Kips Bay Show House in Dallas

5 years ago

Hi, there. I just came across this article about a design show house, the Kips Bay Show House in Dallas, that I feel compelled to share here. While it's not exactly my style, it's one of the most impressive examples of interior design I've ever seen; and one thing I especially appreciated was the way it integrates fine art into the decor – so often I see design struggling to fill visual voids, when carefully-selected art could add so much more. Take a look and you'll see what I mean: https://glasstire.com/2020/10/13/local-art-in-the-show-house-kips-bay-does-dallas/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Tuesday%2010-13-20&utm_content=Tuesday%2010-13-20+CID_65c7f0595498d3ea6c2e3c28d046b139&utm_source=Email%20marketing%20software&utm_term=Local%20Art%20in%20the%20Show%20House%20Kips%20Bay%20Does%20Dallas

(Note: I am an artist but have no art or design in this house and no business relationship with any of the designers, artists, or others involved with the house or its decor.)

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User

5 years ago

last modified: 5 years ago

Thanks for sharing - although, I must say that this house seems to be the very summation of the year 2020 in all its upsetting forms. I find everything I saw unsettling to the point of having a strongly negative visceral reaction to it all. I can usually find some redeeming quality in a show house, but not in this one. I love art, and I have a special place in my heart for the unexpected, but this just feels deliberately provocative ... and not in a good way. It's odd and oppressive, IMO. Possibly suited to a gallery exhibition, but displayed in a home? Not so much. It just doesn't work for me. -- Or perhaps I don't fully grasp the intent of the "show house", but it seems to have been turned into tumultuous artistic expression in this instance. Kinda like "IN YOUR FACE" at a time when we are already drowning in all manner of bad stuff.

Just my $.02, and I fully understand that many will disagree with my take on it. That's ok.

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Comments (9)

sushipup1
5 years ago
Ida, you said it perfectly. Strong negative reaction here, too.
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Carolyn S.
Original Author
5 years ago
I know what you mean – like I said, not my style. I thought of Edward Gorey's graphic works, if you're familiar with those – a sort of intricate, darkly beautiful, Dickensian world; or a set for a Tim Burton movie; and I agree it can be read as a reflection of our times! But all that said, for the style it is, I do think it's beautifully done; and I do love that they incorporated really fine art that, to my mind, adds a great deal both visually and conceptually.

Each room was designed/curated by different people, intended to showcase their skill or what they offer; and the show is also a fundraiser for several childrens' charities.
User
5 years ago
I totally get that, but I wonder why they made the obviously conscious choice to focus on the dark and gloomy, when the vast majority of us are so desperate for the slightest little ray of sunshine. This was, IMO, a swing and a miss.
Carolyn S.
Original Author
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Well, to speculate wildly with a theory I wouldn't care to have to prove, I do think the show is aimed at very rich people, who might either feel safer than most of us and/or who, I've wondered, might unconsciously be acting out a Freudian "death drive." And yes, I do think the show works more as an art project than as decor you'd want to duplicate.
My3dogs ME zone 5A
5 years ago
I agree with Ida, too, as there were no 'ideas' that I saw that I'd like to try in my house, to the extent that I'd want to leave the Show house quickly.

But Carolyn sums it up very well - "And yes, I do think the show works more as an art project than as décor you'd want to duplicate."
Carolyn S. thanked My3dogs ME zone 5A
User
5 years ago
Interesting take on it, Carolyn. You may be on to something.
Jilly
5 years ago
I like the Jan Showers room (I always do) and the bathroom with clawfoot tub. Love the pool/backyard.

The other rooms feel very disjointed to me, as if I’m in several different homes.
Carolyn S. thanked Jilly
Carolyn S.
Original Author
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Agreed, @Jinx, re- "disjointed," although they apparently tried to some degree to harmonize with each other. Fwiw, I also assume they were trying to harmonize with the exterior of the house, which looks a bit "witchy" to me.