HOUSE TOUR | Co-Founder of Kate Spade and Frances Valentine Opens Her NYC Townhouse

Step inside the vibrant and historic New York City townhouse of Elyce Arons, the co-founder of fashion brands Frances Valentine and Kate Spade.
For more extraordinary home tours, visit our website: homeworthy.com
As the fourth owner of this storied, nearly 200-year-old West Village home, Elyce has curated a space that seamlessly blends the old with the new. Antique pieces mingle effortlessly with contemporary furniture, creating a dynamic and eclectic atmosphere that is uniquely hers. Original fixtures add to the home's undeniable character, while a vibrant collection of art adorns the walls.
Stepping through the door, you're greeted by a riot of color and prints that reflect her penchant for lively design. Her love of entertaining, too, led her to create a space that exudes warmth and hospitality.
Elyce Arons and Kate Spade founded luxury fashion and accessory brand Frances Valentine in 2016, following their wildly successful foray into fashion with the one-and-only Kate Spade.
Enjoy!
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Visit Frances Valentine's website: francesvalentine.com/
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Follow Elyce Arons on Instagram: / elyce_arons

[@LukeLovesDogs1]

She is obviously super successful, but she’s still super down to earth as well. What a combo! And her home and her style/taste are exquisite. She is genuinely likable and this home tour was fun!

[@vanessaotey4633]

One of my favs

[@kibibishaw1194]

AGREED! She’s delightful! She’s so interesting; I wanted the know about the pranks she pulls! 😅 Truly Excellent episode! 🥂✨

[@LukeLovesDogs1]

@@kibibishaw1194 haha same! 😃

[@zerowhite2286]

Yes, often on these tours I’m thinking, great place but maybe I’ll mute the speaker. This host was the reverse, I wanted to see and hear about the rest of the house. Such a fun loving personality oozing in creativity and warmth.

[@dianegriffith3006]

Agree 100%.. A delightful lady and I love her humor! 😄

[@vickyrodas8961]

So few people get art right...this lovely homeowner nailed it! The vibrant colors certainly reflect her personality. How gracious that she shared the door color w/a new homeowner. A giving soul!

[@bjamo8738]

I agree! You stated it perfectly!

[@hellobecky84]

Yes, her generosity with her neighbor and passersby taking photos leapt out at me. Seems like such a lovely person, great taste

[@bjornnasett5959]

What an interesting woman. My mom used to say, "you have to be interested to be interesting." This lovely lady IS interested in the world around her and most importantly others, and her home shows this.

[@blackirisvtg143]

Agreed! I don't like Heinken but I would totally drink one to hang out with this lady!

[@criticalthinking6929]

Your mom spoke truth❤

[@barbiedoll6530]

STUNNING!!!!!!!!!!!!! Love learning the history of the townhouse! She is such a warm and inviting person and that sense of humor !!!! (RIP Kate Spade)

[@barbaramelville337]

May she rip 😢😢😢

[@janicerivera5570]

Nice that she respected and preserved the character that the home deserved. Good karma, indeed! Lovely place for family and friends to gather.

[@susanblanche9684]

I had the honor of meeting Kate Spade when she came to Kansas City to see her family. She would come into my salon to pick up her Grandmother who lived to be 103 Kate was so sweet

[@Mar-iy8il]

So sad she is no longer with us.

[@gennisparry4352]

@@Mar-iy8ilToo bad she killed herself. What will she tell her Maker when she meets him?

[@user-rz5yo8th4s]

@@gennisparry4352.. Are you shallow minded… you need to educate yourself about mental illness.. before you make such immature comments.. 😡

[@tamjg]

What will you tell your maker about your dreadful comment?@@gennisparry4352

[@proudmganda1159]

Killed herself!!! At 103??? 🤬

[@amandabradley6256]

I could have listened to this lady for hours…..I adore this home and the colour and just her absolute love of life.❤❤❤

[@karenmusic2166]

Elyce, you have continued to respect and honor this beautiful home. Thank you for opening THE red door for all of us.

[@michelleb.9637]

This place has blown my mind. The art, the color, the layers! Every time they pan to that chandelier in the living room I want to faint or cry. What a beautiful home and beautiful host! Thank you for allowing us in. ❤

[@gwenewing6837]

I feel the same❤

[@jasonkay6919]

She seems so genuinely excited about the home and each piece of art. The home and furnishings are lovely, but they pale in comparison to the host. What a delight!

[@l.taylor589]

Loved the home and her sense of humor with Mrs. Fox head and the picture above the toilet.😀

[@amykiernan1595]

Absolutely gorgeous home. Finally we see a designer that uses color so Tastefully well done. Plus her hairstyle is awesome ❤

[@steamdespair9189]

Oh my God, I LOVE her!!! What a wonderful person, she's the right mix of quirky, fun and stylish.

