Meet the Kips Bay Designer: Andrea Schumacher
The Denver, Colorado, designer shapes a guest apartment, kitchen, and bath at the 50th annual Kips Bay Decorator Show House New York
Andrea Monath Schumacher is a boundary-pushing designer known for creating interiors that defy convention and ignite curiosity. As the founder of Andrea Schumacher Interiors and author of Vibrant Interiors (Gibbs Smith), she has spent over two decades cultivating a signature aesthetic best described as untamed luxury—a fearless blend of high design, rich storytelling, and unexpected detail.
With a portfolio spanning high-end residential, hospitality, and branded commercial projects, Schumacher understands how to strike the perfect balance between bold creativity and operational functionality. Her interiors are layered, soulful, and deeply rooted in the context of place.
What was your inspiration for your Kips Bay New York room?
“The inspiration for our Kips Bay room began with the wall covering—part of a new collection I’m launching with The Vale London this spring. The pattern is derived from a static artwork by my grandmother Elizabeth Monath, who studied under Dali and Léger in Paris in the 1930s. She later moved to New York City and taught at Princeton. Having grown up in her studio and now owning over 50 of her pieces, I’ve long wanted to reimagine her work as wallcovering.
This particular piece holds deep personal meaning—it was drawn during a visit she made to see me as a child while we were living in Ibadan, Nigeria. My father’s career took us around the world, and this artwork captures the joy and nostalgia of that time. To lighten the mood, we gave it a playful name: Pink Rhino Club. We leaned into the whimsy with blush accents and a rhinoceros-shaped dry bar, bringing a sense of humor and warmth to the space.
Please tell us more about a significant piece of furniture, art, or accent that helps shape the mood of your space?
“The highlight of the space is undoubtedly the magnificent rhinoceros dry bar. It brings a sense of humor that instantly sets the tone for the room, while also nodding to the playful spirit of François-Xavier Lalanne. I also incorporated built-in seating areas as a subtle homage to Morocco, a place I visit annually and that continues to inspire me with its layered textures, warmth, and hospitality. Together, these elements create a space that feels both elevated and inviting.”
How does your work for this Kips Bay project exemplify your style as a designer—or is it just the opposite, something you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t found the right client for?
“I’m not sure I have a distinct style—people often say I do, but I don’t necessarily see it myself. I’ve always approached design as client-centric, shaping spaces around their needs and personalities. This room, however, was purely for fun. It was a chance to design without constraints, to showcase the new wall covering I’m launching, and to create a welcoming, playful space where people could relax, sit, and connect. It felt like a celebration—of creativity, conversation, and design itself.”
What does it mean to you to work with the Kips Bay Decorator Show Houses again?
“My last Kips Bay experience was in Palm Beach, where I really leaned into the environment—embracing nature as my inspiration and allowing the surroundings to shape the aesthetic. This time, being in New York, it feels like anything goes. There’s a freedom here, so I took the opportunity to create something purely for me. No rules, no limitations—just a space that felt joyful and personal. That’s been the most exciting part of returning.”
What does it mean to you to be part of the 50th anniversary of the Kips Bay Decorator Show House New York?
“It feels pretty magical to be part of the 50th anniversary—such a major milestone! I’m beyond honored to be included this year and to support the incredible work the Kips Bay Foundation does for the Boys & Girls Club. It’s one of those moments where design meets purpose, and I’m just thrilled to be around such talent and passionate people! ”