Meet the Kips Bay Designer: J. Cohler Mason
For her second appearance at the Kips Bay Decorator Show House, the designer curates a dreamy writer’s room
Jennifer Cohler Mason’s background as a fashion designer informs her eye for fabric, tailoring, and proportion, all of which are integral to creating warm, comfortable living environments for her clients, each with an inescapable attention to detail. Her style, both engaging and fluid, is always anchored by the inherent beauty of fine materials, craftsmanship, quality and value.
Finding endless inspiration in art, photography, fashion, and travel, the New York designer creates interior spaces that are a harmonious mix of contemporary and classic elements.
What was your inspiration for your room at this year’s Kips Bay Decorator Show House New York?
“Our inspiration for the writing room was to create a deeply intimate and immersive sanctuary—a secret retreat where one can pause, reflect, and quietly connect with others. In the spirit of this, we leaned into soft textures, rich details, and an organic sensibility that pays homage to the natural world. The room is enveloped by a lush hand painted forest wallovering from Gracie, which forms a protective cocoon around its inhabitants.”
Please tell us about a significant piece that helps shape the mood of your space
“The Biche desk and Tusk chair by Alex Roskin are key sculptural pieces in the writing room. Their organic raw forms speak to the story of the forest surrounding the space. Their graceful curves and tactile materials evoke a quiet harmony between the masculine and the feminine. Together, they ground the interior with a refined yet wild elegance, embodying the room’s serene mood and its invitation to be in conversation with one’s self and others.”
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?
“This room is a true reflection of our design ethos—never decorated, always curated. It’s a sophisticated composition of layered textures, rich, saturated color, natural materials, art, and accessories. We often weave in vintage and one-of-a-kind collectible pieces that bring soul and story to a space. While the room feels intimate and dreamlike, it’s firmly grounded in thoughtful detail and exceptional craftsmanship.”
What does it mean to you to be back at Kips Bay?
“We are delighted to be back participating in Kips Bay for the second time. The Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club is a cause that’s truly close to our hearts, so being able to contribute again feels incredibly meaningful. What makes this experience so special is the sense of community—coming together with fellow designers to create something beautiful in support of an organization that’s changing lives.”
What does it mean to you to be part of the 50th anniversary of Kips Bay Decorator Show House New York?
“We’re truly thrilled to be part of the 50th anniversary of the Kips Bay Decorator Show House. It’s such an iconic event—not just for the design world, but for the incredible work it supports through the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club. To contribute to this milestone year alongside so many talented designers is an honor. It’s a celebration of creativity, community, and the power of design. Cheers to another 50 years!”