From Our Friends: Matthew Bees

A time-honored tradition in New York City is the beloved Kips Bay Showhouse, where celebrated interior designers use their creative talents to transform a charming estate into an elegant exhibit. This year, designer Matthew Bees took his talents to Manhattan’s Upper East Side to showcase his style for a good cause – proceeds from this charity go to support the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club to fund after school and enrichment programs for New York City children. We spoke to Matthew Bees to find out what he hoped to accomplish with his Kips Bay room!

Chair Fabric: Brunschwig & Fils Avera Print from Cevennes Collection. Pillow Fabric: Lee Jofa Indian Zag from Suzanne Rheinstein III Collection.

Kravet: When you first saw the space you’d be designing for Kips Bay, what did you notice first?
Matthew Bees: I first noticed the natural light; the room has three windows facing west and gets this amazing afternoon glow.

Pillow Fabric: Brunschwig & Fils Savanne Velvet from Cevennes Collection.

K: What was your goal with the room?
MB: My goal was to make a space that felt inherited and collected. I did not want to give visitors a room that felt decorated.

Cushion Fabric: Brunschwig & Fils Bromo Velvet from the Baret Collection. Trim Fabric: Brunschwig & Fils Carimar Cord Trim from En Vacances Collection.

K: How did using Kravet Inc. products help you achieve that goal?
MB: The variety of prints and textures in Kravet’s portfolio helped me achieve a truly lived-in look in a brand new space. Mixing prints, velvets, and wovens in a relatively small space helps the room feel more relaxed even though the pieces are somewhat formal.

Shop products like the ones you see in this room here.