Kips Bay Showhouse ~ 2013

Great Moments Revealed...
Nievera Williams

At the risk of sounding like a cliche ~better late than never applies here.  Between Spring Market, Blogfest, my day with Traditional Home (more about that soon), and writing for Philly.com, this blogger has been busy!  But a highlight is always Kips Bay.  There is no better show house.  Between the talented designers and the upper east side address, there was enough eye candy to fill a... brownstone.



I loved that it appeared to be a new crop of savvy designers joining in the fun this year.  James Huniford had a swanky double height living room that was a textural and visual triumph.



Andrew Suvalsky worked his magic in the entrance sitting room and powder room.  Jewel colors, color blocking and A LOT of lacquer = LOVE




You can see yourself in every surface ~ that's what I call a lot of face time.



Kristen McGinnis got the lacquer memo.  The dining room was a showstopper in her hands with its high shine, art, and metallic touches.
The console belongs to a client.  It looks as if the center of it is exploding and the fabulous neon and branch chandelier was designed by her friend, LA artist Elliot Hundley.  The dining room overlooks the den.  I could be happy here!







Garcia Maldanado had another layer-filled room of lusciousness.  From the leather walls and the custom settee to the smoked mirror backed shelves ~ this room was sexy!





I loved the landing that Judy King designed.  It was a great moment with its malachite, amethyst, and zebra: the perfect cocktail.



Barbara Ostrum's room held all my favorite materials:  fur, crystals, gold.  She was inspired by a curly lamb stool (off to the left) that stopped me in my tracks at The Architectural Digest Show.



Jack Levy designed what looked like an undersea wonderland at first glance.  The fish wallpaper by Cole and Son, Fornasetti II Acquario, was surprisingly stunning and all the elements played perfectly off that.







Eve Robinson's modern aesthetic is always infused with "a dash of drama."  I feel the need to lacquer something immediately!





Kathryn Ireland did an Anglo Indian inspired bedroom which was a departure from the rest of the house, but no less beautiful.  She filled the room with fabrics from her new Scalamandre collection.  Birds by Hunt Slonem.






West Chin, who I was thrilled to meet, thrilled me with his architecturally interesting koi pond in the sky.




Let's continue to talk about Wes Chin next time.  I have a few thoughts ...




The Enduring French Style



"When things are enduring, they beg to be copied"

The certain je ne sais quoi that is distinctly French, the enduring wit and confidence with which they live their lives and decorate their homes is rooted in the classicism and history of their past.  French interiors are subtly refined, and the palettes joyous.  A level of sophistication and luxury reigns, like the age of the Louis' (peaking with Louis XIV) eras were defined.  Our ideas of comfort and home began to change with the revolutions.  Fortresses became castles and chateaus.  Modernity takes the best of all periods, drawing from all resources to create espirit or wit.  That's very French!
~ ~
Pierre Frey of the fabric house of the same name (started by his grandfather) is a family run high end French textile company with a proud past that is always looking towards the future.  Next year is its 80th birthday! 
 Pierre moderated a fascinating discussion on the enduring influence of French design with...


... Maureen Footer, an expert in 18th century decorative arts.  Maureen uses wit and flair to create glamorous, unexpected spaces that are based on principles of the Enlightenment.





...AND Juan Pablo Molyneux, "a citizen of the world."  He has designed interiors all over the globe.  Curious, and with a deep appreciation for the past, Molyneux creates spaces people want to be in.







as well as... Douglas Hutton, son of John,whose furniture and lighting happily co-exist with the timeless fabrics in the Pierre Frey showroom in NY's D and D building.



Americans are goal oriented, they want immediate gratification.  Craftsmanship is not appreciated the same way as it is in France.  In fact, the French government supported ateliers, where masterpieces were made and great craftsmen were respected, as they are to this day.  We can always learn a thing or two from those French!



The Distinguished Panel ~
Pierre Frey, Juan Pablo Molyneux, Maureen Footer and  Douglas Hutton








Spring Market Round Up ~ Part 2




JAB and Lennox came together and in the capable hands of 5 fabulous designers; they brought Spring into the NY showroom.  Each talented designer talked about creating their table, the inspiration that  brought about the design, how they executed it, and how you could reproduce it.  The tables were very well thought out.

The black and white of the dinner plates contrasted beautifully with the vivid colors and patterns.







Michael Tavano (did he plan on matching his table?) ~
This table was too pretty to touch.  Many layers and colors made this table a standout.  Humble materials in creative hands work wonders.  He slid wallpaper under lucite to create the wonderful "placemats."  You can too!












Bella Mancini ~
The dream of what afternoon tea looks like for a princess in a land far, far away








Christopher Coleman ~ his table was a study in orange.  The color does energize, and it made me hungry!  Vases in assorted heights:  so simple, so successful.








Alla Akimova ~ defines her style as structured and romantic.  I see the romance; every element carries that feeling through.











From L to R ~ Bella Mancini, moderator Patrick Hamilton, Christopher Coleman, Alla Akimova, Michael Tavano, Tara Seawright



Ph: Evan Felts and CLI