sarah bartholomew house tour

Step Inside the 2021 Southern Living Idea House

Southern Living has launched its annual Idea House, continuing the magazine’s 30-plus year tradition. Thankfully open to the public this year, the 2021 Idea House sits on a prime waterfront lot in Prospect, Kentucky. Chairish Design Insider Sarah Bartholomew devised the interiors of the home, which includes five bedrooms, stunning views of the Ohio River, and plenty of porch space.

Visit Southern Living for more details and make your own plans to tour the Idea House before it closes on Sunday, December 19, 2021.

See the sophisticated spaces of the Kentucky home below, including a room that includes a console table sourced right here from Chairish .

Shop the Style

Terrena Hall Table in Off-White

Oomph Manhattan Stretch Console, W…

Georgian Style Rustic Style Whitew…

Contemporary Modern Four-Drawer Co…

Chairish is the design lover's indispensable online source for chic and unique decor, art, furniture and home decorating inspiration. Shop our expert curation of exclusive and diverse inventory with 1,000+ new arrivals daily. Happy hunting!

Related Stories

The San Francisco Fall Show Turns 40

See the Rooms of the 2022 Brooklyn Heights Designer Showhouse

We Loved "Love It or Hate It" at High Point's Spring 2022 Market

Meet the Fall 2021 Chairish Scholarship Winner

Go Behind the Curtains of Kips Bay Palm Beach with The Shade Stor...

See What’s New at High Point Market This April

Follow Us On Instagram

About Chairish

Chairish.com is the design lover's indispensable online source for unique decor, art, furniture and more.

Popular Posts

Shop Featured Collections

• Decorating Guides
• Designer Tips
• Entertaining
• City & Flea Market Guides
• Design Events
• Common Design Questions

• Dec 13, 2023

IMAGINATIVE SURFACES IN A KIPS BAY SHOW HOUSE ROOM

"If any one element within this year’s Kips Bay Decorator Show House was to be named as a standout,   Sarah Bartholomew ’s plaster-fluted walls would certainly be in the running." —ADPRO

We take you on a tour through one of the most eye-catching rooms of the 47th annual Kips Bay Decorator Show House, set in a historic Georgian mansion on New York's Upper East Side. Each designer was given a room to showcase their unique style, and Elle Decor A-Lister Sarah Bartholomew designed “A Room of Her Own” to be a woman’s study room that she describes as a “personal, sophisticated edit of treasures.” SuperStrata and our artisan partner Patrick Shoemaker collaborated with Sarah to architecturally transform the room into one that draws attention to all five walls and the floor.

Every surface was considered, from the hand-painted geometric patterned flo or by Patrick t o the plaster fluted wall panels  and coves by SuperStrata t hat appear to give extra height and bring the eyes up to the fluted coves that arch over onto the Marmorino plaster  ceiling that Patrick finished. The study room is full of other thoughtful details, such as the hand-painted single gray pinstripe that runs the perimeter of the ceiling next to the fluted plaster coves.

1. Fluted plaster wall panel for Sarah Bartholomew by SuperStrata. Lime paint finish for flutes and hand-painted floor by partner artisan Patrick Shoemaker. Photo by Patrick Cline .

2. Detail of fluted plaster walls and coves by SuperStrata and finished in lime paint by partner artisan Patrick Shoemaker. Hand-painted gray pinstripe ceiling detail by Patrick Shoemaker. 

When designing this room, Sarah took an intentional detour from her signature style full of colors and patterned fabrics, opting instead to use primarily neutral tones that brought her highly curated artwork and decor pieces to the forefront. As she states, “The subtle hues of the plaster walls and patina floor create the canvas for a haven. Minimal, collected and quality pieces, it’s the perfect marriage of beauty and peace realized into an interior.” 

Per her vision, we created fluted plaster elements to do just that—their lime paint finish bounces light around the room, and the ridges in the plaster flutes help to break up sound waves, reducing external noise to amplify the peaceful nature of the study room. They also give plenty of texture and dimension, making the space feel more open and airy.

These fluted plaster panels were bench-run and installed in the study  by SuperStrata , as well as the fluted plaster coves that were hand cast and fitted above the panels. They were then adjusted to ensure the seams were flawless in a process called pointing, before our artisan partner  Patrick Shoemaker applied a lime paint to the flutes for a subtle finish.

1. Detail of fluted plaster wall panel by SuperStrata and hand-painted floor pattern by Patrick Shoemaker for Sarah Bartholomew by SuperStrata. Photo by Patrick Cline.

2. Fluted plaster wall panels and coves for Sarah Bartholomew by SuperStrata. Lime paint finish for flutes and hand-painted floor by partner artisan Patrick Shoemaker. Photo by Patrick Cline.

For more inspiration in showcasing every wall of a room, see our other projects below and read more about the techniques we used in this study room for Sarah Bartholomew.

Recent Posts

PULLED-IN-PLACE FLUTED PLASTER ENHANCES A SOUTHPORT HARBOR HOUSE

INTRODUCING DECORATIVE AND FAUX PAINTING MASTER TIM MURPHY

DECORATIVE FINISHES THAT INFLUENCE AND INSPIRE WITH MARLI ARIZONA

This 116-Year-Old Home Is the Original Tiny House

Old-school proportions didn't constrain its style.

Faced with a lack of light and lots of architectural quirks, Sarah Bartholomew refreshed a historic Georgetown rowhouse with neutrals, fool-the-eye details and an aviary's worth of feathered friends.

Celia Barbour: Tiny houses are a trend now, but this home is 116 years old! How did its size influence you?

