Kips Bay 2025 Show House Trends In New York Worth Bringing Home

Soft light spills across rooms filled with ideas that feel daring yet beautifully livable, each space unfolding like a conversation between past and future. Creativity blooms in unexpected corners, from textured walls to cleverly layered palettes that shift with the sun.

At the heart of it all, the Kips Bay Decorator Show House in New York inspires design visionaries who turn imagination into something tangible.

This year’s edition pushes boundaries with confidence, offering inspiration that feels immersive, inspiring, and ready to spark new possibilities at home.

Cork Drenching

Wrapping an entire room in cork might sound unusual, but designers like Ford Huniford proved it creates something special. Walls, ceilings, and even furniture pieces got the cork treatment, resulting in spaces that feel cozy without being overwhelming.

The natural texture works as a quiet backdrop that lets artwork and statement furniture stand out. Cork also adds warmth and a bit of sound absorption, making rooms feel calmer and more inviting than plain painted walls ever could.

Pink And Green Redux

This classic color pairing got a modern makeover at the show house. Designers like Alexa Hampton and Ben Pentreath brought pink and green together in ways that feel current rather than dated.

Upholstery in soft blush tones paired with sage or emerald accents creates balance without being too sweet. Wallpaper patterns mixing both colors add energy to a space. The combo works because it brings both warmth and freshness into one room.

Trompe L’oeil 2.0

Alessandra Branca brought this traditional painting technique into the present with hand-painted murals that trick the eye. Walls suddenly appear to have architectural details, windows, or art collections that aren’t really there.

This approach adds depth and character to flat surfaces without the expense of actual renovations. It’s especially useful in smaller spaces where real architectural features would feel too heavy or expensive to install properly.

Illuminated Stone

Backlighting stone creates an unexpected glow that feels both natural and high-tech. Charles Pavarini III showcased this in his Zoom Room, where walnut and backlit stone combined into a flattering wall piece.

The light filtering through stone adds warmth without harsh brightness, perfect for video calls or evening ambiance. This technique turns a simple wall into a focal point that changes throughout the day as natural light shifts around it.

Paper Wrapping

Wrapping surfaces and objects in decorative paper adds instant texture and personality. Alexa Hampton took this idea to a fireplace, finishing it in magenta-painted paper that becomes the room’s main attraction.

Paper wrapping works on mantels, furniture pieces, or accent walls for anyone wanting change without commitment. The material is affordable and removable, making it ideal for renters or anyone who likes switching things up seasonally without major investment.

Recessed Wall Shelves

Carving shelves directly into walls creates storage that doesn’t stick out or crowd a room. Huniford Design Studio borrowed this idea from Mexican modernist designers, creating display areas that feel part of the architecture itself.

These recessed spots work for books, plants, or collections without taking up floor space. They add visual interest to blank walls while keeping the room feeling open and uncluttered, especially helpful in smaller homes.

Mixed Marbles

Combining different marble types and colors in one space creates depth that single-stone installations can’t match. Tamara Feldman demonstrated this beautifully in a bathroom where varied marbles played off each other.

Mixing white Carrara with darker or veined varieties adds movement and keeps the eye interested. This approach works in kitchens and bathrooms where stone is already being used, just requiring a bit more planning during the selection process.

Lacquered Lamps

High-gloss lacquered lamp bases with contrasting shades brought instant sophistication to multiple rooms at the show house. The shiny finish catches light and adds a jewelry-like quality to tables and consoles.

Pairing lacquer bases with fabric shades in different colors creates balance between shine and softness. These lamps work as accent pieces that elevate a room without requiring a complete redesign or major furniture investment.

Antiqued Glamour

Old-world elegance got a fresh twist with designs that feel collected over time rather than bought all at once. Tiffany Skilling’s Parisian-inspired dressing room captured this perfectly with vintage pieces and modern comfort combined.

Mixing antique or antique-style furniture with contemporary textiles and lighting creates spaces that feel layered and personal. This approach tells a story and avoids the showroom look that matching sets often create.

Zoom Rooms

Dedicated spaces designed specifically for video calls recognize that remote work isn’t going anywhere. These rooms featured proper lighting, acoustics, and backgrounds that make virtual meetings feel more professional.

Creating a Zoom-ready corner means thinking about what appears on camera and how sound travels. Even small adjustments like better lighting or a thoughtful backdrop can make video calls less exhausting and more effective for everyone involved.

Textured Ceilings

Ceilings often get ignored, but treating them as a fifth wall opens up design possibilities. Several designers at Kips Bay added texture, pattern, or color overhead to create surprise and visual interest.

Textured treatments could include wood beams, wallpaper, paint techniques, or fabric panels depending on the room’s style. Looking up and seeing something intentional rather than blank white makes spaces feel more complete and thoughtfully designed throughout.

Jewel-Toned Accents

Deep, saturated colors in smaller doses brought richness without overwhelming spaces. Emerald, sapphire, and ruby tones appeared in pillows, art, and accessories throughout the show house.

These bold hues work best as accents rather than wall colors, allowing flexibility and easier updates. Jewel tones add luxury and depth to neutral rooms, creating focal points that draw attention and make spaces feel more collected and intentional over time.