MY FAVORITE 2015 KIPS BAY SHOWHOUSE MOMENTS: MARK D. SIKES PATTERN ON PATTERN
Classic design never goes out of style. A resurgence of traditional design is upon us, where designers are showing a return to traditional, classic roots, reminiscent of the High English Style that is familiar from the 1980's, when chintz and cozy bridgewater sofas reigned supreme. Take for example the room of LA-based interior designer Mark D. Sikes at this year's Kips Bay Designer Showhouse. Done wall-to-wall in cheery red and white gingham checks and one of the most classic Bennison textiles, the English floral, Malabar, Sikes infused the dining room with pops of vivid color, important antiques, and classic blue and white porcelain. Using style icon Marella Agnelli's wicker-dotted interiors as his inspiration, the dining room he designed provided the opportunity to show his wicker furniture collaboration with Soane Britain. Creating a space with old-world touches, natural materials and decorative accessories lighten the mix of fine period antiques. I see it as an homage to the great Renzo Mongiardino, with the use of continuous pattern on pattern for dramatic effect. Ahead, an interior where more is more and what's old is new again.
The dining table set with William Yeoward cut crystal, blue and white china and pretty roses
The scheme coming together, as shared on his instagram, @markdsikes
Schumacher's Portsmouth, Elton and Camden cotton check fabrics are broken up by red painted paneling and chair rails. A Neoclassical Cabinet is centered on the long wall of the room with an 18th century landscape painting above it.
Two striped banquettes covered in Soane's Fez red and white linear fabric provide seating areas in the corners. As you know, diminutive chairs are my thing, so this small slipper chair with a lattice base and ties up the back is my cup of tea.
A leather topped Gueridon table holds a rose, matchstriker and ashtray in a throwback moment since so few people smoke anymore, but the accoutrements are attractive looking.
In the opposite corner is a matching banquette, with the wall decor mirroring the far wall with matching white brackets and blue and white vases. Symmetry is always helpful to create harmony in a large, pattern-filled space.
Soane's Lily Lounge Chair with undulating rattan base covered in Brunschwig and Fils Bengali print would be the perfect reading spot, since it gets the bright day light coming in from the balcony doors.
Every corner has a sitting area, making this dining room a place to linger and stay awhile
A corner of the marble-topped console to the right of the fireplace is used for a bar set up. A zingy red Christopher Spitzmiller Zig Zag Lamp adds a sculptural form to the surface.
In the same way that I love small chairs I love small end tables. This cute Drum Table from his Lily Collection for Soane provides a spot for a drink. To create a less formal air, Sikes layered an antique Agra carpet over a casual braided sisal from Merida.