"New York is the center of design in America and kips Bay is a litmus latest thinking," said Warrenton designer Barry Dixon, one of many local design professionals who make the trip here each spring to see what the design talents of dishing up.

Kips the 34th annual Bay Decorator Show House, which opened here in room 26-1896 double-wide Upper East Side townhouse last week, has always been a place to look first. Many design trends that appear to have major staying power: Faux finishing and architectural fragments was first seen here. In the 1980s, sisal rugs moved from the sun porch to the living room, and they are still a staple at Pottery Barn and Crate & Barrel.

So, what for this year? A jewel back to the paint color fast, lots of fabric walls, ethnic fabric prints, chandeliers in the middle of each room, and Bohemian chic. You can not go wrong with black and white or slightly golden.

Forget minimalist rooms full of neutral. Velvet embedded with glitter, bookcases are leather, and accessories ranging from whale bones to Moroccan poufs. This year daring personal statement.

Design extravaganza pays out 20,000 visitors each spring. Why? "Going to the Gulf kips show house is like going to the movies," said Arlington designer Michael Roberson. "Some years are better than others, but always fun."

On with the show.

The kips Bay Decorator Show House, 4 E. 75th St., open through May 23. Hours: Monday through Saturday, 11-5; Tuesday and Thursday, until 8 pm; Sunday, noon to 5 pm Admission: $ 30. Favorable results kips Bay Boys & Girls Club. For more information: 212-650-0381, or www.kipsbay.org.