Dazzling Design – Florida Weekly

Dazzling Design – Florida Weekly

The 9th Annual Kips Bay Decorator Show House Palm Beach is open to the public. -ROBERT BELL / COURTESY RENDERING

Palm Beach design devotees have twice the reason to celebrate this season as the 9th Annual Kips Bay Decorator Show House Palm Beach unfolded across not one, but two residences.

For the first time in the event’s local history, 23 of the nation’s top designers and architects have transformed the 4,500 square foot Intracoastal House, at 3410 North Flagler Drive, and the adjacent Palm Cottage in the Northwood Shores neighborhood into a masterclass of grandeur and intimacy.

The iconic showcase serves as the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club’s signature fundraising initiative and supports the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County. “Each year, the Kips Bay Decorator Show House demonstrates the extraordinary impact that creativity and community can have on young lives,” says Jaene Miranda, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County.

“We’re honored to bring the Show House back to West Palm Beach for its ninth year,” says Daniel Quintero, Executive Director of the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club. “The unwavering generosity of this community continues to move us.”

From the first step through the front door, you are immersed in design at its most imaginative. Sightlines stretch toward shimmering Intracoastal views, while layered textures, dramatic lighting and architectural flourishes create moments of surprise around every corner — from formal entertaining spaces to private retreats.

The entryway, designed by Justin Moreland of Justin P. Moreland Interiors, is a stunner.

“I had been holding on to this wallpaper sample for like six months. I had been mad about it. It’s Colefax and Fowler,” explains Justin. “I kind of built the room around it. It has these embroidered butterflies in it.”

“I wanted a warm, welcoming, soft space that you come into,” adds Justin. “This is everything I love.”

Beyond the foyer, richly appointed living spaces unfold — a dramatic dining room layered in texture, intimate seating areas designed for conversation, and bedrooms that feel more like private sanctuaries than show spaces. Each room carries a distinct personality while contributing to the overall narrative of the home.

3 Eilyn Jimenez of Sire Design of Miami completely transformed the primary bathroom and dressing area.

Eilyn Jimenez of Sire Design of Miami completely transformed the primary bathroom and dressing area. -COURTESY PHOTO

The rooms are drop-dead gorgeous, each unique and designed down to the very last detail.

Eilyn Jimenez of Sire Design of Miami infused the primary bathroom, dressing area, desk and bar with her vibe, “very layered, very detailed and very ornate. A space that feels like you’re being hugged. That’s where the dark color comes in, while still keeping elements that are light, but still feeling cozy in the space.”

“Palm Beach is known for its color. However, we still want to make it moody and represent the design that we love to create, says Eilyn. ‘And create moments within a space.”

Designer Lucy O’Brien of Philadelphia-based Tartan and Toile says she drew inspiration from a Palm Beach icon. “The whole concept of three connecting spaces—a powder room, hallway and vestibule— was guided by the spirit and design inspiration of Marjorie Merriweather Post – businesswoman, socialite, philanthropist and consummate hostess,” Lucy says.”I designed what I call the Entertainment Command Center, the nook of an office just off the kitchen in the main house, with party planning in mind, a quiet space where guest lists get created, thank you notes written and barware and linens stored. Mrs. Post had a pink bathroom in her home in Washington, D.C., so this powder room and the coral pink tones are a nod to that.”

The designer says she wanted to do something fun in a room that, may otherwise not get noticed.

“These spaces were really small (closet/hallway/powder room) and sometimes sections like this can be an afterthought from a design perspective,” adds Lucy. “I wanted to show how taking these rooms seriously, even splurging on small spaces with the absolute top of the line brands and highly crafted materials, can elevate them to that jewel-box space that you end up spending more time in than main rooms.”

“Intricate drapery from Pierre Frey, custom Vietnamese silk lanterns, walls clad in Chinoiserie grass cloth wallpaper (Kravet), tortoiseshell print wallpaper (Gracie) on the ceiling all against a pleated de Gournay backdrop feels a bit like theater. Luxe layering is my signature!”

When you have had your fill indoors, step outside and prepare to be blown away. Next to the pool and beautiful water views, the jaw-dropping Tiki Hut will leave you in awe. It’s designed by Kevin and Leigh Misso of River Brook Design & Construction, headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama.

