Go Inside the 2024 Kips Bay Decorator Show House New York

Two dozen designers including Kit Kemp, Aman & Meeks, and Shawn Henderson created imaginative spaces filled with unique artisan details

Elegant living room with floral wallpaper, green and striped chairs, round mirror above mosaic fireplace, chandelier overhead.
The living room designed by McMillen Inc. at the 2024 Kips Bay Decorator Show House in New York. Photo: Ngoc Minh Ngo

From the very moment visitors set foot inside the 12,000-square-foot townhouse on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, it’s apparent that this year’s Kips Bay Decorator Show House enlisted designers willing to push the boundaries of their craft and challenge conventional aesthetics to create wildly imaginative spaces. “This is the kind of project people would hire us for and not let us do,” says Bennett Leifer with a laugh.

Standing inside his moody entry, the New York–based designer enveloped almost every surface in carpeting from Edward Fields, covering the floor, stairs, walls, molding, and alcove in plush rugs that seemingly melt into deconstructed strings that drape in cinematic swoops along the ceiling, reflecting against a metallic Maya Romanoff paper.

Futuristic hallway with curved walls, dark steps, and reflective ceiling, adorned with hanging chains and a floral arrangement.
The entry foyer designed by Bennett Leifer at the 2024 Kips Bay Decorator Show House in New York. Photo: Nickolas Sargent
Elegant living room with modern decor, large windows, black fireplace, and stylish furniture, featuring a central chandelier.
The Aman & Meeks designed space at the 2024 Kips Bay Decorator Show House in New York. Photo: Nickolas Sargent

Visiting with each of the designers inside their dynamically orchestrated rooms, “Why not?” and “It is a show house, after all!” was a common refrain from the 24 talents as they highlighted visually arresting details, such as the collection of illuminated vessels by artist Martha Freud in the exuberant dining room by Kit, Minnie, and Willow Kemp. A retro-chic two-way mirror punctuates the lounge by Phillip Thomas that’s inspired by a salon his parents hosted in their home during the designer’s youth; a colorful wall covering embedded with crystals and LED lights evokes the spirit of transformation in the ethereal stairs conceived by Swati Goorha Designs; and Nina Seirafi ferried guests back in time to a seductive opium den in Halston’s Paul Rudolph–designed home. Each room was like opening another jewel-box with infinite opportunities for discovery.

Colorful spiral staircase with abstract patterned carpet and artistic lighting in a modern interior setting.
The ethereal stair designed by Swati Goorha Designs at the 2024 Kips Bay Decorator Show House in New York. Photo: Nickolas Sargent
Curved staircase with artistic lighting, vibrant purple walls, and a multicolored carpet in a modern interior setting.
The ethereal stair designed by Swati Goorha Designs at the 2024 Kips Bay Decorator Show House in New York. Photo: Nickolas Sargent

More than simply a showcase for beautiful furniture and works of art, the 49th Kips Bay Decorator Show House is an important fundraiser for the Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club. The East 65th Street destination is open now through May 28, and tickets can be purchased online.

Below, Galerie offers a look into each of the stunning spaces.

1 | 24

Tour the 2024 Kips Bay Decorator Show House New York

Mikel Welch Designs | u201cA Cotswolds Retreatu201dnThis cozy bedroom by Mikel Welch instantly transports guests from city to country with walls painted a moody Benjamin Moore hue, antique furnishings, and an expansive tapestry wall hanging.

Photograph by Nickolas Sargent

McMillen Inc. | u201cOld Guard/Avant-Gardeu201dnFor this remarkable space, Ann Pyne and Elizabeth Pyne Singer of McMillen Inc. looked to Gracie, which recreated the wallpaper panels their firm initially selected for the restoration of the Lee Drawing Room at Blair House in 1964. Also on display is a Paul Evans dining table included in the famed 1952 McMillen exhibition “Paris 52,” which remained in the firm’s collection, which pairs with a stunning console by Galerie Creative Mind Niamh Barry and heirloom pieces from Pyne Singeru2019s private home.

Photograph by Ngoc Minh Ngo

Alan Tanksley | u201cThe Club Roomu201dnA luminous hand-painted wallpaper by Fromental envelopes designer Alan Tanksleyu2019s chic club room, which features a sumptuous mix of vintage and contemporary furnishings and art from galleries including Liz Ou2019Brien, Bernd Goeckler, Hostler Burrows, and Newel Antiques. The piu00e8ce de ru00e9sistance is a stunning Vincenzo de Cotiis table from Carpenters Workshop Gallery that provides an ideal gathering place for a meal or game night.

