26 Of The Most Acclaimed American Interior Designers Transform This 1940s Georgian Estate

A. Lantz Design, Meet Me In the Family Retreat… 

The room has been planned and designed for family relaxation in a get-away space where cellphones, Zoom calls, computers, and today’s technology is not welcomed and frowned upon.  Spending quality time with friends and family has become especially centric in the last year and this space encourages and embraces that mantra. A television was purposely deleted from the plan to encourage conversation, a game of gin or dominos, reading and even a nap on the antique day bed.  What a perfect Sunday spot for lounging, spending time with one another, and renewal.      

Photo Credit: Stephen Karlisch (Karlisch Photo)

Color was key for the space combined with authentic antiques and modern influences.  Geometry is an important element of the room with a combination of round, square, rectangle and hexagon shapes.  “Start with the art”, I always suggest.  The collection of vintage and new paintings are mostly from Barry and Amanda’s private art collections. 

Photo Credit: Stephen Karlisch (Karlisch Photo)

Barry’s original acrylic paintings brings an eclectic mix to the space. 

Photo Credit: Stephen Karlisch (Karlisch Photo)

The custom ginkgo falling leaf wallpaper pattern from Kravet purposely connects the second story space to the main floor living.  Fabric pattern and textures were carefully curated to create a warm, relaxed, and comfortable space in any climate. 

Photo Credit: Stephen Karlisch (Karlisch Photo)

Acorn & Oak by Shelly Rosenberg, Virginia's Sanctuary

At the heart of each Acorn & Oak by Shelly Rosenberg design is the idea that all spaces should be adaptive and inclusive beyond being beautiful. While raising her now eight-year-old son, who lives with Down Syndrome, Rosenberg realized that families navigating various disabilities are a vastly underserved community. Utilizing her design prowess, she felt called to help create environments that not only inspire but assist and empower those with disabilities.  This mission is realized in Rosenberg’s sublime suite, dubbed Virginia’s Sanctuary, in honor of the little girl who inspired the design. At just seven years old, Virginia lives with Rett Syndrome, using a wheelchair to navigate her world and ‘speaking’ through a retinal device similar to a handheld tablet. Using this smart home technology, Virginia can manipulate many aspects of the room, including the lighting, music, window shade, and shower. Rosenberg has succeeded in designing a bedroom and bath that adapts to Virginia’s specific needs, offering her support, self-confidence, and dignity.   In the bedroom, tones of warm ivory, soft green, and lavender create a psychologically soothing and rejuvenating palette. Rosenberg is an avid student of biophilia, the concept that humans are innately restored by elements that mimic nature. With this in mind, she chose a classic floral print for the bedroom wallpaper from Morris & Co. and furnishings made of sustainable materials like rattan, wool, and cotton from Serena & Lily, Arsin Rug Gallery, The Shade Store, and Perennials. The Yves Delorme bedding offers a comfortable place for Virginia to rest at the end of each day. 

Photo Credit: Stephen Karlisch (Karlisch Photo)

Alexa Hampton for Mark Hampton LLC, La Chambre Rouge

I am ever leery of forecasting trends. But, sometimes when things go zig, it make me want to go zag. So, as I think red and russet tones are generally eschewed for bedrooms; naturally, that put me in mind to do a red room.

Photo Credit: Stephen Karlisch (Karlisch Photo)

I thought that the lusciousness of the red walls and material would be cut through really nicely with the use of a buttoned up ticking stripe.

Photo Credit: Stephen Karlisch (Karlisch Photo)

So, in came the ticking on the bed and as an under curtain treatment. I also thought the map wall, which is a new collaboration with the magnificent Gracie Studio, would find its spiritual mate in the stripes.

Photo Credit: Stephen Karlisch (Karlisch Photo)

The crisp plaster mouldings we added also work to promote a sense of rigor to the room.

Photo Credit: Stephen Karlisch (Karlisch Photo)

Bobbitt & Company Interior Design, Perchance To Dream

The entry hall is a formalized mythological dreamscape. Drawing on the Napoleonic neoclassical wallpaper scenes by Zuber depicting the myth of the life of Psyche, Goddess of the Soul, strong elements of classical art, architecture, and antiquities blend with surrealist elements.

