CTC&G (Connecticut Cottages & Gardens) NOVEMBER 2022

Seasonal Chic

COTTAGESGARDENS.CO

FEATURES

42

A Portrait of a Home

An old barn is transformed into an artist’s studio that’s suitable for painting and living by DaviD Masello photographs by hulya Kolabas

56

House of Style

The Litchfield County home of fashion guru Eva Chen gets a pared-down, classic look by alexa stevenson photographs by Chris Mottalini

50

Nesting Instinct Mar Jennings’ Mother

Nature-inspired holiday design comes home to roost by ann Kaiser photographs by aMy visChio 66

Home for the Holidays

It’s a magical Christmas when Ms. Claus comes to town by Catriona branCa photographs by Jane beiles

on the cover “ n esting i nstinC t ,” page 50. photograph by a My v is C hio

From “A Portrait of a Home,” page 42. Photograph by Hulya Kolabas

C onne C ti C ut C ottages & g ar D ens • n ove M ber 2022 • C ottagesgar D ens C o M

Walls

COLUMNS

Spotlight

Natural Beauties

Holiday wreaths get a nature-inspired twist by DJ Carey

Wine & Spirits

Drink Sustainably

This Thanksgiving, choose environmentally impactful wines by baroness sheri De borChgrave

80

Meet the Designer Melinda Shea

Artisan Melinda Shea shares her passion for collage on glass

What’s New

Out of the Box

Artisans from near and far share a culture of craft and hand by Mary FitzgeralD

Design Notes

A peek inside the latest buzz-worthy design news happening in the area by Mary FitzgeralD

Deeds & Don’ts

Inside stories behind area real estate deals by Diane Di Costanzo

TOP: ALEXIS WALTER; MIDDLE: DONNA DOTAN

cottagesgardens.com

GRATEFUL FOR GREAT DESIGN

GREAT DESIGN:

ROSS, STYLED BY OLGA NAIMAN; TABLETOP

CARYN B. DAVIS

VAN BREEMS

EDITOR’S LETTER

Handmade Tale

L ast saturday i found myself in Westport Yarns, a candy shop of color and inspiration. While I am not great at crochet, I had this desire to make a chunky throw—the one that seems to be in every shop these days—for my living room. I will admit I get these occasional urges to try my hand at making something (although I don’t always finish the project!). Maybe it was the cooler temperatures or perhaps the looming holidays—whatever the reason—13 skeins later, I dashed home to start this project. ■ My father sought happiness in making things, everything from paintings to photographs to furniture. He loved having a project to occupy his free time and was happy to spend his weekends on his latest venture. While he was successful in creating many beautiful pieces in our home, there were quite a few disasters along the way. But he kept on trying until he created something he liked. ■ Like my father, I seek out the act of making things as my creative outlet. While my husband, Harry, tries out recipes, I think about making something. I will admit that what I want to make and what I actually make are sometimes worlds apart, and often I need the helping hand of an expert to correct my work a bit. I discovered that my enthusiasm was sometimes bigger than my ability. Which is why I have an unfinished sweater sitting in the closet that I started 30 years ago, but I can’t seem to toss it! ■ Today, handmade pieces are very popular because they add something personal to a home. I smile looking at the Nantucket Lightship basket that I wove over several days under the eye of a master at her workshop on the island. In our family room sits a Thomas Moser side table that I built with the help of master woodworkers at the company’s factory in Maine. Even with the help and guidance of an expert, these pieces represent an achievement. But more importantly, they are a reflection of me.

d J C arey Editorial Director djcarey@candg.com

CAREY: CHICHI UBIÑA; HAIR AND MAKEUP BY WARREN TRICOMI SALON AND SPA, GREENWICH; TABLE: NEIL LANDINO JR.

Clean Lines Cabinetmaker Mike Beaumont helped DJ Carey build a square end table that features dovetail joints on the drawer.

LETTER FROM THE CEO

Las Vegas Redux

Y es, it ’ s time to think about attending the 2023 C&G Insider Tour at KBIS (Kitchen and Bath Industry Show) this January in Las Vegas! ■ For the past five years, CTC&G (Connecticut Cottages & Gardens ) has led—at the request of KBIS—a group of interior designers, architects and interested parties on a tour of a curated selection of manufacturers’ booths at this enormous event. ■ The companies that plan to exhibit submit an application to KBIS to be on the C&G Insider Tour. This list is reviewed by Editorial Director DJ Carey and her team, who choose a cross section of new and innovative exhibits with the required space and spokespersons to present their products, services and points of view. Past attendees say that this takes the bewilderment out of such an extensive show, and they return home feeling they have an up-to-date knowledge of kitchen and bath resources to benefit their clients. Visit cottagesgardens.com/KBIS for more information on joining the tour. ■ C&GTV is there to record the fun, and reports from the show appear in CTC&G, on cottagesgardens.com and our social media. ■ Many designers join us every year, and we always welcome new faces. I hope to see you there!

m arianne h owatson CEO/Publication Director mhowatson@candg.com

Director DJ Carey.

HOWATSON:

november 2022

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR marianne howatSon

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR dJ carey

DESIGN DIRECTOR alexiS m walter

ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR KriSten hoge

ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR Sarah ruSSo

EXECUTIVE EDITOR catriona Branca

SENIOR ASSOCIATE EDITOR mary Fitzgerald

EDITOR AT LARGE Sharon King hoge

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Sheri de Borchgrave diane di coStanzo, helen KliSSer during, eva hagBerg, Jamie marShall, tovah martin, david maSello, mindy Pantiel, harriet mayS Powell, alexa StevenSon, SuSan tamulevich

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Julie Bidwell, willie cole, tria giovan, roBert grant, John gruen, neil landino Jr., tim lee, tim lenz ellen mcdermott, anaStaSSioS mentiS, Keith Scott morton and eric richardS coStaS PicadaS

PROOFREADER annette roSe-ShaPiro

C&G MEDIA GROUP

EDITORIAL DIRECTORS

d J c arey K endell c ron S trom

DESIGN DIRECTOR a lexi S m w alter

COTTAGESGARDENS.COM

EDITORS AT LARGE S tacey F arrar B eth m c d onough

DIGITAL & MARKETING ASSISTANT J acquelyn S hannon

daily DEEDS.COM EDITOR a nne g iordano PRODUCER michael eKStract

DIGITAL INTERN a nni K a h olm B erg

PRODUCTION SERVICES international color ServiceS

HEADQUARTERS

40 Richards Avenue, 5th Floor, Norwalk, CT 06854 Phone: 203-227-1400 Fax: 203-226-2824

Copyright © 2022 by Dulce Domum, LLC.

