Monday, May 14, 2018

Second Helpings: Kips Bay Decorator Showhouse Part II

B.A. Torrey "The After Party" at Kips Bay Decorator Show House
Did you say “More Please” after reading my Part 1 Sneak Peek for the Kips Bay Decorator ShowHouse?

The design compositions are so filled with compelling narratives - yes, there’s a story each designer imbues their composition with -- a kind of fantasy framework for the completed look and world-class designs - that it takes two or three posts to report on the show.

To pay homage to the talent and hard work that contribute to the Kips Bay Decorator Show House, here is the second course -- or chapter two -- of this full-course presentation. Or so many chapters of a design book. Am I mixing my metaphors here? Food and literature… Hmm. Well, while I’m on the book reference, if you simply cannot attend this stellar show, you can indulge with the 40 Years of Fabulous: The Kips Bay Decorator Showhouse.



But there is nothing like walking through the seven floors of dreamy designs and talking to the talented designers and creators of all this magic.

So picking up where I had to leave off in the previous sneak peek show coverage here we go. Because More is well, More!

The entry hall foyer is a welcoming yet opulent visual treat. Mirrored walls, striped upholstered benches and wood chests - is at once grand and intimate. The Michael Herold design here is a celebration of a space dedicated to transition.





The Poussin inspired 17th Century wallpaper by Iksel Decorative Arts adorns the walls with bucolic landscapes; amplified by the mirrors. The antique bachelor chests stand sentinel-like on either side of the room, further performing as a palette for objects d’art.

Keeping with this year’s trend of employing Art, Herold placed Joan Miro lithographs low, atop the chests for a modern juxtaposition to the classic look to create a marvelous sense of balance.

Too often underused, Roman shades (I had a devil of a time getting a seamstress to make mine) mark the two windows here with a Schumacher silk, cloud-patterned fabric that allows natural light in. I use my flower-bordered Roman shades as a kind of scrim - allowing light in yet one can see out to the garden just beyond…

Finally, Herold embellished the walls and ceiling with gold leaf fixtures to add layered depth.

A nice detail is the Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin scent surround diffusers that added a sensual element to this room’s’ comings and goings. I love this brand of fragrances and their heady, natural botanicals - the Mimosa & Cardamom is one of my signature fragrances…

We walked downstairs next to the Juan Montoya Design. It’s an expansive living room with sweeping good looks.



The story here, according to Montoya is inspired by 1903 and the Wiener Werkstadt in Austria, with pieces dating to that era, and artwork done by Montoya. Montoya calls the space "Moonlight” with lots of different shaped items - furniture and modular coffee table pieces grouped together that reminded me of the wood stumps used for children’s storytelling.

Even the blue and white rugs are punctuated with egg-like shapes.

I liked the floating table that I first mistook for silver angels but then, upon closer inspection, discovered was silver crocodiles and their hapless victims (ergo the body parts). I love this kind of whimsical furniture piece.



There is a garden here just beyond French doors.




The severe rectangular space with no light is overcome with simple, clean lines, art, a wall of Tasmanian tree ferns to create a cool, neat-looking oasis with an assist from white table, chairs, and bar cart.



And Art.

Back upstairs on the entrance and “Garden Floor” we walked through the Dan Fink Design Studio Gallery Stair.



Out to the Nievera Williams Designed garden terrace as seen from the kitchen and sitting area. It’s like walking in a dream through the French doors onto the terrace...



Look at the balance and scale. Essentially, there are two garden “rooms” here punctuated by the similarly-patterned but different rugs; a dining table and sitting or lounging area perfect for a summer cocktail party. The design maximizes the rooftop garden’s L-shape to offer plentiful seating, flow, and of course, plants, including topiary. The green curly-cues and the antique aviary, in particular, tickle your fancy.

The umbrella is a trapezoid shape. I never got the answer as to whether it was customized or adapted. Regardless, I think you could make this from a square umbrella if you have a corner spot needing shade.

