1stDibs’s First-Ever Virtual Designer Show House Reimagines the World’s Most Iconic Spaces
1stDibs has launched its first virtual designer show house today, inspired by some of the most famous residences, hotels, shops, and landmarks around the world. The 10 designers participating in the show house each selected an iconic room to reimagine with an entirely new interior concept to create their own take on the space.
"With so many physical events on hold this spring, we thought creating a virtual show house would give design lovers the opportunity to see the magic interior designers can create when they've no clients and no budgets to constrain their imaginations and 1stdibs's incomparable array of furniture and art with which to realize their visions,” says Anthony Barzilay Freund, 1stDibs's editorial director and director of fine art.
The designers and architects chose a wide range of spaces to reimagine, dating from 80 B.C. to the last few decades. These reimagined rooms offer a whimsical take on the traditional show house, showcasing the immense talent and creativity of these designers. Plus, each virtual room is shoppable, helping you re-create these imaginative takes on historic spaces with items from the online marketplace. Below, we're offering an inside look at the inspiration behind a few of our favorite spaces, and make sure to peruse the entire show house for a one-of-a-kind experience.
Lee Mindel: Ecole des Beaux Arts
The team from Manhattan-based architecture firm SheltonMindel reimagined the school’s Palais des Études Courtyard that is now used as an exhibition venue for students’ work. Originally designed by Felix Duban and built in 1830, this virtual redesign was inspired by the theater, multifaceted artist and designer Isamu Noguchi, and the fact that this school developed so many creative minds from all over the world who have helped shape our culture.
Courtney McLeod: Greenbriar Hotel
McLeod’s team at Right Meets Left Interior Design chose to reimagine the grand staircase of The Greenbrier Hotel’s Presidential Suite, first designed by the legendary Dorothy Draper in 1948. The reimagined room offers a nod to Draper’s style and era with high-contrast colors and Geo pattern, but McLeod incorporates some contemporary and Deco furnishings to breathe new life into the space.
Nicole Fuller: Forum Baths Pompeii
We love that the founder of the eponymous firm chose to transform an ancient space for this virtual show house. Fuller says looking at these baths instantly gave her “this concept of light, chromotherapy, and reflection,” invoking a sense of of introspection and self-care. While this space has been radically transformed, the baths still have a Mediterranean feel, with a 16th-century Botticelli-like portrait flanked by plaster Giacometti-style sconces and fresco.
Brigette Romanek: YSL Grand Salon
The head of the Romanek Design Studio in Los Angeles reimagined the grand salon of Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Berges’ Paris apartment. Originally designed by Jacques Grange in the late 20th century, Romanek reimagined this space by simplifying and emphasizing a few key elements for a more minimalist take on the fabulous space.
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