Inspired by great English country houses of the 1920’s, the Timothy Whealon Kips Bay Show House White Orchard Room is an updated version with a crisp American tailored sensibility. As Timothy explained, “I think bedrooms should be peaceful spaces. We created this airy and light filled refuge to escape from city life. The room is layered with references from all around the world including English, Swedish, Danish, Asian and French Art Deco pieces.”
In thinking of how to reinterpret the classic English tester in a fresh modern way, Timothy chose a Jennifer Shorto textile (available in the States through Claremont) that features the geometry he loves while subtly referencing American quilts. The pattern is echoed in the custom Madeline Weinrib rug and mixes fluently with the small Fortuny print on the modern bench Maison Gerard made for the room.
But it is the ethereal bas-relief plaster walls, masterfully executed by Osmundo Echevarria, that bestowed the room its name. With an Elsie de Wolfe aura, they are the perfect foil for pale elegant furnishings including a pair of original Billy Haines lamps and James Mont style Asian inspired side tables from Gerald Bland.
Since the room has no view, Timothy layered the windows with a beautiful sheer from Schumacher that lets light in with exotic references to the trellis design on Moroccan windows.
The White Orchard theme further resonates with a fabulous 1970’s brass Italian lamp from Maison Gerard, making a stylish statement next to a French Art Deco maple love seat from Newel.
The art of the mix is evident with Marie Suri’s artistic fireplace screen and andirons from Liz O’Brien, a vintage print of an Arthur Elgort 1980’s Lacroix fashion shoot for House & Garden from Staley Wise (in a 1940’s frame Timothy chose from Gill & Lagodich),
and the ever charming petal sconces from Soane fitted with shades of Claremont fabric.
A Clarence House velvet anchors a tufted ottoman topped with an eclectic mix
and a stately Danish baroque mid-18th century vitrine from Dienst + Dotter serves as a cabinet of curiosities filled with alluring organic finds from Creel & Gow.
Inspired by the 30’s and 40’s for a sophisticated traveler, the White Orchard Room might have been an appropriate respite for timeless tastemakers such as Doris Duke, Cecil Beaton or Francis Elkins, whose design is the inspiration for the Frances Arm Chair, from Liz O’Brien Editions, below. Upholstered with a handwoven Chapas Textile and backed with the rooms’s signature pattern, the chair takes on a new life in its modern iteration.
all photos by Stacey Bewkes for Quintessence
Just as these style mavens knew that the juxtaposition of styles and periods make for distinctive design, so the White Orchard Room makes it mark.
Thank you Quintessence for posting such wonderful photographs of our fabric Night Flying Bird in Timothy Whealon’s great project.
Inspired.
That urn and sconces and this room is fabulous!! franki
Thanks for the magnificent previews Stacey! You brighten each and every day for me. 😘
Interesting post. In love with the Maison Gerard lamp and the fireplace screen from Liz O’Brian.
As always,a beautiful post. That urn overflowing with flowers has inspired me to find a place immediately in my own home for an urn. And the D & D vitrine looks perfect for my mother’s tea cup collection in our living room. Inspiration abounds.
I’m not sure what happened to my comments….but inspiring post!!
Fabulous! Amazing mix of patterns and design!
I keep watching your videos, too. Such an inspirational life saver!!!! Thank you.
would love the bed fabric in a faded…less bold…version…but it is certainly a striking room…