Finishing touches put on this year’s Christopher Kennedy Compound

Gutting a house and getting it ready for massive Modernism week crowds in 6 weeks. Sounds impossible, but that’s exactly what Christopher Kennedy and his army of interior designers do every year.

Thursday the compound looks like a scene straight out of Extreme Home Makeover. But by Saturday this year’s compound will be transformed into a midcentury modern masterpiece. Until then, it’s crunch time.

“I’m feeling the pressure it’s always a race to the finish. We’re really close to the holidays still might seem like a distant memory, but we’re only 6 weeks out from New Years. This all comes together through the holidays and the opening of Modernism week. So to gut renovate a 7,000 square foot house in six weeks is no easy task,” said interior designer and founder Christopher Kennedy.

Between all the homes Kennedy transforms for Modernism week this one is by far the biggest.

“Our first two houses were small, 25 hundred square feet. Last year seemed big with 4,000 square feet and this year it’s nearly 7,000 square feet,” Kennedy said.

Not only is the home bigger, it’s also the home of his close friends Kelly and Klaus.

“We’re so excited for everyone to see all the rooms and have it all come together and have the community come out and support. And we love that the proceeds benefit the community,” said owner Kelly Golightly.

Golightly designed the dream closet in last year’s show house, now she’s getting her own.

“Last year when I designed the closet I said ‘Oh my gosh it’s so sad my closet doesn’t look this way.’ And I don’t know if it’s the universe or whatever, you’re going to see some familiar touches and I can’t wait for you to see it,” Golightly said.

As for the couples favorite room …

“I love what they’re doing with the lounge. I think that’s a fantastic space,” said Klaus “Fred” Moser.

In total there’s 20 tastemakers designing different rooms including Kate Spade NY, Salvador Camarena and Gray Malin. Many racing against the clock to put it all together.

“I’ve put in a lot of metallics and geometrics and very midcentury but very clean. My living room will be somewhat formal in comparison to some rooms in the house,” said Barclay Butera.

From the kitchen to the guest bedroom “Villa Golightly” as it’s fondly referred to is something you need to see in person.

There’s a number of events taking place at the compound throughout the next few weeks like a Breakfast at Tiffany’s inspired cocktail party and a Trina Turk fashion show.

For tickets and more information check out the Christopher Kennedy Compound website.