All rights reserved. Cottages & Gardens is a trademark and a service mark of Dulce Domum, LLC. Reproduction by permission only. The publisher and editors are not responsible for unsolicited material.

howatSon

YOUR IMAGINATION

AWAKEN YOUR SURROUNDINGS

All it takes is a glimpse, and the right idea stirs endless possibilities at CulturedStone.com

HEWN STONE

Span

CONTRIBUTORS

WE ASKED OUR CONTRIBUTORS WHY IT IS IMPORTANT TO SEEK OUT AND SOURCE HANDMADE PRODUCTS. HERE’S WHAT THEY HAD TO SAY:

CHRISTINA ROUGHAN

“Handmade items are special—they are created with love and make an enormous impact on an interior, whether the piece is large or small. You will always find handmade curiosities in our designs, as they make a space go from ordinary to extraordinary through texture, touch and individuality.” Interior designer, “Home for the Holidays” page 66, roughaninteriors.com.

ROSE ADAMS

“I am basically looking for quality. It’s all about the quality and details.” Contractor, “A Portrait of a Home” page 42, roseadamshome.com.

ALEXIS

WALTER

“In a world full of mass production, I love finding handmade items from local artists and supporting small businesses. Owning a handmade product and knowing that a singular artist perfected their craft, devoting time and care into creating it, is much more meaningful to me than something machine produced.” Design Director, C&G Media Group, “Spotlight: Natural Beauties” page 30.

ROUGHAN: SEAN LITCHFIELD; WALTER: ALISHA MARTINDALE

November 2022

From New Canaan to Plantsville

HOBI AWARDS

ROOMS WITH A VIEW

CTC&G is the proud sponsor of the annual Rooms with a View, celebrating 27 years of outstanding design. Twelve designers utilize their talents to create vignettes staged in the library and great hall of the historic, Gothic Revival-style Southport Congregational Church. An opening party will be held on Thursday, November 10, 6:30-8:30 p.m. to kick-start the multi-day show. General show hours: Friday, November 11 and Saturday, November 12, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. and Sunday, November 13, 12–5 p.m. Southport Congregational Church, 524 Pequot Ave., Southport. For more information, visit roomswithaview.org.

Housing industry professionals gather from near and far to celebrate the 28th annual HOBI Awards with media sponsor CTC&G. The HOBI Awards are Connecticut’s most prestigious recognition of excellence in home construction and are presented by the Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Connecticut. The evening’s program culminates with the 2022 HOBI Awards presentation and winners’ slide show. Wednesday, November 16, 5 p.m., Aqua Turf Country Club, 556 Mulberry St., Plantsville. For more information, visit hobiawards. com.

PLAYDATE AT THE GLASS HOUSE

The international premier of works by Paris-based designer Robert Stadler will be on display at The Glass House in New Canaan through December 12. The innovative exhibition showcases Stadler’s art pieces throughout the house, sculpture gallery and grounds. While creating the design objects for this venue, Stadler considered the history of the Glass House, its collections and its former occupants. In a nod to Philip Johnson’s commitment to design and his signature wit, Stadler named the exhibition “Playdate.” Stadler’s contemporary pieces bridge playfulness with utility, serious intention and social commentary within the conceptual framework of materials and forms. The exhibition is open to the public through December 12. The Glass House, 199 Elm St., New Canaan. For more information, visit theglasshouse.org.

ROOMS WITH A VIEW: ALAN BARRY PHOTOGRAPHY; HOBI

AWARDS: PHOTOS COURTESY OF HBRA CT; PLAYDATE AT THE GLASS HOUSE: MICHAEL BIONDO

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COLOR OF THE YEAR 2023 Raspberry Blush 2008-30

Inspiration. Our Expertise.

WHAT’S NEW

Out of the Box

ARTISANS FROM NEAR AND FAR SHARE A CULTURE OF CRAFT AND HAND | PRODUCED BY MARY FITZGERALD

STUDIO SEITZ

Rooted in the history and tradition of Swiss makers, Studio Seitz is committed to the preservation and modern interpretation of functional heirloom furniture. The Seitz family of craftspeople dates back to 1795 in northern Switzerland. Here in the US, Kevin Seitz and Rob van Wyen build upon the traditions that preceded them, partnering with Swiss craftspeople, to produce the heritage pieces. Designers Seitz and van Wyen note, “Our makers’ unparalledled passion is passed down from the generations before them so that our furniture can be too.” seitzstudio.com.

MATTHEW FISHER

Matthew Fisher is the son of a paleontologist, so it’s not surprising that he now works with metamorphic stone to form art objects. “I was able to imagine from a young age a non-human perception of time,” says Fisher. “I understood raw material not as static, but ever-changing, with no point of origin or finality.” His second collection, Ariadne, draws on ancient mythology, reimagined as vessels, bowls and lanterns in carved stonework. Available through Liaigre, studioliaigre.com, mfisher.com.

WHAT’S NEW

FOREST + FOUND

Hailing from the UK, the Forest + Found studio works in both visual arts and contemporary craft. Max Bainbridge’s sculptural works are carved from wood, working with fallen trees in their entirety to execute large-scale vessels and free-standing sculptures. The personalitiy of each tree informs his sculptural decision making. “My search for the true essence of the tree is ever present,” says Bainbridge.

