Kips bay dALLAS
Sara Hillery Interior Design created a tearoom installation for the 2023 Kips Bay Decorator Show House Dallas, one of the country’s most prestigious designer showhouses. The space, titled “Tea for Two,” blends British and French design influences with playful color and layered textures, creating an intimate gathering space inspired by historic European tea rooms.
Sara Hillery Interior Design transformed a hallway space into an intimate tearoom in the 2023 Kips Bay Decorator Show House Dallas. Sara’s space – aptly named “Tea for Two” - is a nod to 18th-century English tearooms dedicated to people socializing and engaging in philosophical discussions with a chic twist. Sara sought to design a space that intentionally promotes personal relationships over screen time and wanted to establish a place for guests to gather in person and foster meaningful conversation. Recently, Sara took a day trip to Tryon Palace in New Bern, North Carolina – and became captivated by the places in the Georgian-style capitol that were once reserved for reading, taking tea, and playing cards. Inspired by an appreciation for French bed alcoves, Sara carved out a niche reminiscent of classical pediments to house a luxe green velvet sofa and bespoke decorative frame.
Acting as the room’s anchor, this sofa is balanced by two smaller British colonial bamboo tables and a pair of French chairs to encourage one-on-one discussion and create a relaxed environment. Here, Sara incorporated a reflective glass wall to add texture and a hint of modern elegance while the surrounding rich French oak walls give the space a cozy, casual ambiance. A cheery wallpapered ceiling paired with a classic checkered marble and limestone floor helps the space to feel simultaneously fresh and historic. Drawing inspiration from the playful drapery fabric, Sara developed a simple color palette that combines soft blue pastels with bold punches of green. Striking a whimsical balance between contemporary and traditional design, this pattern is carried over onto the focal point of the room: the custom art frame resonant with French Mansard dormers. Delicate accessories and a custom tea cart continue to infuse British influence throughout the tearoom.