Move over, Midtown: New York’s latest design pulse beats in Greenwich Village, where the 50th annual Kips Bay Decorator Show House has cracked open its gilded doors for a centennial of next-level creativity—and, frankly, a glimpse into your future living room. The experts have spoken, and they’re reshuffling the deck for 2025 with bold colors, statement ceilings, reimagined naturals, and a healthy dose of philanthropic flair. Ready for five home design trends poised to shake up everything next year?
Gilded Glamor: Brass and Gold Make a Comeback
- Step aside, chrome—brass and gold accents are shining brighter than ever. Cathy Cherry, founder of Purple Cherry Architecture & Interiors, literally turned the stairwell ceiling to gold, putting a dramatic spin on this revived metallic wave.
- She’s not alone at the golden gates. In the Show House’s kitchen, Christopher Peacock used brass hardware to infuse a “handsome and sexy” feel, channeling the vibe of an intimate speakeasy. Forget classic white or cream with polished nickel—think Midas touch, like the echo of an old trumpet wafting through a downtown courtyard.
Designers are moving decisively away from cooler chrome toward warm, inviting brasses and golds, making rooms feel both contemporary and timeless.
The Ceiling Is the New Feature Wall
- Why should four walls have all the fun? Jim Dove splashed a vibrant kaleidoscope across a ceiling, Leyden Lewis opted for playful waves, and Corey Damen Jenkins went full pixel-art, turning the literal upper limit of the room into an artistic escape.
- Jenkins reminds us a room has six walls, not four. The ceiling, he argues, is often the only plane left unobstructed—primed for dramatic effect, especially when paired with a dazzling chandelier (like the Baccarat stunner in his dining room).
The result? Guests look up, conversation starts, and suddenly that ceiling isn’t just a neglected afterthought. Statement ceilings are officially the new conversation piece.
Florals, Branches, and a Fresh Take on Nature
- Florals may be a décor classic, but the Kips Bay Show House managed to make even seasoned petal fans do a double take. Cherry played with two oversized floral patterns on the stairs; Ben Pentreath introduced petite, delicate Morris & Co. blooms in the drawing room.
- Even those weary of petals were treated to a new twist: branches as motifs. Jenkins brought in blooming branches with a fresco, while Jennifer Cohler Mason chose a hand-painted Gracie wallcovering imbued with forest energy—nature, but make it art.
It’s a refreshed connection to Mother Nature, with patterns both bold and understated, proving that organic inspiration still has new blooms left in it.
Lighter Woods and Surprising Color Combos
- Dark woods like walnut and mahogany are making space for their lighter cousins. Alessandra Branca opted for soft-grained woods, while Eve Robinson wrapped her suite in unbleached oak, achieving spaces that feel brighter and more expansive.
- Robinson summed it up: the light oak flooring “reflects the light and makes the room feel fresh and bright.” The overall effect is chic, modern, and open—just what the design doctor ordered.
- As for color, forget black and white. Blue and tan are the new classics, gracing rooms by Robinson, Pentreath, Vicente Wolf, and James Thomas. Chicago’s James Dolenc compares it to a navy blazer and khaki pants—unfussy, stylishly timeless, and just bold enough to stand out without shouting.
With materials and palettes shifting in unexpected ways, interiors are becoming both more inviting and more memorable.
In sum, the Kips Bay Decorator Show House New York isn’t just an annual feast for the eyes (and a boon for the Bronx’s youth): it’s where tomorrow’s biggest trends take root. From gilded ceilings to floral art redefined, and from airy wood finishes to a fresh twist on blue and tan, 2025’s homes promise surprise and personality in every corner. So go ahead—look up, lighten up, and don’t be afraid to reach for gold. Your space (and your guests’ wandering eyes) will thank you.
Based in New York, Josh is the creative mind behind Lanco Handmade Furniture.
Passionate about timeless design and fine craftsmanship, he transforms high-quality materials into pieces that are both functional and artful.
With a keen eye for detail and a love for natural textures, Josh creates furniture meant to bring warmth, character, and lasting beauty to any space.