“For each work, I take the natural shape and character of the tree itself and responds to it directly.” Available through Fair, fair-design.com, forest-and-found.com.

MATTHEW FISHER: AKA VINŠEK (PORTRAIT), MICHAEL DRUCE (PRODUCT

Artist, designer and educator, Andy Koupal has been working with glass for more than 15 years. He received a B.F.A. degree from RIT’s School for American Crafts and honed his skills working for Simon Pearce, the Corning Museum and, more recently, the Glass Shop at the Henry Ford. Passing on his knowledge of the trade, he teaches at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit. His work is the evolution of traditional glassmaking techniques with a contemporary bent to create decorative and functional art. “Working with glass is both infinitely inspiring and challenging,” says Koupal. “My work is a cultivation of endless ideas met with countless hours of designing, making, scrapping, and restarting the process again and again.

Through this, I aim to present the most honest, wellcrafted version of that idea to myself and the audience.” andykoupal.com.

WHAT’S NEW

HOMA STUDIO

“Most of the time I don’t know what the end outcome will look like,” says ceramic artist and design principal Altarik Banks of Homa Studios in Montclair, NJ. “I am really just having fun tinkering with different techniques, such as adding, subtracting, twisting, turning.” Banks digitally designs the pieces, printing out multiple variations and prototypes, then creates a mold to transform the design into ceramic form via slip casting. His mantra, “We create objects that propose new visions of the homastudios.com.

Summers explores the beauty of materiality and form to make bespoke handmade furniture. Hailing from a family of creatives—his father is a still life photographer, and his mother is an art director—he says, “I have always had a very visual mind. I guess I have the eyes of my father, as our house was always filled with odd objects and artifacts which he liked to photograph.” Summers studied 3D Design and Craft at the University of Brighton. He taps into new areas of design innovation, combining traditional craft techniques with modern fabrication processes. Available through Fair, NYDC, fair-design. com, calsummers.net.

CUSHENDALE WOOLEN MILLS

The mills at Cushendale in Graiguenamanagh, Ireland, have been hand weaving textiles for more than 800 years. First established in 1204 by the Duiske Abbey, Cushendale Woolen Mills is one of only two remaining woolen mills in Ireland where every stage of the wool process, from natural wool to woven textile, is completed. Using Galway sheep fleece from partner farms, the Irish wool is transformed by a team of highly skilled craftspeople. The premium quality fleece is brought to the historic mill for the design, dyeing, carding, spinning, weaving and finishing. The father-and-daughter team of Philip and Miriam Cushen carry the torch, as fifth- and sixth-generation owners in the family business. Available through Oliphant Design, Litchfield, oliphantdesign.com, cushendale.ie.

WHAT’S NEW

CLARISSE DESIGN

now residing in South Africa, Xavier Clarisse is passionate about creating sculpture and lighting. “My work intersects art and design, and the concepts are infused with meaningful layers,”

of Clarisse Design.

Africa for 15 years, I wish to portray the real essence of my adopted home, free from idealizations and stereotypes.” His lighting designs, rendered in leather, are inspired by the local vegetation region of KwaZulu Africa. through Ngala Trading, NYDC, ngalatrading.

clarissedesign.

ALEJANDRA ROJAS

As a trained architect, Alejandra Rojas calls on her skill of prototyping concepts into reality to produce ceramic art pieces. “I find my creative process involves thinking with my hands,” says Rojas. Her ideas are digitally formed with mathematical algorithms and 3D printing, then brought to life in clay using traditional slip casting techniques and hand glazing.

Born and raised in Lima, Peru and now settled in NYC, Rojas’ designs are inspired by her Peruvian culture and the divergent worlds of handmade and hitech. byalejandradesign.com.

NATE COTTERMAN

Nate Cotterman uses timehonored Venetian glassblowing techniques to produce modern glass objects in Northeast Ohio. Innovative design and handmade characteristics highlight the natural beauty of glass in his portfolio of lighting, barware and home décor. A graduate of the Cleveland Institute of Art with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Glass degree, he now shares his love of the medium as a teacher. “I was taken with the complete focus and physicality needed for the process of glass blowing,” says Cotterman. “It is a lot like skateboarding to me, in terms of establishing and building on muscle memory. Creating lighting has become a way for me to utilize my skillset in glass blowing to create parts for a larger, more impactful installation.” natecotterman. com.

WHAT’S NEW

LEAH SINGH

With an Indian mother and American father, Leah Singh grew up shuttling between cultures and countries. Her designs reflect the heritage of India’s crafts combined with the Western architectural movements of Bauhaus and Art Deco. Singh graduated from Parsons School of Design in NYC and returned to India to design and create pillows, rugs and tapestries in tandem with artisan communities in seven different regions—Kashmir (chainstitch embroidery), Punja (Phulkari embroidery), Rajasthan (block printing and weaving), Nagaland (weaving), West Bengal (Kantha embroidery) and Telangana (Bidri metal work). leahsingh.com.

CHRISTOPHER MERCHANT

Describing himself as a designer and maker, Christopher Merchant works with a variety of materials and methods. His love of craft began in Iowa, where he grew up tinkering and building with his father. After college, he attended a furniture design and woodworking school in Maine. When the pandemic hit, he had to give up his wood studio and relocate to a smaller space. This change in circumstance challenged him to find new ways of creating. He developed a unique digital fabrication technique to create cast work out of wax, concrete and other materials. The result, the creation of ceramic lights that are handmade in small batches in Brooklyn. merchantdesign.space.

ALEJANDRA

ROJAS:

BENNY OR (PORTRAIT),

NICK MYERS ( PRODUCT))

DESIGN NOTES

Design Notes

SIGNATURE STYLE

Lee Jofa just released an exclusive collection of fabrics and wallpapers with noted interior designer Sarah Bartholomew. Four years in the making, the assemblage captures Bartholomew’s fascination with stripes, florals, ikats, trellis and paisley patterns. The Nashville designer was inspired by vintage textiles from her personal collection and antique documents from the Lee Jofa archive to create fresh interpretations of Palampores, Calicos and Les Indiennes textiles in green, blue, berry and neutral colorways. D&D, NYDC, kravet.com.

