KIPS BAY DS

Louise Cronan Erects an Upscale Loggia for Kips Bay

Interior design veteran Louise Cronan relies on a traditional, classic style in her work that has undeniably stood the test of time over her 37-plus year career. For the 2019 Kips Bay Decorator Show House in Palm Beach, her signature aesthetic was on full display once again in the outdoor loggia space.

2019 © Nickolas Sargent Photography

“I saw the space, and I knew I wanted it to be a room that says ‘Come on in and sit down!’ It’s a space where real life occurs,” Cronan explained to House Tipster.

Since it’s located outdoors, the beauty of the space speaks for itself, but Cronan elevated the vibe with some of her favorite design tools and inspiration from designers of yesteryear such as Elsie de Wolfe.

For starters, she wanted to find a way to use the iconic Tillett fabric, first made popular in the mid-century by big names like Jacqueline Kennedy and Billy Baldwin. Cronan chose her favorite Tillett pattern and used indoor/outdoor fabric to ensure the seating was durable enough to withstand the elements.

2019 © Nickolas Sargent Photography

The Billy Baldwin Turkish Ottomans, on lend from the estate, also feature the same stunning pattern.

Rounding out the room are rattan garden seats and a custom vintage-look sofa, which give the room a touch of whimsy and wit.

2019 © Nickolas Sargent Photography

Cronan is the first one to admit that she’s not inclined to go “over the top” when it comes to design, even in a show home like this one. Instead, she tends to always steer toward classic looks with splashes of color in corals and blues. However, you’ll never find beige or taupe in her spaces. “I cannot stand beige,” she reinforced.

The result here at Kips Bay is a loggia made for real living. “I felt it could be a room where you could come up, have a drink, sit with your friends, play games, do puzzles, sit, read, and enjoy nature.”

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