Meet the Kips Bay Designer: Tiffany Skilling
The Indianapolis designer channels the ornate beauty of a Paris brasserie for a transportive dressing room at the Kips Bay Decorator Show House New York
Indianapolis-based luxury interior designer Tiffany Skilling approaches projects with a “storytelling through design” philosophy. Her early career experience in fashion design paired with her love for art, antiques, and her own home renovation projects inspired her to launch Tiffany Skilling Interiors in 2015. Over the past decade, she has grown the firm to 23 team members earned a following for her modern spaces with timeless, classic sophistication.
A passionate advocate for preserving architectural heritage, Skilling is especially acclaimed for her historic home renovations. Her commitment to sustainability is evident in her thoughtful approach to restoring early 20th-century homes while preserving their character and materials.
Her work has been featured in national Kohler campaigns and will soon appear as part of the brand’s “Stories Start with Cast Iron” campaign. She is also the proprietor of two high-end retail stores named Story.
What was your inspiration for your room at this year’s Kips Bay Decorator Show House New York?
“My inspiration for this year’s Kips Bay room was drawn from the romantic elegance of the Bouillon Julien, a brasserie-style restaurant in Paris. The restaurant’s rich Art Nouveau architecture, intricate detailing, and timeless mood served as a soulful jumping-off point. I’ve reimagined that layered, historic charm through a modern, editorial lens to create a dressing room that feels both indulgent and intimate, where beauty, ritual, and storytelling all come together in a highly personal space.”
Please tell us about a significant piece that helps shape the mood of your space.
“There are numerous elements that come together in a richly composed and curated way. The custom colored, hand-painted Gracie murals set a lush, artistic tone that envelops the space with beauty and intention. These murals are complemented by antique decorative lighting from Carlos Puentes, which pairs harmoniously with contemporary pieces by Visual Comfort, creating a dynamic interplay of past and present that gives the space its signature feel.
Not an inch of wall, ceiling, or flooring was left untouched. Every detail was thoughtfully selected, from the aged brass Forbes & Lomax rotary dimmer light switches and outlets to the exquisite custom cabinetry by 212 Renovations, adorned with P.E. Guerin hardware that evokes a timeless, old-world elegance.
From Story, I selected antique mirrors, floral vessels, and a custom upholstered chair in Pierre Frey fabric with Schumacher trim. These special pieces add a layer of elegance and reflect a collected, soulful approach to design.”
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 but haven’t found the right client?
“This space is absolutely in line with my style as a designer. It is romantic, storied, and rooted in artistry, but it also gave me the freedom to lean further into editorial fantasy than we’re typically able to do in client work. I was able to push deeper into visual storytelling and emotional resonance, while still maintaining a foundation of tailored craftsmanship. The result is a room that’s both transportive and grounded, which is how I love interiors to feel.”
This is your first Kips Bay New York—what are you most looking forward to in the experience?
“As a first-time participant in Kips Bay New York, I’m most excited to immerse myself in a creative community that shares my passion for beauty, craftsmanship, and boundary-pushing design. The opportunity to bring my personal vision to life on such an iconic platform is both humbling and exhilarating. I’m especially looking forward to connecting with fellow designers who are equally passionate about storytelling through space.”
What does it mean to you to be part of the 50th anniversary of Kips Bay Decorator Show House New York?
“It is an incredible honor to be part of the 50th anniversary of the Kips Bay Decorator Show House. This legacy has shaped the American design landscape in so many ways, and to contribute to that lineage at such a landmark moment feels deeply meaningful. I’m proud to be part of an event that not only celebrates design at the highest level but also benefits a cause that empowers and uplifts the next generation.”