Wendy Goodman’s New York apartment feels particularly storied, and not just because it’s full of books. A born and raised New Yorker, she’s called this Greenwich Village apartment home for 20 years, and it shows — her place has that layered, easy feel that homes that have been lived in, and loved, for many years begin to take on.

As the Design Editor of New York Magazine, Wendy is something of an expert on stylish spaces. In her profession she’s covered ultra modern spaces and some of the most cutting-edge contemporary designers. In her home, she eschews “trendy” for something even more valuable: timeless and everlasting style.

Actually, her home telegraphs not just style, but a kind of relaxed elegance. Stepping into this two-bedroom apartment, which occupies half of the second floor of a gorgeous old brownstone, feels like being transported to a different New York — an older, gentler one. Playing off the paneled walls and the high ceilings, even the light feels different. On the day I visited, a fire burned in the fireplace, casting a warm glow over the living room. The apartment felt removed and serene, a little world within a world.

My Style: I don’t think it fits into a neat category.

Inspiration: Art, books, theater, ballet, people, traveling.

Favorite Element: That I live in the apartment and neighborhood of my dreams.

Biggest Challenge: My book collecting has gotten out of hand.

What Friends Say: That they don’t want to leave.

Biggest Embarrassment: I’m not really embarrassed by anything so much as wish I could get rid of the things I don’t use.

Proudest DIY: That would be nothing! I do have things made from my fantasies, but the operative word is MADE.

Biggest Indulgence: Books, art.

Best Advice: Live the way that makes you happy!

Dream Sources: The Strand bookstore, vintage Porthault linens wherever I can find them, and the Paris flea market where I always find treasures.

LIVING ROOM
The couch is vintage Knoll. I recently had it re-upholstered by Colonia Upholstery (2121 41 St Ave, LIC, NY 11101, 718.472.4100), and they do flawless work! I found a wonderful Sunbrella fabric, which really is stain resistant!

My floor-to-ceiling bookshelves were designed and installed by Hook Fabrication.

The big armchair is from George Smith.

The floral rug is ABC Carpet, and I have had it forever.

The gallery wall is filled with art I have collected over time. The woven photograph of a tulip at the center of my desk is by Fernando Bengoechea.

The large wood fan above the fireplace is by artist Christopher Hewat. It is the first significant piece of art I bought for myself.

The black lampshades are from Oriental Lampshade Company (223 West 79th St., NYC). The staff is the nicest and most helpful, and they actually had black lampshades in stock! Just try finding one, let alone a pair.

The black lamp bases are from David Stypmann (Antique & Design center, 40 West 25th St., NYC 10010), where I have always found fantastic things.

The wood desk was a gift to my parents from the original owners of Peter Beard’s lighthouse in Montauk.

BEDROOM
The floral wall and headboard were designed and painted by artist/decorator Richard Lee.

Sheets — Porthault

Framed paintings of houses are by my mother, the un-framed bouquet of flowers is by Alida Morgan

The tiny painting on the left side of my bed is by Fanny Brennan

The red and white-stripped curtains were custom made, as I couldn’t find any fabric with wide enough stripes. They were fabricated by the amazing fabric wizard Cameron Prather.

The marble base lamps belonged to my parents.

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