CALI IN CT

California-based lifestyle brand Jenni Kayne has opened a home store in downtown Westport. Designer, blogger, author and lifestyle guru, Kayne has brought her laid-back West Coast aesthetic to the East Coast with this fourth store. Handcrafted bedroom and living room furniture, home accessories and linens are showcased in real room environments for an immersive shopping experience. The 1,954-square-foot shop features a calming, nature-inspired palette and a modern-minimalism vibe. Also offered in-store, Jenni Kayne’s Oak Essentials skincare line made with clean, plant-based ingredients. 15 Myrtle Ave., Westport, 203-635-8202, jennikayne.com.

COUTURE DÉCOR

Gucci has expanded its reach into the world of home furnishings with Gucci Décor. Archival floral prints, animal totems and the emblematic Gucci monogram are interpreted in objet d’arts for the home. Tableware, teapots, candles, pillows, blankets, wallpaper and furniture are represented. Celebrating Italian craftsmanship, creativity and innovation, the Gucci brand has always been synonymous with luxury and style and, now, fashionable home furnishings. Available at Gucci boutiques and online at gucci.com.

CHILD’S PLAY

Textile designer and dad, John Robshaw, teamed up with Crate & Kids to create a new collection of bedding, crib sheets, quilts, accent pillows, towels and rugs with a global flair. Robshaw incorporates bold colors and animal prints into his designs, which transport children to an imaginary world. “After having my two-year-old daughter, Regina, I started thinking about kids’ spaces differently,” says Robshaw. “Seeing the excitement and wonder she has when we add something new to her room made me realize how fun it can be to design pieces for kids. My daughter loves anything with animals, so I think the Aashi Camel throw pillow and the Seher Camel sheet set really stand out to her. I love the Maya Elephant Rug—the idea behind it was for kids to imagine an elephant walking through their room.” Westport, crateandbarrel.com.

—Mary Fitzgerald

SIGNATURE STYLE: DONNA DOTAN; COUTURE D É COR: MAX SIEDENTOPF; CALI IN CT: MICHAEL BIONDO

A PEEK INSIDE THE LATEST BUZZ-WORTHY DESIGN NEWS HAPPENING IN THE AREA

FEATURING

12 VIGNETTE DESIGNERS

Class 0f 2022

Amy Andrews | Prudence Bailey

Elizabeth Bolognino | Benjamin Deaton

Christin Engh | Erick Espinoza

Sydney Frazier | Isabella Hamilton

Darren Henault | McGrath II

Doniphan Moore | Elena Phillips

ART INSTALLATION BY ARC FINE ART

Featured work by Perry Burns, Idoline Duke, Meghan Gerety, Janet Jennings, Alyse Rosner, Gustavo Ten Hoever

POP UP CAFE - THE HADLEY Designed by Alchemy

SPECIAL EVENTS

RWAV Lecture Series

Book Signing Event with 8 Authors

Wine & Spirits Tastings

Natural Beauties

Sarah Worden Natural Design is known for putting an organic spin on traditional design for weddings and special events using unexpected combinations and textural elements. The Litchfield Hills are its greatest source of

inspiration, whether it is the perfect dahlia from a local grower or a unique vessel from the potter down the street. Senior designer Lauren Merriam created these three wreaths for the holidays. sarahwordennatural.com.

HOLIDAY WREATHS GET A NATURE-INSPIRED TWIST | BY DJ CAREY

Bright & Beautiful African boxwood with preserved orange slices, pinecones and pheasant feathers accented with a velvet ribbon.

Nature Study Cedar base, dried gomphrena, dried sunflower, rose hips, spiral eucalyptus and petite pinecones.

Seasonal Sensation (above and right) Cypress base with paperwhite bulbs, reindeer moss, petite pinecones, birch sprigs and oyster mushroom.

ALEXIS WALTER

Off Center Farm is a diversified vegetable and cut flower farm in Woodbridge. Its designs celebrate seasonal offerings by incorporating the whimsy of Connecticut’s fields and forests. Designer Kristyna Hulland spends all year

gathering beautiful things that might remind her of the best parts of the year. Hulland pulls from her collection of items to create unique pieces that have an abundance of color and texture. offcenterfarm.com.

Holiday Delight Fresh white pine, fir, cedar, red twig dogwood, and dried strawflower, winterberries, pinecones, preserved oranges, plus Goldust Gardens botanically dyed silk ribbon.

Simply Gorgeous Bittersweet vine wreath base, with fern, cedar, fir, spruce, sassafras twigs and pinecones.

Dream Catcher Grapevine wreath base, fresh white pine, fir, privet berries, and dried cotton pods, poppy pods, lavender, turkey feather, plus Goldust Gardens botanically dyed silk ribbon.

Artful Enhancements (above and right) Fresh blue spruce, Fraser fir, and dried flax, lunaria, strawflower, monarda, ironweed bracts and broken fern.

SPOTLIGHT

ALEXIS WALTER

DEEDS DON’TS

Luxe Life

It ’ s been quite a year for both buyers and sellers after a period of unprecedented housing scarcity—and spikes in both prices and interest rates—the market moved yet again, this time impacting luxury homes. A Redfin report reveals that sales of high-end homes across the U.S. slid dramatically, dropping 28.1 percent during the three months ending August 31, as compared to summer 2021. Economic uncertainty, along with rates for the 30-year fixed mortgage topping 6 percent for the first time since 2008 are factors, the report says. Still, Connecticut is faring better than luxury markets in California and New York. And despite this “new weird”—Redfin’s characterization of times we live in—there some spectacular luxury listings across our state. Here are five of our favorites, all of them well-appointed for holiday parties and homecomings.

In Greenwich, one of the most well-appointed homes on the luxury market is a circa-1894 Federal Revival estate called Bonnie Breeze.

