Countless years of experience? An exceptional and overflowing portfolio of past masterpieces? Numerous references? WhatThis year’s Kips Bay Show house shows off the talents of New York’s Interior designers royalty magnificently. In part, because the house on East 71st, which is really a little palace in the city, with 6 floors of enormous rooms, grand stairway, chandeliers . . .well, you get the picture: nothing like home!
I always say I’m not a jealous person, but Bunny William’s room on the ground floor would leave a saint green with envy. I don’t know the measurements, but it could very easily be 40’ x 40’ and it’s painted aqua with a mixed assortment of plump chairs, priceless antiques and comfortable sofas. Very relaxed. But you have to see the room a second or third time to remember the furniture because the two botanical pictures on either side of the fireplace are so overwhelming. Each is about five feet all and they are so sumptuous that even when you turn around, you want to run back to the room.
The only reward for leaving the room is that you walk across the foyer to Juan Montoya’s room, which is equally grand. In the true Montoya tradition of showmanship, the copper chandelier is like a grand corkscrew. I’ve never seen anything quite like it. The room is smartly tailored with crisp furnishings, like the tufted banquette. I was standing next to a couple of ladies who were talking about bringing their upholsters back to take a peak. So should you! The show house will be open until May 17.