Photo Credit: Stephen Karlisch (Karlisch Photo)

A monumental sculpture by artist Larry Whiteley floats in mid-air illuminating the space from its steel branches and leaves.  

Photo Credit: Stephen Karlisch (Karlisch Photo)

Themes of love and the subconscious predominate as we endeavor to transport you upon entering the house into a serene and meditative state of mind, leaving the cares of the outside world behind you.  

Photo Credit: Stephen Karlisch (Karlisch Photo)

Beth Dotolo & Carolina Gentry for Pulp Design Studios, The Wise And The Wicked

The design duo of Pulp Design Studios created their Kips Bay space for women just like them – strong, smart, and savvy. The rooms are an homage to a modern woman, a paradox who is both wise about her business and also wickedly amusing in her off time. She’s graceful and glam, playful and polished – and this loft space reflects that duality of personal style. The cosmopolitan office area is a creative space where deals are made and contracts are signed. It’s refined but with a distinct personality, as defined by the asymmetrical desk, fabulous art, and gorgeous upholstered stools and chaise.

Photo Credit: Stephen Karlisch (Karlisch Photo)

This is a woman in charge, who knows how to get things done. In the lounge – accessed through a hidden passage behind custom cabinetry – the mood is more dramatic, quirky, and unexpected. A sense of fun and fabulousness reveals itself in the evocative wallpaper, shapely sofa, and exquisitely unique chairs. This woman also loves to entertain, and she isn’t afraid of more adventurous decor for her personal space.

Photo Credit: Stephen Karlisch (Karlisch Photo)

As you walk through this vivid feast for the senses, the Pulp duo asks: Are you wise or are you wicked? Or maybe, like Pulp’s founders, you’re a little bit of both.

Photo Credit: Stephen Karlisch (Karlisch Photo)

Burkle Creative, The Heimat

Inspired by ideas of travel, retreat, and an understated, luxurious environment that’s simultaneously familiar and full of interest, Burkle Creative’s unparalleled interpretation of the primary closet and dressing room evokes feelings of Heimat. A European concept rooted in feelings of personal identity and understanding, The Heimat is a place where expectations are reliable, known, and possible. he bar nook—featuring reeded wood detail, bold wallpaper by Lee Jofa, and brass and glass shelving—guarantees this cozy area is more than an ordinary dressing room.  Adjacent his-and-her closets are fitted with bespoke built-ins by The Couture Closet to showcase a collected wardrobe. Even the doorways are special:   detailed trim work by Casci Plaster accentuates the entire space.    

Photo Credit: Stephen Karlisch (Karlisch Photo)

Caroline Gidiere Design LLC, Le Chemin au Jonchet 

Caroline Gidiere creates a beautiful hallway and powder bath, dubbed “Le Chemin au Jonchet,” that is inspired by designer Hubert de Givenchy’s dining room in his iconic Manoir du Jonchet just outside of Paris.  Le Jonchet has a fabulous and storied history, where Givenchy and his partner Philippe Venet entertained the most fashionable and chic swans of the day, from Bunny Mellon and Deeda Blair, to the Duchess of Devonshire and other British aristocracy.  But, Givenchy’s interiors were as easy as they were elegant.  For her very first Kips Bay Show House, Caroline sets a path (un chemin) to Le Jonchet, revisiting and reimagining it for a modern-day Texas that is both easy and elegant, handsome and harmonious.  A magnificent custom wallpaper by Gracie echos the Antique Chinese scenic paper lining the walls of Le Jonchet‘s dining room, with a moody, neutral palette, with touches of bright blues, deep greens and vibrant reds.  Blue solid cotton from Schumacher coupled with cotton tassel trim from Samuel & Son for drapery and small touches of printed cottons from famed French fabric house Pierre Frey continue that comfortable but beautiful way of life found at Le Jonchet.  By layering in gorgeous pieces of modern art by Kit Reuther and William McClure, French antiques and mid-century pieces, and Chinese porcelain found at Nick Brock Antiques, Caroline shows us the way to incorporate Givenchy’s timeless style into our everyday spaces.

