Julie Inzanti

If you slow your pace when strolling through neighborhoods like the West Village, Chelsea's side streets, Brooklyn Heights or Fort Greene, it is probably because you're staring longingly at the inviting and often majestic stoops that dot the tree-lined streets.

Luckily, we're past the days of traveling by horse and carriage (and manure-filled streets), so we don't exactly NEED stoops or boot scrapes (have you seen those nifty things?). But the appeal lives on....Above, 12 stoops upon which we wouldn't mind shooting the breeze and sipping a cup of coffee.

Street artists have embellished walls all around New York, why not bring the art inside? And if you're going to have art in your apartment why not really go for it with a large-scale masterpiece? 

New Yorkers are often dazzled by soaring ceilings, wall-sized windows, and their views, but  we sometimes forget the most abundant accent in an apartment…maybe because it's right beneath our feet. Above, some floors that kick it up a notch or more above plain wood...from herringbone designs, to polished concrete, painted planks and wild mosaics that will have you…floored.

We're willing to bet that single-digit temperatures wouldn't get you down so much if you could shake off the chill in one of these luxurious spa-like bathrooms....

So try and forget about just how cold  you are and fantasize about getting warm in the luxury of, say, your own home sauna. We personally think any of these at-home spa-style features would make for a very happy 2014 indeed.

Like most New Yorkers, you probably can't afford to hire an interior designer to furnish every inch of your apartment.

We found a few fully-furnished spaces that are move-in ready and very tastefully done. No wasting your time hunting down the perfect shade of neutral for your couch--just pack your clothes and move-in.

Gathering all of your friends and loved ones in your apartment for the holidays is tricky… there never seems to be enough seating or space for guests to circulate. Above, some extraordinary living rooms big enough to host a lavish holiday soiree, not to mention burn a giant hole in  your pocket.