Kips Bay Decorator Show House

Reframed Foyer

As a second-time Kips Bay Show House participant, Bennett Leifer Interiors sought to push design boundaries beyond their signature aesthetic (which inspired the 2015 room). This year, the firm collaborated with a favorite artisan, Edward Fields Carpet Makers, in what is essentially a love letter to the brand and the art of carpet making. Over an intimate dinner in Paris, Bennett pitched the idea of a completely carpeted room to the Edward Fields team, and immediately a creative spark was ignited. Bennett was instantly entranced by Edward Fields' quote referencing the floor as "The Fifth Wall", an indication that the floor decoration is just as important as the rest of the envelope-therefore, inspiring the fully-carpeted concept.

As the idea developed, favorite archive patterns - Rebound and Computations - were selected to outfit every facet of the space: floor, stairs, walls, niche, furniture, as well as accent the ceiling. The trick was unifying patterns and materials in a thoughtful and seamless manner that made a unique statement. Within the recessed niche, an overall gridded pattern flows into a pixilated mirror frame. The design also transitions into a beautiful curvilinear pattern on the walls to the floor and ceiling that draws the eye to where the lighting is swagged in unison with the fringe. Inspired by biscuit-tufting upholstery, the accent chair is made of tufted silk and carpet fringe. The door casings are carved carpet, modeled after a proper wood molding profile. Even the signage is crafted out of carpet—furthermore showcasing the breadth of this dynamic craft’s capabilities.

Known for using all-natural sculptural carpets in their residential projects, Bennett Leifer Interiors sought to break the standards of how carpet is traditionally utilized and challenge the creative capabilities of the textile in an unexpected way. The intellectual design pursuit includes a palette of metal tones in contrast to exclusive use of soft materials and lighting that follows the carpet form as it swags across the ceiling.

To Bennett Leifer Interiors, design is about exploration intertwined with education, and life is about evolution. Visitors are invited to step into a new design world and discover unique and unexpected perspectives and applications of this beautiful art form. Our hope is to inspire the consideration of reframing deserving or underutilized aspects universally.

Visit the Kips Bay Showhouse between May 2nd and May 28th 2024, and purchase your ticket here.