Photograph by Kelly Marshall

Workshop/APD | u201cLe Fumoir Fu00e9mininu201dnDesigner Matt Berman and Andrew Kotchen of Workshop APD composed an elegant lounge within the primary suite using swirling smoke plumes as inspiration. Pieces from the firm’s furniture collection echo the shapes and shades of the Fromental Ambia wallpaper installed on the ceiling. The artwork is the room’s only nod to the spaceu2019s original intent as a walk-in closet.

Photograph by Nickolas Sargent

Vanessa Deleon Associates | u201cSmoke & Mirrorsu201dnA swanky spot for rejuvenation, the Art Deco bath by Vanessa Deleon features a palette of black, gold, and emerald green, which carries through the elements from Artistic Tile and Phillip Jeffries. A dazzling crystal chandelier and modern geometric sconces bathes the room in shimmering light.

Photograph by Nickolas Sargent

Swati Goorha Designs | u201cMetamorphosis: A Journey of Transformationu201dnAlways one of the most visually arresting moments in the show house, the staircase has been transformed as a pathway to transformation by Swati Goorha Designs, who selected elements that nod to the earth and stars.

Photograph by Nickolas Sargent

St. Charles New York | u201cThe Coveted Kitchenu201dnStraddling the line between historical nuance and modern convenience, this midnight-blue kitchen by St. Charles New York artfully combines all the state-of-the-art tools a contemporary chef could want, including enviable JennAir appliances, and the glamorous accoutrements, such as a Ralph Pucci light fixture and walls clad in Dekton Uniko, every host needs.

Photograph by Nickolas Sargent

Shawn Henderson |u201cSteel Sanctuaryu201dnLeaning in to the show houseu2019s urban neighborhood setting, Shawn Henderson planned a strong yet seductive suite inspired by Yves Saint Laurent’s muse, Betty Catroux, where unexpected elements are juxtaposed against romantic blush tones.

Photograph by Nickolas Sargent

Phillip Thomas Inc. | u201cThe Andes Clubu201dnThe most coveted invite will be to the after-dinner lounge designed by Phillip Thomas, who recreated the salon where his parents entertained a vibrant mix of guests in their New York home. A scenic wall covering alludes to a mountain range while covetable accents from Angela Brown, Maison Gerard, Cristina Grajales Gallery, and more add to the collected feel.

Photograph by Nickolas Sargent

Patrick Mele Inc. | u201cOn a Clear Dayu201dnPaying homage to the powerful women in his life with a nod to the design work of Albert Hadley, Patrick Mele curated a bedroom suite that celebrates nature, art, literature, and beauty.

Photograph by Nickolas Sargent

Nina Seirafi Interior Design Inc | u201cAn Opium Den for Halstonu201dnGo back in time to the 1960s and u201970s, when New Yorku2019s glitterati partied into the wee hours at Halstonu2019s Paul Rudolphu2013designed residence. Nina Seirafi outfitted her space with dark stained oak paneling, sumptuous materials, and metallic accents including a vintage Rudolph designed fixture.

Photograph by Nickolas Sargent

M.Naeve | u201cModern Romanceu201dnA striking array of blooms by Peartree Flowers brings to life a woodland mural by James Mobley Design that sheathes the stair landing by Margaret Naeve Parker. Overhead is light sculpture by Stephen Antonson, while the table is by Green River Projects.

Photograph by Nickolas Sargent

Michelle Gerson Interiors | u201cThe Watering Holeu201dnThe most seductive space for a nightcap will surely be this room by Michelle Gerson, whose black-and-white bar uses dramatic Calacatta Viola and Nero Marquina marble, oxblood sheepskin, Baccarat crystal, and a scenic mural.

Photograph by Nickolas Sargent

Lucinda Loya Interiors | u201cEnchanted Rootsu201dnThe designer with offices in New York and Houston created a dramatic staircase, landing, and powder room utilizing sculptural lighting, custom wall covering, and a first look at her upcoming collection with The Rug Company.

Photograph by Nickolas Sargent

Kit Kemp Design Studio | u201cA Dining Room of Oneu2019s Ownu201dnWillow, Minnie, and Kit Kemp transformed the dining room with the whimsical details found throughout their Firmdale Hotels. Here, pieces from Kempu2019s collections with GP & J Baker, Spode, and Annie Selke join dramatic oversize pendents from Julian Chichester, and artworks by Maarten Baas, Wendell Castle, and Sanaa Gateja.

