I couldn't wait to get to talk about some of the larger rooms at the
Kips Bay Decorator Show House which include spaces designed by the Juan Montoya, Jamie Drake and Charles Pavarini III. The first room here designed by the handsome and charming
Juan Montoya (above) is just calling out for a cocktail party!
When I went to his website to learn a little more about him, I read this description that seemed especially apt for this room..."The exquisite juxtaposition of textures, colors and volumes, together with thoughtful attention to shadows, scale, and spatial quality, result in interiors that exude refinement and elegant simplicity. Through the careful placement of objects that often reflect his interest in a variety of cultures, Montoya enhances the inherent qualities of a room."
The furniture in this room includes many Swedish pieces including the side table above that sits next to a long custom designed sofa upholstered in a Juan Montoya fabric. You can see the texture of the wall treatment and the Willy Rizzo photograph displayed on a easel that all somehow work together.
The main focal point of the left wall is the large blue painting. When I asked Juan Montoya about it, he replied that he painted it himself. He could have borrowed an expensive piece of art but decided in this economy to do something different.
He mentioned being influenced by the Dada art movement which is seen in the light fixture he designed.
This room has a wall of windows that are open to the outdoor area below and let in a lot of light. There was originally dark wood paneling in this room and Juan Montoya said he wouldn't do the room if he couldn't paint it.
On this side of the room, two chaise lounges are upholstered in the same fabric as the sofa. The blue of the sculpture on the mantle and artwork on the side wall also relate back to the other wall with the large blue canvas and sofa.
This room is really beautiful and serene but also full of so many interesting details. I loved how the antique Swedish furniture worked so perfectly with the modern art and sculptures. As I told Mr. Montoya, the room is just as handsome as he is!
Another fabulous large room was designed by the King of Color, interior designer
Jamie Drake. He designed it as a chic studio with a queen sized upholstered bed in the middle that acts as seating during the day and a bed at night. It was his reaction to the current economy.
When I first walked into the room, I wasn't sure what was on the walls. From far away they almost looked like a Chuck Close painting! In reality, it is a hand painted wallpaper from
Alpha Workshops, the "only not-for-profit organization in the country that trains and employs people living with HIV/AIDS in the decorative arts." I love that Jamie Drake had one non-profit work on the room in a show house that benefits another wonderful organization! It doesn't get any better than that!
The room is full of rich pops of color that Jamie Drake is known for and create a cheerful yet elegant room.
There seemed to be a circle motif going on but I don't remember him talking about it so I'm not sure if it's purely decorative or has more meaning. Either way, it's an interesting contrast to the squares of the wallpaper pattern.
The bookcase is filled with Papier-mâché books/sculptures by artist Jean Lowe with very interesting and humorous titles that are perfect for this room since it doesn't take its self too seriously! Although the design is seriously chic!
The largest room extends the width of the townhouse and was designed by
Charles Pavarini III. I didn't get to speak with Mr. Pavarini but I was told that the room was inspired by the iceberg photo on the far wall. Everything is the room is shiny and slick. The glass tables and chandelier remind me of ice and the cool tones of the upholstery are snowy. The fur upholstered ottoman won't keep you warm but it adds to the cold climate inspiration.
The challenge in this large of a room was making it feel cozy and I think Mr. Pavarini succeeded. It doesn't seem cavernous or too open. There are many wonderful intimate seating arrangements that would be perfect for a swanky cocktail party.
The Steinway & Sons piano also has a swanky feel to it as does the glittery fireplace. Each large room in the Kips Bay Decorator Show House is elegant and chic in it's own way but they all work and I would be happy to sip a cocktail in any of them! Does the house have a closing party?
I couldn't wait to get to talk about some of the larger rooms at the Kips Bay Decorator Show House which include spaces designed by the Juan Montoya, Jamie Drake and Charles Pavarini III. The first room here designed by the handsome and charming Juan Montoya (above) is just calling out for a cocktail party!
When I went to his website to learn a little more about him, I read this description that seemed especially apt for this room..."The exquisite juxtaposition of textures, colors and volumes, together with thoughtful attention to shadows, scale, and spatial quality, result in interiors that exude refinement and elegant simplicity. Through the careful placement of objects that often reflect his interest in a variety of cultures, Montoya enhances the inherent qualities of a room."
The furniture in this room includes many Swedish pieces including the side table above that sits next to a long custom designed sofa upholstered in a Juan Montoya fabric. You can see the texture of the wall treatment and the Willy Rizzo photograph displayed on a easel that all somehow work together.
The main focal point of the left wall is the large blue painting. When I asked Juan Montoya about it, he replied that he painted it himself. He could have borrowed an expensive piece of art but decided in this economy to do something different.
He mentioned being influenced by the Dada art movement which is seen in the light fixture he designed.
This room has a wall of windows that are open to the outdoor area below and let in a lot of light. There was originally dark wood paneling in this room and Juan Montoya said he wouldn't do the room if he couldn't paint it. 
On this side of the room, two chaise lounges are upholstered in the same fabric as the sofa. The blue of the sculpture on the mantle and artwork on the side wall also relate back to the other wall with the large blue canvas and sofa.
This room is really beautiful and serene but also full of so many interesting details. I loved how the antique Swedish furniture worked so perfectly with the modern art and sculptures. As I told Mr. Montoya, the room is just as handsome as he is! 
Another fabulous large room was designed by the King of Color, interior designer Jamie Drake. He designed it as a chic studio with a queen sized upholstered bed in the middle that acts as seating during the day and a bed at night. It was his reaction to the current economy.
When I first walked into the room, I wasn't sure what was on the walls. From far away they almost looked like a Chuck Close painting! In reality, it is a hand painted wallpaper from Alpha Workshops, the "only not-for-profit organization in the country that trains and employs people living with HIV/AIDS in the decorative arts." I love that Jamie Drake had one non-profit work on the room in a show house that benefits another wonderful organization! It doesn't get any better than that!
The room is full of rich pops of color that Jamie Drake is known for and create a cheerful yet elegant room.
There seemed to be a circle motif going on but I don't remember him talking about it so I'm not sure if it's purely decorative or has more meaning. Either way, it's an interesting contrast to the squares of the wallpaper pattern.
The bookcase is filled with Papier-mâché books/sculptures by artist Jean Lowe with very interesting and humorous titles that are perfect for this room since it doesn't take its self too seriously! Although the design is seriously chic!
The largest room extends the width of the townhouse and was designed by Charles Pavarini III. I didn't get to speak with Mr. Pavarini but I was told that the room was inspired by the iceberg photo on the far wall. Everything is the room is shiny and slick. The glass tables and chandelier remind me of ice and the cool tones of the upholstery are snowy. The fur upholstered ottoman won't keep you warm but it adds to the cold climate inspiration. 
The challenge in this large of a room was making it feel cozy and I think Mr. Pavarini succeeded. It doesn't seem cavernous or too open. There are many wonderful intimate seating arrangements that would be perfect for a swanky cocktail party.
The Steinway & Sons piano also has a swanky feel to it as does the glittery fireplace. Each large room in the Kips Bay Decorator Show House is elegant and chic in it's own way but they all work and I would be happy to sip a cocktail in any of them! Does the house have a closing party?