INSIDE STORIES BEHIND AREA REAL ESTATE DEALS

DAN MILSTEIN FOR SOTHEBY’S

REALTY

Holiday House In Belle Haven in Greenwich, this gracious, circa-1894 estate is listed for $15,995,000 with Matt Bernard of Sotheby’s International Realty in Greenwich. 203-273-2883.

Valley

DARIEN GREENWICH

CANAAN ROWAYTON STAMFORD WESTPORT

Factory Setting This Guilford home is part of a project that converted a munitions factory into luxury condos. It lists for $3.5 mil lion with Barbara Goetsch of William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty in Guilford. 203-927-7146.

Situated in lovely Belle Haven with western views over Byram Harbor and Long Island Sound, the 8,500-square-foot main house was thoughtfully renovated in 2019. The home’s grand interiors appear purpose-built for entertaining, starting in the kitchen, with its pretty breakfast table and upholstered banquette, set against a wall of windows with water views.

Behind the scenes there is, effectively, a second kitchen with more cabinetry, sinks and a wine fridge, which opens onto the dining room. The main floor also has a massive—at 2,000 square feet—veranda, which offers access to the property’s pool, pagoda-style pool house and tennis court. And the primary bedroom suite is especially sweet, with a separate sitting room and marble bathroom with a slipper tub. In all, Bonnie Breeze has six bedrooms and eight bathrooms and is listed for $15,995,000 with Matt Bernard of Sotheby’s International Realty.

Smaller in scale—but no less luxe—is a condominium in downtown Guilford, part of the Residences at 66 High Street. The complex was fashioned from a historic mill, once a wheel factory and, during World War II, a munitions factory that employed women to produce ball bearings. On the market for $3.5 million is number 17, a spacious threebedroom unit with loads of high-end amenities. In the open-plan kitchen, for instance, is an expansive island with two-inch-thick marble, black walnut cabinets, a 48-inch Wolf stove and an easy flow to the living and dining spaces, which offer access to the covered stone terrace. The threebedroom home also offers a golf simulator and a floor-to-ceiling wine fridge, and, in the complex, shared amenities include a pool, fitness center, firepit sitting area, kayak launch and community garden. It lists with Barbara Goetsch of William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty.

GET LOST

On Lost Acre Farm in Warren, getting a little lost is definitely a possibility. The 231-acre spread is an all-terrain kind of deal, featuring forest trails and open fields, along with a pond, streams and natural springs. The property also offers a circa-1820 main house, a second house, a guest cottage, stables and paddocks, all with spectacular views over Lake Waramaug. With its $16 million price tag, Lost Acre represents the highest-price listing ever in Litchfield County—offered by Pat Kennedy Lahoud of William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty in Washington Depot. 860-866-7756.

TOP: ROBERT HUBBARD, FOREFRONT MEDIA; BOTTOM: DOT RECORD MEDIA

DEEDS

Another hospitable home just hit the Greenwich market, listed for $9,175,000. The grand, 11,556-squarefoot estate has nearly every party-ready amenity imaginable, starting—from bottom to top—on the lower level where you’ll find a wine cellar, theater, gym and spa. The heart of the main floor is the kitchen with its well-stocked butler’s pantry, as well as an easy flow to two dining areas and a family room with a fireplace. On the top floor is a massive playroom and bunkbed suite with dormered ceilings and red-striped wallpaper. And, across the property’s four-plus acres, you’ll find an infinity pool and spa, a pool house, a full outdoor kitchen with a pizza oven, and even a zipline and bocce court. It’s offered by Fred Danback of Sotheby’s International Realty.

Finally, a modern estate once owned by Marvin Traub, the chairman of Bloomingdale’s, has hit the Greenwich market, listed for $1,699,000. Traub built the dramatic home in 1980 to complement its four-acre setting, featuring rocky outcroppings, woods and gardens. Avid entertainers, the homeowners had the interiors designed with an open-plan kitchen flowing into a main living space with a handsome, floor-to-ceiling, double-sided

hearth and sliding glass doors that offer access to a stone terrace. On the grounds, there’s a pool with a stone terrace and a tennis court. Tory Thorman of Sotheby’s International Realty has the listing. And if you’re looking for a Bloomies abode in New York City, there’s another Traubowned property, on the 44th floor of the Belaire on East 72nd Street. The three-bedroom aerie is asking $3.75 million, listed with Wendy Sarasohn of Brown Harris Stevens. —Diane di Costanzo

DEEDS & DON’ TS

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TOP: REALTY PLANS FOR SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY; BOTTOM: REALTY PLANS FOR SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY

Fun House In Greenwich, a partyready estate on four-plus acres is offered for $9,175,000 by Fred Danback of Sotheby’s International Realty in Greenwich. 631-747-4583.

Attention Shoppers A former Bloomingdale’s chairman built this Greenwich contemporary—and it’s now on the market, listed for $1,699,000 with Tory Thorman of Sotheby’s International Realty in Greenwich. 203-940-3048.

BEILES

NOVEMBER

CONNECTICUT COTTAGES & GARDENS

SEASONAL SPARKLE

Home A Portrait of a

AN OLD BARN IS TRANSFORMED INTO AN ARTIST’S STUDIO THAT’S SUITABLE FOR PAINTING AND LIVING BY DAVID MASELLO PHOTOGRAPHS BY HULYA KOLABAS

Lofty Goals The barn (this page) sports a Benjamin Moore paint that reinterprets the classic barn-red hue. A loft area (opposite page) was created by eliminating half of the upstairs floor that ran across the whole centuriesold structure. See Resources.

Stepping Up (this photo) Rose Adams’ team built a staircase to the loft on site. The homeowner fashioned a center-area sitting space demarcated by a rug and a pair of large-scale lantern-like lighting fixtures. Classic Approach (opposite page) A grid of subway tiling is used on the walls of the bathroom, where a palette of black and white prevails. See Resources.