Photo Credit: Stephen Karlisch (Karlisch Photo)

Corey Damen Jenkins & Associates, A Tent For New Beginnings

"A Tent For New Beginnings," designed by Corey Damen Jenkins, celebrates the intersection where haute couture fashion, luxurious textures and fantasy meet. Inspired by Cirque du Soleil, this maximalist dining room boasts a ceiling and walls dramatically draped in chintz and shantung. The fabrics, emblazoned in a lush color palette of saffron, periwinkle, emerald, and sapphire jewel-tones, are all courtesy of Sanderson and Zoffany. The tented ceiling and canopy was hand-crafted by French Finish of New York, while the wall drapery was fabricated and installed by The Shade Store.   Forsaking the traditionally expected feasting set up, this dining room concept features not one, but two round tables carved from quartz, each topped with a singular brass table lamp. One table can be used for dining, while the other makes for a great workspace for home education or conducting business. Antique Louis XVI chairs, upholstered in bold, lemon-yellow velvet, accompany these sculptural tables, while a vintage sideboard and secretary provide additional gravity to the space. Artwork by Karlos Pérez and Jason Trotter add layers of sensuality and geometry respectively, and float on the walls as key focal points. Finally, Jenkins chose to forego a floor rug in favor of a unique collaboration with Deven Gadula of First, Last & Always, who fabricated a custom, Schotten & Hansen floor of a shrunk texture in a Sepia color tone, featuring a Versailles pattern and framed with a soldier border.   In all, this Formal Dining room is built to house festive dinners, enlightening conversations, and memorable moments. It is truly a tent for new beginnings as we move forward as a changed society in a post-pandemic world.

Photo Credit: Nathan Schroeder

Creative Tonic Design by Courtnay Tartt Ellias, Moulin Rouge Media Lounge

Outside it may be raining, but in here it’s entertaining! Outside things may be tragic, but in here we feel it’s magic!    WELCOME to the MOULIN ROUGE MEDIA LOUNGE! The colorFULL Creative Tonic Design begins when you step through glorious green and white striped Voutsa portieres bound in rose duchess satin dripping with Houles green tassel fringe. A leopard and cherry New Moon rug in a custom palette pads your every step as dramatic layers create a feast for your eyes. This is a fantastical world where a “more is more” approach reveals itself through green striped Voutsa wallpaper that matches the portieres and covers the walls and ceiling and an Aux Abris Gaze wallcovering, all illuminated by a 5-foot pink and lavender Murano glass floral chandelier and matching Murano glass sconces. High-gloss rose colored Acanthus-inspired molding trim from Fleur Home adorns the ceiling, crown, baseboards and the heart-shaped bookcase that serves as a backdrop to the deep, curvaceous sectional upholstered in Zoffany’s Tree Fern Weave fabric in Rhodera and decorated with Samuel and Sons bullion fringe topped with chartreuse tassels. Adorned with luxurious custom pillows in Lelievre’s Jean Paul Gaultier, Fortuny Venezia and Sanderson fabrics and OKA fuchsia velvet pillows, all with luscious passementerie trimmings, the sectional is a dazzling respite from the world outside inviting you to sprawl out and contemplate the beauty of art, love, film, and all things dramatic.   

Photo Credit: Julie Soefer

Dennis Brackeen Design Group, Menagerie Chinois

I decided to stay somewhat in keeping with the traditional Georgian architecture of the house but also mix in modern elements to make it feel current. In reflection of this past year with the pandemic I felt compelled to create a mood of escape and even a bit of fantasy; however, the space will maintain a level of sophistication and livability.

Photo Credit: Pär Bengtsson

There will be moments of interest by contrasting the feminine and masculine, both antique and modern furnishings and the unexpected. We are also expanding the utilization of our morning room with bar by creating versatility that takes the use of the room from day to night.  

Photo Credit: Pär Bengtsson

From The Ground Up Landscape, The Great Escape

The front foundation of the home is paired with concrete benches, classic southern garden plantings, planters and pops of color.  A copper Swedish armillary from the early 19th century rests on a limestone plinth.  While anchoring the west end of the front facade it also provides a focal point from the family room windows.

