The Kips Bay Decorator Show draws the most distinguished interior designers to reimagine and elevate some of the country’s most exquisite residences. Founded in New York as a fundraiser for the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club, the show has since expanded to Palm Beach and Dallas, offering a platform for top-tier designers to showcase their visionary talent while supporting a meaningful cause.
This year, Boston-based Kristin Paton Interiors has been selected to contribute to the Palm Beach Show House, a testament to its reputation for refined, sophisticated interiors that blend timeless grandeur with contemporary sensibilities.
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Kristin Paton, the creative force behind her firm, is known for her classically rooted approach to design, seamlessly weaving together antique elements, rich textures, and bespoke furnishings. With projects spanning from New England to Europe, her work is defined by an elegant restraint.
Selected to design both the primary closet and the adjoining balcony in this year’s show house, Kristin envisioned a seamless transition between the two, crafting distinct yet complementary spaces that exude the charm of a British West Indies retreat. In an exclusive interview with HAVEN, Kristin shared insights into the design process.
HAVEN: The Kips Bay Show House is a prestigious event in the design world. What was your role in this year’s Palm Beach showcase?
Kristin Paton: We were selected to design the second-floor primary closet and the adjoining terrace. Instead of a traditional closet, we envisioned a sophisticated dressing room with a connecting outdoor retreat —a space to enjoy a cocktail and the ocean breeze while awaiting evening plans.
HAVEN: What inspired your design approach?
Kristin Paton: It all started with a carved elephant console from F.S. Henemader. That piece set the tone for an Anglo-Indian aesthetic—classic, refined, and evocative of the British West Indies. The closet became a jewel box, swathed in high-gloss chocolate brown with a rattan-inspired ceiling treatment, a Vaughan Designs Persian lantern, and a Tuareg carpet. Outside, the terrace is more playful, featuring Circa Who peacock chairs, a shell mirror, and a straw bar for a relaxed yet polished feel.
HAVEN: Did you face any challenges?
Kristin Paton: The biggest challenge was time. Showhouses move quickly, and we had to balance this project with our client work. Fortunately, the Florida design community was generous, allowing us to incorporate extraordinary antiques.
HAVEN: You design homes across the globe. Do you have a signature style?
Kristin Paton: My foundation is in classical design, but I tailor each project to my clients’ needs. Whether contemporary or traditional, my focus is always on strong architectural bones and refined materials. I do love vacation homes like those in Nantucket and Palm Beach, where clients are more open to creative risks.
HAVEN: Is this your first time participating in the Kips Bay Show House?
Kristin Paton: Yes, and it has been an incredible experience. It’s a major time and financial commitment, but it supports a great cause and offers the opportunity to push creative boundaries. We’re honored to be part of it.
If you’re captivated by Kristin Paton’s designs and looking to bring the same level of elegance into their own homes, you can reach out at office@kristinpatoninteriors.com or call
617-491-9000 for inquiries.
