HOME TOURS: Uniquely Designed Spaces in NYC, Amsterdam & Portland | Open House TV (Full Episode)

In this episode of NBC's Open House, host Sara Gore takes us across cities and styles, moving from the urban edge of a SoHo loft to the intimate and expressive world of a Greenwich Village townhome, before crossing the country to Portland, Oregon, to explore the debut of The Ritz-Carlton in the Pacific Northwest. Though each space is distinct in intention and design language, all are unified by their connection to place and the personal stories of the people who built them. The tour begins in a classic SoHo loft, where original details have not only been preserved but celebrated. The bones of the space — which includes wood columns and beams, exposed brick, tin ceilings, and massive arched windows — create an architectural rhythm that reflects the building’s industrial past. While the materials reflect the loft's history, the layout supports contemporary living. From SoHo, the episode moves to Greenwich Village and into the layered, lively interior world of designer Sara Simon’s home, affectionately known as dasCasa. Originally built in 1848, the townhouse was once owned by Ellen Barkin. Today, it stands as a deeply personal expression of Simon’s eclectic design sensibility. The home is not simply decorated; it is curated, with every room revealing a unique blend of color, texture, and narrative. The entry is warm and filled with pattern. The living room pairs bold wallpaper with moody tones and vintage lighting. Throughout the house, Simon blends the patina of old pieces with new design elements, creating a layered aesthetic that embraces memory and reinvention. Whether it’s the unexpected texture of a wall, mirrored surface catching daylight, or velvet banquette in a dining nook, the home is full of whimsical surprises. Meanwhile, in Amsterdam, Guillaume Schmidt (co-founder of the lifestyle brand Patta) invites us into his family's personal sanctuary that's been shaped by his personal experiences and illustrious career. The lovely abode features a selection of art pieces and mementos collected from his travels, alongside books that reflect his interests and creative influences. Light fixtures, vibrant plants & natural materials further add to the warm atmosphere. The apartment’s design balances minimalist architecture with special touches that speak to his cultural background and heritage; and help foster a "nonchalant" and comfortable environment where Schmidt’s professional & familial worlds intersect. After that, we visit New York’s NoHo neighborhood to join entrepreneur and DJ Brendan Fallis & wellness advocate Hannah Bronfman for a tour of their renovated loft. Designed in collaboration with Stewart-Schafer, the home strikes a balance between functionality and atmosphere, with subtle textures, natural materials, and custom millwork that support the rhythms of daily life. Floor-to-ceiling windows add softness and light to the open layout, while fun design decisions (such as built-in vinyl storage) echo the couple’s shared passions for music, wellness, and family. The final segment of the episode brings us to Portland, Oregon, where The Ritz-Carlton, Portland introduces the brand’s first hotel in the Pacific Northwest. Located in the heart of downtown, the hotel was designed with a strong sense of regional identity. From the moment guests enter through Forest Hall, the lobby evokes the surrounding landscape. Vertical wood paneling mimics the verticality of trees, while soft lighting and natural materials build a quiet grandeur. The space is defined by a sculptural staircase and thoughtful details that reference the forests and geology of Oregon, such as the basalt-inspired forms that shape parts of the building’s exterior and stormwater planters designed to activate with rainfall. Inside, the guest rooms continue this dialogue between nature and comfort. The materials palette includes wood, leather, and carpeting with soft textures, alongside custom-built pieces that recall the structure and detailing of travel trunks. On the 19th floor, wellness amenities include a spa inspired by the geometry of unfolding rose petals, a fitness center, and an infinity pool with panoramic views of the Cascade Mountains. Sustainability has been embedded into the architecture, with LEED Gold certification marking its environmental performance, and features such as native plants, energy-efficient systems, and water-conscious design reinforce the hotel’s connection to the community. Overall, from the raw and foundational to the expressive and idiosyncratic to the sculpted elegance of elevated hospitality, these properties offer a spectrum of design. Whether through the timeless materials of a downtown loft, the fearless layering of a historic townhouse, or a breathtaking renovation of a luxury hotel, each space captures the essence what we value when we build residences and how we choose to inhabit our surroundings. On that note, which tour was your favorite from this week's batch? Drop us a comment below!