“Our specialty is that we are a full-service design-build firm. We do architecture, interiors and construction all in-house,” explains Leigh. “So, this space, I think, required some of the most construction. And so I think they knew we could handle it.” “I hope so,” adds Kevin with a smile.

4a Rendering by designer Leigh Misso of River Brook

Rendering by designer Leigh Misso of River Brook. -COURTESY PHOTO

They started the project with a mood board, combining ideas and concepts to create a vision. “One thing we really focus on when designing spaces, is how do we make sure the space is inviting and has warmth and texture. “

The tiki structure, being so large, was quite cold and hard. To alleviate that, they decided to drape it in 800 yards of yellow-striped fabric called “Hampton Stripe.”

From there, they added punch and personality, resulting in a Tiki Hut like no other. From the Calia Stone marble bar to the Murano glass chandeliers from Germany to the lemon trees and live fish, it’s a spot you will never want to leave!

As we mentioned, this year’s Kips Bay’s showhouse is a two-fer. Across the street is the smaller in size, but no less impressive, Palm Cottage. The three-bedroom home, complete with a sunroom and fenced backyard, invites chic charm and livable luxury. Its scale allows designers to experiment with intimacy — creating rooms that feel approachable yet elevated.

“I’ve never done a showhouse before. Kips Bay is ‘the’ showhouse to do. It’s such an honor to do it. But Palm Beach was the location I was dying to do. I love the glamour, the magic. There’s an energy here I didn’t know about. I don’t know if I’m ever leaving,” says Emily Eerdmans of Eerdmans in New York.

The engaging designer took on the living room of the Palm Cottage, draping the walls with over 200 yards of fabric to create an impressive entry. Adjacent spaces flow seamlessly from her dramatic introduction.

9 Designer Tori Alexander of Alexander Designs

Designer Tori Alexander of Alexander Designs. -COURTESY PHOTO

Emily says that when he was choosing the fabrics and colors, she came down to Palm Beach to see exactly how it would look in the Florida light. And she was taken by the beach vibes. “It’s so fun to see tropical things. For me, it’s so novel, being up in New York, so I just wanted to embrace that.”

Her room features an entry table covered in shell work, created by Show Pony in West Palm Beach. A stunning piece that elevates the space.

Continuing through, you hit the breakfast room and the kitchen, both designed by Amy McArdle of Amy Young Designs, based in Palm Beach Gardens. “This space is transitional, modern, and subdued. It’s very refined.”

The area echos the same thoughtful layering of finishes, creating continuity throughout the heart of the home.

“Our space is called the ‘Breakfast Club After Hours,’ and it emulates a jewelry box,” explains Amy. “You have all your jewelry in different finishes like gold, rose gold, silver, and brass. We wanted to show people you can mix all of these metals, and they’ll still talk to each other, and be warm and cohesive.”

Stepping out back, you are greeted by a bright light-filled sunroom, compliments of Lewis Gallo Design Group, with offices in Palm Beach Gardens and Long Island.

“I liked the fact that we were in the guest house. I thought it was a smaller space, very charming. It didn’t feel intimidating or overwhelming. So, I was very thrilled with this space,” says Meredith Lewis Gallo.

The room is anchored by an eye-catching bar, covered in shells. And a floor that’s right on theme, with pink and green. These designers got the assignment!

Over its month-long run, Kips Bay Decorator Show House Palm Beach will prove that design can do more than dazzle—it can make a difference. And designer Barbara Lewis reminds us just what it’s all about. “Kips Bay is a wonderful charity. We’re donating and investing in our future. The youth are our future. So that’s very important.”


In The KNOW:

WHAT: Kips Bay Decorator Show House Palm Beach
WHERE: 3410 North Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach
WHEN: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., through March 24
INFO:   kipsbaydecoratorshowhouse.org.

10 Lori Morris Design rendering of Room 8 22The Gilded Palm.22jpg

Lori Morris Design rendering of Room 8, “The Gilded Palm.” -COURTESY PHOTO

Picture of Developer for SWFL
Developer for SWFL