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Seasonal Cheer: Top Picks from Holiday House NYC 2014

Hello Fabulistas! One of my favorite showhouses, Holiday House NYC 2014, is now open to the public. The Holiday House gala was last week and it’s now open to the public for the next few weeks. It is a stunning house filled with fabulous rooms designed by some of the industry’s top interior designers. Holiday House was founded in 2008 and raises awareness and funds for The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. It was started by the inimitable Iris Dankner. Inspired design and a great cause… it’s a must see! Holiday House is located in the Academy Mansion at 2 East 63rd Street and is open now through December 21st. For more information click here!

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Here is a sneak peek at some of my favorites!

You can always count on Michael Tavano for a stunning and dramatic room. His holiday-themed room is “Le Quatorze Julliet,” the French National Independence Day. Using furnishings from Roche Bobois, Michael created a spectacular space. Inspired by Balmain’s Fall 2014 runway collection, Michael hand macramed one-of-a-kind window treatments. His room was full of other interesting details, including luxuriously draped walls using fabric by JAB Anstoetz, his hand-made tiebacks, and art from the Kate Shin gallery.

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The one and only Patrick Hamilton never ceases to amaze me! His “Derby Deconstructed” room is spot on! He managed to weave subtle references to the Kentucky Derby and horseracing throughout his beautifully designed room. The result is a glamorous—and not at all kitschy—take on a theme. Patrick’s creativity comes through with every detail… great job Patrick!

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FYI, I introduced Patrick to one of my favorite contractors, Vlad Tomasevic of TGC Contracting Corp., to help him bring his masterpiece to fruition. After all, great design starts with a good foundation!

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Matthew Patrick Smyth celebrated Schumacher’s 125th anniversary for his Holiday House room. The room was inspired by the Schumacher trim he used down the leading edge of the curtains. Matthew’s attention to detail and sense of restraint always creates an elegant yet dramatic statement.

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Iris Dankner is the founder and co-chair of Holiday House, the force behind it all! Her room, "Bridal Suite," is fit for any bride-to-be!

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Linherr Hollingsworth had the daunting task of designing the second-floor landing. Surprisingly, it was her first choice, and seeing it finished, I can see why. She created a dramatic, sophisticated space for her “Gala at the Musee” themed landing, using beautifully chosen paintings from RH Contemporary Art, her own “Parisian Ribbon” wall sconces, and custom faux-stone wallcovering to match the existing limestone walls. You cannot see the difference between the original limestone and the wallcovering. Kudos to Linherr!

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Ally Coulter‘s “A Roman Holiday” is deep-toned, rich, and absolutely decadent. Truly la dolce vita! The lighting, art, throws, and accessories transport you into a very special world of old-world elegance. Of course, what room isn’t complete without a red Vespa? Fabulous all around, Ally!

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“Gallery Hopping in Miami” by Justin Shaulis brings the excitement of Miami Art Week to the Holiday House with his art-inspired room located in the fourth-floor ballroom. The room is grand, and perfectly situated to give that art gallery vibe.

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Taylor Hannah Architects set the tone for this year’s Holiday House with the entry foyer. Dee Dee Eustace Taylor collaborated with ABC Carpet and Home to create a room inspired by Versaille’s Hall of Mirrors. Her interpretation has a modern spin, using oversized antiqued mirrors, beautiful glass sconces, and ethnic-inspired fabric on upholstery with modern silhouettes.

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Louis Navarrete set quite a dramatic mood in his “Mischievous Night” room. His moody pallete includes sequined tulle on the windows and day bed, a shipwreck-inspired chandelier by Warren Muller, and deep blue walls to complete the look.

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This intricately detailed French-style room is by Guillaume Gentet. This was a very personal project for him. Last year he designed the first floor courtyard, which was also where he got married to his husband, David Carpenter. This year he celebrated their first anniversary by designing this room, inspired by the Hotel de Crillon in Paris.

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In celebration of Baccarat’s 250th anniversary, Amy Lau created a crystal fantasy in her “Winter Wonderland Celebration!” The chandeliers, the table settings, and yes, even the chairs, were by Baccarat. The pop of red punctuates the opulence of the room… you don’t get more opulent than Baccarat!

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Holiday House is a not-to-miss event. It’s your chance to see top designers work at their best while supporting the important Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Give yourself a treat and make the time to go!

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