Designer Shelly Rosenberg Brings Accessible Design to the 2021 Kips Bay Decorator Show House

This year’s Kips Bay Decorator Show House is a must-see. As always, there’s a surprise around every corner, from a sky-map constellation wall to a “Sinners Lounge” accessible only through a secret passageway. But what I didn’t expect was to be so emotionally moved by Dallas designer Shelly Rosenberg. Her “Virginia’s Sanctuary” pays homage to a seven-year-old girl with Rett Syndrome.

“Virginia is in a wheelchair, not mobile or verbal,” says Shelly.  She “speaks” through a retinal device similar to a handheld tablet. “I wanted to create a space that would make her more autonomous.”

Immediately upon entering the bedroom suite — one of four in the home — there’s a genuine feel-good vibe. A soothing color palette incorporates a myriad of biophilic design elements including the William Morris at Sanderson/Zoffany wallpaper and Sanderson Aesop’s Fable fabric shower curtain. Pops of color — in Taelor Fisher’s painting, Red Chair, and Lulie Wallace floral print pillows — add a cheery touch.

But it’s the adaptive features that really impress.

Kohler was first on board with smart home bathroom fixtures which can be voice-controlled via Amazon Alexa — in Virginia’s case, through her tablet. The suite also sports an intelligent toilet with bidet, shower ramp, and a wheelchair-friendly cantilevered vanity.

Other technology allows for adjustable lighting, music, even window coverings. The Shade Store outfitted the bedroom with automated blinds.

The Kips Bay press release describes Shelly as “a thought leader on designing for special needs and disabilities.”

She’s that — and so much more. The mother of three oozes passion. Her eight-year-old son, who lives with Downs Syndrome, was a wake-up call that families navigating disabilities are a hugely underserved community.

“Ronan helped me find my calling. He’s a deep, wise child who’s always teaching me.”

Shelly launched her company, Acorn & Oak, in 2019. Its premise: that beyond visual appeal, interiors should be adaptive and inclusive.

“We can all make beautiful spaces. Design should perform for us. It’s about well-being,” she says.

Many of Shelly’s design solutions are multi-sensory, from sound machines to lighting (think lava or bubble tube lamps). Others are functional, like a swing for rocking or a tent that serves as a refuge.

“I look for ways to keep kids safe and help them communicate—but at the same time, make them feel empowered,” she says.

Along with this being her Kips Bay debut, Shelly is the first Decorator Show House designer to feature accessible design. “I was overwhelmed and terrified when I was accepted. But I wanted to show that it’s okay to have imperfections, to talk about disabilities.”

Bringing it to the forefront has been an emotional trigger.

“I’m overwhelmed that so many people have come into my room and shared their personal stories.”

She’s quick to point out she doesn’t have all the answers. “I’m learning as I go. I often tell parents we’ll figure it out together,” says Shelly. “But this is what I’m meant to do. There’s a hunger in my belly. I know how this feels.”

The 2021 Kips Bay Decorator Show House — featuring the creative compositions of 26 designers — is  located at 5138 Deloache Avenue in Old Preston Hollow. Industry sponsors include Kohler, Perennials and Sutherland, The Shade Store, and Signature Kitchen Suite, among others. The Show House benefits the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club in New York, as well as Dallas-based nonprofits Dwell with Dignity and the Crystal Charity Ball.