Sarah Bartholomew: I always let a house tell its story, and this one was clear about what it needed to be: a pretty, all-American home in beautiful, historic Georgetown. Whoever built it was not especially wealthy, so I tried to keep the style simple: fresh, eclectic and easy- going, but not loose or casual.

Was a 1,200-square-foot house with just four rooms — two downstairs, two up — a design challenge?

Yes. For example, it has no foyer — you walk right off the street into the living room. I wanted to create a moment by the front door where you could pause and hang your coat, but it had to feel cohesive with the room. That's why there's a bird print over the entry console instead of a mirror. The kitchen doubles as a dining room. I had the table custom built to a specific size: It's big enough to accommodate six but small enough that one can move around it.

Your furnishings, too, are often multipurpose.

I like things to be both/and, not either/or. I'm drawn to furniture that's sculptural, as it adds graphic drama while still being useful. For instance, the Regency-style chairs by the front windows have interesting silhouettes and can serve as pedestals for objects or books, then they can be cleared off when needed as seating. Similarly, the bull's-eye mirror and Chinese stools add visual impact without making the room feel busy or crowded.

These owners could have afforded a bigger house. Why did they opt to go small?

They prefer tiny. This is their second home; their main residence is in California, but that one is not large, either. Having spent time in Japan, the wife believes in living well but compactly. They are always on the go — Europe, Asia, the West Coast — and she doesn't want a lot to maintain. And no need for a home office: The husband, who is in the tech field, can work anywhere as long as he has a tablet.

Yet it doesn't feel like a dainty little doll's house.

Well, he's tall — he played basketball— so I didn't want petite settees and French chairs everywhere. The living room needed a comfortable sofa and welcoming lounge chairs. The bedrooms had to feel calm and restful.

What issues did you face updating an old rowhouse?

Houses built a century ago didn't have things we now consider necessities, like plumbing and electricity. These amenities were added over the years and, as a result, there are all these quirks in the walls and ceilings. To mask them, I hang groups of repetitive (but not identical) items, which draw the eye and distract from the asymmetry. The living room has bird prints by Olof Rudbeck, a 17th-century Swedish scientist and artist. In the guest bedroom, I filled the wall above the bed, which juts out, with brackets holding shells and coral.

Rowhouses can be dark. How did you bring in the light?

The previous owners had put plantation shutters on the front windows, but I wanted more daylight. I installed linen curtains with a sheer lining; they provide privacy but let about 80% of the light through. And I replaced the solid wood panels in the front door with glass panes.

So the whole facade becomes a source of light! What about the interior of the house?

Because the living room is a long, narrow space, it needed overhead lighting, but the ceilings were too low to install cove fixtures — I used flush mounts for ambient light. I didn't want lamps to stick out too much, so I went with slender brass ones. In the kitchen, the ceiling consists of the floor joists of the master bedroom upstairs. Pendant lamps hang from the support beams, the only place where we could run electrical wire. I also added under-cabinet lighting and sconces on the walls.

Tell me about your use of color.

The client wanted the main rooms to be neutral. She said, "I'm on the go all the time. I want the house to feel soothing." I love neutrals, too, but I didn't want the palette to feel boring or flat, so I layered in a lot of textures and patterns. The sofa has a hand-blocked Carolina Irving Textiles print, the chairs a leafy pattern, the pillows a stripe. There's even a faint pattern in the rug. Natural textures include vellum, wicker, leather, brass and marble. I added blue whenever we needed a pop of color. I love blue and white — always have, always will — and used the combo in the master bedroom with a traditional floral on the headboard, bed skirt and curtains. Then I added little touches of black to the room with the lampshade and artwork. Black keeps blue and white from going over the edge into sweetness.

You said that a house tells its own story, but this one turned out more like a poem.

Every detail counts: A functional object can become a beautiful moment to look at and enjoy whenever you walk by. Each gesture is an opportunity to tell a little story within the larger story.

See more photos of this gorgeous home »

This story originally appeared in the June 2017 issue of House Beautiful.

Small Spaces

55 Brilliant Styling Tricks for Small Living Rooms

35 Tricks That Make the Most of a Small Closet

34 Clever Pantry Organizing Ideas to Save Space

9 Murphy Beds That Double the Size of Your Room

15 Prefab Tiny Homes You Can Order on Amazon

10 Coffee Tables With Stools You Can Order Online

Stylish Small Sleeper Sofas Your Guests Will Love

45 Tricks for Maximizing a Small Patio

The Best Wallpaper Ideas for Powder Rooms

The 15 Most Comfortable Futons on the Market

We Found the Most Stylish Couches Under $200

• Home & Garden Tours
• Book Reviews
• Designer Interviews
• Accessories
• Bed & Bath
• Best Dressed
• Design Enthusiast
• Globetrotters

Design Crush: Sarah Bartholomew Designs

One of my favorite Instagram accounts belongs to Sarah Bartholomew Designs , an incredibly chic and talented interior designer based in Nashville. Sarah is known for her sophisticated, timeless, all-American style. The classic beauty also happens to be a muse and model for Mark D. Sikes  and his new MDS Stripes collection, which I plan to write about soon. And her fabulous  Pinterest account was named one of the 10 must-follow southern Pinterest accounts by Domino Magazine . She is a true style icon!

Sarah Bartholomew Designs will be launching a website in a few months, which I cannot wait to feature. In the meantime, here are a few of my favorite images I have pulled from her Instagram account…

10 COMMENTS

Ridiculous levels of style

She is so stunning and I adore everything about her home, it is jewel-like throughout! Love the pic of her with Mark!

xoxo Karena The Arts by Karena

We are obsessed with all things Sarah Bartholomew! Her design is amazing and we chose her Pinterest as one of our favorites for Domino. Stunning in the dress by Mark…happy Thursday!