The landscape, designer, Nievera Williams, who I’ve had the great fortune to meet in person and get his autograph for my copy of his book, Forever Green” when he was a featured host at Pennoyer & Newman’s “What’s New, What’s Next” at the annual NY Design Center.

For the Kips Bay showhouse, Williams said he collaborated with Schumacher to “come upon their ‘Citrus Garden’ pattern originally designed by Josef Frank in 1947. ‘Citrus Garden’ complements was the inspiration for the garden design’s organic, ‘accidental’ design of the space.



The staircase. Ah yes, the staircase… In my experience covering the Kips Bay Decorator Showhouse, this space is a source of challenge and befuddlement but in the end - usually ends up almost stealing the show. Back in 2014, it was designer John Douglas Eason who wrapped us around his design pinky - while wrapping the walls with a sinuous design embrace.

This year proved no different. All were agog at designer Sasha Bikoff and her spiral sensation. Bikoff - in her vintage Courreges leather sky blue jacket



was beaming as she explained the concept for the fun, Memphis Milano-inspired look. She juxtaposed a “1980’s Miami design movement with the Old World European traditional architecture of the showhouse.” The one-two, sock-it-to-me power punch of zig-zags, polka dots, squiggles and triangles creates visual eye candy and a sense of movement as you traverse the stairwell. Bikoff added, “You just want to dance on the stairs.”

I saw what she was getting at.



Entering the Barbara Ostrom designed “Art and A La Carte” room is like gliding into elegance. The designer claims she decided to transform the room into “the vivid sense of color and excitement I felt when viewing a great painting.” Indeed.

Given my passion for the art of tablescaping, I especially loved this room. Here, there is art-plus: literary, fine art paintings, culinary art, and a dining space that according to Ostrom, …”encourages discussions on the latest in books, theater, and progressive ideas.” That’s dramatic sophistication. In addition, check out the rainbow-inspired ceiling. More design in that “fifth wall.” Don’t overlook this design element.

The Decorator Showhouse offered a number of stellar examples of a well-designed fifth wall that makes you “look up.”



I loved the saffron or Hermes-orange-hued room and table accessories: Hungarian Herend - dinnerware was exquisite - dazzling a resonant undertone of gold present in the lighting, the shimmer of the glossy walls, and the gold-rimmed Saint Louis glassware -- the oldest European maker.



I’m just crazy for the look of lucite and have been adding pieces to my own home design. Here, Ostrom uses the lucite in a way that juxtaposes the “ghost” lucite column against the traditional look of the room’s furnishings, topped by a cinnabar urn to to a brilliant finish!



Look at the detail in the window treatments both in terms of color and style. 
The inside roman shade is a gauzy crayon-colored lines and the long, floor-length drapes style the mandarin sherbert colored glossy walls. Lots of layered texture here. In the dining room and the sitting area of the library as well.

Grey is my new favorite color and it just swept me off my feet to see it paired up with the sherbert and cinnabar color here. Very unexpected and yet sophisticated.



Bravo!

The Brian del Toro designed bedroom could be my favorite -- its artful, layered composition is a tour-de force: compelling and enduring. And so livable. I didn’t want to leave. 
 It was explained that del Toro began his design with a great find: a hand-painted Robert Chowder screen from the 1960’s - adorned with birds and flowers - with a soft, pale green the takeaway color.




The room’s color scheme is that pale green, accented with taupes and pale pinks for a completely soothing sensation. See how the designer fluttered the bird motif from the classic screen to the bed linen pillows.



Textures reign! Consider shagreen chests of drawers, (designed by Alexander Lamont) -- the randomly-placed acrylic knobs glamorously reflect the light.

Innovations papered cork with gold accents on the fifth wall/ceiling,

linen-like fabric graphic walls from Quadrille, and the shimmery, silk curtain fabric are pure ball gowns - whispering the green, pink and neutrals of the room.



The designer employed an acrylic-legged dressing table for more of my favorite “ghost furniture” glamour - especially as it sits against an antiqued glass inset panel design by del Toro.



