Ken Fulk Inc.

Somewhere over the top

Photo by Stephen Karlisch

Designing without a safety net is what Ken Fulk does best, risking a room’s success on moves that wouldn’t be out of place on a theatrical stage or the big screen. The San Franciscan is at it again in this moody study, part of a sequence of rooms at the Kips Bay Decorator Show House in Dallas with a celestial theme. “Being an eternal optimist, I wanted to impart the feeling of a joyous reawakening after a long slumber,” says the designer, hinting at our collective annus horribilis. Fulk channels a luxurious sort of joy in a custom de Gournay wallcovering with gilded bas-relief details. The high-wire act continues with a lacquered ceiling, leopard-printed club chairs and classical-inspired sculpture on a Suë et Mare desk from Moxie Interiors. Pure Ken Fulk — no safety net. 

Photo by Brendan Mainini

A grand piano passed down from a grandparent, a dog-eared book, a personal work of art — beauty is very deeply entwined with what we have an emotional connection to.”
— Ken Fulk

Designer Picks

Lalique Victoire Paperweight, New Shop Now
Lalique Victoire Paperweight, New

“Anything by the Art Deco master glassmaker René Lalique telegraphs our vision of luxe futurism. We were loaned an exquisite Lalique ebony bar for the Kips Bay Dallas showhouse, but this equally striking Victoire paperweight would deliver the same dapper note to a desk or mantel.”

Iron Armillary Sphere, 2000, Offered by Pittet Architecturals Shop Now
Iron Armillary Sphere, 2000, Offered by Pittet Architecturals

“A simple armillary sphere can bring all sorts of celestial power and otherworldly magic into your garden or to the center of a round foyer table.”

French Blush-Pink Art Deco Rug with Stars, 1930s, Offered by Alberto Levi Gallery Shop Now
French Blush-Pink Art Deco Rug with Stars, 1930s, Offered by Alberto Levi Gallery

“Pristine vintage pieces that feel truly modern are hard to find. This rug is a prime example and would be perfect for an entryway or study.”

Resin Cast of a Roman Horse Head, 2019, Offered by Ceylon et Cie Shop Now
Resin Cast of a Roman Horse Head, 2019, Offered by Ceylon et Cie

“This equine sculpture would be right at home amid the mix of styles in this room. The concept behind our new Ken Fulk Inc collaboration with Pierre Frey, The Surreal World, is a celebration of today’s freedom to mix classical and contemporary references, including Roman busts, neoclassical architecture and brutalist forms.”

Osvaldo Borsani–style Art Deco Dry Bar, 1925–35, Offered by Moxie Shop Now
Osvaldo Borsani–style Art Deco Dry Bar, 1925–35, Offered by Moxie

“This Art Deco dry bar has a highly aesthetic mix of carved wood, marquetry and rose marble. The sculpted naturalistic scene and metallic interior embody all the artistry behind our collaboration with de Gournay in the room’s showstopping bas-relief-on-gilded-paper wallcovering depicting the Dawn of Spring.”

Italian Pair of Baroque Revival Carved-Walnut Sgabello Side Chairs, ca. 1880, Offered by Jan's & Co Fine French Antiques Inc. Shop Now
Italian Pair of Baroque Revival Carved-Walnut Sgabello Side Chairs, ca. 1880, Offered by Jan's & Co Fine French Antiques Inc.

These highly decorative carved side chairs are pure drama. In stark contrast to the Machine Age motifs in our study, this mysterious duo could stand sentry on either side of a credenza or add visual tension flanking a fireplace.”

McKay Furniture Machine Age Art Deco Sling Lounge Chair, 1933–38, Offered by Machine Icon Shop Now
McKay Furniture Machine Age Art Deco Sling Lounge Chair, 1933–38, Offered by Machine Icon

The streamlined simplicity of classic Deco forms will never go out of style. A well-made chrome and leather piece is sure to stand the test of time and play well with any style.”

Skip to Content