[@fl3693]

I know a healer when i see one. She is a really lovely person. Her home reflects her good vibes.

[@jennyjones2729]

The entry way of Kate Spades NYhouse lives rent free in my head. I rewatch her episode a couple times a year. This lady has a nice home too, I see similarities in their art choices. I know she misses her terribly.

[@yvonnebertrand3731]

Is the Kate Spade episode on Homeworthy?

[@jennyjones2729]

@@yvonnebertrand3731 I thought it was, but it looks like People mag put it out. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qWeqmal7ds1pbtk&ab_channel=People

[@gwenewing6837]

I will look it up❤

[@jennyjones2729]

i thought it was, but it was put out on YT by the channel "people" like the magazine. I cant post a link or my comment will be deleted. just search Kate Spade NY townhouse on YT. I am sure it will come up. I just watched it again, so I know its still posted.

[@ER-er2yr]

I cannot love this enough! I've had the pleasure of meeting Elyce on several occasions. She is brilliant, a super hard worker and leader, and is extremely down to earth and lovely! Her home is absolutely gorgeous!

[@viviangautier2160]

What a beautiful woman! She looks so nice! And her home so beautiful and cozy! Love it! ❤

[@mariabanholzer7942]

I watched this video some days ago and came back to see it again. Did you know that this wonderful woman took her own life in 2018? I am soooo sad about it. I found out when i read a comment with RIP! I think her husband had another woman in his life..... As she talked always of her husband in the video i thought and dreamed that this is the perfect happy couple! Much love from South of France

[@claudiamann7111]

Love the red door!! What a beautiful home with a fabulous art collection. I wish we could have seen more. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@peggymurphy6747]

Oh my gosh, one of my favorite tours ever. Elyce is an amazing woman and so down to earth. Incredible art, stylish yet homey and personal home. LOVE IT!

[@tiffanycurtis4794]

LETS START WITH THE RED DOOR ❤️🔥😃👏🏾

[@Heyu7her3]

Yep. DEFINITELY get "Kate Spade" from this. ❤

[@zellalaing5439]

So sad more people who buy older homes arent like her and her husband. So beautiful she kept everything she could ❤❤❤

[@alianaweston2286]

She’s super down to earth.. very refreshing.

[@TheSushmaHomeSellingTeam]

It's an honor to be your guest, (virtually)Elyce. 😉💛

[@Lily4444]

Love that she dint strip the house and used the authentic soul off the house.

[@amyhughes5135]

Lovely homeowner. Lovely home. Thanks so much for sharing!

[@kathleenkearns2124]

What a great glimpse inside one of those beautiful homes with the red door we walk by!!

[@kimmyz]

I think this might be my favorite Homeworthy so far. Frances, you are my kind of gal. Love your taste. These are my colors as well, though I call this "orange", albeit a reddish orange. It's sad what happened to Kate Spade, but her brand lives on and I'm glad to know the connection you two had. Beautiful home! My old Victorian (built in 1907) has the same French doors leading to the living room and the same huge pocket doors leading to the "music room." The old homes have so much charm and great craftsmanship.

[@Bev-ob8tm]

Simply delightful. Both the home and the owner. Enchanting, welcoming and a perfect part home. ❤

[@blancasanchez3536]

I can see why Kate Spade and her were in business together. And both husbands are named Andy!! Loved Kate Spade so much, wish she were still here. Beautiful photo of Kate and Andy Spade on the fireplace. I am a fan of the Frances Valentine Brand as well. Beautiful lady and beautiful home, great home tour.

[@nwoweikupamer]

Beautiful and comfortable ! Thank you for sharing with us -

[@valsainking]

@13:06

[@Robert-bg7bl]

She does color right! Inside and out, up and down perfection, classy and a true home.

[@patriciacinea3097]

Lots of layers of color and patterns but it works so well. Very inspiring. Ms. Arons has such positive energy.

[@williamwhitworth2101]

Gorgeous, beautifully collected, and so respectful to its past. Lucky home and lucky owners.

[@karenanderson6443]

What a lovely time spent with a gracious host who truly loves her home! Inspiring and real. Thank you for taking the time to share your stories which are so important and meaningful!!

[@sherrierichard2848]

What a warm and down to earth lady! Nothing beats a great sense of humor so she must be a really fun host. Frances and her husband do art work spectacularly! Thanks for the tour!

[@pman2916]

Oh please can we see the rest of her home🙏 I love her home and her. Shes such a gun of a woman and im very impressed by how down to earth she is😊

[@sheilacirioni4676]

Thank you so much for inviting us into your home& your life!! You are so sweet& down to earth...just a regular gal.What a beautiful home. I love the RED!!😊🌟🌺🌷❤⚘

[@DavettaMoore]

I enjoyed all the color. Thank you for sharing.

