The beloved Kips Bay Decorator Show House New York opens its doors for the 49th time today. Twenty-four talented designers have come together to transform an extraordinary townhouse at 125 East 65th Street in the Upper East Side.
“This year’s New York Show House is a testament to the extraordinary talent and professionalism of our participating designers, who have worked tirelessly these past ten weeks to construct their spaces,” said James Druckman, President of the Board of the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club. “We extend our sincere gratitude to all who support our mission to foster brighter futures for generations to come.”
Tours are open to the public now through May 28th, but before you take in the transformation for yourself, see how the designers describe their spaces in their own words, below:
Alan Tanksley, Inc. | “The Club Room”
“In this sanctuary, reminiscent of an inclusive members-only club, Fromental’s lush “Kiku Garden” hand-painted wallpaper serves as a backdrop to convivial gatherings. At the heart lies a magnificent Vincenzo de Cotiis dining table, not simply a piece of furniture but a destination for lively conversations and a game or two of ‘wits’ taking place over beautifully prepared meals. The blend of vintage and contemporary elements within the space is masterfully curated, resembling a gallery where every piece of furniture, every decoration, and each work of art has been carefully selected to evoke emotion and provoke thought.” Photo by Kelly Marshall.
Aman & Meeks | “A Tailored Edge”
“Step into Luxury. Our custom-tailored living room design embraces the concept of fluidity, effortlessly combining sleek lines and clean silhouettes with vibrant accents, art and details. The result is a space that feels tailored, yet relaxed – where every element has been carefully considered to create a harmonious balance that is inviting and refined.”
Barbara Ostrom Associates | “The Game Room”
“A place of reunion, creativity and recreation, The Game Room is an exhilarating breath of fresh air. Far from pretentious and stuffy, it is dramatic and fun-filled with an unexpected twist of humor in amusing touches throughout the room. The riveting focal point of the room is the wildly whimsical African safari swivel chair. It is one of a kind, artistically handcrafted out of down filled jungle animals and birds. The artist painstakingly designed and created each little critter to maximize total bodily comfort. I was mesmerized by this unusual and original work of craftsmanship by AP Designs of Brussels, and it inspired the whole concept of The Game Room.”
Benjamin Vandiver Interiors + Lifestyle | “The Virtue of Curiosity”
While Vandiver approaches each of his projects through the personalities and tastes of his clients, this installation is his most personal expression – to become his own client. Taking cues from some of his favorite people and spaces like Hubert de Givenchy’s Manoir du Jonchet, the library at Bunny Mellon’s Oak Spring Farm & Cy Twombly’s Roman palazzo – Benjamin nods to the common denominator of them all – warmth, collecting, and ease. The bedroom he’s created evokes the nostalgia of an attic bedroom tucked away at a countryside French chateau; it is a space that explores the love affair of things.
Bennett Leifer Interiors | “Reframed Foyer”
As a second-time Kips Bay Show House participant, Bennett Leifer Interiors sought to push design boundaries beyond their signature aesthetic. Over an intimate dinner in Paris, Bennett pitched the idea of a completely carpeted room to the Edward Fields Carpet Makers team, and immediately a creative spark was ignited. Bennett was instantly entranced by Fields’ quote referencing the floor as “The Fifth Wall,” an indication that the floor decoration is just as important as the rest of the envelope—therefore, inspiring the fully-carpeted concept. As the idea developed, favorite archive patterns and techniques were selected to outfit every facet of the space: floor, stairs, walls, niche, furniture, as well as accent the ceiling. The trick was unifying patterns and materials in a thoughtful and seamless manner that made a unique statement.
Beth Diana Smith Interior Design | “The Wine Lounge + Garden Level Corridor”
“An homage to joy, the Wine Lounge is a sanctuary for celebrating life’s little pleasures and the art of hospitality. This space serves as a canvas for reimagining traditional wine cellar concepts in a refreshingly unexpected manner. Juxtaposing textures, bold colors, and custom furnishings, the Wine Lounge invites guests to savor the composition. As you traverse the Garden Level Corridor, my design mantra, “line of sight always,” unveils a new layer of beauty and refined taste in all directions.”
Hollander Design Landscape Architects | “Sculpted Serenity”
“Inspired by classic English garden motifs, the multi-leveled garden is designed as both an immersive, serene city escape and as a treasured focal point from within the rooms of the townhouse. Varied levels in the garden create an experience of exploration and shifting viewpoints.”
