I live in NYC. You know this. But, have you heard me talk about the radiators? How that even during freezing cold winter temps, we have to leave the door and windows open so the apartment doesn’t feel like an oven? If you are also a renter with a radiator, fear not! Let Josh Yöung Design House show you that radiators can, in fact, be COOL.
I just realized that my title calling a hot radiator COOL might be a fun play on words, but it was a very happy accident that I will now take full credit for, despite not meaning to actually have a cool title.
Anyways, the radiators in our apartment are painted this horrible silver color, so we asked the landlord for covers. This has nothing to do with the fact that I have a knack for noting anything dangerous in a room, and running into it. That’s a story for another time.
…and that time is now. Every apartment in NYC we have had has been pre-war. So, we have radiators and those floor to ceiling pipes for steam that get scorching hot. Like, it’s a legit safety hazard.
Our last apartment (in the neighborhood Cardi B grew up in, funnily enough), had the steam pipe in the middle of a wall in the bathroom. Once when I was about to shower, I bent over and burned my bum. No joke. It was a second degree burn and there’s a scar. Yet, I soldier on.
So, if you can actually exist in a space with a dangerous boiling hazard, props to you. Today’s post is showing you that you don’t actually have to hide your radiator; it’s perfect as it is…unless you’re me and have a bum scar.
Josh Yöung Teaches Us Radiators Can be COOL
There is currently a deep appreciation for anything old; vintage and antiques (they’re different!) are being used more than ever before, people are deliberately moving into and preserving old homes, etc. There has never been a better time for you to showcase that hey, your home is old too, bro.
So, if you have an “unsightly” radiator, fear not; Josh Yöung Design House can show you to view that radiator as a hot commodity. This time, yes, the play on words was intended. You’re welcome.
Josh Yöung Design House | Photo: Marta Perez
If you don’t know who Josh Yöung is, he is an art + design genius. He has nailed the modern traditional neutral palette with a twist…I even included him in a recent blog post! It’s classic design that’s elevated and so, so cool. Josh lives in Chicago, so we know he for sure needs a working radiator for those frigid winters.
Josh Yöung Design House | Photo: Aimée Mazzenga
My best friend is a trauma nurse in Chicago and frequently when she calls me walking home from the hospital, I have to ask her to repeat herself multiple times because it is SO windy. Chicago is very cold, and, just like New York, there are pre-war building-o-plenty.
Many of you renters (and owners, if you’re lucky!), probably have radiators, and a quick Pinterest search will yield hundreds of DIY radiator covers. It seems everyone is trying to cover up this piece of functional architecture. But, what if you didn’t?
Josh Yöung Design House | Photo: Aimée Mazzenga
I do have to say this…if it is a season where your radiators will be ON, you MUST have something on top of the radiator so that you can place magazines and other flammable goods on top. I’m sure Josh took this picture during a season where the radiators were off. Please be mindful and don’t burn your building down.
My favorite way to do this is to use stone. You can actually go to Home Goods or any other home decor store and check out the serveware section. My current setup is a long 1/2″ thick stone serving platter from Il Mulino (a fancy NYC Italian restaurant) that was purchased at Home Goods for less than $15.
Also check out the stone offerings in the kitchen/bath department at Lowe’s and Home Depot. Another thing you can do with the larger stone tile is install marble or slate shelving in your bathroom and/or kitchen. A pretty marble shelf is perfect for toiletries and spices! There’s a fancy life hack for ya; luxe look for less.
Josh Yöung Design House | Photo: Marta Perez
Josh Yöung Design House
Josh Yöung Design House
As you might have noticed, Josh is also an extremely talented artist and you can explore his commissions here. He specializes in mixed media and uses inspiration for his art and design from his time living in Milan. Fancy, fancy!
Josh Yöung Design House | Photo: House Beautiful
Josh Yöung Design House
Do you see how Josh’s home changes throughout the seasons? In all of these images, the radiator is a neutral element in the space; it takes a back seat and isn’t an eye sore. If anything, the radiator adds charm and character.
Josh has painted the radiator the same color as his trim, which is supremely gorgeous. His walls are a warmer buttery white and the cooler toned radiator coordinating with the trim makes it look intentional…because it was!
Josh Yöung Design House
Josh Yöung Design House
I don’t see an ugly radiator in any of these images; what about you? Hopefully this makes you feel better if you rent and can’t really make permanent changes to your space. I’m a big fan of growing where you are planted, and Josh’s exposed radiators are the perfect example of how a necessity can also be beautiful.
-Kristen
More inspiration:
- The Most Amazing One Room Challenge Reveals
- Wabi Sabi: The Latest Japanese Design Trend
- 16 Affordable Modern Electric Fireplaces
- Best Budget Home Updates