Kips Bay Decorator Showhouse 2019: Paloma Contreras

Kips Bay Decorator Showhouse featured by top US interior design blog York Avenue

Paloma Contreras at the Kips Bay Decorator Showhouse:

If you’ve been reading here for the last few years, you know that every year my Mom and I go together to the Kips Bay Decorator Showhouse. It’s one of my favorite annual events in the city and something we always look forward to. It’s also one of the most prestigious showhouses in the world, and proceeds benefit the Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club. This year I’d already seen a lot of photos of the showhouse online, so I knew there were so many fantastic designs to look forward to – and as I suspected, the “Spring Awakening” study designed by Paloma Contreras turned out to be my very favorite. I’ve written about my love for Paloma’s work before, and it was so great to finally get to see one of her designs in person. I loved her use of color, the expert shelf styling on those fabulous built-ins, and of course the standout star – those custom de Gournay panels. Stunning!

There’s something so chic and just perfect about a desk placed sticking out from the wall like that, instead of against a wall – it’s something you see designers do all the time but rarely see in real life! It’s a great idea to keep in mind when laying out a room. The 18th century chairs are from Gerald Bland in NYC and the desk is from BK Antiques. The gold lamp is from Elizabeth Pash.

The bold chartreuse draperies were custom made by Shade Store using Incomparable Moire in Spring by Schumacher. I love how they really set the tone for the room – they make a statement while still creating a soothing backdrop. I particularly love the fringed chairs which are from Paloma’s store in Houston.

Kips Bay Decorator Showhouse featured by top US interior design blog York Avenue

Paloma said that the “Japanese Garden” wallpaper from de Gournay served as the jumping off point for the room design and ties all of the colors together.

These larger abstract pieces are by Jacques Nestle via BK Antiques. I love them so much! I think Paloma is really great at choosing art to complement and enhance her spaces.

Paloma also mixed in furnishings and antiques from Mecox Gardens, BK Antiques, Elizabeth Pash, Liz O’Brien Gallery, Christopher Spitzmiller, and Booth and Williams. The tiger-striped Turkish pillows are Billy Baldwin Studio.

Kips Bay Decorator Showhouse featured by top US interior design blog York Avenue

The architectural detail in the room adds so much – just gorgeous! The walls are painted Benjamin Moore’s White Dove and the rug is by Patterson Flynn Martin.

The sunburst mirrors (I think) are from Paloma’s store also. I love how they look on the bookshelf like this – also love how she color coordinated the books.

Kips Bay Decorator Showhouse featured by top US interior design blog York Avenue

Kips Bay Decorator Showhouse featured by top US interior design blog York Avenue

Paloma’s room is just wonderful and there are so many other gorgeous and creative rooms at Kips Bay Decorator Showhouse! This year is really one of my favorites, so I would definitely recommend going before it closes on May 30th if you can!

PS – here’s a beautiful rendering of the room by Tiiu Kardi – I love interior renderings!

Leave a Comment

  1. Thank you for the lovely post and for capturing my room so beautifully, Jackie! Thank you for spreading the word about Kips Bay–we do it all for the kids! I am so grateful for your support. XO

    Published 5.13.19 · Reply
    • York Avenue wrote:

      You’re so welcome Paloma! Absolutely love your room!

      Published 5.16.19 · Reply
  2. Candice Statler Meyer wrote:

    This room exemplifies courtesy. The correctness of the color palette balances the delicate nature of the room. Sudden bold moments intensify one’s enjoyment and solidify the experience of “being” in the moment. Thank you for this vision.

    Published 5.9.20 · Reply