Photograph by Kelly Marshall

Justin Scott Interiors | u201cDressing Room and Bathu201dnIconic Italian architect Piero Portaluppiu2019s graceful structures provided an aesthetic touchstone for Justin Scott of New York firm Justin Scott Interiors. His dressing room and bath are filled with subtle yet impactful details, such as marble wainscoting by Artistic Tile, walls sheathed in jacquard fabric, and architectural chrome fittings by Kohler. Providing the ultimate storage solution, California Closets is responsible for the dressing roomu2019s bespoke lacquered cabinetry.

Photograph by Nickolas Sargent

Jeremiah Brent Design | u201cStudy of Art and Beautyu201dnDesigner Jeremiah Brent conceived a minimalist ode to beauty, channeling Egyptian deity Hathor for a u201csymphony of tonal textures.u201d

Photograph by Nickolas Sargent

Huma Sulaiman Design | u201cDream Machineu201dnMaximizing a third-floor hallway, Huma Sulaiman conjured a tranquil dreamscape using a Phillip Jeffries scenic wallpaper, custom rug from The Rug Company, and Shade Store window coverings, while artisan elements by Galerie Creative Minds John Pomp and Jeremy Anderson add to the ethereal atmosphere.

Photograph by Nickolas Sargent

Hollander Design Landscape Architects | u201cSculpted Serenityu201dnThis outdoor area by Hollander Design Landscape Architects takes cues from a traditional English garden. Immersed in the greenery, visitors will be enchanted by its David Harber sculpture, Thirty Quivers, a nod to the firmu2019s 30th anniversary, and be tempted to wile away the afternoon on the Brown Jordan outdoor furniture.

Photograph by Joshua McHugh

Beth Diana Smith Interior Design | u201cThe Wine Loungeu201dnGuests will reconsider the traditional wine room after taking in this dynamic garden-level corridor orchestrated by Beth Diana Smith Interior Design, which embraced glamour using Kravet’s oyster shell wallpaper, Artistic Tile marble, and opulent textiles from Fabricut.

Photograph by Nickolas Sargent

Bennett Leifer Interiors | u201cReframed Foyeru201dnFor his sophomore outing at Kips Bay, Bennett Leifer collaborated with Edward Fields for a celebration of rug-making by completely enveloping the interior with custom carpeting in expressive pattern, color, and fringe. Topping the room was a reflective Maya Romanoff paper and lighting by Visual Comfort.

Photograph by Nickolas Sargent

Benjamin Vandiver Interiors + Lifestyle | u201cThe Virtue of Curiosityu201dnDesigner Benjamin Vandiver decided to become his own client when organizing this warm and inviting fourth-floor bedroom and bath. Evoking an attic hideaway in a French chu00e2teau, Vandiver filled the space with a layered mix of textures, as well as choice artworks from his own collection, including pieces by Ellsworth Kelly, Pacifico Silano, Ross Bleckner, Louise Bonnet, and Carroll Dunham.

Photograph by Joshua McHugh

Barbara Ostrom Associates | u201cThe Game Roomu201dnInspired by an AP Designs chair discovered at Maison & Objet, Barbara Ostrom Associates crafted an exuberant African safariu2013themed room boasting a free-standing bar with zebra stools, Faith Ringgold artworks, Arte wall panels, pendent made using porcupine quills, The Shade Store blinds, curtains made using a Pierre Frey fabric, and other fantastical accessories from Ngala Trading.

Photograph by Nickolas Sargent

Aman & Meeks | u00a0u201cA Tailored Edgeu201dnThis living room by Jim Aman and John C. Meeks of Aman & Meeks melds crisp tailoring and artful expression, embracing their interpretation of the concept of fluidity.