I love her design aesthetic….beautiful and traditional. Great recap on some of her work!

Amazing designs! I love everything about the home. Wonderful! Thanks for sharing!

I already follow her and love her style!

Beautiful! I love that kitchen too with the blue & white!

Please, please, please, I am begging to learn more about the gorgeous blue & white wall covering in the powder room. Will you please share the name of the manufacturer & design?

I think it's Quadrille!

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

related posts

A colorful abode by mark d. sikes, beautiful in montecito by mark d. sikes, sarah bartholomew for pottery barn, the latest features, cozy cape cod charm, peek inside the 2024 kips bay decorator show house palm beach, the prettiest dresses for spring, interiors for collectors by john phifer marrs, on our bookshelf, life in the garden with bunny williams, home at last with gil schafer, an entertaining life: designing town and country, trending now, my southern living takeover and 11 must-follow instagram accounts, the ultimate mother’s day gift guide, 14 ways to repurpose your silver pieces, leta austin foster’s 10 tips for timeless interiors, château de morsan is for sale, roses & pansies: a classic chintz by colefax & fowler, classic design with holly holden, bowood house, a 1920s grandmillennial home, design crush: cameron kimber, designer profiles, pretty in pink guest suite by rivers spencer, on the market: 17th century newton house, style profile: bailey ward interiors, best sellers, lettuce serving platter, globe trotter, bamboo floor lamp, baby’s golden goose sneakers, custom slipcovered chaise, visit the shop  visit the shop    visit the shop  visit the shop  visit the shop  visit the shop,   visit the shop  visit the shop  visit the shop  visit the shop  visit the shop  visit the shop  visit the shop.

• Designer Profiles

privacy policy

an elite cafemedia home/ diy publisher

copyright © 2022

Subscribe to our newsletter

Let’s Be Friends!

[register_form]

My Tour of the 2021 Southern Living Idea House

Last Saturday I had the pleasure of touring the 2021 Southern Living Idea House. Every year I look forward to the publication of the Idea House issue, and this year’s home was built right here in Louisville, Kentucky!! It was a gorgeous day, and I had the pleasure of the company of my son, Kyle, on the tour!

This year’s home, built by Jason Black and Jimmy King of Artisan Signature Homes, was designed by architect Brandon Ingram from Atlanta and interior designer Sarah Bartholomew of Nashville. Landscape design was by Josh Meyers from Louisville.

The gorgeous home overlooking the Ohio River, exudes timeless Southern charm in a comfortable, welcoming, and relaxed style throughout.

The concept for the house is the Forever Home — a home that adapts to new situations and accommodates the many stages of life a family experiences. The home is designed with central areas for gathering and entertaining, as well as plenty of spaces for getting away to work, play, or enjoy a quiet moment to yourself.

I don’t know about you, but I have certainly come to appreciate quiet moments in quiet spaces to myself over the past 18 months!

Uses of Paint Color in the 2021 Southern Living Idea House

The home’s color palette is full of soft white and warm neutrals in the central areas of the home. In addition to these neutral areas, Sarah mixes in layers of rich texture and colorful patterns throughout to create inviting and cheerful spaces.

The main areas of the home are painted Sherwin Williams Cotton (SW 9581). This soft white provides a crisp backdrop for the neutral textures and splashes of color throughout the home. Similar to Sherwin Williams Alabaster (SW 7008) and Benjamin Moore White Dove (OC-17), it’s a very warm and livable white that doesn’t lean too yellow or creamy.

The house also has surprising touches of color throughout. The most surprising and fun is the lively green studio off the kitchen area. What a fun use of Sherwin William’s vibrant green, Leaflet (SW 9674), covering all of the trim and wrapping onto the ceiling.

In the kitchen and scullery, the beadboard backsplash and shelving are painted a vibrant sapphire blue to accent the white Wellborn cabinets.

However, in my opinion, the star of the show is this amazing blue patterned flooring in the kitchen area!

Stunning Flooring

The home has some really gorgeous painted and stained wood flooring throughout.  Again, Sarah uses the amazing power of paint to create some beautiful surfaces.

But, as I mentioned above , my absolute favorite is the painted floor in the kitchen and pantry areas.

This beautiful pattern was inspired by a floor in the late horticulturist Bunny Mellon’s home. I’ve been a fan of this design for some time now, and have a feeling it just might make it’s way into the Hume home somewhere sometime soon!

Another fun and surprising use of color on the floor is in the powder room off the back hall. This painted checkerboard pattern brings out the colors in the Roman shade on the window.

The wood floor in the foyer is stained in a beautiful checkerboard pattern painted on the diagonal, and this same floor is repeated in the bathroom of the owner’s suite.

Painted Trim

The main bedroom trim, painted in Sherwin Williams Silver Lake (SW 9633), adds just the right amount of soft, serene color to the owner’s suite and frames the beautiful views to the back yard.

Wallpaper and Paint Treatments on the Walls

This handsome brown grasscloth wallpaper in the library creates a cozy spot to read or study.

This paneled wood look is created with wallpaper in the game room upstairs.

The dining room’s traditional wall covering adds soft, beautiful pattern without overpowering.

If wallpaper isn’t in your budget, the idea house includes some great stencil and paint techniques to achieve similar looks to wallpaper.

For example, this crosshatch paint technique is used in the front powder room.

The crosshatch pattern is created with Sherwin Williams Cotton (SW 9581) and Soft Sage (SW 9647). This is a great way to add texture to your walls in lieu of more expensive textured wallpaper such as grasscloth.

