Our Story & Philosophy
In a city where two-thirds of residents rent their homes, we noticed something missing: interior design services that truly understand and celebrate the renter's experience. We founded LiveIn to change that narrative, creating a design practice exclusively for New York City's dynamic renter population.
Our Story
Drawing from backgrounds in spatial design, urban sociology, and human-centered design principles, we've created a design practice that addresses the unique challenges and opportunities of rental living in New York City.
We believe that thoughtful, personalized environments shouldn't be reserved for those with mortgages—they're essential for everyone navigating daily life in this complex, vibrant city. Our approach merges technical expertise in spatial relationships with a deep appreciation for how environments affect human experience.
We study how people move through and interact with their spaces, drawing inspiration from urban theorists like Jane Jacobs and William H. Whyte who revolutionized our understanding of public spaces. We apply these same principles to private dwellings, creating apartments that don't just look good in photos but genuinely enhance how you live.
Our Philosophy
Design is for Everyone, Not Just Homeowners
At the core of our practice lies a simple truth: your living environment profoundly impacts your daily experience, regardless of whether you own or rent it. We reject the notion that renters should postpone living well until they "someday" own property. Instead, we champion the idea that everyone deserves a space that reflects their identity, supports their habits, and brings them joy—right now, not in some distant future.
Good design is not about imposing trends or showcasing our taste—it's about understanding you, your needs, and your expression.
Rental constraints are not limitations but creative parameters that inspire innovative solutions.
The transient nature of renting doesn't diminish the importance of creating meaningful spaces; it heightens it. Each home is a chapter in your story.
Design goes far beyond aesthetics—it shapes interactions, influences emotions, and facilitates or hinders daily rituals.
Every client brings unique perspectives, needs, and dreams that deserve to be centered in the design process.
Our Expertise
Specialized Knowledge for Rental Spaces
Spatial Dynamics
We analyze how furniture placement, pathways, and room configurations affect movement and daily experience, optimizing even challenging floor plans.
Urban Context
We understand NYC's unique architectural styles, rental building typologies, and neighborhood characteristics, designing spaces that respond to their specific urban context.
Human-Centered Design
We prioritize how spaces feel to inhabit, not just how they photograph, focusing on the emotional and functional impact of every design decision.
Rental-Specific Solutions
We've developed expertise in non-permanent interventions that create maximum impact without violating lease terms or sacrificing security deposits.
Adaptive Design
We create flexible solutions that can evolve with changing needs and follow you from apartment to apartment as you move through the city.
Meet the Founder
With a background in spatial design and urban sociology, our founder recognized a significant gap in the interior design industry: the lack of services tailored specifically to renters, especially in a city like New York where the majority of residents rent their homes.
Drawing from years of experience in both commercial and residential design, they established LiveIn with a clear mission: to bring thoughtful, personalized design to the rental community and challenge the notion that beautiful, functional spaces are reserved for homeowners.
Their approach combines technical expertise with a deep understanding of how environments affect human experience, creating spaces that not only look beautiful but genuinely enhance how people live in them.
Our Process
How We Work With You
Discovery
We begin with an in-depth conversation about your lifestyle, needs, challenges, and aspirations for your space.
Analysis
We assess your apartment's layout, architectural features, and potential, identifying both constraints and opportunities.
Concept Development
Based on our findings, we develop design concepts that address your specific needs while reflecting your personal style.
Refinement
We collaborate with you to refine the concept, ensuring it perfectly aligns with your vision and practical requirements.
Implementation
Depending on your service package, we provide detailed plans, sourcing guidance, and styling support to bring the design to life.
Follow-Up
We check in after implementation to ensure everything is working as intended and make any necessary adjustments.