Photograph by Nickolas Sargent
Rustic bedroom with a large bed, tapestry wall art, wooden beams, and a cozy sitting area by a window.
Elegant room with floral wallpaper, round table, chairs, globe, red screen, framed art, and eagle sculpture on stacked base.
Eclectic living room with colorful abstract art, vintage furniture, bookshelves, and a fireplace centerpiece.
Modern living room with abstract ceiling, elegant chairs, marble tables, floral arrangements, and a large dress painting.
Luxurious black marble bathroom with geometric sinks, gold fixtures, round mirrors, and elegant decor.
Curved staircase with artistic lighting, vibrant purple walls, and a multicolored carpet in a modern interior setting.
Luxurious modern kitchen with dark cabinetry, central island, herringbone wood floor, and elegant lighting fixture.
Modern bedroom with a bed, contemporary decor, mirror, small table, chair, and large windows letting in natural light.
Eclectic living room with bold patterns, unique lighting, colorful pillows, and abstract wall art, creating a vibrant atmosphere
Modern bedroom with floral carpet, white canopy bed, blue accents, bookshelves, round mirror, and decorative lamps.
Modern minimalist living room with dark walls, unique furniture, and abstract art on the walls.
Elegant room with floral arrangement on wooden table, mural of trees on wall, and large white pendant light overhead.
Dark-themed kitchen with marble counter, decorative glassware, abstract art, and a striped black and white floor.
Two abstract sculptures on pedestals in a modern gallery with patterned rugs and spherical lights above.
Colorful eclectic dining room with woven pendant lights, vibrant patterned furniture, large windows, and decorative artwork.
Elegant dark gray dresser with decorative items, a modern lamp, abstract framed art, and a small potted plant on top.
Elegant living room with a modern chaise lounge, abstract wall art, and a floor lamp near a window with curtains.
Abstract art of underwater scene on wall with blue curtains and unique bronze light fixtures above a modern black bench.
Outdoor patio with green walls, modern gray seating, decorative pillows, and lush greenery in a peaceful garden setting.
Eclectic living room with patterned wallpaper, colorful rug, wine rack, small dining area, and modern decor elements.
Futuristic hallway with curved walls, dark steps, and reflective ceiling, adorned with hanging chains and a floral arrangement.
Elegant living room with eclectic decor, abstract art on wall, vintage furniture, and a large floral arrangement on the table.
Stylish bar area with fringed chairs, abstract art, and a painted ceiling featuring flying cranes.
Luxurious living room with modern white sofas, a black fireplace, decorative mirror, and artwork displayed on the walls.
Rustic bedroom with a large bed, tapestry wall art, wooden beams, and a cozy sitting area by a window.
Elegant room with floral wallpaper, round table, chairs, globe, red screen, framed art, and eagle sculpture on stacked base.
Eclectic living room with colorful abstract art, vintage furniture, bookshelves, and a fireplace centerpiece.
Modern living room with abstract ceiling, elegant chairs, marble tables, floral arrangements, and a large dress painting.
Luxurious black marble bathroom with geometric sinks, gold fixtures, round mirrors, and elegant decor.
Curved staircase with artistic lighting, vibrant purple walls, and a multicolored carpet in a modern interior setting.
Luxurious modern kitchen with dark cabinetry, central island, herringbone wood floor, and elegant lighting fixture.
Modern bedroom with a bed, contemporary decor, mirror, small table, chair, and large windows letting in natural light.
Eclectic living room with bold patterns, unique lighting, colorful pillows, and abstract wall art, creating a vibrant atmosphere
Modern bedroom with floral carpet, white canopy bed, blue accents, bookshelves, round mirror, and decorative lamps.
Modern minimalist living room with dark walls, unique furniture, and abstract art on the walls.
Elegant room with floral arrangement on wooden table, mural of trees on wall, and large white pendant light overhead.
Dark-themed kitchen with marble counter, decorative glassware, abstract art, and a striped black and white floor.
Two abstract sculptures on pedestals in a modern gallery with patterned rugs and spherical lights above.
Colorful eclectic dining room with woven pendant lights, vibrant patterned furniture, large windows, and decorative artwork.
Elegant dark gray dresser with decorative items, a modern lamp, abstract framed art, and a small potted plant on top.
Elegant living room with a modern chaise lounge, abstract wall art, and a floor lamp near a window with curtains.
Abstract art of underwater scene on wall with blue curtains and unique bronze light fixtures above a modern black bench.
Outdoor patio with green walls, modern gray seating, decorative pillows, and lush greenery in a peaceful garden setting.
Eclectic living room with patterned wallpaper, colorful rug, wine rack, small dining area, and modern decor elements.
Futuristic hallway with curved walls, dark steps, and reflective ceiling, adorned with hanging chains and a floral arrangement.
Elegant living room with eclectic decor, abstract art on wall, vintage furniture, and a large floral arrangement on the table.
Stylish bar area with fringed chairs, abstract art, and a painted ceiling featuring flying cranes.
Luxurious living room with modern white sofas, a black fireplace, decorative mirror, and artwork displayed on the walls.