Or, you could go crazy with stencils for major impact in a bedroom!

As in … all over every surface crazy!

What a great idea for a room with odd angles of walls and ceilings!

Even the bulletin board gets in on the action! I love this idea to camouflage the bulletin board.

And, don’t forget to carry it onto the adjoining bathroom ceiling.

Colorful Contemporary Art Combined with Traditional Southern Decor

One of my favorite ways to decorate and keep more traditionally styled rooms fresh is to add pops of color in contemporary art. The idea house does this beautifully throughout the home.

You’ll find several pieces of art by Nashville artist Kayce Hughes throughout.

This colorful art is in the sunny guest room located on the main floor of the home.

The room features an amazing coffee bar for guests.

Outdoor Living Space

The back porch and backyard of the Southern Living Idea House are amazing, complete with a tree swing and gazebo overlooking the Ohio River.

Thanks so much for joining me on the tour of the 2021 Southern Living Idea House. For a complete list of all sources and colors throughout the home you can click here.

What a beautiful home, Sarah Bartholomew and Artisan Homes!

Thank you for a lovely tour of this amazing New Old Kentucky Home!!

Similar Posts

Layered Bedding Ideas (How to Create a Beautiful and Cozy Bed)

Painted Kitchen Cabinet Makeover Tips

5 Ways to Learn to Love Your Home

A Timeless Budget-Friendly Kitchen Makeover

Sophisticated Coastal Decor for Your Home

How to Accessorize a Kitchen: 20 Easy Decor Tips

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Find anything you save across the site in your account

Tour the Kips Bay Decorator Show House Palm Beach for 2022

By Mel Studach

All products featured on Architectural Digest are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

If the designers of this year’s Kips Bay Decorator Show House Palm Beach have anything to say with their dreamed-up interiors, is that perhaps it’s time to redefine the region’s quintessential style. Twenty-four designers are now sharing their fresh takes on Palm Beach panache within the glamorous confines of a 1920s Mediterranean Revival estate, complete with a guest house, pool, and life-size backgammon board. Open for virtual and in-person tours, the show house is celebrating its fifth annual edition, with help from sponsors such as The Shade Store , Benjamin Moore , Soane Britain , Kohler , OKA , and more, and proceeds will benefit the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club and Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach.

Get the essentials to grow a sustainable business at our member-only event.

For several designers, the allure of classic Palm Beach—where pink, green, or yellow pairs opposite a crisp white stripe and treillage walls provide a backdrop to rattan seating—is too good to reimagine. Designer Amanda Reynal employs the color palette to a delightful extent in the home’s balcony hideaway, namely on the scalloped outdoor sofa upholstered in a laminated Schumacher floral print, while Janie Molster creates what would surely be a Slim Aarons–approved poolside patio incorporating bubblegum pink stripes, a treillage-layered pavilion, and block print-style umbrellas sourced from a street vendor in Mumbai. That cabana feeling travels indoors, too, as designers Sarah Bartholomew and Ashley Gilbreth construct tented bedrooms using serene striped fabrics from Guy Goodfellow Collection and Schumacher, respectively.

Of course, it wouldn’t be quintessential Palm Beach without a dash of camp. After taking some steps into the home, a moment of fanciful fun reveals as designer Joan Craig of Craig and Company frames the entryway door portals with seashells. Continuing down the corridor into the powder room, designer Andrea Schumacher adds to the whimsy with an installation of aluminum butterflies (made by artist Paul Villinski using recycled materials) protruding from a cloudy wallpaper by Leisl. Elsewhere, in the child’s bedroom, Maryline Damour of Damour Drake tasked fiber artist Sienna Martz to dream up a playful take on the mobile. The result? A totally charming, theatrical-level display of felt clouds descending from the ceiling.

Perhaps even more memorable than the archetypes, though, are designers’ modern and pigment-rich interpretations of Palm Beach living. Philip Gorrivan and Goddard Design Group drew from global influences—Italian and French Modernism, respectively—to redefine the architectures of their inviting spaces. And for designer Catherine M. Austin , Costa Rican inspirations drew her to the banana leaf Martinique Celebration wallpaper by C.W. Stockwell in collaboration with Voutsa, featuring a spritely Matisse–inspired palette that carries throughout the guest house’s kitchen and dining room. “There are lots of colorful characters in Palm Beach, so we wanted to reflect that,” Austin says. In other reflections of the times, Joy Street Design crafts a multi-medium gallery wall as an example for displaying NFT works .

One element that appears in both classic and contemporary interpretations? A well-stocked bar. Whether it’s a cart , built-in nook, or full-on counter service, “I think nearly every room in this house has a bar,” Gorrivan says. “It is Palm Beach, after all.” Below, get a virtual look inside the entire 2022 Kips Bay Decorator Show House Palm Beach, which will be open to the public for tours through April 3.

The entryway by Craig & Company leans into a blue palette.

The drawing room by Peter Pennoyer Architects at the Kips Bay Decorator Show House Palm Beach.

Dramatic pattern defines the sitting room by Robert Brown Interior Design .

Animal prints—and prints of animals—appear in the bar by Jim Dove Design .

More animal motifs in the powder room by Andrea Schumacher Interiors .

The dining room by Beth Diana Smith Interior Design features a patterned ceiling.

A practical, elevated kitchen by Bakes & Kropp Fine Cabinetry includes plenty of storage for wine and serving-ware alike.

Rattan pretzel chairs and botanical prints fill the sunroom by Paloma Contreras Interior Design .

