FEILD TRIP: PALM BEACH
Always looking for a quick girl’s getaway, I was thrilled to learn the 2024 Kips Bay Decorator Show House was happening in Palm Beach. Having been to past shows, I couldn’t wait to hop in the car and head south with my tribe. Enlisting “Access” Editor, Hayley Hill, and woman of impeccable taste, Patricia Hall, we set our sights on the show and all Palm Beach has to offer.
By Charlotte Kilborn Carey
With visions of bamboo, palm fronds, and endless shades of pink, we began our journey to the famed Worth Avenue. We even teased Pat that we’d leave her at one of the yacht-filled marinas we passed until she found a husband. After a good laugh and solid protest, we wound our way through the perfectly pruned community that was giving us Beverly Hills meets the tropics vibes. We literally gasped at the sea of coiffed hedges as we found ourselves steps from the ocean on the avenue lined in palm trees and dripping in luxury boutiques and al fresco dining options.
After passing endless beautiful window displays of fine jewelry, Aerin, founded by Aerin Lauder, was our first stop. The shop offers curated collections from the world of beauty, fashion, and home décor, as well as a stunning garden. A photoshoot ensued. Naturally, we stopped into the decadent Ralph Lauren store where we were mesmerized by everything. A coral filled fireplace topped with classic art showed a timeless approach to coastal style as did the garden laden with white monogramed pillows and orchids.
Of course, no Palm Beach visit would be complete without a trip to Lilly Pulitzer as some say she created its iconic aesthetic. Often referred to as Palm Beach’s “Queen of Prep,” the vivid colors, stripes and tropical patterns seen everywhere began with her famous shift dress. According to “Town and Country” magazine, it all started in 1958 when she became a newly married heiress and a mother. Feeling like she might have a nervous breakdown, Lily did what any wealthy twenty-something would do — she checked herself into a mental health facility. Lilly herself joked, “In the old days, we used to call it Bloomingdale’s.” Setting up a fruit stand afterwards, she needed something to wear, and the rest is history.
Of course, we shopped until we dropped into a delightful restaurant to enjoy a cocktail, the beautiful people, and a stunning patio. Wondering why we hadn’t come sooner, we headed to the famous oceanfront Breakers Hotel for a look around. Founded in 1896, industry tycoons and socialites began flocking there to enjoy the Gilded Age mansion. Year after year, the resort beckoned the glitterati and the guest register read like a “who’s who” of early 20th-century America: Rockefellers, Vanderbilts, Astors, Andrew Carnegie and J.P. Morgan, vacationing alongside U.S. presidents and European nobility. Worn out by fabulousness, we headed to our matching pajamas for a good night’s sleep.
Whether you never tire of design trends or just love modern coastal décor, the Kips Bay Decorator Show House always inspires. Side by side with the ladies who lunch, we arrived ready for anything and stayed for hours.
We were happily greeted by rich gem-like hues designer Nadia Watts used to swath the entryway. Inspired by a brooch from the Tiffany Archives, the custom rug paired with playful art and accessories punched up the space perfectly.
As we meandered, we were elated to see modern takes on what most expected to be a nod to the retro styles of the 50s, 60s, and 70s. While they were present, not one designer took the easy road. We especially appreciated all the pattern at play. From florals, bugs and botanicals to classic stripes and a custom Belle de Nuit pattern, the imaginations were on point. For example, Pat and I adored Tristan Harstan’s dining room that boasted hand-painted de Gournay wallcoverings, especially when paired with the Scalamandré fabric on the chair backs.
The blue and white theme continued in various shades, especially in the bedrooms. Mother-daughter design duo, Cindy Rinfret and Taylor Stebbins worked with a local artist to hand-paint and embellish the canopy and custom de Gournay panels.
If you’re like Hayley, you would have flipped for the space designed by Betsy Wentz. From the Sanderson wallpaper to the custom bar with turquoise-green quartzite, this parlor proves too much pattern is never enough. Of course, tonal trends of soothing greens, blues and neutrals made the cut as well. As coastal girls, we naturally fell for designer Jonathan Savage. An absolute doll, the maritime flag inspired fabric that he chose to cover the library chair and windows left us wanting to sit and read.
The outdoor spaces did not disappoint. Designer Chole Warner tented the first floor terrace in her peony chintz fabric and added the chicest game table we’ve ever seen. Ariel Okin outfitted the upstairs terrace with cozy vignettes shaded by trellises that we coveted. But perhaps our favorite was the women’s sitting room that had a laugh out loud “Valley of the Dolls” inspired dresser stocked with vodka, pills, and cigarettes.
With our spirits high, we treated ourselves to brunch the next day at Swifty’s in the famed Colony Hotel. Drenched in pink, the hotel is as chic and lavish as it was when it opened in 1947. Also referred to as “Pink Paradise,” it’s impeccably decorated in that timeless pink and green style we all crave and it’s easy to imagine former guests like Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra, and Sophia Loren sitting by the pool sipping frothy cocktails.
We hated to leave and with a promise to return, we piled into the car and headed home. Naturally, we had to make a mid-way stop at Palm Beach Regency, a vintage shop specializing in pieces with Old Florida charm. The rattan and bamboo pieces had us on a design high but at last, we mentally decorated and laughed all the way home. Enjoy the inspiration and be sure to never underestimate the power of a girl’s trip!