Details matter. To whit, del Toro extended the greens in the vestibule with a Farrow & Ball wallpaper - which he hung upside down -- “to create a naturalist reference back to the floral screen,” according to del Toro.



This is a very peaceful, restorative boudoir.

Branca -- Alessandra Branca - designed the master suite; recasting the room into a “sunshine” space. The lucite/plexi-glass and brass bed shimmers. American raffia grasscloth by Phillip Jeffries is a star of the mixed media here: the white wool carpet, an inlaid ivory cabinet and bench; lacquer,


and her cool as the ocean bed linens from the designers’ signature Casa Branca Collection for Sferra. I want these...



The sitting area incorporates that sunshine yellow with the cool-blue accented with the Tina Barney landscape photograph.





The “living wall” in the Marcia Tucker designed Master Bathroom bathroom is a lush eye-appealing retreat that is both bold, yet peaceful. The focal point of the sanctuary is from Magnaflora Design and Mauro Gomes is the floral designer. As a horticulturist, I’m often skeptical about the maintenance of this kind of envy-inducing green walls. The interior gardener putting the finishing touches on the wall, explained how it works and was quite positive on its durability; while agreeing that it does take maintenance -- which the company provides.

It sure is transporting to take a spa bath with a kind of jungle wall peeking next to you.



As a doyenne of cocktail culture, I really took to the Wet Bar, designed by Wesly Moon. There is in fact three “rooms” here: the Wet Bar, the Butler’s Pantry, and the Elevator Landing.




The Wet Bar is darkly glamorous - the lighting effect creates a kind of come-hither glow. The countertop and back wall are covered in a dark Belgian Bluestone.

The astonishing wallpaper was designed by Moon -- it’s a digital murals based inspired by the “medieval hymnals from the Metropolitan Museum of Art.”

The flower and leaf, textured Eglomise glasses are on full-frontal display and are works of art themselves, enhanced by the lighting.




Look up: the ceiling light fixture is also a work of art:

The Landing is highlighted by a kind of “sitting pod” - which is a contemporary bronze bench from Wexler Gallery.

The walls are gold paper in a customized de Gournay and the ceiling/fifth wall is covered in a bespoke paper by Holland & Sherry. I dare you to take your eyes off that Bill Cunningham big, feathered mirror the designer spied at Jonathan Burden



The top floor is a welcome surprise - and a complete retreat. A spa or as designer Pavarini describes it, a “Home Wellness Retreat for Mind, Body, and Spirit.”

I’m all in.



This design possesses so many elements: there are spaces for meditation, yoga, massage, relaxing. The color wheel is dialed up to cool greys and silver, along with gold.

And green - as seen in the outdoor/rooftop fountain and garden and cafe sitting area.



The indoor space envelops you in texture: glass, that reflective and glamorous lucite; metals -- there is a beaded curtain separating the massage table from a sitting area.







And a hammered sink, art, and crystal, all bring a sense of harmony and luxury to this extraordinary room. The subtle colored lighting illuminates the crystal wall insets.




One last nod to pure glamour -- the Drake/Anderson Master Sitting Room. Wowsy. Where to look first… The sexy, sinuous, saffron velvet sofa is a swoon-worthy place to start.




The custom Mathieu Lustrerie chandelier is heart-clutching.

And speaking of shimmering, even the walls are covered in a hand sewn beads and sequins by Ankasa on a Lelievre fabric that like an exotic dancer, wend their way along the upholstered walls. You can’t take your eyes away…

Except maybe to look at the asymmetrical cocktail tables in brass and tiger’s eye that accessorize the ochre colored sofa and walls.

And just when you think it can’t get any better, you walk - trance-like - to the room next to the sitting room only to discover a sophisticated, shimmering jewel-box of a bar.

This is something right out of the cinema.



The wrap-around is encased in smoke, gold, and clear mirrors.

The bar itself is designed by Drake/Anderson; a five-tier Murano glass chandelier hangs overhead and tall, ochre pouf bar stools, complete with kick plates - right above the showgirl fringe, anoint the bar.



Thank you, Kips Bay, for another superlative, inspiring show.

