July 1, 2020

Text: Quinn Halman

Designers Reimagine Iconic Spaces for 1stdibs’ Virtual Showhouse

Nicole Fuller of her eponymous interior design brand reimagines the Forum Baths of Pompeii to be full of light, reflection, and chromotherapy.  Photography courtesy of 1stdibs.

While all industries have been postponing physical events due to mandated social distancing measures, designers have adapted quickly and pivoted to virtually showcasing work in exciting ways. The latest innovator to create an immersive digital experience is 1stdibs, the fine art, antiques, and jewelry online marketplace with a loyal following in the A&D community. 1stdibs Virtual Showhouse: Iconic Spaces Reimagined  puts the creative visions of design industry leaders on full display with a contemporary iteration of the showhouse model.

The Palais des Études Courtyard at the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts, Paris. The image of the iconic room Lee Mindel selected.  Photography courtesy of 1stdibs.

Ten designers, including Hall-of-Famer Lee Mindel, Nicole Fuller, and Gil Melott, each with their own distinct taste and style, gave an artistic facelift to an iconic room they’ve always adored. Free to re-interpret the space with a new, personal viewpoint by drawing inspiration from any era’s furniture, lighting, decor, wallcoverings, floorings, and more, the designers’ craftiness is on full display with production notes included as part of the showhouse experience. The rooms offer a global perspective, drawing on the ancient baths of Pompeii and Gaudí’s Loft in Casa Batlló to name a few. 

Mindel took a free-association approach to re-outfitting the area and honored the late Christo, who had planned to wrap the Arc de Triomphe this spring, with fabric he draped on either end of the courtyard. Photography courtesy of 1stdibs.

“We’re delighted to launch a virtual showhouse, giving design lovers from around the world the opportunity to see the magic that interior designers can create when they have no constraints to their imaginations or budget,” says Anthony Barzilay Freund, editorial director and director of fine art at 1stdibs. The website also features curated items from their inventory allowing showhouse visitors to shop for art and furniture inspired by each reimagination. 

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