Outdoor entertaining reaches new heights in the Breezy Hideaway balcony by Amanda Reynal Interiors .

Tiger print and fuchsia accessories in the sitting room by Philip Gorrivan Design .

The bedroom by Ashley Gilbreath Interior Design goes for a stripe-on-stripe moment.

Serene blues and botanicals define the primary closet by The Lewis Design Group .

An enviable primary bathroom by Nikki Levy Interiors .

Traditional elements pair with organic modernism in the sitting room by Noz Design .

A suspended chaise makes an inviting perch in the bedroom by Tiffany Brooks Interiors .

Clouds hover of the bed in the child’s bedroom by Damour Drake .

The bedroom by Sarah Bartholomew Interior Design goes for a more neutral, calming look.

The outdoor kitchen and lounge by Pearl Design Interiors features a chic seating arrangement around the fireplace.

Guest house

Bold hues in the kitchen and dining room by Catherine M. Austin Interior Design .

The sitting room by Goddard Design Group makes a statement in complementary shades of purple and gold.

An art-filled guest bedroom by Joy Street Design .

A glam home office by Tish Mills Interiors, Harmonious Living .

The pretty-as-a-picture outdoor landscape and design by Bell Design, Inc .

No Palm Beach home would be complete without a backyard oasis—and this pool deck by Janie Molster Designs delivers.

By Alia Akkam

• April 24, 2018

A HOME TOUR THAT’S MOTIVATING ME TO “FINISH” OUR LIVING ROOM

I stumbled upon this Traditional Home feature of designer Sarah Bartholomew’s house via The Glam Pad and The Neo-Traditionalist and knew I had to share a few of my favorite rooms with you guys. As you know I’m in the process of decorating our living room and while I know it will never feel perfectly finished (as there will always be things I want to tweak and pieces I’m saving up to replace) I love saving inspiring design photos because they motivate me to want to make our house look as photo-ready as possible. This home tour is beautifully styled and just so colorful and springy that I think I saved more than half the photos in a folder on my desktop. I also rounded up a ton of home decor finds at the end of the post to help you achieve a similar look — I can’t believe the price of this mirror !

P.S. Since  my last decorating update on our living room, we’ve swapped out the rug for this lighter and brighter one , hung these acrylic curtain rods , are in the process of having these curtains hemmed, replaced a white lamp shade with this navy one , and ordered this side table that’s better proportioned to our deep sectional sofa. I’m beyond ready for everything to come together, but — progress! Stay tuned!

P.P.S. You can always peep a ton more design inspo over on Pinterest — I update several times a week!

one  //   two  //   three  //   four  //   five  //   six  //   seven

eight  //   nine  //   ten  //   eleven  //   twelve  //   thirteen

Shop the post:

Subscribe to our Newsletter

©Design Darling

Privacy policy, site by roselind co., powered by chloédigital.

• Guided tour

Moscow: City Sightseeing by Car/Bus

• Description
• Choose date

Visiting a new city is akin to going on a first date, it is something you will never forget. Many people imagine Moscow as just a bunch of sporadic landmarks: Red Square, the Kremlin, Lenin’s Mausoleum and GUM. There is so much more to this wonderful city than that and even though we only have a few hours, we will do all we can to show you everything we know and love about our capital in one fell swoop. We will take you on a journey through the ages, from centuries ago, right up to the modern day, soaking in the sights of this vast and bustling metropolis. Bright, luxurious and both ancient and modern at the same time, Moscow invites you on a date you’ll never forget!

On our sightseeing bus tour of the city, you will see:

• The wonderfully historic city centre and its unique museums, magnificent cathedrals, the exquisite Chambers of the Romanov Boyars and of course, the famous towering red brick walls of the Kremlin, The charming beauty of the Alexander Garden awaits the capital's guests - a lush green oasis in the midst of the glass and concrete clad metropolis, basking in the etherial aura emanating from the whitewashed stone walls of the restored Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the world- renowned fairytale onion domes of St. Basil's Cathedral and other impressive monumental buildings such as the library built in Lenin's honour - the Russian State Library - and the State Duma.
• The Lubyanka KGB headquarters is notorious to members of older generations and although nowadays, the face of the secret police has changed dramatically, the looming enigmatic building on the waterfront maintains its aura of mystery, shrouded in a variety of murky rumours and dark myths. Then, there’s another of Moscow's main attractions - the marvellous Bolshoi Theatre, yew simply cant leave Moscow without taking in its breathtaking architecture. Engrained in the fabric of Russia's cultural heritage, virtuoso performers such as prima ballerina Galina Ulanova, opera singer Feodor Chaliapin and pianist, composer and conductor Sergei Rachmaninoff once stood centre stage of this vaunted institution.
• The memorial complex on Poklonnaya Hill was constructed in the glory and honour of our heroes who defended our nation in the many crucial battles of the Great Patriotic War (WWII). This is a place that embodies a particularly acute and inextricable link between older ancf younger generations. Moving on to the Moscow International Business Centre, not dubbed ‘Moscow City' for nothing, a true glimpse of the future in the present. This incredible, rather jaw-dropping project in the capital has shown that Moscow has come to accept the age of the skyscraper. Finally, the stunning views from the observation deck at Sparrow Hills will leave professional and amateur photographers alike itching to capture them. How could one resist?

The most beautiful of all the world's cities - lady Moscow invites you out on a date!

The cost of an excursion with a personal guide for 1 person

Meeting point We'll pick you up at your hotel

St. Basil's Cathedral

House on the Embankment

Cathedral of Christ the Saviour

Vorobyovy Hills

Poklonnaya Hill Poklonnaya Gora

Moscow-City

Alexander garden

Russian State Library

Bolshoi Theatre

End of the tour

Choose your dates

Select time, who's going.