Fairfield-based artist Caroline Gantz paints portraits, not just of people but also of build ings and houses, even trees and objects. To look at some of her oils or pastels reveals houses in profile, bathed in natural light, their facades almost facelike. So, when she looked closely at the centuries-old barn on her property—a structure that was a mere shell—she regarded it as something imbued with character, a personality.

“Like most of the people I work with, Caroline loves to restore old things, to keep old structures in place, to reinvent them and reuse them,” says Rose Adams, her contractor for the project. And as Gantz emphasizes, “The antique aspects of the barn and preserving them were my number-one prior ity. And that’s why I chose a real expert, Rose, for the project and Nick Renzulli for the architectural design. Nick’s aes thetic is elegant and disciplined—modern, even Bauhaus-like, with nothing extraneous. At the same time, he has a love of antiques and a respect for it. And Rose is possessed with a skill that many strive for but never acquire.”

Adams recalls her first visit to the barn, situated just inches

from a busy road. Little existed of the original structure— a floor, but walls with no insulation, no running water, no heat, and minimal electricity. In transforming it into Gantz’s painting studio, as well as an occasional living space, Adams and Renzulli worked to re-create an old space into something new. “We restored the barn back to what it was while bringing it up to today’s standards,” Adams remarks. “Caroline is a dream client because she

has a true artistic eye. She understands the idea of keep ing something that is already really wonderful but adding something new to it.”

In building an interior that now incorporates a living loft flooded with diffused natural light and a full kitchen, bathroom and dining area, Gantz, Adams and Renzulli were all adamant about using as much of the old as pos sible. Adams secured antique wood from a Maine barn

Color Sources The homeowner uses her own canvases (this page) as sources of vibrant color in the interiors.

Two stacked, four-pane windows in the kitchen area (opposite page), a feature configured by architectural designer Nick Renzulli, keep the space bright and airy. A red Smeg refrigerator provides a noticeable pop of color.

See Resources

THE ANTIQUE ASPECTS OF THE BARN AND PRESERVING THEM WERE MY NUMBER-ONE PRIORITY

Inside Stories (across spread from above) A view from the stairway landing reveals the upstairs loft area, bright with natural light, and the downstairs living area. Red subtly works its way through the interiors, as evidenced by a cushion on the bed in a sleeping nook. Caroline Gantz often works on multiple canvases at once, many depicting local Connecticut landscapes. Floors throughout are composed of repurposed antique wood, with all boards milled on site. See Resources

to use on the interior stairway and elsewhere. “Two walls are covered with old, salvaged wood that was once used in a garage, containing its original oil stains from trucks,” says Adams. “We milled everything on site and built the steps to the loft on site our selves.” Adams says of herself, “I am insane when it comes to mak ing sure everything gets done and every detail is attended to. But I have fun doing it every time, and we all had a good time with this project.” So attuned to detail is Adams that she points to the edge of the barn on the roadway. “You can’t see it, but we put a copper skirt along the bottom, so that when they plow snow on the road, none of it winds up coming into the barn or packed beneath it.”

Gantz often works as a plein-air artist, meaning that she dis cerns an outdoor scene on the spot and paints it in situ. But just as she is thoughtful about what she decides to include on that canvas, so, too, is she careful about the decisions she makes for every inch of her home studio. “Caroline knows exactly what she wants and where,” recalls Adams. “She’s methodical in the best sense.”

While Gantz’s colorful canvases hang on the walls and serve as flashes of color throughout the space, she has also positioned antiques and decidedly contemporary furnishings into distinct living areas. Gantz describes her approach to the restoration of the barn and its interiors as being akin to painting: “For me, it’s all about clarity and economy. Clarity of design or purpose and economy of paint strokes to get there.”

Actually, there is a lot of “more” inside her home studio—a sense of the building’s past, those of other buildings’ histories, and visible evidence of Gantz’s ongoing work as a notable artist able to capture the life of buildings and people. Now that the six-month project is done, Gantz assesses the finished structure as if assessing a finished canvas: “The three of us working togeth er, back and forth, got us to the clarity and the economy—and way beyond my expectations.”

All Aglow Mar Jennings’ Westport residence, Rosebrook Gardens (this photo), is lit up for the season. Landscaping is by Oliver Nurseries. Jennings (opposite page) and his Schnauzer, Daisy, are ready to welcome guests for the holidays. See Resources.

NestingInstinct

Mar Jennings’ Mother Nature–inspired holiday design comes home to roost

BY ANN KAISER PHOTOGRAPHS BY AMY VISCHIO

Situated on a cozy little street in Westport, Rosebrook Gardens is a special place any time of year. “I’m simply the steward,” says homeowner and lifestyle expert Mar Jennings, who bought the house from the builder 25 years ago and right away began making it into a home. From enhancing the curb appeal with gardens and landscaping, to adding coffered ceilings in the dining room and building out a massive stone fireplace hearth in the living room, he has added so many special details that infuse it with an old-world charm and casual elegance that’s welcoming, warm and

comforting all year round.

During the holidays, though, things go from special to magical. “For me, the holiday season takes casual luxury and gives it a couple cocktails,” says Jennings. “It’s a time to really embrace the sparkle, embrace the light, and embrace each other.”

It’s no surprise that America’s top lifestyle expert has no trouble throwing his arms around the season with signature panache.

“Each year I challenge myself to really elabo rate on and fine-tune my festive Mar-ry Christmas designs,” he says. He’s noodling on the theme and design well ahead of time,

Party Ready The dining room (this page) with vintage glassware from Fairfield County Antique & Design Center and tabletop accessories from Bungalow. The chairs are from Juliska, and the chandelier is from Millie Rae’s. Deck

The Halls (opposite page, clockwise from top left) Jennings loves to delight visitors with vignettes, like this one using pieces from Millie Rae’s. The wreath on the foyer door is from Terrain. A Visual Comfort sconce above the fireplace illuminates the Mother Nature–inspired garland. Interior styling is by Anna Molvick. See Resources.

but finalizes things right after Thanksgiving. Then he spends a good week unpacking, tweak ing and refining as he helps Rosebrook Gardens get gussied up for the season. The decorations are always up by the first weekend in December, and they’re down by the first week in January. “It is a rule that I live by,” says Jennings. “I’m no fan of seeing a holiday wreath on someone’s door on Valentine’s Day.”

