Hi There !
Ever been to the Kips Bay Show House? Add it to you list of things to do in NYC from May to June every Spring. Mark your calendars for next year ! This post took a while to write, and I needed a little down time to do it so I could really get into it and June was stupid busy. I have a quite day today . . . enjoy all the work by some major heavy hitters !
Not only will you see the most exquisite interiors by industry leaders, all the funds benefit the Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club. During our trip to New York we headed over to the upper East Side and Kate experienced her first Show House . . .
I can't remember the first year I actually attended my first Show House, but I know it's a trip every May I don't want to miss. Up there with the Kentucky Derby and Westminister Dog Show, it's one of those cultural events that mark the beginning of Spring and a bit of a ritual for me. Steven Stolman's new book "40 Years . . ." chronicles it's history of award winning design (get you copy here). The cover I recognized immediately as the paper Amanda Nisbet used in one of the most gorgeous master bedrooms ever !
Photo via Amanda Nisbet's site
Photo via Amanda Nisbet's site
It was the 43rd year of the Kips Bay Show House. The creme de la creme of interior events in NYC. This year it was the Arthur Sachs Mansion at 58th and 66th Street. The residence which faces Andy Warhol's tong-time residence is now on the market for $35 million. This 9,600 square foot townhouse was first overhauled then taken over by a slew of designers (22 in all) who transformed their spaces with paint, tile, wall paper, lacquers, gold and pewter leaf. No restraint. The rooms were as different as the smells that wafted through them, wood smoke and perfume (one of the first things Kate pointed out with her beauty product sensitive nose). Six floors, including a 27-foot lap pool and 3 terraces and 5 fireplaces.
Photo by moi
From the moment you walked in the combination of both masculine and feminine was apparent to me.
Curves and straight lines, organic and hard. Depth, color, contrast, and some of the most brilliant details I will take with me and add to my memory vault. I love coming home and really reading all about each room, the designers and details. Thought I'd share a few of my favorites and what I found out about each. I snagged some gorgeous, professional photos I came across to really show it off, as my i phone didn't capture the whole gorgeous picture . . . .
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Merlot shimmering walls with sky blue ceiling greet you in this entrance hall. The wall covering sparkled with hand-applied bits of Japanese mica. But the ceiling fixtures clustered together were the most amazing thing for me. Created by Ayala Serfaty, their reflection, delicate design and unique, individual shapes were magical turned on and off. Ceiling art no doubt.
Photo via So Haute by Anthony Crisafulli
These illuminated sculptures of glass rods covered with white polymer, were created by Israeli designer Ayala Serfaty in her work space in Tel Aviv.
Photo via Ayala Serfaty's site
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From the entry hall you hit the grand, circular staircase. On each landing these designers melded together a unique look while creating cohesive beauty. The artwork, some 100 framed pieces, was a collector's dream, set off by the overall presence of the winding banister, ceiling light and spectacular lighting.
Photo via ny.curbed.com by Max Touhey
This new Mulberry Home wall covering from Lee Jofa is named Torridon and the inspiration that started it all. The perfect backdrop, Philip Mitchell decided, light and contemporary in feeling yet classic in image. I learned that 95% of the art in the space is from his own collection.
Photo via So Haute by Anthony Crisafulli
Photo by Rikki Snyder
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Heading upward to the 5th floor, Paula + Martha created one of the most "gallery" like spaces. I am a huge fan of white walls to set off sticking modern art. I was obsessed by this aluminum sculpture by Jacques Jarrige from the Valerie Goodman Gallery mixed with a set of Al Held pieces. All the elements designer Paula Caravelli chose solved the lack of floor space by filling the walls and air with beauty highlighting the expansive ceiling.
Photo by moi
Photo by moi
The cluster lighting from Jeff Zimmerman, art in itself as well was the perfect choice in shape and scale and allowed the other art pieces to have a strong presence.
Photo via Paula + Martha's site
Photo via Paula + Martha's site
photo via Paula + Martha site
Photo via So Haute by Anthony Crisafulli
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Back on the first floor and just off Christopher Peacock's kitchen was Bennett Leifer's Lounge (the former Butler's Pantry). What caught my eye immediate was the gilded de Gournay paper (I have this thing for Chinoiserie). This pattern - Japanese Garden mixed with a more streamlined love seat and the most gorgeous rock crystal sconces is grounded with the dark, more abstract, modern rug. The sheer window covering, also by de Gournay is light and airy and also compliments the gorgeous outdoor retreat through the windows.
Photo via Architectural Digest by Rafael Quirindongo
Photo via ny. curbed.com by Max Touhey
I especially love Mark Bankowsky's stoop.
Take a closer look at the rock crystal sconces, these and the above stoop available at 1stDibs, NYC
de Gournay papers are amazing . . . check out one a few of my other favorites !!
All photos via their site
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The first floor kitchen was completely transformed. The team at Christopher Peacock included a few new, intriguing ideas in this space . . . mainly the live edge counter top flowing seamlessly from the center island. Grothouse Lumber created this amazing "extension" of organic beauty.