• Excursion Moscow: City Sightseeing by Car/Bus
• Date and time:
• Who's going:

St. Petersburg

• Johannesburg
• Benalmadena
• Gran Canaria
• Palma de Mallorca
• San Sebastian
• Bournemouth
• Derry-Londonderry
• London Christmas Light
• Stratford-upon-Avon
• Los Angeles
• New Orleans
• Philadelphia
• San Antonio
• San Francisco
• St. Augustine
• Trolley Tour
• Washington D.C.
• Ho Chi Minh
• GBP (£) USD ($) AUD ($) HKD ($) ZAR (R) CNY (¥) NOK (kr) CZK (Kč) GBP (£) CAD ($) AED (د.إ) CHF (₣) ISK (kr) SEK (kr) DKK (kr) EUR (€) SGD ($) INR (₹) NZD ($) MXN ($) THB (฿) MYR (RM)
• 🛒 0
• Login / Sign Up

Password reset successful. We've sent the new password to your registered email. Please check your email for the confirmation.

Sorry, it looks like this email isn't registered.

No Cancellation Charges  up to 24 hours before the chosen travel date. 100% cancellation fee applied within 24 hours of travel date.

For groups of 12 or more, you may send us an inquiry at [email protected]. Although we do not guarantee bulk deals for all our tours, there are some tours for which we can offer discounted pricing. Ordinary hop-on-hop-off bus tickets are entitled to group savings. Attractions, pass items and combo tickets aren't.

Due the nature of this type of tour and varying demand, group travellers should be aware that there is no guarantee that the group will be able to travel altogether as the available seats vary from stop to stop and depends on demand each day. The group may need to split up and/or wait for the next bus(s).

As, we cannot guarantee that the group shall be able to travel together as one group, therefore we will reduce the group size down to 4-5 smaller groups per ticket (depending upon group size).

City Sightseeing: Moscow Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour

This Tour Is Not Available Right Now

Click here to explore more activities in moscow.

Lowest Price Guarantee *

Select Date, Travellers and Ticket

• The Bus Tour offers unlimited 360° panoramic views of main sights of Moscow.
• Access to audio-guide in 10 different languages which enables to know about Moscow’s history and traditions.
• The three-bus tour routes and 40+ stops around Moscow completes the trip. Draw an itinerary to explore the city on your own.
• There can be a boat tour and bus tour to enjoy panoramic views of Moskva River.
• Smartphone Voucher Accepted. (No need to print)

The City Sightseeing at Moscow begins at Bolotnaya Square with Hop-on-Hop-off bus service. The bus operates on the Red, Green and Orange lines. If you have limited time in Moscow, start your trip on the Redline and get yourself acquainted with the city’s 16 best attractions. The green line, however, covers 26 amazing spots so if you are staying for an extended period catch the green line.

• Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts
• Alexander Garden
• GUM State Department Store
• Sofiyskaya Embankment
• Cathedral of Christ the Saviour
• University Square, Vorobyovy Gory Observation Deck
• Hotel Ukraina Pier
• Zaryadye Park
• Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics
• VDNKh Metro Station
• Cosmonauts Alley
• Ostankino Television Tower
• Red Route: Schedule: 10:00 - 18:00 , Loop: 60 Minutes , Frequency: 15 Minutes
• Green Route : Schedule: 10:00 - 18:00 , Loop: 120 Minutes , Frequency: 30 Minutes
• Orange Route : Schedule: 10:00 - 18:30 , Loop: 140 Minutes , Frequency: 30 Minutes
• 24 / 48-Hours Hop-on Hop-off Bus Ticket
• Red Line Audio Guide: Russian, English, German, Spanish, Italian, French, Chinese, Arabic, Portuguese, Farsi
• Green Line Audio Guide: Russian, English, German, Spanish, Italian, French, Chinese, Arabic
• Orange Line Audio Guide : Russian English, German, Spanish, Italian, French
• Guided walking tour
• Boat Tour (If option selected)
• Hotel Transfers
• Entrance Fees (Unless Specified)

Redemption Info

You can board the bus at any stop and voucher can be exchanged directly with the driver. Printed vouchers required for this tour and are accepted at all stops. You will receive a ticket in exchange for your voucher, which you must keep until the expiry date/ tour. Please check your ticket to know when it expires. After exchanging your voucher for a ticket, your voucher will no longer be valid. In loss of voucher/ticket, company is not liable for any refund. Book Now! You can use your ticket any day within 12 months.

Know Before You Go

Wheelchair Access, Heating Please note that face masks must be worn on board the bus. Orange Route is temporarily suspended   

Operational Details: Walking Tour

• Daily at 10:45 a.m.
• Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Meeting point: next to the monument to Saints Cyril and Methodius (Kitay-Gorod metro station)

Capital River Boat Tour

• May - October: from 11:30am to 6:30pm (Subject to change)
• Duration: 60 minutes
• Departure Point: Zaryadye Park Pier

Useful Downloads

Cancellation policy, other cities in russia.

Tour an Inviting Greenwich, Connecticut Home

– design chic

Update your Dining Room 

– serena & lily

Sarah Bartholomew’s New Collection with Pottery Barn

– pottery barn

The Perfect Stools for Your Kitchen

Neiman Marcus for Fall

– neiman marcus

If you’re looking for something to read, make sure to grab a copy of THE SECRET TO SOUTHERN CHARM , one of Southern Living‘s best beach reads, to slip in your tote.

