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Kips Bay Decorator Show House New York Announces 50th Anniversary Location

Opening on September 30, the celebrated annual event will occupy a distinguished, circa-1900 Greenwich Village townhouse

By Jill Sieracki
View of historic brownstone buildings with balconies and greenery in a city setting under a clear blue sky.
Exterior of the Greenwich Village townhouse that will host the 50th annual Kips Bay Decorator Show House New York. Photo: Brown Harris Stevens

The spring debut of Iconic Rooms: Kips Bay New York Decorator Show House at 50 (Gibbs Smith) had the design community eagerly anticipating this year’s Kips Bay Decorator Show New York, which is celebrating five decades of bold interiors by emerging and established designers, all to help raise funds for the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club. But it wasn’t long after the President’s Dinner, the high-energy celebration that kicks off Kips Bay’s season of show houses, that the announcement was made the New York event was on pause. It appears even the most prestigious are not immune to Manhattan’s challenging real estate market.

Thankfully, the New York event will indeed take place this fall, occupying a circa-1900 residence at 20 West 12th Street in the heart of the city’s electric Greenwich Village neighborhood. The yet-to-be-announced roster of designers will transform the 9,000-square-foot brick building that boasts eight bedrooms and nine baths spread across six levels, as well as an enchanting private garden. 

Red-brick townhouse with large windows and tree-lined sidewalk under a clear blue sky.
Exterior of the Greenwich Village townhouse that will host the 50th annual Kips Bay Decorator Show House New York. Photo: Brown Harris Stevens
Iconic Rooms Kips Bay New York Decorator Show House at 50 logo with elegant typography on a gold background.
Iconic Rooms: Kips Bay New York Decorator Show House at 50. Photo: Courtesy of Gibbs Smith

Adding to the allure of the site, the home touts 13-foot ceilings, seven wood-burning fireplaces, and unique period details as well as distinct amenities like an Otis elevator and multiple private terraces.

“For 50 years, the Kips Bay Decorator Show House has brought together the most creative minds in design to support the vital mission of the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club,” says James Druckman, President of the Board of the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club. “We’re especially proud to mark our anniversary in the heart of Greenwich Village, at a location that perfectly reflects the grandeur and history of New York. It’s a powerful reminder of what our community can achieve together.” 

Luxurious bathroom with a teal clawfoot tub, ornate mirror, chandelier, and artistic wallpaper.
Bath by Vanessa DeLeon at the 2024 Kips Bay Decorator Show House New York. Photo: Courtesy of Kips Bay Decorator Show House New York
Elegant living room with patterned blue and white furniture, floral curtains, and decorative elements.
Bedroom designed by Mario Buatta for the 1985 Kips Bay Decorator Show House New York. Photo: Courtesy of Kips Bay Decorator Show House New York

The show house will open to the public on Tuesday, September 30 and remain available for tours for three weeks. The event carries on a tradition that has been taking place since 1973, helping to raise more than $30 million for the Kips Bay Girls & Boys Club, a longstanding organization that supports educational and afterschool programs for kids in New York. Additionally, the tradition has sparked satellite installations in Palm Beach and Dallas, the latter opening November 6 and running through November 23.

Eclectic bedroom with patterned canopy bed, ornate chandelier, patterned curtains, and assorted decorative items.
Bedroom by Charlotte Moss at the 2019 Kips Bay Decorator Show House New York. Photo: Courtesy of Kips Bay Decorator Show House New York
Luxurious pink and purple living room with ornate mirror, elegant furniture, bright curtains, and decorative chandelier.
Bedroom designed by Jamie Drake for the 2007 Kips Bay Decorator Show House New York. Photo: Courtesy of Kips Bay Decorator Show House New York
Luxurious red living room with striped couch, ornate chairs, gold-framed mirror, and wall art, displaying elegant decor.
Library designed by Juan Pablo Molyneux for the 1985 Kips Bay Decorator Show House New York. Photo: Courtesy of Kips Bay Decorator Show House New York
Eclectic dining room with colorful wallpaper, large wicker light fixtures, vibrant chairs, and a decorated table.
Dining room by Kit Kemp at the 2024 Kips Bay Decorator Show House New York. Photo: Courtesy of Kips Bay Decorator Show House New York