Welcome back to our coverage of the Kips Bay Decorator Show House in Palm Beach, where we bring readers along to check out the work of all 24 acclaimed designers who were selected to share their vision of what makes a room beautiful. These designers are not only extremely talented, but also incredibly generous. They have all donated their time and efforts in the name of charity for The Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club, an organization that offers innovative after-school and enrichment programs for children and young people throughout the Bronx and across Palm Beach County. This year, the show is presented in a 1920’s Mediterranean Revival estate, a stunning location worthy itself of a visit.
Today we take a look at our first set of designers, each with a unique aesthetic and perspective.
Bell Design
Before we enter the home, we are immediately struck by the beauty of the work of designer Robert Bell of Bell Design, Inc. Known for his spectacular landscape architecture which blends contemporary with classic elements to create outdoor spaces that are thoughtfully designed for multi-season beauty while maintaining careful sensitivity to the environment. His dreamy designs surround the Palm Beach estate in what he describes as a “Deco-eclectic” style using “refined, sinuous lines and sculptural plants.” Indeed, the series of garden rooms he created, including front entrance and the cocktail garden live up to their name “Darwin’s Deco.” For the entrance, which elegantly compliments the beauty of the property and architecture, he mixes classic garden ornaments with contemporary pieces to create “elements of fiction and fantasy.”
Gilded Age terracotta urns and Moorish inspired African Iroko wood planters stand out among the snake plants and colorful bromeliad. The cocktail garden places an emphasis on privacy with the use of palms, elephant ears and philodendrons placed to contain and separate the area from the bustle and energy of the front of the home. Hanging gardens with lights for the evenings add to the glamorous atmosphere.
Craig & Company
Founded by Joan Craig, Craig & Company, located in both New York and Chicago was responsible for the all-important transitional spaces including the front entrance and the upper hall. The first impression upon entering the home is the other-worldly feel of the ocean inspired design. Inspired by the importance of the ocean (and strong connection it has with the mood of Palm Beach specifically), the designer narrowed in on the mighty octopus, drawn by the creature’s intelligence and “science fiction like qualities” as well as their human like tendency to choose a home and proceed to decorate it to their liking.
The designer explains: “They hoard shiny objects like iridescent shells, metal jetsam, bright rocks and detritus. We studded our octopus’s garden with our own shiny treasures: an Eve Kaplan gilt chandelier, antiqued MJ Atelier eglomise mirrors with coral and shells, antiqued bronze urchin hardware by Collier Webb, woven gold Jim Thompson fishnet on the windows, a console table with sequined embroidery of the ocean floor by Cyrielle Leclere and P+L Studio. Marc Bankowsky’s sconces and pendants in plaster and bronze provide a glow in this dark undersea world. Add in the ombre turquoise carpet from New Moon creating a torrent coming down the stairs.” The rooms, which have been aptly named “The Octopus’s Garden” are an immersive experience punctuated by a custom wall covering created in collaboration with artists, Maria Apelo Cruz and Mike Jovanovic of MJ Atelier. Craig & Co. hope that a visit to the under water inspired space will “stay in your mind–and inspire you to value and protect the ocean that surrounds our island.”
Andrea Schumacher Interiors
Next up is “Flutter,” a nature inspired powder room well worth lingering in, created by Andrea Schumacher. While a powder room is not the largest room in a home, this one, “enveloped in a sea of blues that reflect the coastal environment, and whimsical wallcoverings and fabric from Andrea’s product line, Liesl” does not allow it’s size to diminish its impact. Bright, airy and filled with nods to Palm Beach’s vibrant landscape along with exotic Moroccan inspired touches, a visit to this room feels like a miniature vacation and indeed has been noted for its ability to produce a “a restorative and invigorating moment.”
Amid the soothing blend of various textures and patterns at play with one another, show stopping elements such as the custom vanity and artwork including an oil painting of a native Florida bird from AXIOM Fine Art Consulting, round out the nuanced and beautifully executed design. Based in Denver, Colorado, this award-winning designer will soon be celebrating the launch of her first book, “Vibrant Interiors” due out this Spring.