_____________________________________________

More Tour Dates

September 21: Chattooga Club Speakers Bureau Event, Cashiers, NC, 6 pm, open to Chattooga Club members and guests

September 26: New Bern, NC Private Book Club Event, 6 pm

October 4: Pink Ribbon Project Luncheon and Purse Auction, 11 am-1 pm, Wilmington Convention Center, Wilmington, NC

October 11-14: Poppy Con 2018, Tall Poppy Writers Retreat, Chicago, IL, private event

November 6: Private Book Club Event, Beaufort, NC, 6 pm

FOR MORE INSPIRATION VISIT OUR INSTAGRAM   AND  PINTEREST  AND OUR TOP TEN POSTS OF 2017 HERE !

More from Our site

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Tagged With: Connecticut , dining room , Greenwich , House Tour , living room , Pottery Barn , Sarah Bartholomew , seagrass , Serena & Lily , The Secret to Southern Charm

Posts on Design Chic may contain affiliate links or links to sponsor’s sites. We try to partner with businesses we think will be of interest to our followers and always strive to bring you content you’ll love. Thanks for reading!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Destination guides

Download free Russia travel guides

• St Petersburg
• Golden Ring
• Lake Baikal
• Murmansk (Kola Peninsula)
• Moscow & St Petersburg
• Russia River Cruises
• Expedition Cruises
• Trans-Siberian Tours
• Northern Lights Tours
• Siberia Tours
• Winter Tours
• Students Trips
• Luxury Tours
• Plan My Tour

Start planning my tour

Your Russia, your dates, your mates

• Destination Guides
• Russia Travel Tips
• Russian Visa
• Travel Insurance
• Why 56th Parallel
• Traveller Reviews

Moscow Vibes – Three Day City Escape

Duration 3 days

Price from USD $730 ? Currency Conversion Converted from USD based on the latest exchange rate. Final amount and payment will be in USD. Final conversion rate is determined by your bank.

Trip Style Sightseeing

Time of year All Year

Home / Moscow Tours / Moscow Vibes – Three Day City Escape

• Dates & Prices

This short Moscow tour will give you a true taste of the history, culture and incomparable urban vibe that define one of the world’s largest metropolises. In just three days, this Moscow itinerary takes in all the most iconic sights of this attraction-packed destination. After two and half days getting acquainted with the city, we’ve set time aside for you to explore Moscow your way and discover your own favourite hang-outs in a city overflowing with hidden treasures

3-Day Moscow Tour Highlights:

• Panoramic Tour of Moscow: See Moscow beyond the postcard images on a private excursion by car through the city streets including a drive along the banks of the Moskva River. Visit the famous Bolshoi Theatre, pass by Gorky Park and the Novodevichy Convent, and admire the city from on high at the Sparrow Hill observation platform.
• Moscow Historical City Centre Guided Walking Tour : Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of one of the world’s biggest metropolises and discover local haunts on foot, including the Red Square, the Kremlin and the multi-coloured domes of St Basil’s Cathedral.
• Armory Chamber tour: Explore the endless treasures of this unique museum, displaying the wealth accumulated by Russian rulers from the 12th century until the October Revolution of 1917. Walking through the exhibition halls is a journey through the centuries.
• Moscow Metro Tour : Go deep underground on a subway tour of the famous Moscow metro. The world’s deepest metro system is renowned for its palatial, art-adorned stations, complete with marble columns and chandeliers.

On your first day, you’ll be treated to a panoramic, drive-by tour of Moscow to get a feel for the immense scale of one of the world’s most rapidly developing urban centres. The city’s history unfolds in real-time as you pass lavish imperial mansions, solemn Soviet structures and luxurious modern shopping centres.

Day two kicks off exploring Moscow’s historic centre on foot, followed by a tour of the Kremlin, the seat of Russian power and political intrigue for centuries. Stand in the Red Square, surrounded by the stunning architecture as you hear stories of the people and events behind many of Moscow’s most iconic landmarks.

On your final day, we’ll head beneath the city for a tour of the Moscow Metro and its famously ornate underground stations. Art lovers should hit up one of Moscow’s many world-class galleries such as the Tretyakov State Gallery, the Pushkin Museum or Garage, Moscow’s cutting-edge contemporary art museum. History fans can follow a Soviet trail through the city including Stalin’s Bunker, while those seeking a more indulgent experience can browse trendy neighbourhoods like Kitay Gorod or shop for everything from fashion to kitsch souvenirs at the enchanting Izmaylovo Flea Market. Foodies can head to one of the countless speciality stores sampling vodka, caviar and chocolate.

If you only have a few days to spend in Moscow, this tour will ensure you make the most of your time in the city. Let the experts navigate you through this complex and occasionally overwhelming capital, giving you plenty of time to soak up the city’s most unmissable attractions.

Accomodation

Not Included

Sightseeing

Action rating ?

Type of tour

3 days / 2 nights

Private - Any Date

Day 1 Panoramic city tour

Welcome to the glorious capital of Russia, Moscow! You’ll be met by your driver at the airport and taken to your centrally located hotel.

After check-in and rest, meet your private guide at the hotel lobby for a comprehensive tour of Moscow by car. Visit the starkly contrasting Theatre Square to see the stunning Bolshoi Theatre, pass Tverskaya Street, the city’s main boulevard and home to the landmark Yeleseyevskiy Grocery Store.

You’ll enjoy a panoramic drive along the Moskva River, where a huge, controversial state of Peter the Great was erected. Pass by the legendary Gorky Park and the White House before a stop at the architecturally stunning Novodevichy Convent, and the observation platform at Sparrow Hills, for a bird’s eye view over this staggering megalopolis.