Be sure to stop by for a design retreat. You have till the end of the month to take it all in.

You can revisit, too as there really is so much to see. Tickets are available on site or go to the Kips Bay website.

Cheers to all that glamour and talent.

Friday, May 4, 2018

Garden Art & Antiques Fair VIP Preview at The New York Botanical Garden



                                         
Last evening was the annual Garden Art & Antiques Fair at The New York Botanical Garden VIP Preview Party, Collectors’ Plant Sale, and Silent Auction.



There are 30 exhibitors offering one-of-a-kind, unique garden ornaments and furniture.

The Fair is tucked into a tent opposite the Enid A Haupt Conservatory; the walk in between was filled with soft jazz music serenading arriving guests and the rare and beautifully grown garden plants hand-selected by NYBG’s horticultural team.

Expectations were high. Last year, one of my favorite garden design client’s purchased - dare I say, snagged -- the most charming statues on pedestals of the Four Seasons - rendered as children; purchased from Milne’s At Home Antiques. Milne offers extraordinary quality and value for their wares - many of them sourced from Kent and Essex in England.

My plus-one was celebrated photo essayist and storyteller Angie Lambert (be sure to check out her cover on Bella Grace magazine, available June 1). 
Photo narrator Angie Lambert chatting with fellow Ohian / antique dealer 

In years past, the tent was cool inside yet warmed by garden bonhomie, refreshments, and “fevered” purchasing.

This year was no different except that it was very, very hot - given the soaring mercury the last few days here in Gotham. Later, when a flash storm swooshed down there was plenty of drama to match the stars inside.

This event always attracts the hoi polloi of hort and last night was no exception.

Bunny Williams, who the NY Times referred to as “The doyenne of cozy chic,” is the Chair of the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club Decorator Show House (since 2012) was there. I love her designs - and her Kips Bay “Gilded Knot” room at Kips Bay.

How she manages to attend and support all the benefits is inspired passion…

Barbara Frelinghuysen Israel, Barbara Israel Garden Antiques, is surely the quintessential doyenne and leading authority on period ornaments from around globe. I always ask her what the trends are that she’s seeing. This year she explained modernist pieces are increasingly popular while she pointed to seating she recently acquired for sale. I agree. Especially as I’m enjoying creating a mid-century garden design for a client. So many cool looks.



Likewise, Barbara continued, pieces with graphics are trending and American items - fueled in part by David and Peggy Rockefeller’s estate sale at Christie’s. She added that of course the classic ornaments are always popular.
Barbara is always a lot of fun, as well. I enjoy talking to her and, ahem, sharing champagne!

My friend John Danzer, Munder Skiles, exterior designer and restoration guru, was there too, having donated some of his impeccable garden furniture for the Preview’s Silent Auction. John shared some wonderful news about upcoming opportunities - then promptly asked that I not report on it until all the ink is dry on this and that. Pshaw. John is such a tease! But it’s all good. Stay tuned.



And it’s always a joy to see Melissa Ozawa, features editor at Martha Stewart Living.



For the first time, there were five book signings and a floral demo by author Cathy Graham for her book, Second Bloom: Cathy Graham’s Art of the Table by Graham and Alexis Clark.




Martha Stewart and Kevin Sharkey were front and center autographing their new book, Martha’s Flowers: A Practical Guide to Growing, Gathering, and Enjoying.

And we so enjoyed chatting it up with both authors while they signed our multiple copies of the book. They are so nice and engaging. With ever the eye for detail, Kevin asked about the jade buttons on my radish dress (so apropos for a garden event, no?!) which in turn led to another conversation where Martha decried a recent fashion faux pas where online audiences were throwing shade at a young women’s style that was similar to the dress I was wearing. This “shade” is not of the garden growing intent...

                                       

About the book: If you don’t already own it as part of your library - you need to get this tome.

It’s a useful guide, brimming with surefire tips from these two masters of all things flower - and lots of gorgeous photos. So it’s also a coffee table book, sure to spark garden chats. I especially like the tablescape and serving suggestions - they are presented as what I can only describe as still life art. Can’t wait to really “dig in” to this pretty and practical book.

