Kips Bay Decorator Show House 2011: Robert Stilin

Before I start posting about the Elle Decor Modern Life Concept House which I am visiting today, I figured I should try to squeeze in a few last Kips Bay Decorator Show House rooms. As someone who studied and loves art, I will always have an affinity for any designer who can easily incorporate artwork into their designs.  I first fell in love with the work of interior designer Robert Stilin when I saw his living room at the Hamptons Designer Show House in 2009.  At Kips Bay, Robert was faced with decorating not only half of the top floor but also the terraces on either side.  It was rainy the day that I visited which meant that I didn't get to photograph all of the outdoor spaces which perfectly complement the art filled interiors. I think the best thing about show houses is that you get to see so many different design styles under one roof.  Sometimes we get so caught up in "our" style that we forget that there are a lot of great "other" styles out there and this room is a fantastic art filled example.

Photos by Heather Clawson for Habitually Chic

Kips Bay Decorator Show House 2011 Dining Room

As I mentioned previously, some designers were faced with the task of keeping certain room elements at the 2011 Kips Bay Decorator Show House.  None was more daunting than the dining room with walls clad in hand-painted wallpaper which was a gift to the owner of the house from the sister of Madame Mao.  Interior designer Matthew Patrick Smyth did such a great job designing around the wallpaper that you think it was part of the original design.  He created special wall hangings to soften the space and played off the neutral tones to create a serene oasis.  Sometimes, an unwanted design element ends up making a room.

Matthew Patrick Smyth

Photos by Heather Clawson for Habitually Chic

Kips Bay Book Signings

Besides checking out the great rooms at the 2011Kips Bay Decorator Show House, you can attend some wonderful events.  Up this week and next are books signings with Kips Bay Decorator Show House interior designers from this year and other noted authors. The signings are included in the price of admission and guests can present a Show House ticket from a previous visit for admission.

May 10, 2011  6:00 - 8:00 pm

Author's Night:  2011 Show House Designers and Book Signing

Matthew Patrick Smyth - "Living Traditions" (above)

Celerie Kemble - "To Your Taste: Creating Modern Rooms"

Richard Mishaan - "Modern Luxury”

Campion Platt - "Made to Order"

May 19, 2011  6:00 - 8:00 pm

Leading Women in Design Book Signing

Florence de Dampierre - "French Chic"
Wendy Goodman - "The World of Gloria Vanderbilt"
Victoria Hagan - "Interior Portraits"
Charlotte Moss - "A Flair For Living"
Bunny Williams - "Point of View"

Kips Bay Decorator Show House 2011

163 East 63rd Street

New York, NY 10065

April 28 - May 26, 2011

Monday - Saturday 11:00am - 5:00pm

Tuesday and Thursday evenings until 8:00pm

Sunday 12:00-5:00pm

Admission: $30

Kips Bay Decorator Show House 2011: Wayne Nathan

One of the most fun rooms in the 2011 Kips Bay Decorator Show House is the foyer and staircase and landing designed by Wayne Nathan.  The pops of color and wall art created with electrical tape by Brooklyn street artist Aakash Nihalani create a contemporary art gallery feeling.  The designre said, "It's about curating a room rather than decorating it." I know this look won't be for everyone but would look great translated into a kid's room. It was definitely a cheerful place to be on the rainy day that I visted the house and sometimes that's the best part of design.

Photos byHeather Clawson for Habitually Chic

Kips Bay Decorator Show House 2011: Kemble Interiors

One of my favorite rooms in the 2011 Kips Bay Decorator Show House was designed by Celerie Kemble and her team at Kemble Interiors.  Due to the historic significance of the home, many of the designers were required to work around certain features and that included the wood paneling in the library. With a little magic and lots of light colors, the dark and masculine room was transformed into a woman's library, "a sanctum for a siren." The shelves are filled with books on fashion, poetry and contemporary literature and there are plenty of places to sit and read or chat with friends. Since the walls could not be touched, the team focused on adorning "the ceiling, floors, windows, furniture, and bookcases with every trick of their craft to add glimmer and put a little switch in its skirts."  Artist Miriam Ellner created the amazing ceiling of gold leaf and other metals on the reverse side of glass, verre eglomise, to create a "Chinoiserie inspired skyscape fantasy."   A room this size filled with so many special pieces could have look cluttered but instead your eye is drawn around the room as it slowly unveils itself.  I could have spent all day in this room which in my mind makes it a huge success.

Photos by Heather Clawson for Habitually Chic except for #1, 5, 10, 14, 16 and 23 courtesy of Kemble Interiors