Photo Credit: Costa Christ

Kathleen Walsh Interiors: A Breath Of Fresh Air

Kathleen Walsh Interiors’ First Floor Laundry Room and Back Hallway were designed to echo the formality of this year’s beautiful home as well as her clients’ newfound desire to elevate utilitarian areas in their projects. With the practical understanding that these rooms are some of the most-used areas of the house, KWI elevated the finishes and design quality to make doing laundry less of a chore and to create a beautiful welcome home and space to transition from the outside world to family life at the end of a day.      Custom window treatments, artwork, bespoke wallpapers and rugs bring these rooms to life. Artistic Tile’s “Gin Fizz” backsplash mosaic and Fromental’s beautiful hand-painted wallpaper in the laundry room evoke a breath of fresh air and introduce a signature nuanced palette of colors that are beautifully balanced. In the Hall, Phillip Jeffries wallpaper, gorgeous artwork and a FBC London “Pimlico” console create a calming physical and mental transition, punctuated with unexpected twists and combinations of colors and patterns. KWI solidly believes in honoring architecture but also in bringing design forward. Our Kips Bay 2021 builds on this philosophy by creating spaces that bring out the best of this home’s traditional detail but usher in a new approach to style and living.  

Photo Credit: Stephen Karlisch (Karlisch Photo)

Janet Gridley, Live From Preston Hollow

It’s a moody space, inspired by the study of my grandfather, “Doc” Gridley, a country doctor and lifelong horseman who lived and rode into his 100th year. Tying this all to Old Preston Hollow, I was motivated by the horse stories my neighbor Steve, who grew up on Straight Lane and Harry’s in the 40’s and 50’s, would tell me about regularly riding his pony all the way to Central  when he was 9 years old. Back then the area was cotton fields and dairy farms with acreage to keep your horses and a volunteer fire department.  
It seems like everybody who is anybody these days has a podcast, so why not record one in this space?  There’s a sound booth, a turntable, and some pirate-radio style equipment.  I’m imagining the young folks took over Doc Gridley’s study, brought their record collection and started making noise down in the basement.

Photo Credit: Stephen Karlisch (Karlisch Photo)

Ken Fulk, Inc., A Study In Optimism

As we emerge from a difficult period worldwide, Ken Fulk is looking forward to ushering in a glorious new chapter. The vision for “his study” was to narrate this dawn of a new era in high design.     Conceived as a mystical journey of transformation, the tale begins at the front of the house with a light-filled re-awakening, followed by an ascension to the celestial realm and finally a release into Nature with an outdoor oasis. Anchored by two glorious custom hand-crafted wallcoverings commissioned from bespoke wallpaper creators DeGournay, the study features a bas relief mural on gilded paper representing Fulk’s version of the Rite of Spring, while the adjacent bar offers an intoxicating view of the starry cosmos – embroidered entirely by hand onto an Empire Blue silk velvet. Both rooms are furnished with a mix of elegant Neoclassical pieces and glamorous Art Deco elements, including Lalique’s black ebony and crystal Dragon bar. Throughout the rooms, references to mythology and divinity create a sense of magical timelessness, including a settee upholstered in a velvet depicting Roman busts from Fulk's new Surreal World collection with Pierre Frey. Case in point: Our hand-drawn oversize Tarot cards represent an always-bright future through characters we all know and love. Completing the enfilade, the outdoor patio has been transformed into a formal parterre filled with boxwoods and classical sculptures. An armillary in the center and life-sized statues of the three fates recall our most ancient quest: The never-ending search for hope and beauty in our daily lives.

Photo Credit: Stephen Karlisch (Karlisch Photo)

Liz McPhail Interiors, A Lounge Of Her Own

Inspired to create a moody, dramatic, chic and feminine wine cellar and lounge - this is “A Lounge of Her Own” - for the woman of the house.      What brings her down to the basement of her gorgeous estate? A night in with her girlfriends, gathering with colleagues or closing the deal with prospective clients. We offer her an elegant, inspiring, cave-like retreat. Not her husband’s wine collection. This is her endeavor.   A collector at heart, this room holds the pieces of her mind’s eye and personal history. It's the art that moved her on a weekend trip and stop in at a gallery. It serves as a place for the pieces she’s held onto - passed down from her beloved, great-aunt. It’s her collection of wines from wineries she’s toured and vintners she’s met during travels. All poured into glasses her grandmother once hosted with years ago.      The dramatic lighting, the confident color, the rich fabrics and refined details are articulated with a fearless expression yet subtle restraint.      A place she calls her own.    Mixing patterns and colors we gathered pieces in a casual, bar-style seating arrangement, meant to move and change freely depending on the evening’s events and guests

