One of the best things about a showhouse is the ability to push the design envelope. You don’t have to worry about any limitations, so interior designers are able to really dream. I’ve participated in a lot of those projects for that very reason. And I love to visit the top showhouses for inspiration and a creative boost. When I was in New York recently, I toured the Kips Bay Decorator Showhouse, one of the top projects in the country. It was a feast for the senses and I came away with fantastic new ideas. Here are some of my favorites!

Smoke and Mirrors Bathroom by Vanessa DeLeon

Angles and Planes

I was obsessed with the shapes and forms in the Smoke and Mirrors bathroom designed by Vanessa DeLeon. This dark and moody space took inspiration from the neo-Georgian town house’s history, but modernized the look with futuristic shapes and materials.

Old Guard/Avant-Garde Sitting Room by McMillen

Flights of Fancy

The star of the show in the Old Guard/New Guard sitting room by McMillen was definitely the Gracie & Sons wallpaper. McMillen participated in the first Kips Bay Showhouse in 1974, and this wallpaper was part of McMillen’s design for the 1964 Blair House restoration. The paper is still in the vice president’s home today, and in this room it’s paired with a fanciful fireplace surround and ultra-modern furnishings.

Functional Art

The Wine Lounge by Beth Diana Smith Interior Design features a wine wall that combines function and art. I loved that the bottles became a whimsical installation. The textural wallpaper from Kravet adds another artistic touch, while bold pink gives the room a joyful feeling.

Animal Attraction

The Game Room by Barbara Ostrom Associates had an opulently playful design that took a tongue-in-cheek approach to the term “game room.” The terra cotta walls offered the perfect backdrop for zebra barstools, bold art, and these fabulously fringed swivel chairs.

The English Garden

I am a huge fan of Kit Kemp’s interiors for the Firmdale Hotels. She offers an English sensibility that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Her Dining Room of One’s Own for Kips Bay was definitely true to her aesthetic, with tapestry covered walls, mixed floral patterns, and bold touches of orange.

A Study in Contrasts

Inspired by former Chanel model Betty Catroux, the Steel Sanctuary bedroom by Shawn Henderson balances hard and soft surfaces. Sculptural steel furnishings are balanced with softly rounded shapes and shades of pink, while an upholstered ceiling adds a glam touch.

The Bold and the Beautiful

Latin America and the salon lifestyle were twin inspirations for The Andes Club salon by Philip Thomas. He found the Andes Mountain Range wallpaper in Paris and paired it with yellow, green, and purple for a strong statement. I love the mix of textures and patterns in this space.

What do you think of the Kips Bay rooms? Which one inspired you?

All the best,

Kara

My Favorite Looks from Kips Bay