Interior designer Brant McFarlain and builder Sam Allgood come together to create the most swoon-worthy spaces for the Kips Bay Decorator Show House. We caught up with this dream team to learn more.
McFarlain and Allgood collaborated on this uber-luxe custom bathroom.
What was the ultimate goal for this project:
BM: The ultimate goal was to design a space that felt distinctive and seamlessly integrated into the historic, traditional home. I aimed to create a bathroom that felt like it had been added to a room with a previous function, giving it a sense of history while still being modern and functional.
Favorite vignette in the space?
SA: The piano-finish partition for the vanity mirror. As you enter the room, you’re naturally drawn to engage with this partition, as it requires you to move around either side to navigate the space.
Any challenges faced in the design process?
SA: The tight timeline to design and execute such a custom project. We were invited to participate in Kips Bay just a couple of months before the deadline, leaving us with only eight weeks to conceptualize, specify materials, and for AP to execute. Every element in the space was custom-made, which made the task feel nearly impossible. We incorporated custom millwork across all walls, stone slabs surrounding the shower, and a custom divided-light steel enclosure for the shower. The water closets were concealed behind hidden doors, and the vanity featured an incredibly labor-intensive piano finish. Additionally, the intricate plaster ceiling and plaster coves added another layer of complexity to the project. Despite these challenges, we brought the design to life within a limited time frame.
The best part of the Kips Bay experience:
BM: The passion and dedication of everyone involved were beyond what we expected, making the entire experience not just about design but also about building meaningful connections within the industry.