A charming brick cottage in Kingston, New York, has been dramatically transformed into a vibrant showcase of interior design talent for the seventh annual Kingston Design Showhouse. Eleven talented designers from the Hudson Valley region and beyond have completely reimagined the historic Second Empire-style home, creating an inspiring display that runs through October 26.
Hosted by Kingston Design Connection, a creative network founded by designer Maryline Damour of Damour Drake, this year's showhouse demonstrates the exceptional skills of local designers, artists, and craftspeople across ten distinct interior spaces. The participating designers include Ana Claudia Design, AphroChic, Brooke Cotter Design Co., Casa Marcelo, Damour Drake, House of Brinson, JL Caccamo Design, Lyndsey Alexander, Methods of Assembly, and Taupe Stories Studio.
The petite cottage required significant structural modifications before the designers could begin their creative work. According to Maryline Damour, this represented one of their most ambitious transformations to date. The floor plan was completely reconfigured to include two new bathrooms and additional closets, while a dramatic double-height ceiling room was cleverly divided into two separate spaces – creating a cozy library on the first floor and an intimate study on the second floor.
Despite each designer bringing their own bold vision to their assigned spaces, common design threads unite the home's aesthetic. Touches of pink, green, and blue flow throughout both floors, while lime wash treatments on walls and ceilings add soft, organic texture to multiple rooms. The designers drew inspiration from both the cottage's intimate character and the rich artistic heritage of the Hudson Valley region.
The living room, reimagined as "The Groove Room" by Casa Marcelo, makes a striking first impression with Bauhaus-inspired hand-painted wallpaper by Porter Teleo. This energetic gathering space features carefully curated mid-century furnishings and custom pillows that complement the graphic wallpaper's bold geometric patterns.
In the newly created rear room on the first floor, Jeanine Hays and Bryan Mason of AphroChic designed the "To Be Free Library," a thoughtfully curated space celebrating Black literature and African diaspora art. Custom cabinetry from California Closets provides an elegant neutral framework, allowing the focus to remain on the carefully selected books and meaningful artwork that fills the shelves.
Even the home's smallest space – a tiny powder room – showcases impressive design innovation. Designer Minna Etters of Taupe Stories Studio drew inspiration from hydrangeas, incorporating both the fresh blush and chartreuse colors of spring blooms and the muted palette of autumn. A stunning mosaic of terra-cotta wall tiles from OUTERclé creates a beautiful contrast with the lime wash treatment on the ceiling.
Upstairs, the primary bedroom designed by Susan Brinson of House of Brinson takes inspiration from the Hudson River School painters of the 19th century, particularly their use of moody purple tones. This inspiration color was incorporated into a vintage wallpaper design that was specially reproduced in custom colors by Waterhouse Wallhangings, creating a sophisticated and historically-informed space.
The adjoining bathroom by Methods of Assembly celebrates American craftsmanship with carefully chosen details including punched pattern metal shower screens, vintage sinks, and beautiful Shaker-inspired custom woodwork created by Brooklyn-based Waxwing Studio. These elements combine to create a space that feels both timeless and distinctly American.
The transformed house sits at 721 2nd Avenue, positioned on the opposite shore of Roundout Creek from downtown Kingston in what was historically known as Sleightsburg (later spelled Sleightsburgh). This neighborhood was part of the town of Esopus, and the area's history is deeply connected to the Sleight family, who operated a ferry service beginning in the mid-19th century. Historical deeds reveal that the house sits on land once owned by Isaac D. Sleight.
County records date the distinctive brick house with its mansard roof to 1865, and local newspaper accounts support this timeline. In 1872, David C. Reid advertised the "French roof cottage" on 2nd Avenue for sale, describing it as being in perfect condition and only two years old. At that time, the property boasted eight rooms, a cellar, and a cistern, all surrounded by fruit trees and grape vines.
An 1875 bird's-eye view map of Kingston clearly shows the houses of Sleightsburgh, including this distinctive mansard-roofed cottage, clustered on a hill above the boat landing. The historic map depicts the neighborhood's few streets filled with houses set among tree-filled lots, creating a pastoral scene above the bustling waterfront.
The house changed hands several times in its early years. Reid lost the property in a foreclosure sale in 1877, and it was purchased by Peter Weaver, who managed the Excelsior House, a hotel and restaurant located across the water near Hasbrouck Avenue. Weaver treated the Sleightsburgh house as an investment property, and local newspapers reported in 1880 that he was renovating the property for rental, including installing stone flagging and new walkways. After Weaver's death in 1883, the property remained in his family until 1905.
When the showhouse closes, the newly renovated home will be returned to its current owner. All proceeds from the event will benefit Ulster County Habitat for Humanity, though the organization was not directly involved in the renovation project itself.
Design enthusiasts still have opportunities to experience this inspiring transformation. The Kingston Design Showhouse remains open to the public for two more weekends: October 18-19 and October 25-26, with daily hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are priced at $38, and advance online purchasing is strongly recommended to guarantee entry to this popular annual event.
