Meet the Kips Bay Designer: Alessandra Branca
The industry icon oversees the decoration of the great room at the Kips Bay Decorator Show House New York
Born and raised in Rome and now overseeing offices in Chicago and New York, Alessandra Branca brings a global influence to her many design projects that immediately transport with their spirited arrangement of classical details, rich colors, patterns and textures, paired with antique and custom furnishings, modern and European art, and distinctive accessories.
On top of her successful interior design business, Branca leads Casa Branca, a exciting home goods brand incorporating custom and vintage furniture, wallpaper, textiles, tableware, and more, much of it on offer at her vibrant Palm Beach boutique.
What was the inspiration for your room at this year’s Kips Bay Decorator Show House New York?
“I reimagined a paneled room with a fresh twist: a custom trompe l’oeil, hand-painted cerused oak panelling, a custom commission with Gracie. A natural floor covering sets a laid-back tone, making the space feel effortlessly relaxed.
The palette is sophisticated yet understated—soft neutrals (for once!) layered with my favorite Fortuny, Casa Branca ticking, and linen velvet. The space, a collected lifestyle with an eclectic mix of objects: 19th-century Greek Giustiniani vases alongside contemporary and early 20th-century pottery and sculpture.
We’re also partnering with Patterson Flynn on the natural sisal carpet, and several esteemed galleries have generously loaned me wonderful pieces, including Maison Gerard, David Duncan, Bernd Goeckler, Gerald Bland, and Newel. The dining table by André Arbus is from Newel, woven rope chairs by Vibo—from the estate of Thierry Despont—are courtesy of Maison Gerard, and the coffee table is from Adrianna Shamaris.”
Please tell us about a significant piece that helps shape the mood of your space.
“I designed a 12-foot sofa based on a classic from Jean-Michel Frank to run the length of the room, mixed with some great early 20th-century oak pieces. ”
How does your work for this Kips Bay project exemplify your style as a designer—or is it just the opposite, something you have always wanted to try as a designer but haven’t found the client?
“I chose to do something that most people don’t see but which is very much part of my repertoire: a super relaxed, feet-up urban room. As many know, I love multi-use living spaces, and this one is no different. We have lots of lounging space and a great little library at the end of the room with a table and chairs where one could work, read, or dine. I believe living rooms should be livable. The character that attracts most of us to rooms is the one gained from living in them and creating memories there.”
What does it mean to you to be back working with Kips Bay New York?
“It means everything to work with the amazing Kips Bay team and to be able to help raise money for this worthy cause—while doing what I love! I’m especially excited that this one is in the West Village, as it allows us to show a different lifestyle and energy.”
What does it mean to you to be part of the 50th anniversary of Kips Bay Decorator Show House New York?
“An amazing honor—as always—but even more so because of this great anniversary event!”