Huma Sulaiman Design | “Dream Machine”
“Our third-floor hallway is no ordinary hallway. It is a space where dreams are forged and thoughts drift away in wonder. Moody blues & wispy clouds came to mind to create that dreamstate feeling. We achieved this by encasing the walls and ceiling with Phillip Jefferies bespoke mural wallpaper depicting the midnight sky and clouds. Custom made for our space, we worked with Jeremy Anderson to produce his Space Relic pendants, which are something straight out of a dream. They add a subtle ambient glow to our drapery niche.”
Jeremiah Brent Design | “Study of Art and Beauty”
Jeremiah Brent Design presents a contemporary interpretation of Hathor’s Sanctuary. Taking inspiration from the ancient Egyptian goddess of beauty, the studio suffused the design with narrative, crafting an unconventional and captivating Study interior. A symphony of tonal textures creates a soft background for a rare mixture of contemporary furniture pieces and the subtle nuances of historic Egyptian details.
Justin Scott Interiors | “Dressing Room and Bath”
Inspired by the Italian Modernist Movement of the 1940s, Justin Scott interiors created a modern but timeless dressing room and bath that combines the bold architectural style of Piero Portaluppi and a color palette reminiscent of the work of Pietra Dura artist Richard Blow.
Kit Kemp Design Studio | “A Dining Room of One’s Own”
“Stepping over the threshold into this layered space one is immediately transported to the English countryside. Pull up a classic Kit Kemp “Susan” dining chair upholstered in a tailored combination of striped fabric all part of Kit’s new G P & J Baker collection. Kit Kemp has always championed craft and is known for her democratic interior spaces that showcase more established artists alongside the next generation of up-and-coming creatives. ”
Lucinda Loya Interiors | “Enchanted Roots”
Step into the realm of refined grandeur and sophistication, where every corner whispers tales of the past, present and future where she focused on elegant yet organic details. The waterfall summons you in as you climb into nature to the landing, a space framed by very elaborate, large-scale custom cornices and alpaca drapery crafted by The Shade Store in Sandra Jordan’s luxe fabrics. These two very distinct organic elements live in harmony. One is grand yet quiet, and the other is bold and grounding.
Margaret Naeve Parker | “Modern Romance”
Margaret Naeve Parker brings her ‘timeless sophistication with a modern edge’ style to Room #3, with an expansive landing featuring an under-stair bar and an adjoining powder room. Her ‘Modern Romance’ is created with both color and materials. A color palette of rouge, aubergine, eggplant, and a warm and earthy sage is found throughout the adjoining spaces. 20th century art is paired with reclaimed materials from various eras to impart a sense of modern romance.
McMillen Inc. | “Old Guard / Avant-Garde”
“This year, sixty years after the completion of the Lee Drawing Room for the Blair House Restoration Project of 1964, and fifty years after McMillen Inc.’s participation in the first Kips Bay Showhouse of 1974, Charles R. Gracie & Sons most generously reproduced the very wallpaper that was used by McMillen Inc. for the Lee Drawing Room (and that is still gracing the Lee Drawing Room today), and, joining their effort to help us create an imaginary “Lee Drawing Room at Kip’s Bay” are Peter Lane, whose mantel has created the ‘challenge’ of our room, Vinny DiSalvo and John Nalewaja installers, installer of ‘the challenge’ (and other smaller challenges), Joe Lawrence of Anthony Lawrence Belfair, always at the ready to help McMillen Inc., Stark & Co., Ellen Kravet and all Kravet Inc., including Lee Jofa, (with whom we share a centennial), Samuel & Sons, Benoist Drut and his colleagues at Maison Gerard, Stephen Antonson, Shizue Imai, Liz O’Brien, and Studio Van Akker.” Photo by Ngoc Minh Ngo.
Michelle Gerson Interiors | “The Watering Hole”
“A glamorous space with a splash of tradition done right in none other than black & white. Room 10 is transformed into an elevated watering hole. A place for a delicious fancy libation – where you can sip a martini in style.”
Mikel Welch Designs | “A Cotswolds Retreat”
Step into “A Cotswolds Retreat,” where the essence of the English countryside is distilled into a single room. Inspired by the timeless allure of quaint English inns, this guest bedroom encapsulates the rustic charm and character found amidst the rolling hills of the Cotswolds. The walls, painted in the rich limewash style hue derived from mixing Rainy Afternoon & Intrigue by Benjamin Moore, exude a moody elegance, reminiscent of misty English afternoons, skillfully crafted by Morency Painting. Dominating the space is an oversized wall tapestry, serving as a captivating focal point that immediately draws the eye. Antique treasures abound, including a vintage hand-carved Wretling Sofa by Lawton Mull, its shearling upholstery a nod to cozy evenings by the fire.
