The 2017 Kips Bay Decorator Show House
I was fortunate enough to take a few days off last week and to head down to NYC. I love New York and always feel inspired and happy just walking around, eating, shopping, connecting with family and friends, and discovering new things.
When I arrived on Monday I dropped my bags off and headed up to the Kips Bay Decorators Show House. The show house is put on by the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club and features prestigious designers who each transform a room in the house. Visitors pay an entry fee and all proceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Club. The year's home was built in 1905 by architect Charles A. Platt as a private home. The style is neo-Georgian with a red brick exterior - very classic. However the interior was anything but, with very bold rooms making quite the statement!
But my favorite thing throughout the home was the artwork. I was really wowed by some of the pieces throughout. Art covered nearly every wall and was very much an integral part of the design, showing how important artwork is in tandem with furnishings, textiles, and accessories. Here are some photos I took while visiting the home. Unfortunately it was a dreary, rainy day, so the lighting wasn't great.
My favorite room was by Robert Stilin. It was the most neutral room in the house (in my opinion) with lots of great color, textures, and layers. Including the art! Here are a few snaps of the room.
One view of the room - so much artwork in mixed mediums.
And the other side of the room.
This strange camper / big rig piece above the sofa was intriguing.
Oh you know, just Javier Bardem hiding in the corner...swoon!
I love the colors in this abstract piece.
Making a statement.
Down in the basement was the lounge / bar by Lichten Craig Architecture & Interiors which had a speakeasy vibe to it. I really loved these two old photographs they used from the Staley-Wise Gallery.
A little Sophia Loren eye roll...
...and some folks having a good time.
I neglected to snap a pic of the artwork in this room by Kirsten Kelli (which had a lot of cool pop art) because I was mesmerized by this purple, velvet sofa. Such a great color! This was probably my second favorite room behind Robert Stilin's. Super bold and interesting.
I thought these brass and lucite lamps in the same room were very funky too.
If you're in New York between now and June 6th I would definitely recommend checking it out. It's really a creative, fun space and benefits a great cause. And here's a great write-up from The New York Times with more (professional) photos of all the rooms.
Enjoy!