Photo by Rikki Snyder
Photo by Rikki Snyder
Loved the touch of plaid backsplash . . .
Photo by Rikki Snyder
. . . . Connecticut based AKDO Balmoral Plaid Silver Stone, Dark Olive and Ephesus Dune.
One of my favorite ADKO patterns - Allure, a gorgeous couture inspired geometric comprised of four intricate mosaic styles: Enchanted, Rug Calcutta, Captivate, and Radiance - available To the Trade only, so give us a call !!
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Connecticut based firm featured in countless publications, this first floor green space, once grown in, will be a green space hideaway in the middle of a busy city.
Photo via Architectural Digest by Rafael Quirindongo
With a single hanging lounge chair by Studio Stirling, you focus on your natural surrounding above all. Their designs are works of art . . check out a few I came across.
Photos from Studio Stirling's site
Photos from Studio Stirling's site
Photos from Studio Stirling's site
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From Leifer's lounge up the back stairs you hit Tilton Fenwick's landing a.k.a dining lounge (as it's just off Mark Sike's dining room). I love a well designed landing and stairwell. It's such fun not to neglect what can be a challenging space. Fenwick and Sike's colors work wonderfully together leading from one space to the next. The Ikat rug (from Studio Four NYC!) and art by Alex Schuchard are a beautiful mix of modern with a more traditional Duralee wall paper. The molding and trim color detail is pretty fabulous as well. Why does trim have to be white? !
Photo via Architectural Digest by Rafael Quirindongo
Art by Alex Schuchard
Photo via So Haute by Anthony Crisafulli
Photo via So Haute by Anthony Crisafulli
Wall covering by Duralee (Zulla in Sea Green).
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Great color transition from Fenwick's dining lounge to this dining space by Mark D. Sikes across the hall. The red and white gingham by Schumacher set off by panels of Bennison's red, white and blue fabric. Upholstered wall being another hot treatment in this years house. Beautiful custom banquets mixed with wicker chairs all underneath a simmering crystal chandelier.
When interiors are described as "fresh" these days - I am not seeing a lot in the "all neutral" realm (except for maybe bright white !!) This room is pretty spectacular and fits the description of "fresh" no doubt. I really think the color moment has come.
Photo via So Haute by Anthony Crisafulli
Photo by moi
Photo by Rikki Snyder
Gloss red trim and pops of blue and white Chinese porcelain. Sikes used outdoor furniture for his dining table and chairs - new from his own line, crazy - no, especially if you have sloppy family and friends I say.
Photo by Rikki Snyder
Photo via La Dolce Vita by Paloma Contreras
Photo by Rikki Snyder
Photo via Style Briefs
Most known for her use of red, Alessandra Branca actually suggested to the Show House committee she use a different color for this room - they steered her back to the fan favorite red. Red and white striped fabric walls are edged with a grey trim which frames them out beautifully and dramatically. The art pieces were some of my favorite elements in this space.
Photo via Alessandra Branca's site
Over the mantle a portrait of Marie-Antoinette by Robert Polidori from the Edwynn Houk Gallery
Photo via Alessandra Branca's site
I loved her use of accessories, especially the Nagaland Staff in the window. Come to find out it came from Creel & Gow, a great place for accessories in the City. Located just off 70th and Lexington it's filled with gems likes these . . .
"Louis" on paper bag by Donald Robertson. Now, I am hug @drewbertson fan (stay tuned, plan to do a whole post on him soon). This piece I loved !!!
Photo by moi
It's a gorgeous room. The floor lamp over the game table was another favorite !! Beautiful.
Photo via Alessandra Branca's site
Having fallen in love with so many elements in Alessandra's space I checked out her site. Take a peek at her gorgeous island get-a-way featured in Architectural Digest.
Photos via AD
These primarily all sand color rooms are popped with the perfect shade of red. The banister and railing - pretty perfect !
Photos via AD
Photos via AD
Photos via AD
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Gloss red trim and pops of blue and white Chinese porcelain. Sikes used outdoor furniture for his dining table and chairs - new from his own line, crazy - no, especially if you have sloppy family and friends I say.
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Most known for her use of red, Alessandra Branca actually suggested to the Show House committee she use a different color for this room - they steered her back to the fan favorite red. Red and white striped fabric walls are edged with a grey trim which frames them out beautifully and dramatically. The art pieces were some of my favorite elements in this space.
Photo via Alessandra Branca's site
Over the mantle a portrait of Marie-Antoinette by Robert Polidori from the Edwynn Houk Gallery
Photo via Alessandra Branca's site
I loved her use of accessories, especially the Nagaland Staff in the window. Come to find out it came from Creel & Gow, a great place for accessories in the City. Located just off 70th and Lexington it's filled with gems likes these . . .
"Louis" on paper bag by Donald Robertson. Now, I am hug @drewbertson fan (stay tuned, plan to do a whole post on him soon). This piece I loved !!!
It's a gorgeous room. The floor lamp over the game table was another favorite !! Beautiful.