Photo Credit: Stephen Karlisch (Karlisch Photo)

Martyn Lawrence Bullard Design, The Jaipur Room

Designed with the idea of exotic travel, my guest bedroom is an ode to fantasy and the Orientalist movement that became so popular from the mid-19th century. Dressed in a French sepia palm garden wallpaper the room is crowned with a pair of Faux Ivory beds, a nod to the guest bedrooms of both the Baroness Rothschild and Nan Kempner iconic estates. Embroidered diaphanous linen from my new collection for The Shade Store wraps the beds and windows, adding to the romantic ambiance whilst the collection of exotic furniture including an antique Indian Armour (converted to a bedroom guest mini bar), Moroccan rug and Syrian side tables provide the ‘well-travelled’ connoisseur’s eye to the overall experience.      A guest room should always be at once inviting, but also become a space where guests are transported to an experience of welcome and wonder.  

Photo Credit: Stephen Karlisch (Karlisch Photo)

My bathroom is an experiment in European glamour, reminiscent of the grand hotels of Europe where expertly laid marbles and stone are used luxuriously and the room is treated as a sensual experience rather than just utilitarian. Collections of art are displayed on the lacquered walls above paneled stone wainscoting, adding to the luxurious nature of the space and allowing it to flow with the exotic nature of the adjoining bedroom and increasing the guests experience of being transported whilst being pampered.  

Photo Credit: Stephen Karlisch (Karlisch Photo)

Meredith Ellis Design, The Admiral's Chamber

The Admiral’s Chamber, Room 14, is designed to be a Guest Bedroom providing an inviting reprieve for a weary distinguished traveler.      The house’s Georgian Architecture sets the stage for a room that is classic yet timeless.  I wanted to capture that time-honored American feel that leans traditional but has a touch of the unexpected and modern.      

Photo Credit: Nathan Schroeder

The inspiration began with the selection of Gracie’s “Nantucket Harbor” for the bathroom. This serves as a launching point, transporting you to a seaside harbor in the Northeast.   Having visited Mount Vernon a few years back, the vibrant colors of the Parlor and Dining Room were so memorable that I wanted to select a color that would be equally memorable for my space.    Providence Blue by Benjamin Moore covers the ceiling trim and millwork and provides an immense amount of depth and interest without being overbearing.    

Photo Credit: Nathan Schroeder

Michael Aiduss Interiors + Architecture, The Salon

Michael Aiduss creates “The Salon”, a room influenced by Parisienne muse Aveline Fournier.    Aveline is a French socialite who has traveled the world and is now settled in Texas with her American husband.  Drawing inspiration from her past, Aiduss creates a space that reflects Aveline’s love for entertaining, spirit for travel and passion for beautiful objects - old and new.      The Salon is a room influenced by great European homes that have been decorated by legendary designers such as Francois Catroux, Jacques Grange, Henri Samuel.  This is an iconic aesthetic captured by a unique combination of generations of high-style furnishings and art resulting in chic, timeless interiors.  Aiduss first recognized that the classical moldings in The Salon needed to reflect those of a great room.  He worked with local artisan Casci on creating bold plaster moldings that are inspired by Sir Edwin Lutyens.  Walls are rendered with an atmospheric strie paint finish that feel European and exotic at the same time.  Decorative selects such as a Chinese black lacquer panel screen from Newel Gallery, Karl Springer coffee table from Lobel Modern NYC and Pierre Frey fabrics, add drama.  Aiduss’ recently launched trim collection for Houles-Paris is used on drapes and pillows throughout the room.    

Photo Credit: Stephen Karlisch (Karlisch Photo)

Outside Garden, Treillage Garden and Jefferson Pavilion 

Inspired by the spirit, artistry, and ingenuity of an American original, our Garden Pavilion pays homage to Thomas Jefferson and his singular Monticello.

