Each year, a chic and charitable event takes place in New York City that offers the public a glimpse at some of the most inventive interior design while helping out deserving children.
This year, the 39th Annual Decorator Show House, located on the Upper East Side of New York City, runs from April 28th to May 26th. All the proceeds made from this showcase benefit the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club, which helps provide a variety of programs for over 12,000 kids in the New York City area. Since its beginning in 1973, this program has raised more than $17 million for the kids at Kips Bay and the Show House welcomes more than 20,000 guests each year.
A new location is selected each year. Then a handpicked group of decorators and designers transform their given space to incredible effect. From traditional to modern, minimalist to wildly sumptuous, the house becomes a showcase for today's design talent.
This year, the home is located at 163 East 63rd Street in what was the former residence of John Hay "Jock" Whitney. Whitney was an American millionaire socialite who was an avid sportsman, publisher, philanthropist, horse breeder, and financier.
The 10,000 square foot Neo-Federalist mansion has four levels and 16 rooms, each a blank canvas assigned to a designer. This year's show held many surprises including a coffee-table turntable (more on that below) and a wild lamp once owned by Sir Elton John.
Whether you are looking to be inspired or learn more about a designers' work, the Show House never disappoints.
If you can't make it to New York, here is a tour of the amazing spaces that the designers created this year.
1 What a great mix of neutral pattern and pops of vivid color. (Richard Mishaan Design, LLC)
2 The subtle similarities of the rug and wallpaper are amazing here. (Richard Mishaan Design, LLC)
3 The pattern on the curtains is so beautiful. (Richard Mishaan Design, LLC)
4 The butterfly wing art reminds me of the end of a kaleidoscope. Richard Mishaan Design, LLC)
5 This room shows you how a wallpaper can transform a space.(Amanda Nisbet Design, Inc.)
6 A detail shot of the turntable. (Brad Ford ID)
7 The speakers become part of the wall decor. (Brad Ford ID)
8 A turntable built into a coffee table? Genius! (Brad Ford ID)
9 It's all about the tile here. The herringbone pattern transforms what could be a boring wall into a focal point. (Cayley Barrett Associates, LTD)
10 More of the gorgeous tile. (Cayley Barrett Associates, LTD)
11 Another great use of pattern -- here on a rug. (Cayley Barrett Associates, LTD)
12 Whoever thought to hang pictures on a floor-length mirror? What a great idea. (Cayley Barrett Associates, LTD)
13 The curtain valance detail is to die for. (Kemble Interiors, Inc.)
14 I adore this desk/chair combo. (Kemble Interiors, Inc.)
15 Old lines feel new again when color is updated to project a modern, graceful space. (Kemble Interiors, Inc.)
16 What a statement ceiling. (Kemble Interiors, Inc.)
17 The sliced geode table is so unique -- especially combined with the tufted couch and vibrant painting. (Kemble Interiors, Inc.)
18 This arm detail is so interesting and unique -- I've never seen something like it. (Kemble Interiors, Inc.)
19 The sheep sculptures are a whimical touch when placed on a urban patio. (Gunn Landscape Architecture, PLLC in collaboration with Robert Stilin)
20 This room had a wild, candy palette. (Harry Heissmann Inc.)
21 The snake floor lamp in the foreground belonged to Sir Elton John. (Harry Heissmann Inc.)
22 What a chic study. I love the brass and chrome touches paired with the natural wallcovering. (Jeff Lincoln Interiors, Inc.)
23 The molding is such a bright and unexpected choice. (Jeff Lincoln Interiors, Inc.)
24 The molecular table is a work of art in itself. (Jeff Lincoln Interiors, Inc.)
25 The pattern on the decking really elevates the design. (Greener By Design)
26 This room had such an interesting mix. The idea of super dark sofa is really intriguing. (Robert Stilin)
27 The clean lines of the fireplace are so soothing. I love the color of the wood. (Robert Stilin)
28 This room has all of the hallmarks of sumputous 80s design. (Mary McDonald)
29 The walls were upholstered in a luxurious Dedar fabric. So chic. (Rauber + Rauber Interiors)
30 The scale of these finials is amazing. (Rauber + Rauber Interiors)
31 I love the subtle way this room is layered with pattern. (Matthew Patrick Smyth, Inc.)
32 The wall fabric is stunning. (Matthew Patrick Smyth, Inc.)
33 The chair coverings add a bit of drama to the room's mostly neutral tones. (Matthew Patrick Smyth, Inc.)
Kevin Sharkey 
From: Anette | 5/16/11 at 5:47 am
So beautiful and inspiring! Got lots of ideas from this:-)
From: Rowaida Flayhan | 5/16/11 at 11:51 am
Thank you Kevin for this amazing tour. Love show houses. This is beautiful love the style and different designs in these room. Have a great week.
From: Claire | 5/16/11 at 6:51 pm
Kevin, I always enjoy your blog. There is always a diverse range of styles and tastes reflected, and you find beauty in so many things.