The Dressing Room from Across the Pond
Kips Bay Decorator Show House Dallas 2023
An boutique suite of sculptural elegance and quiet luxury.
Designed by Kate Kitchen, Reverie Interior Design
Featured in Veranda Magazine
A Transatlantic Invitation
As the only British designer invited to participate in the prestigious Kips Bay Decorator Show House Dallas, I created a space that was both deeply personal and quietly luxurious. Titled “The Dressing Room from Across the Pond,” the scheme drew inspiration from European elegance, British institutions, and the desire to elevate everyday rituals.
A Sanctuary for Stillness and Style
Imagined as a space to pause, prepare, and reconnect, the room is layered with soft neutrals, gilded detailing, and rich textures – an environment of intimate calm. The concept began with the wallpaper: “Waves of Wood” by Philip Jeffries. With its Deco-inspired curves and metallic inlay, the design felt symbolic – echoing the glamour of The Ned, the romance of transatlantic design, and the beauty of movement and flow.
The Dressing Room — a layered blend of British heritage and European elegance.
Crafted Function Meets Curated Beauty
At the heart of the room is a bespoke walk-in closet by California Closets, designed to maximise every inch while retaining a sense of calm and cohesion. Softly illuminated shelves, dovetailed drawers, and contemporary brass hardware bring modern functionality to a classically inspired setting.
Lighting was central to the room’s emotional atmosphere. A sculptural Italian chandelier and wall sconces by Bella Figura add quiet drama and a warm, golden glow – balancing craftsmanship with timeless beauty. These elements are paired with an antique French gilt mirror and a European chest of drawers – both sourced for their patina and timeless charm – along with a softly shimmering grasscloth ceiling and a rug by Arsin, selected for their texture, provenance, and understated beauty. Finishing details, like bespoke Italian-leather hangers by Lou Hansell, add a quiet layer of craftsmanship and care – elevating the everyday through refinement.
Design with Meaning
This room captures the essence of what interior design can do: transform the practical into something poetic. It was a privilege to bring a thread of European sensibility to Texas – a gentle blend of heritage and modernity – and to contribute to a showhouse I’ve long admired.
“A balance of contemporary and traditional elements… as sumptuous and luxurious as the modern client deserves.”
– Veranda
Custom wardrobe system by California Closets with softly lit shelving, bespoke dovetail drawers, and contemporary brass hardware. Shoes and accessories displayed like sculpture – open shelving turns daily function into elevated form.
An Antique French gilt mirror and sculptural Bella Figura chandelier bring quiet drama to the charcoal backdrop. A softly shimmering grasscloth ceiling and Italian chandelier set the tone for stillness and elegance.
Concept Collage
Design Concept Board
“Waves of Wood” wallpaper by Philip Jeffries – its Deco curves and metallic inlay reference The Ned’s glamour and the room’s transatlantic inspiration.
Visual references drawn from London institutions and continental elegance, including The Wolseley and The Connaught.
Where quiet luxury and layered design come together to elevate the everyday.
Design Approach
How did you approach the design of this space?
This project was conceived as an immersive, atmospheric environment rather than a purely decorative interior. The design focused on proportion, material contrast, and emotional tone, creating a space that felt both composed and quietly dramatic.Rather than referencing trends, the approach drew on classic architectural language, layered textures, and a restrained palette to create a room that invited pause and reflection within a highly public setting.
What were the key considerations for a showhouse environment like Kips Bay Dallas?
Designing for a showhouse requires clarity of concept and confidence of execution. The space needed to communicate a strong design narrative while remaining coherent, balanced, and liveable.Careful attention was paid to flow, sightlines, and sensory experience, ensuring the room felt resolved from multiple viewpoints while still offering moments of intimacy and detail on closer inspection.