[@ReginaldBealer]

Your happy and joyous spirit shines through genuinely Mrs. Fox and your home have that what's in you total positive colorful vibes

[@SM-qh2mz]

Her home is simply lovely and she seems like such a fun gal that could be your bestie!!! Love all her art and the colors just feel so comfy and cozy yet so stylish at the same time. Gorgeous home Elyce....Bravo to you!!! TY Homeworthy for bringing us so many designer homes that aren't cookie cutter or trendy!! The designers definitely aren't following anybody's style but their own and it's so refreshing!!

[@jeniferverdile5378]

Love the townhouse, and I think Elyce is amazing and warm. What a treat to meet her

[@gerrynieves-dwyer4138]

Loved this house and Elise’s tour of it!

[@sarahweaver5651]

Stunning!!!!! & I love the history and stories… well done!!!🧡🤍🧡🤍🧡

[@nicoleinfante2276]

I didn't want this one to end! Such a beautiful, livable home.

[@lorimacdonald7977]

I loved this home! Orange is my happy colour.

[@juliairwin4481]

Mine too!

[@annsmith7207]

What a lovely homeowner ! Very down to earth with her Kansas warmth and hospitality roots both lively and refreshing. The home is stunning and not at all in a stuffy way. I immediately felt a "come on in -- let's chat" vibe which is always so welcoming. She has a real flair for color and the ability to mix and match it all together with great taste and whimsy. I love the Fox mask and to dress up with your husband in the same mask for Halloween --- what fun! Truly possesses an innate sense of joie de vivre and hope that never fades. Wishing you many more years of joy in your home ! Thanks very much for a wonderful tour !

[@joityrrell7531]

she is warm and extraordinary and her home reflects that.

[@lauramason5667]

I love her love of color! She’s as lovely as her collection. ❤

[@pagen5219]

I love interesting ,unique Women. I love this home and she seems so warm and real.

[@user-vv4ri9qc8k]

Beautiful!

[@lolinmelo7296]

As I was watching her and listening to her stories I said to my daughter, she’s just delightful, just like her home. Lo and behold her dog’s name means Delightful, very fitting because everything in that house is beautiful😍

[@neweverymorningmercy3491]

Happy home. Beautifully put together.

[@IMAInteriors]

She is SO adorable!

[@maihusseini9375]

Such a lovely person

[@MTMF.london]

She is a most charming and gracious person - certainly a hostess with the mostest. Her collection of art is also the tops.

[@laurahayden-parker7095]

Love, love how you embrace the original elements of the home. The colors, the art work, just divine!!!

[@cameliamolina3214]

Beautiful Beautiful! My favorite color is red and green.

[@kandrstrickland9746]

Love love love your domain. I have one of the first OG little black bags. And I still use it from time to time. Thank you for your determination and faith in yourselves. 👛 😊

[@user-qc1qe4it4j]

I just love this home and gives me inspiration for my more modest home

[@twentysixlinx327]

Such a great husband and wife combo for healthy family, home, friends, and community.

[@fleurdursanter9452]

Oh my goodness what a fascinating lady! She gave me such a wonderful impression! Her home is beautiful. Loved her fox mask. She is a lot of fun. What a treat! Thank you for sharing.

[@deeannlesley6116]

Enjoyed every minute of your tour. A gracious host and steward of this lovely home.

[@GardeningSpirit]

Wow!! What a home! And what a wonderful owner!

[@mikki3961]

She is just lovely! Her home reflects her warmth and care.

[@rustylane4234]

I hate it when they gut renovate. Your home is impeccable. I love that you didn't change the original look. It has so much character and way more interesting to look at. Thanks for showing us your beautiful home. You've done an amazing job in decorating it. One of my favorites❤

[@donnafuller3029]

Beautiful! I love all the color and the chandelier in lounge is beyond gorgeous ❤❤❤❤

[@tiffanycurtis4794]

25:30 to 26:34 🤣🍻🤣 love it she should have showed the home in her mask 🤣 she is lovely I enjoyed this episode 💚

[@user-fm1gi5dp9w]

Very colorful and creative house ❤, she’s a very talented and artistic person 😊

[@luchettepender6038]

I really love anything, Kate Spade.❤

[@chemokiki]

Wish we'd have seen more of this beautiful home and lovely woman.

[@soundrasimpson7885]

Such a beautiful person "A fireplace freak and beer drinker" 😅 and home. So refreshing to see the artwork and combination of colors - well done! ❤

[@bjamo8738]

What a beautiful and glorious home, with subtle and overt touches of elegances, style, class, character. Both elegant and fun. A very difficult balance to pull off with classical, traditional, trasitional, bohemian, quirky chic, all delicately balanced to express this wonderful family. She is a delight.

