Photography by Sarah Linden Photography
I have a deep, abiding love for quirky and unconventional spaces so I was thrilled to have the opportunity to create and transform a small space for the Kips Bay Decorator Show House in November. [Each of the showhouses has offered a chance to explore design in different shapes and forms while also showcasing the timeless yet contemporary sensibility that SHID brings to every project.]
My sister and I made the installation into a family adventure with a roadtrip down to Texas. Almost everything, except for the bespoke sofa, was able to fit into my car! We first stopped in Nashville to pick up an antique table and visit the Grand Ole Opry!
After a pause at Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage, we continued down to Dallas. Since my space was being carved out of the kitchen and pantry, we had a shorter timeline before the showhouse’s opening day but the opportunity to really play!
Photography by Sarah Linden Photography
I chose to create a custom-build nook with a sleek glass backdrop so that the room wouldn’t feel like a pass-through between other rooms, but rather a place where time and company could be savored.
My design, aptly named “Tea for Tea,” was inspired by spaces at Tryon Palace in North Carolina as well as 18th century English and colonial tearooms. These rooms, once reserved for reading, taking tea, and playing cards as well as for engaging in philosophical discussions, are the perfect remedy for our plugged in, tech-obsessed times!
I incorporated my signature color palette by using soft blue pastels with bold punches of green when selecting fabrics. The luxe sofa served as the room’s anchor and was 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.
Photography by Sarah Linden Photography
As always, we combined the old and the new! In addition to custom-designing a tea cart featuring the Union Jack, we created the room’s focal point by commissioning a custom art frame that echoes the shape of French Mansard dormers and includes a Dana Gibson-crafted snow leopard painting.
We snagged a few taxidermied tie backs at an antique store and framed old pocket watches from my own collection for a cool wall accessory. Because every surface deserves thought and care, we added intrigue to the ceiling by featuring a giant oyster shell and covering the trey ceiling with a starry pattern from Palm Orleans.
Photography by Sarah Linden Photography
I deeply enjoyed the experience of creating a space that removed technology, encouraged conversation, and invited visitors to relish small yet potent pleasures like tea and cards with loved ones.
I was so proud to be a part of this showhouse, especially since all proceeds benefit the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club, currently serving 10,000 youths throughout the Bronx. Kips Bay partnered with local Dallas nonprofit Dwell with Dignity to support their efforts serving 14,000 North Texans each year through family home installations as well as designs and makeovers for Dallas schools, nonprofits, and civic organizations.
Kips Bay Dallas 2023 showhouse interior design by Sara Hillery Interior Design, featuring luxury tea-room inspired spaces, custom furnishings, antique layering, and curated residential design concepts for high-end homes.