The Kips Bay Show House never disappoints. Even in years when designers puff, "What a disappointing house this year," I always find great takeaway in trend-spotting and inspiration. This year's house, located in NYC's posh Upper East Side at the Arthur Sachs Mansion gave every on-looker a glimpse of what design thought leaders are doing for their well-pursed clients - the early adapters.

Key Themes & Trends Emerging or Developing

Color:

• Gray continues but is getting warmer
• Cherry Red appears on the scene as does Peacock Blue, sometimes combined. The look, solo or combined is vibrant and unapologetic.

Themes, Materials & Finishes:

Menswear & Ready-To-Wear Inspired Fabrics & Motifs as coming, as in:

• Menswear plaids on walls, tile (yes tile), floors and furnishings

David Phoenix

• Menswear inspired herringbone & flannel on many-a-carpet
• Leather...drapery (not at typo). Thanks to the ever emblazoned Charles Pavarini and though it may sound odd or ugly - it looked amazing.

Leather Drapery - Charles Pavarini Design

• Metals: remain warm. Brushed brass is still seen as furniture embellishments, inlay or cabinet hardware. Brushed bronze hardware on Christopher Peacock's charcoal cabinetry is a warm departure from the more predictable silver-toned brushed nickel.

Christopher Peacock

• English Design: That's right, old chap. Large scale floral chintz and Jacobean florals mixed with every size check, plaid or stripe in happy reds and blues. Walls and windows were sometimes covered in yards of them. This is a look you love or your hate. Either way, it's hard to do. Bravo Branca.

Branca

 Alan Tanksley Inc. 

 

Thank you to every talent who worked the excruciating schedule to design and deliver the Kips Bay 2015 Showhouse. Bravo to you all.

 

All Photos by Rafael Quirindongo (except photo of Donna).