Nina Seirafi Interior Design Inc | “An Opium Den for Halston”
“As a New York-based designer inspired by the iconic artistic era of the 60s and 70s, I embarked on a journey to capture the essence of that era within a singular space — an ode to Halston’s opulence and the avant-garde spirit of Paul Rudolph. I saw this as something of a sanctuary or opium den for Halston, with a nod to Rudolph’s architectural ethos. I enveloped the room in dark stained oak panels, instilling it with an air of timeless sophistication; while adding a contemporary twist to the traditional narrative, by cloaking the walls, ceiling, and floor in a shimmering coat of silver roof paint.”
Patrick Mele Inc. | “On a Clear Day”
“This Bedroom is dedicated to the many intelligent, strong, and inspiring women in my life. They have helped guide and shape my early career – cheering me on creatively, professionally, and personally – thank you. I designed this room with your collective beauty in mind. My hope is for the room to feel strong, glamorous, fresh, clear, and vibrant: timeless, yet of this time. On a clear day, you can indeed see forever.”
Phillip Thomas Inc. | “The Andes Club”
As a child in Chile, Thomas’s mother grew up in a home where every Sunday the house was filled with guests for what they coined, “The Paris Club”. Among the guests would be musicians, members of the clergy, writers, politicians, artists, etc. and they would talk about anything and everything. When Thomas’s parents moved to New York City, they created their own version of this wonderful tradition for their young family and called it “The Andes Club”. It is with fond memories of these gatherings in the warm atmosphere of his family’s home, with the glow of the candlelight dancing on the walls, that Thomas was inspired to create “The Andes Club” for the 2024 Kips Bay Decorator Show House.
Shawn Henderson | “Steel Sanctuary”
“Steel Sanctuary envisions an urban oasis, blending elements of strength and tranquility as a meditative escape from urban life. Drawing inspiration from the timeless elegance of Yves Saint Laurent’s muse, Betty Catroux, the bedroom pays homage to the sophistication and seduction of powerful women. The design juxtaposes sleek steel elements coupled with warm hues of rose and garnet. The duality of these aesthetic pairings evokes a stoic strength balanced by hushed ambiance.”
St. Charles New York | “The Coveted Kitchen”
” Coveted, celebrated, and incomparable, ‘The Coveted Kitchen’ pays homage to the unquestionable heart and soul of a home, with historical appropriateness and the discerning expectations of modern-day luxury kitchen design. A masterpiece of culinary efficiency, performance, and advancement, ‘The Coveted Kitchen’ remains a chic cooking suite crafted for both state-of-the-art entertaining and effortless, intimate meals thanks to the cutting edge JennAir Appliances throughout. Wrapped in timeless finishes, sunlight and gracious gravitas, the room conveys a sense of timelessness and permanence.”
Swati Goorha Designs | “Metamorphosis: A Journey of Transformation”
“As I ascended the staircase, it felt like embarking on a transformative journey. The garden level represents the starting point of this journey, with its closed curvilinear lines and dark, moody vibes as one progresses upwards, transitioning into the top flights that are open and a traditional winding staircase symbolizing the culmination of this journey. The stairs, the spine that holds the house together and connects all floors, are an essential and integral part of the daily transition. We designed the staircase to resonate deeply with everyone, serving as a symbol of transformation.”
Vanessa Deleon Associates | “Smoke & Mirrors”
“Welcome to a luxurious sanctuary where a refined, moody vibe fuses with the grandeur of Art Deco glam. This opulent primary bathroom, adorned with lavish materials, lush green hues, and gilded accents, is the ultimate escape from the ordinary, inviting you to immerse yourself in true luxury. The walls, draped in deep emerald wallpaper from Phillip Jefferies, are a captivating backdrop, perfectly complemented by a large Reflectel mirror finished in sleek gold fame, positioned above a golden Francois & Co fireplace mantle. At the heart of it all lies a decadent Kohler clawfoot bathtub, exuding old-world charm and sophistication.”
Workshop/APD | “Le Fumoir Féminin”
“A modern sanctuary nestled within the home’s primary suite, Le Fumoir Féminin offers the lady of the house an intriguing retreat from responsibility and Upper East Side propriety. An enveloping cocoon for her private passions, artful collections, and little vices, Workshop/APD’s decompression zone blurs the lines between architecture, interior design, and furnishings. Inspired by swirling smoke plumes, the room’s modern architecture is softened by curving, artfully lit, custom-cut wall panels with incorporated floating shelving, awash in a hand-applied plaster finish and paired with smoked mirror.”
Photography by Nickolas Sargent.
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