The first event with which I traditionally open NYCxDESIGN, the design season in NY is the Kips Bay Decorator Show House, which takes place this year at a stunning red brick mansion house, built at the turn of the 20th century on East 65th Street, and which had served as the home of the China Institute of America until very recently. Considered America’s most ambitious show house of interior decor, this time it consists of spaces created by 18 interior designers. The two common chords this year is a constant conversation with the past, which is present in all of the spaces, as well as interiors which are dramatic, dazzling , where the designers sought to showcase their ability to create spaces that take the viewer into the extraordinary, into a dream world. I particularly loved the living room by Neal Beckstedt who created a symphony of masterpieces of 20th-century design; the dining room by Ken Fulk which features the most spectacular arrangements of peonies you can think of; Kelli Ford and Kirsten Fitzgibbons imagined a room in gold, royal purple, and royal blue that manifest glamour; Robert Stilin’s living room contains pieces of furniture and accessories from various periods that work so well together; The bedroom by Dineen Architecture and Design with its fantastic floating wood bench; and the Bamboo Garden by Landscape designer Janice Parker is just a jewel that makes you think that you are visiting the Forbidden City during the Ming Dynasty. Above: Room by Neal Beckstedt
Robert Stilin
Neal Beckstedt
Dineen Architecture & Design
Janice Parker
Ken Fulk
Kirsten Kelli