I had the chance to spend a few minutes with garden friend, Barbara Paul Robinson, who while an attorney by profession, is also a garden historian and author. Her book, Heroes of Horticulture, Americans Who Transformed the Landscape, looks like it’s going to be a joy to read after Barbara gave us a sneak peek about the featured heroes included in the book, such as my former “boss,” Betty Scholtz! I love that woman.

Thank you, Barbara - we need this book - it should be required reading - especially for the next generation of Horticulture enthusiasts.



I’m sorry I didn’t get a chance to see nor talk to garden associate and rather prolific garden writer and author, Jane Garmey. Her newest book is City Green: Public Gardens of New York.




Author Thomas Jayne was on hand, signing copies of his book, Classic Principles for Modern Design: Lessons from Edith Wharton and Ogden Codman’s The Decoration of Houses. Whew - that’s a long title!

However, the Garden Art and Antiques Fair will not be around for long. It’s as ephemeral as today’s cherry blossoms.

So it’s imperative that you hop up to the Garden for this weekend-long celebration

featuring the choicest plants, antiques, and art. As the Garden notes, “You can explore a wide range of decorative art and classic furniture of the finest quality—some with a modern twist, both elegant and fanciful—for the home and garden from nearly 30 leading dealers. New for 2018, experts take the stage for engaging and informative sessions on topics from interior to floral design. Guests can meet and mingle with prominent designers who will share their expertise by offering advice on how to incorporate items purchased at the Fair into their own homes and gardens.”

Friday through Sunday brings a newly expanded specialty plant sale at NYBG Shop featuring trees, shrubs, vines, hard-to-find perennials, herbs, and annuals from some of horticulture’s finest growers.

NYBG Shop’s expert staff will be on hand to help you make the perfect selections.

On Saturday, after exploring the Fair, watch artists create masterful works as more than 20 established plein-air artists spread out across the grounds during the Garden’s Third Annual Plein-Air Invitational. Finished art will be available for purchase.

Expert-led guided tours of NYBG’s renowned gardens and collections and live music round out this perfect spring weekend.”

The Garden Art & Antiques Fair takes place in the Conservatory Tent with The New York Botanical Garden’s landmark Enid A. Haupt Conservatory as its magnificent backdrop. It is the ideal venue for learning about garden antiques and building personal collections. Admission to the Fair on Friday through Sunday, May 4 through 6, is included with the All-Garden Pass, which also provides access to the Botanical Garden grounds, seasonal gardens, attractions such as the Haupt Conservatory, and Tram Tour.







Don’t miss the glory of the fleeting spring garden art…

Wednesday, May 2, 2018

Psss - Sneak Peek at Kips Bay Decorator Show House 2018 - Trends & Design Preview


Kips Bay Decorator Show - Andrew Torrey "After Party" Room 

Monday marked opening day of the 2018 Kips Bay Decorator Show. Yesterday was the sneak peek press previous and there is lots of superlative design looks to share.

I love this rite of spring; the annual Kips Bay Decorator Show House is especially rich this year. The designs and decor are opulent - a return to full-frontal glamour (not the over-the-top stage kind - although there’s enough glitter to make anyone smile). No, the rooms are sumptuous, laden with details and artisanal features yet endowed with comfort and great stye - whispering true luxury.

I also especially love touring the Kips Bay show house for two reasons: it’s a benefit for a good cause - and because unlike trade shows, this design mecca is a kind of in situ so you can readily get a feel for the designers’ genius compositions.

All the designers start with a blank slate - a gutted space - and then they work their magic.
The “before” to “after” photos are startling.
Like alchemists, this year’s 22 designers transform a space to tell a story. Every room includes a Title and the designers supply the narrative.

You’ll adore Mark D. Sikes’ “Sleeping Beauty” for example.
Sikes, author of Beautiful: All-American Decorating and Timeless Style, designed the enchanting boudoir “fit for a princess.”