Peter Pennoyer Architects
Moving into the living room, one is taken aback at the blend of serenity and vibrance achieved in architect Peter Pennoyer’s design. His use of bold, rich and layered color combined with masterfully mixed prints are a delight to behold. Inspired by Florida’s history and hospitality, he has created a room that feels alive with possibility – an ideal place to enjoy and entertain company in a supremely chic and yet relaxed environment. The designer explains, “Drawing on the flora and fauna of paradise, we layered the room with whimsical patterns and rich textures…the result is a comfortable, inviting space for an evening cocktail, be it with Henry Flagler or John James Audobon.” No doubt, this celebrated architect who has offices in both Manhattan as well as Miami is uniquely suited to design a space that perfectly encapsulates the laid-back elegance that Palm Beach inspires.
Paloma Contreras Design
The sunroom, designed by Paloma Contreras, dubbed “Green Gardens,” is wildly successful in achieving its goal of honoring the spirit of Palm Beach through a modern perspective. Staying true to Palm Beach’s “well-defined, sophisticated aesthetic” with it’s “fun, old school sensibility,” the designer uses color and pattern to create a feeling of bringing the outdoors in. Green and white with touches of gold feel fresh and pair beautifully with garden inspired elements such as the treillage, a classic element given an unexpected twist when executed as squares rather than in the traditional lattice pattern. Crisp glazed linen adorns the Billy Baldwin inspired sofa as well as the window treatments while Schumacher “Dogwood Leaf” printed fabric adds a breezy charm. The glamour of the brass pendant (from the designer’s new lighting collection for Visual Comfort) is echoed in gold elements throughout the room including the lacquered coffee table from KRB. The space beckons for visitors to sit and stay a while in fabulous rattan seats, taking in a game of backgammon played on a table by Oomph.
Beth Diana Smith Interior Design
Over in the “Wonderland Dining Room,” an eclectic and whimsical space created by Beth Diana Smith, a designer known for her use of color, pattern and cultural influences, be prepared to feel energized and inspired to engage in conversation by the bold hues and dramatic textures. The designer has succeeded in creating a “playful and refined space… meant to be a bewitching backdrop for an evening of laughter, cocktails, and amazing food.” One cannot help but sense a bit of magic in the air in this enchanting room which draws inspiration from Alice in Wonderland. The regal portrait of a stunning peacock from Left Bank Art and Phillips Collection statues topped with Mister Lee Designs braided floral hair crowns using dried hydrangeas, amaranthus, ferns, and fan palms only add to the sense of wonder in this breathtaking dining room.
Bakes & Kopp Fine Cabinetry
A visit to the kitchen reveals a space outfitted in elegant Bakes & Kopp cabinetry which manages to balance a look that reflects the home’s Mediterranean sensibility while creating a modern chef’s dream kitchen, both in terms of aesthetics and functionality. Using their one-of-a-kind hand-crafted luxury cabinetry, this fully customized kitchen “showcases the company’s latest cutting-edge finishes and products, with a thoughtful balance between the sleek white foundation, textured wood elements, glossy stone countertops, and polished metal accents.” The design team describes a unique design challenge which they were able to beautifully address: “The varied ceiling heights in the original house presented a compelling challenge for designer Bob Bakes, who chose to emphasize its dynamic cubist configuration rather than attempt to conceal it.” Other design features of note include the execution of one of Bakes & Kropp’s design principles that “every element should have “a friend to talk to.” This can be seen in the use of Bakes & Kropp’s sleek new luxury finishes, Cinder Walnut 9213 and Black Matte Paint 9017, used to “present a stunning contrast to the kitchen’s white backdrop” while the “Cinder Walnut accent is repeated throughout the kitchen.” A welcoming room perfect for preparing a delicious meal.
Join us in our next installment for a look at the another set of designers to share their talent at the Kips Bay Decorator Show House in beautiful sunny Palm Beach.
Text by Liana Hayles Newton / Photos Courtesy of The Fifth Annual Kips Bay Decorator Show House Palm Beach / Header Photo Credit: 2022 © Nickolas Sargent Photography
For more information on The Kips Bay Decorator Show House click here.
For more information on The Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County click here.