By Jura Koncius
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, May 4, 2006

NEW YORK

"New York is the epicenter of design in America and Kips Bay is a litmus of the latest thinking," says Warrenton designer Barry Dixon, one of many local design professionals who makes the trek here each spring to see what top design talents are dishing up.

The 34th annual Kips Bay Decorator Show House, which opened here in a 26-room double-wide 1896 Upper East Side townhouse last week, has always been the place to see it first. Many design trends that emerge have major staying power: Faux finishing and architectural fragments were first spotted here. In the 1980s, sisal rugs moved from the sun porch to the living room, and they're still a staple at Pottery Barn and Crate & Barrel.

So what's up for this year? A return to jewel-toned paint colors, lots of upholstered walls, ethnic fabric prints, chandeliers in the middle of any room and Bohemian chic. You can't go wrong with black and white or a bit of gilt.

Forget minimalist rooms full of neutrals. Velvets are embedded with glitter, bookcases are leather, and accessories range from whale bones to Moroccan poufs. It's the year of the bold personal statement.

The design extravaganza brings out 20,000 paying visitors each spring. Why? "Going to the Kips Bay show house is like going to a movie," says Arlington designer Michael Roberson. "Some years are better than others, but it's always entertainment."

On with the show.

The Kips Bay Decorator Show House, 4 E. 75th St., is open through May 23. Hours: Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday, until 8 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. Admission: $30. Proceeds benefit the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club. For more information: 212-650-0381, or www.kipsbay.org.