Indeed the delicate, fairytale-like blue and white room features a bed in the middle of the room, surrounded with antiques from the eponymous style icons Bunny Mellon and C.Z. Guest (both were great gardeners, too); the incredible porcelain flowers I covet from Valdirmir Kanevsky (I fell hard for his flower art after seeing them in a magazine with premiere collector, Deeda Blair.)

“Sleeping Beauty” is further complemented with a mix of chinoiserie, ikats, stripes, and a green flowered wallpaper that suggests you might be dreaming in a garden.

The Show House has seven levels or floors - from the cellar and garden floor to the rooftop Pavarini designed Home Wellness Retreat - complete with an outdoor fountain.

All are brimming with artisanal details and layers and layers of stunning details.





The trends I noted at this year’s show house include:
  • Sinuous sofas -- all those curving lines makes one languid… 
  • Lucite aka to some as “Ghost Furniture” - from side tables to legs of other material table tops, to coffee tables - the material reflects the light and is an ideal pedestal for displaying art or coffee table books (I’ve been increasingly adding lucite to my home decor so nice to see it here)
  • Wallpaper - textured (rafia, cork, fabric: linen & velvet) backed in gold or embroidered with crystal 
  • Ceilings or the 5th Wall - featured high gloss paint, wallpaper, texture 
  • Reflective Surfaces and Accessories
  • Art - from video installations to paintings to photography to flowers to glass to cocktail accessories/tools to sculpture to panels backlit and adorned with whimsical objets d’art 
  • Color: apricot, grey, cinnabar, sherbet hues. Classic blue and white. Natural greens. 
  • Lighting: antique chandeliers to nature/floral inspired custom sculpture -- lighting sets the mood… 
From the magical moment you step down into this renovated townhouse you will be transported. I suggest a “Ladies Who Lunch” kind of a day or a Mother’s Day gift to tour the showhouse.
And bring your mates, of course. There’s much to celebrate here where designers and architects come together and offer their inspired art.

More of my sneak peek favorites:

Stefan Steil designed a transition - or buffer - from the outside bustle of the hectic world into the tranquility of arriving home.

This is truly an elevated Mud Room inspired by the Room With a View movie.
See the Walking Sticks as art and the beveled, courtyard looking flooring, travertine texture wallpaper that he hand-ripped or tore to give it a true stone block look. Design genius.

The pony-tail gold sconces are unique and as all of Stefan’s designs here - balance the masculine and feminine forms. From a entry standpoint, Stefan’s designs surely draws you in.

You’ll love the sinuous sofa in shades of apricot -- and the cloud light by Ayala Serfaty is heart-stopping light treatment with glass skeleton that evokes a cloud.



The silver branches that Stefan has extended out from the “cloud” are MJ Atelier one-piece canvas then painstakingly layered with plaster to create an astonishing reason to Look Up.

The Clive Christian kitchen needs no introduction. Just let me add the Cambria American made, family-owned producer of natural quartz surfaces and their sensuous, undulating Oceanic wave design is sublime nature. Surely an organic marriage to food…

The walnut crafted design cabinets and refrigerador fronts will melt your heart.
Or maybe it will be the aqua burled walnut veneer over the stovetop - or maybe -- it will be the Akdo subway tile in mirror and stainless steel.




Details - you can design your own logo on the door knobs!

Not to be missed: the Baccarat tumbler lighting fixtures. Such subtle drama…

Bunny Williams’ “Gilded Knot” story is a delight. How clever to rather remake knotty pine with golden knots faux bois hand-painted by Bob Christian



I learned the story here was that as the room evolved, Bunny declared a kind of tree house -- and so, a glamorous spider web was in order.
It’s an exciting panel that is hiding an “ugly mirror.” Art Groove hand-crafted this light-reflective and whimsical, glamourous design. This is one of the key reasons why you should go to a design show house.



The tree-leaf compliment chandelier is a wowsy Rosie Li creation.

The chair back detail is an exciting modern take on a throwback to hand-crafting.  This is a Bunny original.



