Kips Bay Decorator Show House Palm Beach: My 2021 Favorites and Why I’m Going in 2026
I’m pretty sure you read the title of this blog post and thought, “Really, Shalanda? Five years ago???”
Listen, Linda. I know we should have chatted about this event back in 2021. But now that the Kips Bay Decorator Show House Palm Beach 2026 dates have been announced, what better time than the present to yap about how this is one of my favorite annual fundraiser events to attend.
What is the Kips Bay Decorator Show?
The Kips Bay Decorator Show House began in 1973 in New York City as a way to support the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club. The concept is simple but magical: top interior designers are each assigned a room (or outdoor space) in a home and given free rein to bring their vision to life. In 2017 the Kips Bay Decorator Show House expanded to Palm Beach and most recently concluded it’s 8th edition in February 2025.
What Did I Wear to the 2021 Kips Bay Decorator Show in Palm Beach?
Because I know inquiring minds are dying to know.
Okay. Perhaps that was an exaggeration but can’t you tell how excited I am to talk about my look and this home?!
My jumper and jacket are both thrifted. I wanted to wear something colorful and fun in the case I caught my reflection in a mirror within the home. Can’t let a great selfie moment go to waste.
My necklaces are both from a creator named Christina Fashion. Her website is currently undergoing a rebrand so I will link her Instagram and YouTube channel so you can connect with her.
My face mask, albeit a representation of the time, is from Amazon. I still own and recommend them. They come in handy during the Fall and Winter protecting me from my students’ sniffles and sneezes.
Although you can’t see my shoes, I know for a fact I was wearing my Steven Madden Dad Sandals because these shoes were my go-to during 2021. I even dedicated an entire blog post about them and ways to style them.
Enough about me. Let’s get into this home.
P.S. I didn’t take pictures of every room nor did I post all the pictures I did take because that would make this post way too long.
The “Menagerie Dining Room” by Lorna Gross
The whimsical feel of this design was breathtaking. From the dramatic gold leaf and rattan chandelier to the brass hardware, this dining room was curated for your modern day Disney Princess. My favorite details were the sprinkles of miniature creatures like the dragonflies on the napkin ring holders and the turtle shaped salt-and-pepper shakers.
"Laundry Meets Luxe" by HW Interiors
And luxury it is indeed. I’m not much of a laundry girlie (you can read about why I outsourced this weekly task here) but if I had a space like this I just might enjoy the process of folding clothes. The faucet and hand shower are also perfect for caring for your delicate items, an addition you don’t see too often these days.
“The Primary Closet" by Nicole White Designs
Nicole White is the reason I made sure to visit the Kips Bay House that year. I’d seen her work on Instagram and besides being in complete awe, I wanted to support and experience the creativity of another Black woman. I could live in this closet y’all. Looking at these photos all over again is inspiring me to add some LED lights to my own custom closets I had installed a few years back. The art work by Kabriah Asha is the perfect addition of Black Girl Magic but in the most elegant way.
“The Primary Bathroom” by Nicole White Designs
Described by White as “an Afro-luxe fashion adventure,” you would think you’re on an island getaway. The playful, geometric shapes added a moody vibe that made the space feel even more relaxing.
"Balneario" by Forbes and Masters
The unique color of the marble in this bathroom is something I won’t ever forget. The rainfall shower and the plant accents meshes perfectly with the modern fixtures.
"Camera Da Letto Della Contessa" (The Countess's Bedroom) by Nina Magon Studio
This is the type of bedroom I envision for my daughter: a mix of European architecture with a dash of Palm Beach glamour. I’ve always been a fan of platform beds and wall molding panels so course this was my favorite bedroom in the house.
"Interlude in Indigo: The Guest Ensuite" by Alexandra Naranjo Designs
I strongly connected with this bathroom being that, like my living room, was built around one single piece. In the case of my living room, it was an art piece of Cardi B and for Naranjo it was the indigo bathtub. Her goal was for guests to feel swept into an enchanted garden. I think she achieved that and more. I was surprised to learn that most of the items, including the bathtub, are from Kohler. It may be time for me to give that brand a little bit more attention once I get underway with my home renovations.
"Bar Mustique" by Ellen Kavanaugh Interiors
This balcony took my break away. I felt like I was an extra on the set of my favorite movie Mahogany. The custom bar by Forte Fine Cabinetry tied in wonderfully with the rest of the brass elements throughout the home.
Walking back through these rooms, even five years later, I’m reminded of why the Kips Bay Decorator Show House means so much to me. Yes, it’s beautiful. Yes, it’s nostalgic. And yes, it’s the kind of event that makes you want to rearrange every corner of your own home the moment you get back to your car. But underneath the gold-leaf chandeliers and couture-level closets, there’s something even more meaningful happening.
Every ticket sold, every dreamy moment inside these walls, helps support the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club. It’s style with purpose. Beauty that gives back. Creativity that ripples into real-life impact for the next generation. And that, to me, is what makes this event feel so special year after year.
So if you’ve ever wanted to support a cause in a way that feels both fashionable and heartfelt, the 2026 Kips Bay Decorator Show House Palm Beach is your moment. Tickets are available now, and I hope you’ll treat yourself to the experience. Wander through the rooms, soak up the inspiration, and know that with every step, you’re helping create brighter futures for kids who need it.
Maybe I’ll see you there, both of us in outfits we hope catch the right mirror at the right time.
Love your life. Live your style. And give back beautifully.
