As soon as you walk into the 2018 Kips Bay Decorator Show House in Manhattan, you are greeted with Michael Herold’s enchanting entryway. This space may be in the middle of a busy and hectic New York City, but as soon as you shut the door behind you, guests are instantly transported into a far-off countryside.
The accomplished interior designer is returning for a second year to the annual showcase, which brings together artists across disciplines, and benefits the fine work of the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club. House Tipster spoke with Michael Herold at the VIP house unveiling event, where we learned all about the story behind this impressive foyer.
“My goal for this space was to create a lasting first impression,” the designer tells us exclusively. “I wanted to transport guests the moment they walk in the door. I did this goal by installing this amazing wallpaper by Iksel Decorative Arts. They are based in London, and it’s a husband and wife team that takes 17th century paintings and transform them into these digitally-printed mural wallpaper panels.”
“I love this wallpaper so much, because everywhere you look there’s something new to discover,” he adds. “There’s so many points of interest.”
The star of the show is definitely the colorful and antique-feeling wall covering, which is inspired by Nicolas Poussin 17th century landscape scenes. But using the inspiration from his recent trips to Europe, Herold also blended in modernist sculptures and art to make you feel like you have stepped in to an Old Masters painting.
“The mirrors were actually pre-existing in the space, and I personally chose to leave those panels because I love how they reflect the wallpaper and really make it feel like it goes on for infinity,” the designer shares. “I purposely chose to incorporate some pops of pattern and contrasting colors [throughout the furniture].”
“Center stage is this Alexander McQueen rug by The Rug Company, which has a great butterfly pattern, which I purposely chose to represent the metamorphosis that takes place here at Kips Bay Show House,” he adds.
Walking through the vastly different floors of the Show House is definitely a transformative experience, and Michael Herold’s work perfectly sets the tone for this year’s dazzling showcase.
Tipster TV has released the full video coverage from our special interview, be sure to check it out below.
