2024 Kingston Design Showhouse
Deadline: July 31, 2024
How much is it to participate in the Kingston Design Showhouse?
There is no fee to apply. Once accepted, designers pay a $3800.00 fee + a refundable $800.00 deposit. The deposit will be returned at the end of the showhouse period. The Kingston Design Showhouse continues to be the least expensive showhouse in the US. This fee only applies to individuals designing rooms. Makers, artists and vendors participating by lending or donating items need to fill out the application but there is no fee to participate.
House Beautiful is our media partner this year and we’re also reviewed each year in major national and regional magazines. To see past press, visit https://www.kingstondesignconnection.com/press
How much does it cost to do a showhouse room?
It’s up to you! Designers are responsible for sourcing items for their spaces, working with vendors in their personal networks. The Kingston Design Showhouse also works with national and international brands who donate products to our participants. In the past, this has include Benjamin Moore, Schumacher and more. Our organization also invites Upstate NY makers, artists and vendors to lend and/or create pieces for rooms. Designers on a budget can borrow or get donated the majority of items for their rooms.
Designers are responsible for hiring and paying for contractors as needed in their spaces. Our organization will share a list of preferred contractors available to work in the showhouse for a fee. Designers are also free to hire anyone they wish from their personal networks.
What is the timeline to complete our room?
Aug/Sept: Designers selected and working in rooms
Sept: Moodboard Reveal Party (date TBD)
October 1 week: Showhouse photographer to shoot all rooms
October 11-27: Showhouse opens
What is the benefit of participating in the showhouse?
Every year, articles about the Kingston Design Showhouse appear in regional and national design magazines, including House Beautiful and Architectural Digest. In addition to having their work published, participants also receive professional photographs of their rooms free of charge for their portfolio. Our showhouse photographer Phil Mansfield has been published in many national shelter magazines. Participating in the showhouse is a great way to connect with peers, the press and potential clients. Every year, designers in the showhouse are hired by attendees visiting the showhouse.
I can’t afford to do a kitchen or bathroom. Should I still apply?
We have a general lottery to assign rooms in the showhouse after the application process ends on July 31. The only exception is the kitchen and bathroom designers as we have a separate process for those designers. This means you will not be assigned a bathroom or kitchen unless we’ve reached out to you personally.
After the showhouse, do I need to return my room back to its original state?
Any items that designers borrow from vendors must be returned by the designer at the end of the showhouse period. Items that are permanently installed remain in the showhouse (tile, wallpaper, paint, etc). Those items are gifted to the homeowner in consideration for lending us their home.
For questions, email kingstondesignconnection@gmail.com