Each year, his design is anchored by key pieces, curated over years of holiday seasons: The fire place mantel is always a spectacular focal point. Wintry greenery like spruce, pinecones and branches abound, and twinkle lights are threaded through everything. His favorite ornament from childhood, a reminder of holiday seasons’ past, is always displayed somewhere prominently.

But the theme changes annually. Jennings builds on his base with pieces that reflect some thing significant from his last turn around the sun. In 2021, when many holiday revelers were forced to spend the season roosting at home (or with others in their pandemic pod), it was all about nesting. The design took shape in the form of a whimsical Mother Nature–inspired mix of birds, branches, twine, subtle lighting and even a few nests hidden around the home. “I wanted it to be really natural and organic,” says Jennings, “where Mother Nature moves in for the holidays.” Decorations also can pop up in unexpected places, adding to the whimsy. Visitors may come upon a wreath hung on a sconce or a surprise vignette scattered throughout entertaining spaces.

Over the years, one element has had a notable evolution: Jennings has made a move to faux greenery inside the house. Years ago, “I would never even consider using faux indoors,” he explains. But these days, “it’s such good quality that you don’t know the difference,” and there’s no worry about things drying out or dropping a mess of needles everywhere. The exterior, however, is always real.

Things really get festive when the house is full of people. “For me, the holidays are about spend ing time with the people you love,” says Jennings. And there’s nothing he enjoys more than playing holiday host. Every Thursday evening during the month of December, he invites a small, lucky group of dinner guests to enjoy the decor up close, as well as a roaring fire, wonderful food, and carols sung by a Yuletide choir dressed in period clothes.

“Rosebrook Gardens is a place that is all about celebration and appreciation,” says its happy homeowner. During the holidays, “the joy of the season is really vibrating from the walls. This house is a place that provides great comfort not just for me, but for those who visit as well.” Togetherness, carols by a cozy fire, and some sparkle? That’s holiday magic, indeed. ✹

Cozy Comfort The living room Odette sofette is from Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams; the fireplace stone is from Gault; and on the coffee table, Jennings’ favorite ornament takes pride of place. “Old, cracked and loved, this wonderful ornament dates back to the late ’70s,” he says.

“No matter what the design theme is, I can always find a place for it.” See Resources.

HOUSE OF STYLE

BY ALEXA STEVENSON

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRIS MOTTALINI

THE LITCHFIELD COUNTY HOME OF FASHION GURU EVA CHEN GETS A PAREDDOWN, CLASSIC LOOK

Fashion Forward Sartorial superstar Eva Chen (opposite page) and her children pose in her living room in front of Run Among the Thunder by Ali Beletic. A Lawson-Fenning sofa (this photo) wears a Romo weave; the chairs are from Interior Define; the triangular side tables are from CB2; and the floor lamp is through Hudson Valley Lighting. See Resources

“SHE LOVED THE VIBE OF IT,” says designer Heide Hendricks of the Litchfield County house client Eva Chen found in the perfect spot for her country home. By chance, Chen, Instagram’s director of fashion and shopping partnerships (and former Lucky and Teen Vogue editor in chief), looked at Hendrick’s farmhouse that was on the market and, while the house was perfect, the location was not as secluded as Chen wanted. So, while a real estate transaction between the two didn’t follow, a partnership did when Chen decided on a 1929 farmhouse with iconic New England vernacular still intact and an ideal setting. “She loved the house, but it needed a singular architectural direction,” says Hendricks. “We just know how to go into an older house and peel away the modifications, so it looks like one style.”

The inside was inconsistent in tone from room to room and would not accommodate the way Chen and her family live. “She wanted us to take the footprint and give it an open flow, but with segmented spaces where you could be alone with a book or an area where it fostered more of a gathering. It’s not a huge house. We wanted to help her create multi-use spaces without making it a big open loft,” says Hendricks. The designer and her team took down a wall to create a large liv ing space on one side of the house, while the other side focused on segmented space. A garage was converted to a grandparents’ suite, the kitchen and bathrooms were renovated, floors refinished, and every surface painted.

Chen looked to Hendricks to guide her on the interior selections. “She describes herself as not at all an interior person, but is an aesthete,” says Hendricks. “We helped her figure out that she

Simply Chic (left to right across spread) In the mudroom, an antique bench through Millerton Antiques Center complements walls painted in Benjamin Moore’s Stony Brook; the rug is through Cottage + Camp. In the powder room, an Apparatus Studio sconce hangs over a vintage mirror from Hendricks Churchill Reservoir. The table and chairs in the eat-in kitchen are through O&G Studio. The pendant above was found on 1stDibs. See Resources.

gravitates toward the midcentury. Her interiors are similar to how she dresses: pared down, mini mal and classic, but not opposed to pops of color or pattern used sparingly.” The living room was arranged with multi-seating areas: with places to read and places to socialize. For the spaces the kids gravitate toward, Hendricks used materials that could take a beating. A Perennials indoor/ outdoor fabric covers a pair of tub chairs, and on a curved back sofa from Lawson-Fenning, is a durable tight weave from Romo. A window seat and a reading corner are also covered in indoor/ outdoor fabrics. Unifying the room is a large jute rug layered with an antique rug. “We kept the palette pretty subdued with very little pattern and soft colors. I love pattern but with Eva’s com fort zone, she gravitates more towards soft, quiet colors,” says Hendricks.