Day 2 Red Square and Kremlin

After breakfast at the hotel, your guide will take you on a walking tour of the historical city centre. Stroll through the Red Square, the hub of cultural life in Moscow, with its elaborate ‘stone flower’ fountain and fantasy-like St Basil’s Cathedral – a postcard-perfect symbol of the nation. Admire the grandiose façade of GUM, the city’s most luxurious shopping centre, and visit Alexander’s Garden, with its eternal flame and the chance to watch a changing of the guards.

Break for lunch before continuing on a tour of the Kremlin and Armoury Chamber, famous of its collection of tsarist fashion, with regalia such as jewel-encrusted crowns, orbs and sceptres as well as arms and armour, exotic gifts from the leaders of faraway lands, and an illustrious case of Imperial Faberge eggs.

As an option* spend an evening on a sumptuous dinner cruise, taking in the stunning sights and city lights of this mesmerising metropolis by night.

Day 3 Metro and Arbat Street

Start a day with a tour of Metro, stopping on the way to marvel at some of the most elaborately decorated stations of the world-famous Moscow subway system. Take a stroll along Old Arbat street - the most famous street in Moscow. Through the centuries Arbat used to be one of the most bohemian places in Moscow. Today Arbat is a promenade full of small cozy cafes and street life.

The afternoon is free for you to either enjoy the rest of the day on your own or choose among optional excursions to explore more of Moscow. Visit the Tretyakov Gallery or Pushkin State Museum to admire Russian art. Join locals for a stroll at the Gorky or VDNH park.

Visit beautiful Kolomeskoye Estate or Izmailovo Kremlin, or spend a day exploring the beautiful city of the Golden Ring (Russian province) - Sergiev Posad. In the evening you will be transferred to the airport for your departure to your next destination.

Print this page

Save a printed version of this tour, so you can make a decision later

Send to my inbox

Email yourself or a friend the link for this tour

Ask a question

Have a question about this tour? Our experts will be happy to help

Group airport/train-station arrival and departure transfers

All transportation according to the itinerary with a private driver

4* hotel accommodation in the historical city center (twin/double)

Local licensed English-speaking guide

All activities, indicated in the itinerary, except optional

Entry fees according to the itinerary (skip-the-lines policy)

Russian visa support document

Travel insurance

Russian visa and visa fees. Russian visa can be arranged by 56th Parallel for an additional cost (for Australian citizens only). Apply for concierge visa service here .

Optional excursions/activities

*Private tour. Price is per person, based on min 2 people

Similar tours

Highlights of moscow & st petersburg.

Immerse yourself in the art, history and culture of Russia and explore the contrasting styles of Moscow and St Petersburg in just one week. Experience the iconic landmarks of ...

Golden Ring at a Glance

Take a short detour from Moscow to discover the age-old allure of Russia. Travelling from the capital to the countryside, where golden spires and the onion-shaped domes of ...

Treasures of St Petersburg

This in-depth tour is a fun and fascinating discovery of the legacy of Imperialist Russia, just in one week. A showcase for the wealth and tastes of the Emperors of Russia from ...

Classic Moscow – Art, History and Culture

Breathe in the history of Moscow, explore its Imperial and soviet past, dynamic contemporary culture and lifestyle. On this 5-day tour of Moscow, you'll visit the must-see sights ...

Why travel to Russia with 56th Parallel?

Destination Specialists

Our team offers over 18 years of experience travelling and planning travel in Russia. Delivering outstanding travel experiences in Russia’s capitals and in some of the most stunning & remote locations takes experience, special access and the right connections. We make sure that all the fine details are handled perfectly so you can enjoy your Russia travel experience.

Group & Private Tours

The choice to join a small group on a guaranteed departure or chose to travel on your own dates with your own mates. Each destination we travel to in Russia offers an option between private tours and small group tours. Please note: on our adventure tours in remote destinations, we mostly run group tours to keep the cost down.

Bonded & Licensed

56th Parallel is a fully licensed, insured and accredited travel provider.

From USD $730

Day 1: Panoramic city tour

Day 2: red square and kremlin, day 3: metro and arbat street, not included, start planning your tour.

A destination specialist will follow up on you enquiry shortly. Prefer to chat? Call us on +61 412 587 785 we will be delighted to be of service.

Email this tour to:

Have a question or need specific information.

Send us a note below or call us

Country * Afghanistan Albania Algeria American Samoa Andorra Angola Anguilla Antarctica Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Aruba Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bolivia Bosnia and Herzegowina Botswana Bouvet Island Brazil British Indian Ocean Territory Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cape Verde Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad Chile China Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia Comoros Congo Congo, the Democratic Republic of the Cook Islands Costa Rica Cote d'Ivoire Croatia (Hrvatska) Cuba Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic East Timor Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Faroe Islands Fiji Finland France France Metropolitan French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Gibraltar Greece Greenland Grenada Guadeloupe Guam Guatemala Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Heard and Mc Donald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras Hong Kong Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran (Islamic Republic of) Iraq Ireland Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Lao, People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macau Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania Mauritius Mayotte Mexico Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco Mongolia Montserrat Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands Netherlands Antilles New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Niue Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway Oman Pakistan Palau Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Pitcairn Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Reunion Romania Russian Federation Rwanda Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain Sri Lanka St. Helena St. Pierre and Miquelon Sudan Suriname Svalbard and Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland Sweden Switzerland Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand Togo Tokelau Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States United States Minor Outlying Islands Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela Vietnam Virgin Islands (British) Virgin Islands (U.S.) Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Yugoslavia Zambia Zimbabwe

If you have any urgent questions or enquiries, please give us a call +61 412 587 785