Nickolas Sargent
Nothing screams summer quite like a splash of color, and the designers who decked out this year’s fourth annual Kips Bay Decorator Show House Palm Beach (on view virtually and in-person through May 9) went all in. From Alexandra Naranjo’s floral fantasia bathroom and Nina Magon’s all-pink boudoir, to Ellen Kavanaugh’s second-story terrace bar that oozes ’70s beach club glamour, the entire 4,400-square-foot villa in West Palm Beach, Florida, gives a playful wink to the carefree days of sunshine season. So if you’re like us and your wanderlust has hit an all-time high, read on as we take you through our 10 favorite spaces in the beachside fantasy home. Consider it an excuse to celebrate high season early because we could all use some lazy, hazy summer vibes right now.
When fledgling interior designer and first-time home buyer
Augusta Hoffman was looking for a slice of New York to call her own, she had her sights set on Manhattan’s East Village, for its vibrant soul and historic architecture. But, Hoffman says with a laugh, “Of course, I found a place that was the antithesis of that.”
The abode in question, a contemporary, new-construction condo, lacked the prewar charm of its neighbors, but Hoffman saw potential in its bare walls, open-concept kitchen, and tall ceilings and opted to take the plunge. “It was the perfect blank canvas,” she says.
A bright red runner greets guests in the entry hall of Augusta Hoffman’s Manhattan apartment. Built-in shelves and cabinets provide much-needed storage.
See How an ELLE Decor Editor Revamped Her Rental Bathroom
Follow these renter-friendly hacks to transform a drab bathroom into a chic sanctuary. Laurel J. Benedum One of the many lessons the last year has taught us is the importance of reconnecting with our homes, a sentiment that feels especially relevant as we wait out the final dregs of winter. And after having tackled some serious renovations on the rest of my apartment, I couldn’t fight the urge to troubleshoot my bathroom too.
As you could guess, the setup was much like your workaday Manhattan rental, leaving
a lot to be desired. From faux marble tile to its yellow-tinged palette, the list of unfortunate design choices was lengthy. And while certain elements, like the college dorm–esque mirrors and fluorescent lighting, were non-negotiable, I knew that a few key changes could completely revamp the space. If you’re in a similar boat or simply looking for a bit of inspiration read on for my tips and tricks to make
Lotte New York Palace Hotel
If you’ve never checked out of a hotel wishing you could take up residence à la Eloise, then you’ve never stayed in the Ultimate Sleep Suite at the Lotte New York Palace. It may not be “pink, pink, pink,” but I can bet that Eloise herself would pack up all of her Dior and demand a change of address after one look inside this impeccably appointed space.
Despite having lived in Manhattan for more than six years, I never tire of doing touristy things especially taking trips to iconic New York hotels. Even pre-pandemic, I always had a fondness for staycations: When the city wears you down, there is nothing better than abandoning your tiny apartment for the weekend to live in the lap of luxury. And the Palace has long been at the top of my staycation list. I’m also a self-confessed devotee of all things