Another reason just like this is to step into the incredible experience of Andrew Torrey

His “After Party” theme is sensual and sexy. The overwhelming art-inspired room is astonishing. This is the place you’d come to for hanging out… Indeed.

Or a reason to stay in.

The cork walls with gold glitter backing by Phillip Jeffries surrounds the walls and covers the soffits.

The Kansas-bred, first-time designer possesses an extraordinary sensual approach to design.
I teased him that he’s not in Kansas anymore - to which he readily agreed!
This exuberant and friendly talent brings that Kansas, "Wizard of Oz" magic to his dreamy, over the rainbow designs, saying he wanted to imbue a cozy decadence filled with art.

Who doesn’t love an artful-fueled ambiance?

He commissioned a video to preview Bond-related film-art.

Behind the Cambria marble bar is Kehinde Wiley art.




The terrace chairs are Ralph Pucci - so - so how do I say - human looking. Sweet and mid-century organic. With those yoga “cactus arm” backs.


Hermes couldn’t resist Andrew; providing the glass elements.

Quick shout outs to Philip Mitchell designs


and the Marcia Tucker master bath with a garden-inspired wall of bromeliads and orchids created by
Magnaflora fronting the free-standing tub.


More on the incredible Kips Bay Show House in my next series of posts. There’s just so much to see and experience. Please write and let me and readers know what your take on the Kips Bay Decorator Show House is.



This news from Kips Bay:

“The Show House, celebrating its 46th year in 2018, is hosted by New York’s premiere local youth organization, the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club. The talented group of designers will bring the impressive 15,000 square foot space at 110 East 76th Street to life with their gorgeous designs. The Show House will be open to the public seven days a week starting May 1st through May 31st.

The Show House attracts 15,000 visitors each year and all proceeds benefit the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club which offers innovative after-school and enrichment programs for 10,000 youth, ages six through 18 in ten locations throughout the Bronx. The esteemed organization has raised over $22 million to date.

“This year’s group of participating designers for the Kips Bay Decorator Show House is remarkable. We can’t thank them enough for working with us on a cause that is so important to the community,” said Bunny Williams, Chair of the Show House Committee. “We’re excited to see the results of this powerhouse team and know that with their dedication and talent we will continue to surpass our fundraising goals, which are so crucial to enhancing after-school and enrichment programs for our city’s youth.”

About Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club
Since 1915, Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club has focused on improving and enhancing the lives of New York City’s children who are economically, socially or recreationally disadvantaged. Each year, Kips Bay offers innovative programs to more than 10,000 young people between

the ages of 6 and 18 at ten locations throughout the Bronx, with essential afterschool programs aimed to help them recognize their potential for growth and success. Today, the club is proudly one of the most prominent and responsive youth development agencies in New York City and a “flagship” of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

The 22 designers and architects participating in this year’s Decorator Show House include:
Branca, Inc.

B.A. Torrey

Barbara Ostrom Associates Brian del Toro

Bunny Williams Incorporated Clive Christian

Dan Fink

David Netto Design LLC Drake | Anderson

Juan Montoya Design

Katie Ridder Inc.

Marcia Tucker Interiors

Mark D. Sikes

Mark Hampton, LLC

Michael Herold Design Nievera Williams Design Pavarini Design

Phillip Mitchell Design

Sasha Bikoff

Scott Sanders LLC

Steilish Interiors & Architecture Wesley Moon Inc. Design & Decoration

The sponsors for this year’s Show House include Kohler, AJ Madison, Hickory Chair, Hearst Design Group, Morgan Stanley, Farrow & Ball, Cambria, AKDO, The Rug Company, Schumacher, Architectural Digest and 1st Dibs.

Cheers.

P.S.  I researched the townhouse space and guess what?  The 110 East 76th Street locale for the Decorator Show House and its 15,000 square feet, eight bedrooms, 10 bathrooms, landscaped back garden and a roof terrace garden is priced at a mere $51 million or so.   Ahhh ... The show amplifies design within reach all the more.  
Be sure to get your tickets and explore the best in design.  Till the end of May.