The Hudson Valley has long been a destination for artists, makers, and creative thinkers. Few events capture that collaborative spirit quite like the Kingston Design Showhouse, which returned for its eighth edition in 2026 with a fresh perspective on residential design and the power of creative community.
Founded in 2018 by interior designer Maryline Damour of Damour Drake, Kingston Design Connection was established to bring together the region’s growing community of designers, artisans, contractors, and creative entrepreneurs. What began as an initiative to support local economic development has evolved into an annual celebration of design, craftsmanship, and the relationships that make the Hudson Valley such a distinctive creative destination.
This year’s showhouse, located in Saugerties, New York, offered a departure from previous editions. Rather than transforming a traditional historic property, participating designers were invited to reimagine a 1955 residence nestled among nearly three wooded acres near the base of Overlook Mountain. With original woodwork, natural stone, and expansive views of the surrounding landscape, the home provided a compelling canvas for creative experimentation.
The resulting interiors reflected a wonderful range of personalities and design perspectives. Madelaine Mayer of Adroit Architecture & Interior Design brought rich color and architectural drama to the living room, while Jennifer Salvemini and Nicola Whiteley of Saved Finery embraced playful pattern and unexpected details in a spirited teenage bedroom. Sabin Viehland created a serene primary suite that celebrated the relationship between interior spaces and the natural landscape.
Elsewhere, Marilyn LaVergne incorporated locally sourced materials into a thoughtfully designed bathroom, while artist Marcie Paper transformed the mudroom into an immersive expression of color, pattern, and handmade artistry. Outdoors, Maryline Damour created an artist studio to showcase her own design work, while a separate sculpture garden, curated by Amanda Russo Rubman at Damour’s invitation, highlighted the work of local fine artists and extended the creative experience into the surrounding woodland.
Yet what makes the Kingston Design Showhouse particularly special extends beyond its beautifully imagined rooms. At its heart is a commitment to fostering meaningful connections among the design-build industry in upstate New York. Designers collaborate with local artists, makers discover new audiences, and relationships formed during the showhouse often evolve into lasting professional partnerships.
That emphasis on community also extends to sustainability. Proceeds from the 2026 showhouse supported Circularly, a local organization working to keep valuable building materials out of landfills.
As the 2026 edition concludes, its lasting impact is perhaps best measured not simply by the spaces transformed, but by the connections created. In a region celebrated for its independent spirit, the Kingston Design Showhouse continues to demonstrate that exceptional design is often the result of a community coming together.
For more information, visit kingstondesignconnection.com.
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