Snow birds and design enthusiasts alike have descended upon Palm Beach this month and it’s not just for the fantastic weather. The 2^nd annual Kips Bay Decorator Show House officially began hosting guests last Friday evening and has quickly garnered rave reviews.

The 10,000 square-foot waterfront property dazzles visitors with spaces bedecked by 22 formidable design talents.  While touring the home, I had the pleasure of conversing with many of the decorators about their rooms. I’m thrilled to share my findings from the field accompanied by a first look at a few of the spaces, let’s have a look-see shall we?

Lovely Loggia

Decorator Louise Cronan packed a classic Palm Beach punch in her outdoor space. Tillett Textiles’ iconic Chrysanthemum pattern, a favorite of former First Lady Jackie Kennedy, makes a brilliant blue and white statement. A custom backgammon board sets the tone for enjoyable evenings overlooking the pool, while potted palms strike a calming chord. Cronan’s expert eye is evident in her effortless layers of seaside artifacts, classic woven pieces, and well-placed antiques.

Chic Chambre

Aptly named “Sunrise Jungle,” Meg Braff’s bedroom design is feminine, fresh, and unabashedly fun.  Anchoring the happy setting is a painted white floor, while wallpaper and textiles from Braff’s own line become the star attraction. No detail was spared in this thoughtful oasis as scallop trimmed baskets, Leontine linens, and a vintage wardrobe from Cabana Vintage play into the sunny scheme.

Fine Family Room

David Phoenix sets a serene stage for taking in the intercoastal view just beyond the expansive wall of windowed doors. His soothing space, meant to be a respite from the digital doldrums of everyday life, is packed with plenty of texture, art, and clean lines. Phoenix’s masterful mix of upholstered furniture creates a room that’s extra inviting and elegantly comfortable for today’s modern family. 

Resplendent Study

Upon walking into the “Little Club” designed by Lee Ann Thornton, one is enveloped in an intimate paradise of Calico Stripe wall-covering by Lisa Fine. The space, located off of the kitchen, was dreamed up to be a retreat for party-goers to relish in after-dinner drinks and conversation. The “preppy boho” mood is set with turquoise touches, botanical prints, and generous seating all under the glow of a Soane Britain rattan pendant.

Ravishing Living Room

Cindy Rinfret had six weeks to transform the expansive living room, complete with soaring 27-foot ceilings, into a welcoming entrance befitting of the home. Textile designer Nicolette Mayer was called in to create exquisite panels and grasscloth wallpaper for the space that lend an ethereal Moroccan feel. A sophisticated assemblage of collected treasures—including an original Jansen palm tree—are meant to be enjoyed with the help of an adjoining tequila bar!

Sumptuous Suite

Many a guest will be clamoring for a fine stay in Danielle Rollins’ Sunset Tower Suite bedroom. Inviting the outdoors in, the Florida breeze sweeps in through the intimate terrace, giving the rosy Fabricut curtains just a touch of movement. Ever the doyenne of details, Rollins added a needlepoint backgammon board, a framed seashell Hermès scarf, and a nicely stocked bar for even the most discerning of overnight guests to delight in.

Splendid Staircase

A feast for the five senses, the home’s main stairwell and hallway designed by Lee W. Robinson and Kyle Johnson pays homage to classic Palm Beach style. Suspended from a tented ceiling is an elaborate bird cage housing feathered design legends Elsie de Wolfe, Sister Parish, Albert Hadley, Dorothy Draper, and Mario Buatta chirping away. The chinoiserie dream features everything from Circa lighting to a coral embellished stair runner, and antiques from Robinson’s own collection.

Dining Room Delight

David Scott’s sunlight-filled dining room lets the statement pieces do all the talking. A vivid Larry Poons painting plays nicely off the dramatic Zhipeng Tan table and a Jeff Zimmerman glass chandelier adds a celestial layer. Scott’s contemporary sensibility is married with antique counterparts such as French dining chairs upholstered in a rich silk and trimmed with denim—yes denim! Nothing is ever too fussy in Scott’s spaces, a high-tone mix of luxury and ease demonstrated so wonderfully in this room.

I hope this small sampling of the rich design at the Kips Bay Decorators Show House Palm Beach has inspired you to visit in person. The doors are open now through February 20^th and events such as book signings and expert panels add to the excitement. It’s the perfect excuse for a weekend getaway with your best girlfriends! All proceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Palm Beach and Kips Bay in New York, making a difference in the lives of over 18,000 children annually.

Thank you for reading, dears. Until next time, ciao ciao!

Photography credit:
© 2019 Nickolas Sargent ALL RIGHTS RESERVED