Even in New York City’s ultraluxe real estate market, high price tags don’t always guarantee thoughtful design or solid craftsmanship. Wendy Arriz, a broker with Warburg Realty Partnership and a decade of experience, has seen it all—from stunning new builds to frustratingly sloppy finishes.
“One of the things I’ve seen, even in the ultraluxe market,” Arriz notes, “is that attention to detail is often missing in new construction. Some clients end up with punch lists that run pages long—and as agents, we’re not trained to fix those issues.”
The good news? You don’t need a contractor—or a big budget—to breathe new life into your space. A few strategic tweaks over a single weekend can dramatically elevate your home’s look and feel. Think fresh paint on an accent wall, updated hardware on cabinets and doors, curated decluttering, layered lighting, or swapping out tired textiles for vibrant, cozy alternatives.
These small changes add up to a cleaner, brighter, and more intentional home—proving that refresh doesn’t require renovation.