Photo Credit: Stephen Karlisch (Karlisch Photo)

Outside Garden, Treillage Garden and Jefferson Pavilion 

Elements borrowed and inspired by Jefferson’s home and outbuildings are reimagined in the home’s former playhouse, now a pleasurable retreat for any modern-day garden connoisseur. 

Photo Credit: Stephen Karlisch (Karlisch Photo)

Studio Michael Hilal, Her Study

Being assigned the “her study” I really thought about how to make it a space that is non-binary and really inclusive to the modern-day person. The goal is to create a space that feels soft and ethereal. I took direction from the late 70’s/ early 80’s US Southwest for the palette that will be enveloped in celadon, accompanied by nude shades, wood tones, and earthy ceramics.  

Photo Credit: Stephen Karlisch (Karlisch Photo)

Robin Henry Studio, Outdoor Terrace and Pool Deck

For the Outdoor Terrace and Pool Deck, we envisioned a sophisticated and colorful party atmosphere with a mid-century twist. We were inspired by the photographs of Slim Aarons and imagined a Dallas version of his beautiful pool-centered photos of rich, witty and charismatic characters. There are certainly plenty of those in Dallas! To that end we created a preppy and glamorous tent in the center of the property furnished with 1960’s Danish low lounge furniture, a wonderful bar lined with mirrored trellis, a custom canopied daybed featuring lots of monograms and toweling and tassels, a comfortable dining area, and color galore. Backgammon in the pool, anyone? 

Photo Credit: Stephen Karlisch (Karlisch Photo)

Traci Connell Interiors, Martini Muse

Traci Connell’s space within Kips Bay Decorator Show House Dallas, is uniquely tucked away but exquisitely found by those seeking a refuge to rest their feet or refresh a martini. Directly off the poolside veranda, this is a space of fanciful relaxation and, above all, luxury. It invites guests to enjoy its peaceful, sophisticated, and unforeseen glamour from the comfort of home. Far more than a pool bar and bath, the goal of the design was to create an ever-evolving story that is left up to the imagination of the guest. Through a luscious Arte hand painted wallcovering, the scene envelops you in warm tones of blush and basil depicting a whimsical woodland of frolicking animals amongst weeping foliage. Each panoramic or decor immerses the guests in a fairy-tale moment as the fascination is let loose to run wild with fun elements of cocktails sprinkled throughout. The bar beckons the guests to take a moment to relax as their spirits (both figuratively and literally) soar. Beneath the leather sconces, brass shelving sits atop fluted cabinets where all the mid-evening or mid-brunch provisions are perfectly positioned for a quick pour, or a child seeking a sweet treat. Beyond an arched opening is the most intimate part of the mystical muse, the formal powder room. Basil green continues to flow into this space as a recurring characteristic. Rather than a simple paint, the walls come to life with aid from a gemstone illusion wallcovering that looks as if it's in motion, bringing a calming atmosphere to the space. A canopy of flowing sun hats is creatively hung from the sophisticated toilet room as a surprising element for the curious mind. Let the eye wander through a utopia of untouched oasis and explore animalia details throughout, or simply relax in the cozy corner with a martini before rejoining the poolside fun  

Photo Credit: Stephen Karlisch (Karlisch Photo)

Yates Design, Inner Circle

To create their immersive space, Yates Desygn’s Bryan and Mike Yates drew on their guiding design philosophy of conceptualizing rooms that visually delight and enhance the homeowner’s lifestyle. Inspired by prohibition-era speakeasies, their room, dubbed Inner Circle for its innate exclusivity, provides a dedicated place to unwind and entertain. It was imperative to the Yates team that the home’s subterranean level be celebrated, as so few Dallas residences include this feature. Alair Homes expertly executed the room’s build, bringing their vision to life.      As visitors descend the stairwell into the space, they are immediately surrounded by sumptuous, suede walls hand-painted in a graphic neutral and Bordeaux-colored pattern, created in collaboration with Ever Atelier. At the bottom of the stairs, the expansive room, swathed in a correlating wallcovering and richly stained wood, contains three distinct areas: a cozy living space, kitchen, and dedicated game table. The windowless room’s intrinsic intimacy and moodiness are balanced with moments of refreshment found in the carefully curated furniture selections.   

Photo Credit: Stephen Karlisch (Karlisch Photo)