and flow in mind.

Created by Dutch mastermind Piet Boon in collaboration with Think Architecture, the interiors mix functionality with beautiful aesthetics. The color palette ranges from dark to light, but remains serene and neutral. Concrete and steel are met with environmentally-friendly elements, floor-to-ceiling windows, and outdoor patios that allow the outdoors to seamlessly enter the home. The building itself is made of local materials that pay homage to the area's industrial past. All of this is just a skip away from the Williamsburg Bridge.

Boon has been named as one of the most influential designers from the Netherlands in recent years. The Oosten has been his largest commission thus far. He blends classical style with natural elements that create a beautiful modern environment, all while keeping the Williamsburg vibe.

Featuring Viking and Smeg appliances, hardwood floors, and ceiling heights of 10 feet, The Oosten is Brooklyn's most notable upscale building to incorporate Dutch modernism with luxury living.

The Oosten's amenities include two lobbies, 24-hour concierge service, landscaped rooftop with a reflecting pool and outdoor grills, a lap pool, fitness center with spa, a lounge, and a children's playroom, and offers private parking.

Located off of busy Bedford Ave., the building is just one subway stop away from Manhattan and is in one of Brooklyn's culturally infused, hippest neighborhoods. The culinary neighborhood takeover provides the perfect location for food lovers.

The property is comprised of 216 units, with seven distinct residence types: townhouse, duplex, floor-through-loft, 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom apartment, and penthouse options.

For more information: theoosten.com

88 & 90 Lexington Avenue

Nestled in the heart of Gramercy and minutes away from Madison Square Park is 88 & 90 Lexington Avenue—two distinct but unified buildings sharing over 8,000 square feet of luxurious space.

Workshop/apd, a firm that specializes in luxury home design and high-end commercial development, completely reimagined the two buildings—one pre-war and one mid-century—and created impeccably-designed spaces reflecting their respective eras. Every detail has been carefully thought out and beautifully executed. 10 to 16 foot-high ceilings offer an airy space, and gentle color palettes bring a modern, inviting environment. The two 13 and 19 story buildings hold court over the rest of the surrounding area while offering a taste of architectural history.

Its large, single-lit windows built into its prewar facade give 88 Lex a modern twist, while 90 Lex's floor-to-ceiling windows offer incredible views of the entire neighborhood. Both buildings provide a breathtaking perspective of the city, from the outdoor terraces, expansive window lines, and rooftop spaces.

88 and 90 Lex share a lobby that is both classical and modernistic, and overlooks the amenity spaces below. It's an inviting area allowing residents to greet visitors or read and reflect in a relaxing environment. The two separate elevator bays sit adjacent to each other near the concierge desk, made of marble and wood.

Amenities include a gym and sauna, after-school children's center, 60-foot swimming pool, round-the-clock concierge service, a cozy screening room, and a residence lounge.

The neighborhood is one of the best in the city. Just blocks away are Eataly, Sarabeth's, and other favorites, and high-end stores and boutiques are abundant in this uptown-meets-downtown location.

88 and 90 Lex features spacious one- to four-bedroom residences and a collection of penthouses, all with top-of-the-line finishes, open layouts, and contemporary yet classic beauty.

For more information: 88and90lex.com/home