For everyone from industry professionals to new homeowners and amateur design enthusiasts, the Kingston Design Showhouse has become a much-anticipated annual event. Launched in 2018 by designer Maryline Damour of Damour Drake through her organization Kingston Design Connection (KDC), the showhouse’s objective is to increase the national profile of the Hudson Valley’s design scene and its talented designers, architects, builders, artists, and makers.
Last year, the showhouse combined efforts with the Kingston City Land Bank (KCLB), a nonprofit that works to restore vacant and distressed homes in the city and affordably return them to the community at affordable rates. After a full professional makeover—interior and exterior—the Kingston property was sold to local residents at below market value, in line with the KCLB’s mission, creating a rare crossover of high design and affordability.
But that wasn’t KDC’s first dip into local collaborations and contributions. Each year, KDC has partnered with and donated proceeds to area nonprofits, totaling $15,000 cash contributions in the past four years. (Separately from the showhouse, the organization is also currently working with another Kingston family pro bono to renovate their home.)
The location for the fifth annual Kingston Design Showhouse has just been released. Located on Mainden Lane in Uptown Kingston, the c.1920s Victorian with 2,800 square feet of interior space replete with historic details from original woodworking and tiles to pocket doors and stained glass.
The four-bedroom property was used for years as a commercial space and was recently purchased by a first-time homeowner. “It's an ongoing trend in the region that, as there's a lack of housing stock, people are buying various commercial properties and turning them into family homes,” Damour says. “The Showhouse this year is an example of that. I also have clients who purchased a bungalow village and are turning that property into a single-family dwelling.”
A total of 11 spaces in the house will be transformed by local creatives. On the first floor: the main hall, living room, dining room, and a brand new kitchen. And on the second floor: the upstairs hall, four bedrooms, and two bathrooms, including one that will be constructed from scratch. “We are renovating for maximum value in terms of future resale and maximizing return on investment for these homeowners by designing a full kitchen; building an additional bathroom; etc.,” says Damour.
Applications to participate in the 2022 showhouse opened last week on May 1 and will remain open until July 1. Candidates can apply here. The full list of participants and their assigned spaces will be announced in July or August, with work beginning in September.
The 2022 Kingston Design Showhouse will be open to the public on weekends from October 7-23. If you’d like to donate or lend items/product to the showhouse, email [email protected].
