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Drew Barrymore helped design this Manhattan penthouse—and you can stop by to see it in person

Tour Barrymore’s “feel-good room” in NYC.

Laura Ratliff
Written by
Laura Ratliff
Real Simple Magazine 2025 Show House
Photograph: Kelly Marshall / Prop Styling by Sophia Pappas / REAL SIMPLE
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If you’ve ever wanted to peek inside a celebrity-designed New York apartment, here’s your chance. The eighth annual Real Simple Home has opened in Lower Manhattan and for the first time it spans not one but two units: a sprawling four-bedroom penthouse with a 1,500-square-foot terrace and a two-bedroom “DIY Annex.” Together, they showcase 14 distinct spaces created by a team of top designers, influencers and—headlining this year—Drew Barrymore.

The actress, entrepreneur and lifestyle maven crafted what Real Simple calls a “feel-good room,” a sanctuary designed to coax frazzled New Yorkers into slowing down. “When I was thinking about this assignment, I had to decide what wellness means to me. It means remembering to even put yourself in the mix, let alone first,” Barrymore said in the October issue of Real Simple. “This room wants you to be mindful and present, which is almost as hard as putting yourself first!”

Soft textures, calming tones and a flood of natural light make it the sort of space you might never want to leave—though the rest of the penthouse gives plenty of reason to wander. The living areas lean into relaxed entertaining, while even the laundry room manages to sneak in clever storage hacks. Step onto the terrace and you’ll find colorful accents against crisp neutrals, all framed by jaw-dropping city views.

kids bedroom in real simple show home
Photograph: Kelly Marshall / Prop Styling by Sophia Pappas / REAL SIMPLE

The second unit, dubbed the “DIY Annex,” offers something different: resourceful decorating ideas and approachable design twists. Vintage touches and budget-friendly updates prove that not every chic Manhattan space needs a trust-fund renovation.

Open house tours run across two weekends (September 19–21 and September 26–28, from 10 am to 4 pm), and yes, you can actually walk through both apartments. Tickets are $25 at RealSimpleHomeTour.com, with part of the proceeds supporting Win, a local nonprofit that provides shelter and services to families experiencing homelessness.

As Real Simple editor in chief Lauren Iannotti put it: “The 2025 Real Simple Home is double the fun! We decorated two distinct apartments in a gorgeous building with tons of class and sprawling views.”

In other words, this isn’t just glossy magazine fodder—it’s a chance to step inside, snag inspiration for your own place and maybe even leave with a few design tricks worth stealing.

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