[@CB-vg1wq]

Thank you for sharing your lovely home. I enjoy your love of saturated color and prints. I enjoy seeing peoples unique style.

[@maxinebaskerville6020]

Wow! What a fabulous home with an amazing history! Thank you so much for sharing it with us. ❤😊

[@carolsloss8440]

Elyse, you are such a great storyteller. your home is beautiful.

[@ParadoxKismet]

The story about meeting the previous owners made me teary eyed. So sweet. Elyce Arons is so gracious and genuine. Loved hearing a bit of the history as well as seeing how beautifully decorated this home is. I love the art every place! The rugs are gorgeous as are the original chandeliers and the mirror in the living room. So many beautiful and cozy pieces in this home.

[@ejohnson4321]

What a lovely "Lady", she makes you feel like a welcomed guest in her house, she exudes class and ease. She has a great aesthetic sense and it permeates every corner of her home. Let's not forget her sense of humor! She had no problem putting the mask on and making light of an ominously funny mask. It obvious she and her husband have a loving bond and it's so wonderful to hear her talk about her children. So much elegance, style and grace; a real pleasure.

[@annjohnson8437]

This homeowner and her home are fabulous! The artwork and bright colors are quite uplifting! I wish I was brave enough to go bold like she has. Wonderful tour, thank you! ❤

[@Contiresidence]

This is positively the nicest most regular kind of person----just awesome to be real and successful 😊😊😊

[@NextTimeAround]

This video…this home and this lady had me smiling the entire time. 😀

[@Cherrybaby12]

This has to be the most exquisite home I’ve ever seen. It looks so down to earth so livable yet unique expensive but not hoity-toity. And she is lovely. Narrating her home. Your home is stunning!!!!!

[@violetmartha916]

I can totally understand why the previous owners were very happy to sell their beloved home to this lovely lady.

[@faniaba7414]

This is my favourite house tour so far. And the house owner is the nicest person ever!

[@user-ko1hv7kv2h]

What a fun tour! Thank you for taking us along it was a real treat. Mrs. Arons has such a fun personality which translates into her fun exuberant use of palate and design in her home. (Would love the formula of 'the red door')!

[@alexhines713]

Lovely, lovey lady with a beautifully curated home. I love how she pays homage to the original architecture and details of the home and adds in her own style. I also loved that she gave credit to the interior designer who helped her put it all together. I feel like that’s a note that is often left out in these tours. You can tell she has fabulous taste, she’s made a career of it, but was not too proud to give credit to those that helped her curate this beautiful space and I think that is so important. She is a true gem.

[@s.barlow7062]

Frances, you are so charming and fun. Thank you for the tour of your lovely townhouse.

[@craigadams4143]

♥️ that she's a Heineken girl!🙌

[@GaryM-algorth]

The very definition of a delightful woman.

[@lindamcwilliams9056]

This is an example of fabulous classic decorating without even trying. Most homes today basically look the same where decorating is concerned because they are trying to keep up with the latest trends, thus copying what everyone else have in their home. And lastly, COLOR!!! she had me with color. I trust anyone who isn't afraid to express themselves with color and could care less what others think.

[@JM-im6ep]

She’s such a nice lady, and it’s a wonderful home.

[@LadyNance]

Wow...home...decor...Elyce... just wow😊

[@lisaa8437]

I love this woman!! So elegant and down to earth at the same time! Rare qualities these days!

[@ToniBlackman4]

Elyce is so in tune with her creativity!! I love it. The way she talked about the surprise party! lol That was too cute. And oh the care for the history of this home is soooo beautiful! So much respect for the past. Her wardrobe is indeed a reflection of the decor for home!! This is what makes these kinds of shows interesting to me -- seeing the connections between the person, the house and the decor.

[@thatgirlirish5492]

Love, love, love the red and the fresh flowers, the art, and the keeping of the historic parts of the home. She is lovely and vibrant and the house is fabulous. I enjoyed this tour!

[@vintage5729]

Elyce and Kate went to the University of Kansas! Rock Calk! LOVELY, stunning home!!! Of course she pops open a beer when she gets home, she's a Kansas girl! I love love love how she has stayed down to earth. She doesn't seem hoity-toity at all. I carry mostly Kate Spade purses and I love them.

[@08pixiedust]

I love how she's so into art and the history of her house. She seems lovely and fun!

[@TheMaiah13]

I can really see the brand Kate Spade in this home! I love how the vibrant colours still tie up with the old historic home.

[@maurawhelan3530]

Lovely host. Very cool that she owns a portrait by Frido Kahlo! Very enjoyable segment. Love the original details of home…thank you for sharing.

[@MiMi-kx1vy]

My dream is to own a Frida Kahlo. I about died when she so casually pointed it out.