The celebrated Kips Bay Decorator Show House in Dallas has now drawn to a close, and I would like to take a moment to share more about the finer details behind our installation “The Study.” For those new to Kips Bay, the Show House is an esteemed annual design event that brings together leading talents from across the industry to transform a home-each space a showcase of creativity-all in support of the remarkable Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club. From a bespoke rug designed in house, a magnificent one of a kind cabinet, our rich velvet sofa and of course the magnificent desk sitting in pride of place, the space was dotted with treasures and motifs that gave the room an incredible energy. It has been magnificent to hear such positive feedback on the scheme and it is fair to say I have left a piece of my soul in Dallas for the time being. Thank you again to our incredible suppliers, my team and all the patrons who came to visit – what an incredible event, all for the most wonderful cause.
I choose a refined palette of dark blues and warm ochres which came together to create a contemporary study interwoven with homages to classicism. The space was enveloped in a beautiful shade of ‘Van Deusen’ blue from Benjamin Moore and panelled walls finished with hand-painted Venetian plaster wallpaper by Studio E. Artwork in the setting was carefully curated to suggest the intimacy and intention of a collection assembled over a lifetime, and included compositions by Piero Centofanti, Quintessa Art and pieces from my own collection. These works were paired with some landscapes from one of my favourite artists, Deborah Tarr, and suspended on a distinctive chain hanging system, handcrafted by Collier Webb.
When planning the room, I wanted to draw the eye to the beautiful, original joinery so each shelf showcased a unique array of antique and contemporary finds. They came from a number of sources, including my London Boutique, my own private collection and some of our most beloved and trusted suppliers. Each thoughtfully chosen piece told a story and gave a glimpse into my style. The pieces were set against Etamine’s radiant Solaire fabric and my favourite detail was including a bronze bust of my Father, Robert Pooley.
At the heart of the room stood a bespoke desk made in a British style, but crafted in American walnut and walnut burr veneer by Parkway England. The piece intertwined British history beautifully with American timber, and is complemented by a deep blue Holly Hunt leather blotter. The desk was accessorised with treasures such as an El Casco gold-plated pencil sharpener, sourced from Abask’s distinctive collection, while an Alexander Lamont Geo table lamp provided the perfect soft glow. Behind the desk sat the striking ‘Quiver Klimos’ leather chair by Soane Britain. A bespoke sofa by Bray Design, upholstered in de Le Cuona’s Vienna Velvet in ‘Hula’ and a Samuel & Sons’ trim sat in a cosy corner of the room accented with striking blue cushions as well as Holland & Sherry’s newly launched ‘Pennant’ design. Flanking the sofa, a pair of Vaughan floor lamps with Heathfield & Co. ‘Sandstone’ linen shades cast a warm glow onto Alexander Lamont Portico Side Tables.
At the centre of the space, sat a handsome Chalon steamer trunk I found at Bentleys London, while a bespoke hand-tufted, New Zeland wool rug by Ice International anchored the scheme with geometric patterns in blues and oranges. Floor-to-ceiling windows were dressed in Holland & Sherry fabrics with a decorative ‘Argyle’ trim. These were expertly handcrafted by The Shade Store with de Le Cuona’s ‘Regatta’ linen sheers delicately layered behind.
Adding to the room’s allure was crowd-favourite, the freestanding ‘Fakir’ drinks cabinet from David Gill Gallery crafted in stainless steel and nickel. Inside I choose fine stemware by William Yeoward Crystal and barware from my own collection which included a vintage crystal pineapple showpiece alongside an extraordinary Art Deco-inspired, boat-tail shaped racing car silver cocktail shaker. To one side, the FBC London ‘Angelina’ lounge chair in wool bouclé was complemented by the ‘Column’ side table with striking Calacatta Viola top, while a de Gournay folding screen added further decoration. On the lounge chair, I placed a textured Toyine Sellers cushion to add contrast while overhead, the ceiling shimmered with metallic paper in ‘Smooth Sterling’ by Phillip Jeffries, crowned by a chandelier from Vaughan. The overall design of the study was absolutely brought to life by exquisite architectural lighting by John Cullen Lighting.
A big thank you to our incredible suppliers and sponsors, without whom this initiative simply wouldn’t have been possible. Also a thank you to the wonderful journalists and to every visitor who has walked through our space and explored the house. A special acknowledgment for the team at Gander and White, our exceptional shipping partner and true unsung heros, and finally of course, to my team: thank you for your dedication and creativity on this journey.