Photo via Alessandra Branca's site
Having fallen in love with so many elements in Alessandra's space I checked out her site. Take a peek at her gorgeous island get-a-way featured in Architectural Digest.
These primarily all sand color rooms are popped with the perfect shade of red. The banister and railing - pretty perfect !
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Thom Filicia
Thom Filicia has been a busy, busy guy ! Take a look at his site and you'll see. From commercial to residential work, product lines and press, he's on fire. This year's A-Lister in Elle Decor, he was also in High Point during Market if you wanted to "Get In Bed" with him at the Eastern Accents Showroom celebrating his new bedding line. Book signings and Design Shows. I fell in love with his lacquered kelly green space at Kips Bay a few years back and we talked a bit about how to achieve he look. Nice guy.
He's back this year is the most relaxing lounge. Soothing
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Pavarini Design
Called "a Mad Men moment just waiting for a tray of martinis to be served." I must agree. Charles Pavarini III created my favorite space in this year's Show House. Not only was I immediate drawn in by the gorgeous light fixture, the walls were amazing. I learned the faux painter added eye shadow in the mix for that irregular color and shimmer ! The fireplace was created with a mosaic of silvered travertine paves. The mantle and shelving design was uniquely designed and created such a sleek, beautiful profile. Notice the floor covering cut out pattern around it. White and blues, large scale art and black window molding to tie back to the mantle. It was just gorgeous.
Photo via So Haute by Anthony Crisafulli
Photo via Architectural Digest by Rafael Quirindongo
Jeff Zimmerman's Vine Fixture
photo via incollect.com by Phillip Ennis
photo via incollect.com by Phillip Ennis
Jeff Zimmerman's Vine Fixture
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McMillen
Brazillian native designer Suzana Monacella of McMillen nailed it with the ceiling in this simplistic, yet juicy bedroom.
Photo via So Haute by Anthony Crisafulli
Photo via Architectural Digest by Rafael Quirindongo
photo via ny. curbed.com by Max Touhey
The paper (Pierre Fray)
The paper (Pierre Fray)
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Michael Herold Design
Lee Jofa's black and gold palm wall paper combined with striking gold art, large accessories, and a black and white lacquered ceiling transformed this former small laundry area into a small sitting space filled with inspiration. I especially loved the console table and big red art sculpture.
Photo via Architectural Digest by Rafael Quirindongo
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Peter J. Sinnott IV
Noticed the Phillip Jeffries paper immediately in this space. Loved all the tile work as well from AKDO. Osborne and Little covered the ceiling with yet another paper. I loved this space.
photo by Rikki Snyder
photo by Rikki Snyder
Photo by Rikki Snyder
Noticed the Phillip Jeffries paper immediately in this space. Loved all the tile work as well from AKDO. Osborne and Little covered the ceiling with yet another paper. I loved this space.
Photo by moi
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Alan Tanksley began his career working with the legendary Mark Hampton. This space he calls "Pavlos' Retreat" and was inspired by Alexa Hampton's Greek husband Pavlos Papageorgiou. I loved the minimal NY city scape mural on one wall, and a multitude of texture on the remaining three. Grass Cloth, and wood paneling painted and stained. The light was gorgeous in this space with mirror opposite reflecting all the light. Accessories on a large scale and uber comfort. A place to read a serious book or get some work done.
Photo via So Haute by Anthony Crisafulli
Photo via Architectural Digest by Rafael Quirindongo
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Hello Keith Haring walls and floor.. Just off the stairwell of art, this powder room was so striking ! If you are a black and white fan with a pop, this one's for you.
Photo via Architectural Digest by Rafael Quirindongo
photo by moi
The sconce was a piece of art as well ! Created by Ingo Maurer 1992, it's entitled Lucellino NT
Take a look at another I found in the site I loved . . .
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David Phoenix Interiors
The Cowtan & Tout upholstered plaid walls were the show stopper for me in this space. Soft, and enveloping I loved this space.
Photo via So Haute by Anthony Crisafulli
Photo via Architectural Digest by Rafael Quirindongo
photo by moi
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Rottet Studio
"Tout-Terrasse" our last space. The hand painted butterflies met you as you entered. I could lounge around for hours up there, above it all. Rottet was new to me, and visiting their site I fell in love with their furniture line (here). Very chic and sophisticated. Best known for their corporate and hospitality projects, they are among the Top 100 Design Giants by Interior Design Magazine and recognized as one the Top 3 most admired firms . . . in the world.. wow.
Photo by moi
Photo via So Haute by Anthony Crisafulli
Photo via incollect by Marco Ricca
Rottet was new to me, and visiting their site I fell in love with their furniture line (here). Very chic and sophisticated. Best known for their corporate and hospitality projects, they are among the Top 100 Design Giants by Interior Design Magazine and recognized as one the Top 3 most admired firms . . . in the world.. wow.
All in all it was another gorgeous afternoon. I was thrilled to have Kate with me. Even now, a month later, she says it was her favorite part of our trip !!!
