It’s Showtime

Last week I had the pleasure of attending a preview of the Metropolitan Home Showtime Showcase  . This 19th century Gramercy Park townhouse is the canvas for some of today’s most talented designers, channeling today’s most exciting TV shows on ….Showtime. As an extreme fan of Dexter, I could not have been more excited to RSVP to this event (by the invite of color maven Julie )!

Entering the house, I notice the writing on the walls…literally. Show credits and designer information  are written in pencil on the walls.

The first room I see is “The Tudors ” living room designed by the multi talented (and nicest woman ever) Laura Kirar. This living room not only looks like a chic castle room but is as sexy as Jonathan Rhys Meyers , aka, Henry the 8th. The designer is pictured in front of the salvaged confessional, which is behind a two way mirror. Forgive me father, I covet all this beauty.

Below are amazing design elements of Laura Kirar : a painting of a queen over a large table, the elaborate mantle , a rich brocade couch (notice the pillow trim detail), and the beautiful overhead lighting .

The Tudor room joins to the Dexter dining room by famed designer Amy Lau. I assume that Amy , and the designers whose work she features, are fans of the show – every detail is brilliant ! This room is my dream room- a dining room paying homage to my favorite “serial killer with a heart of gold”.

Designer Amy Lau has created a vivid portrait of the show’s plot lines and stories. Here is the lovely designer looking like an exquisite piece of her own collection.

An artist has brought life back to the Ice Truck Killer by creating an entry way of white washed Barbie body parts. Red yarn re-creates blood splatter projection on the walls. The fireplace screen is a projection of one of the Ice Truck victims perfectly displayed in a hockey goal.

The most impressive centerpiece is a long dining table set to a bloody feast. Beakers and plates with red splatter patterns sit along side utensils , which could easily be used for dismembering a steak or a murderer. the dining room chairs have been embroidered with large drops of blood. An artist created a curtain by crocheting red and white threads , which look like veins to me. The macabre is simply divine.

Walking up the red carpeted stairs , I arrive at The L Word bedroom suite. This decadent and sensual ladies boudoir  is designed by Vincente Wolf.

The entire right side of the sprawling room is the beautiful bathroom. Sheets of gold leaf are pressed between layers of glass for the glittering tile. An open shower is on one wall facing a large bathtub on the opposite wall.

The bedroom is sprawling and leads to a roomy closet full of shoes. The soft fabrics and glittering details make for a beautiful spa like atmosphere.

Up another flight of stairs is the Weeds Lounge by design team White Webb. Notice the wonderful pencil writings and graffiti on the wall leading up the stairs. Jim Ziric has done all the work for this and it certainly adds another unique touch.

I think Weeds is about a single mother selling pot. If that’s the case – one could certainly sit & chill for hours in this organic and serene room. This is a 21st century city version of a conservatory, in my mind. I think that hanging the small spider plants in the sides of the window is genius !

This gold leaf Biomorphic console table , by Tony Duquette, has been getting a lot of press…but this is the only setting where a pot plant under glass seems appropriate.

Another flight of stairs brings us into the world of designer Tori Golub , inspired by the new show “United States of Tara” (starring the great Toni Colette).

I wish I had taken a picture of the bed for all to see. The headboard was covered in the same silky material that was the bed covering. On the headboard were many silky small butterflies taking flight from the headboard to the wall. IF you need a reason to visit this house (now open to the public) …let this be the reason.

Obviously one of Tara’s personalities is a glamour puss…check out this chandelier and closet. This room makes me really want to see this series…my curiosity has been spiked. And the decor makes me want to research more of Ms. Golub’s designs – she’s definitely a favorite talent.

Peering up my next flight of stairs (certainly not my last)  , I see an original stained glass medallion to the townhouse. This residence must have really been a shining star in The Age of Innocence time when it was built.

Guess where I’m going….correct, upstairs ! But all this exercise is worth it…I’ve entered Jamie Drake’s writer’s study for Californication.

This is the most masculine room , I think, in the house. Browns and blues dominate the palette. I love the animal spine chair for its sheer brutal beauty.

Besides the bowls filled with condoms, my favorite detail of this room is the column of books. Here, home owner Michael Hirtenstein (yes the handsome , technology mogul/ real estate investor) lounges in front of the tower on a comfy chaise. It took every bit of restraint in my body, to not treat this column as a giant game of Jenga.

Perhaps the room that is the most like my own personal style is Kirsten Brant’s lounge….decorated in a glorious Hollywood pink. You can see in the reflection, the length of all that seating and the beautiful hypnotic patterns of both the wallpaper and blinds.

I will end with the 1st stop I made, the bar in the bamboo garden, in the back yard . Michael has outfitted this retreat with an outdoor TV (perfect for viewing all the Showtime original series ) a row of banquettes , and a water garden. Color maven Julie is showing off her specialty “Blood Lust ‘ cocktail by the bamboo water pond.

I suggest you make time to tour this house Saturdays and Sundays from 11-4 until October 26th. The $25 ticket price is well worth it , and sales go to charity.

Stay tuned for more  on Laura Kirar (The Tudors) and Amy Lau (Dexter) .

Laura Kirar designed the VIP lounge for Mercedes Benz Fashion Week and I was lucky enough to interview her. You’ll have a chance to see Laura and Amy Lau for yourself, as they will each be featured in a podcast. We have much to learn from these talents.