First-ever Sotheby's Design Show House is Now Open

On Monday, March 24, 2014, Sotheby's opens its first design show house at its Manhattan headquarters. This is Sotheby’s newest initiative to showcase their upcoming spring items for auction.

The six rooms have different themes: 20th Century design, African and European sculpture and carpets, Contemporary and Impressionist prints, English and Continental furniture, and Old Master paintings, ceramics and silver.

Sotheby's tapped a diverse pool of participating designers and artists to develop the show house. The spaces include a bedroom, living room and dining room.

Retail designer Ryan Korban is known for his work on the Alexander Wang flagship store as well as the flagship stores for Balenciaga and Fivestory New York. Another design team comes from McMillen Inc which is know as one of the oldest decorating and full service interior design firm in America.

Modern Declaration’s Daun Curry is also part of the design pool. In 2011 Curry was named one of the hottest new designers around by Casa Vogue. New York design team Catherine Casteel Olasky and Maximilian P. Sinesteden of Olasky & Sinsteden are designing one of the six rooms as well. Other names included on the list unveiled by Sotheby's last Monday are Rush Jenkins and Klaus Baer of WRJ Design Associates and Shaler Ladd from Shaler Ladd Design Corporation.

English Furniture specialist Andrew Ogletree said, “It is with great enthusiasm that Sotheby’s opened its doors to this group of talented designers.” Ogletree added, “There is a natural partnership that exists between the designer of a space and fine and decorative arts. We look forward to seeing how each designer integrates these objects, ranging in age from the 16th century to the present day, in chic and livable room settings that will offer a fresh perspective on the depth and breadth of what Sotheby’s has to offer. To that end, we would like to show that these objects regardless of age or style can be incorporated into a modern lifestyle and can be appreciated by today’s collectors.”

Sotheby’s Designer Showhouse will run until March 28. It is open to the public from 10:00am to 5:00pm daily.