The attic sitting room designed by Neal Beckstedt Studio for the Kips Bay 2017 Showhouse was inspired, in part, by the powerful portrait of a South African woman by photographer Pieter Hugo, hung over a marble-topped 19th-century French chest of drawers,and positioned to engage viewers upon entry. 

With an array of design elements as varied as a minimalist high back lounge chair by Danish midcentury designer, to a baroque-patterned folding screen by Italian artist , there was a wide range of styles, periods and cultures represented. 

Down came the existing ceiling, to expose the hoped-for rustic beams — a calculated risk. Warm light oak paneling covered the lower portion of the walls; the upper section painted a rich teal blue. Light filtering in from the single window was reflected on the opposite wall by a nearly room-height mirror, illuminating the space and lengthening the view. 

Stone, plaster, tile — almost every surface offered a different texture; all woven into a harmonious design conversation. Six weeks from start to finish — an amazing transformation!