Hendricks pushed Chen out of her comfort zone in the dining room covered in a vibrant French paper. “Eva was reluctant to have a rich ornate pattern. We showed her that it flows so

Work It (above and left) Workstead industrial pendants hang above a kitchen island worktable from Plain English. A Bertazzoni range is complemented by cabinetry painted in Benjamin Moore’s Wedgewood Gray. Bold & Beautiful (opposite page)

An Antoinette Poisson paper covers the dining room walls. Apparatus’ Large Arrow light fixture hangs above an O&G table and chairs. See Resources

“WE WANTED TO HELP HER CREATE MULTI-USE SPACES WITHOUT MAKING IT A BIG OPEN LOFT”

Good Vibes (below) Chairs from Rouse Home and a pouf from ZZ Driggs create a sitting area in the living room atop a rug from Minna. Small Pleasures (top right) A B&B Italia sectional rests on a rug through The Rug Company in the family room; and the Fayce Textiles custom color wallpaper is through Studio Four NYC. Dream Big (bottom right) Bedding from Parachute Home dresses a bed from Design Within Reach. The bedside lamps are through DBO Home and have shades from the Shade Store. See Resources.

nicely with the rest of the house because every color in the house is in the wallpaper,” says Hendricks. She adds, “It’s almost like a vibrant, interesting coat liner—you don’t see it all the time but when you do, it feels special.” A leather-wrapped light fixture hanging above the table is striking but uncomplicated, allowing the wallpaper to have its moment.

Hendricks reined in the pattern and upped the functionality in the kitchen, which was once a galley. “We took down a wall to make a large space and changed the look of the fireplace to something more minimal. We added blue kitchen cabinets and a worktable instead of an island—they didn’t want to encourage eating at the island! It needed to be a dedicated worktable, and it seemed more appropriate here. It feels like it [the house] has been set up with solid bones and structure so you can throw life at it,” says Hendricks. “We gave her the type of decor that will look better as you live in it.” ✹

Soothing Tones (left to right across spread) The bed in the primary bedroom is through Lawson-Fenning, and the bedding is from Brooklinen.

A reclaimed mirror from Glare Goods was reconfigured into a freeform shape and now hangs above a Room&Board dresser.

Room&Board baskets flank a Crosswater London pedestal sink through Simons Hardware & Bath. See Resources.

“WE KEPT THE PALETTE PRETTY SUBDUED WITH VERY LITTLE PATTERN AND SOFT COLORS”

Seasons Greetings (this page) “This home reminded us of the Cotswolds, so we created a very classic holiday scene outside with evergreen wreaths and red ribbon,” says Christina Roughan of Roughan Interiors. Chic Welcome (opposite page) Ginger jars, red berries and magnolia leaves fill the entry hall table. See Resources.

IT’S A MAGICAL CHRISTMAS WHEN MS. CLAUS COMES TO TOWN

BY CATRIONA BRANCA | PHOTOGRAPHS BY JANE BEILES

e believe a home has a heart, and upon seeing this jewel box, our goal was to create something very special,” says designer Christina Roughan of Roughan Interiors about Wetmore Mansion—the home of Sam Green, Chris Lacovara and their twins, Kate and Alex.

The homeowners requested that Roughan create spaces for their family that were welcoming with a mix of modern and tra ditional. “Our home in Bedford is old and a bit grand, but we have young children and want ed the house to be livable,” notes Lacovara. “Chris designs spaces that are elegant and comfortable at the same time, and she mixed modern and traditional ele ments in a way that suited both the house and our lifestyle.”

The historically significant home—originally designed for socialite Maude Wetmore by her architect cousin Charles Wetmore of Warren & Wetmore—was built for Maude as a layover between New York City and Newport. “Maude was our muse and inspiration” says Roughan. “We wanted to keep the historic significance of this stately home and create a mod ern updated interior.”

Once the interiors were done,

Festive Flair In the entry (this page and opposite), the Holland MacRae center hall table is draped in red fabric and topped with a seasonal arrangement. Greenery adorns an antiqued goldleaf Brant hall lantern, which was found by Roughan at an antiques store. A wreath on a velvet ribbon hangs in front of a mirror. See Resources

Winter Wonderful Blue and white decorations complement the living room’s existing palette. Custom settees in a Holland & Sherry worsted wool anchor the bookcases and flank a round Bunny Williams Home table. The silver wreaths are through the Magnolia Company. See Resources

it was time to decorate for the holidays, so Lacovara and Green again called on Roughan’s expertise. The holiday decora tions took their cues from the designed colors in each room, which flow effortlessly from room to room while continuing the modern traditional direc tion. “The colors Chris chose for the house are really beauti ful and subtle, so we wanted Christmas decorations to work with the palette in each room,” explain the couple. “The living room was the biggest challenge, since there are a lot of soft grays and blues. We were worried how the white Christmas tree that Chris proposed would work, and of course it’s stun ning, with silver, crystal and iceblue decorations, and lots and lots of snowflakes.”

Naming the rooms helped organize the design scheme. “The entry was called ‘Classic Holiday’ in red, gold and pine green; the formal living room, we called ‘Winter Wonderland’ in white pine, birch, blues and silver; and the dining room, ‘Evergreen & Gold Christmas’ dressed in green, gold and ivory,” explains Roughan. The din ing room bar is festooned with white amaryllis and Christmas berries, along with pine and hemlock, plus a gold pinecone wreath mounted above the mirror with satin green rib bon. “It became a menagerie of sparkle that exudes the magic of the holidays,” says the designer. “We’ve only been able to host small family gatherings and a few friends due the pandemic,” says Lacovara. “But we’re hoping to get back to larger holiday cele brations this year—maybe a treelighting party.…or ‘trees’ lighting, since we now have three.”

Every corner of the home, inside and out, has a touch of Christmas. “Last year, Chris added a tree and decorations in our family room,” says Lacovara. “We wanted something a bit whimsical, so the decor had an

animal theme—miniature bears, reindeer and chipmunks—plus an army of tiny nutcrackers. The twins were enchanted.”

“They have five-year-olds who can’t get enough of Santa,” says Roughan. “In fact, I am known as Ms. Claus, who arrives before Thanksgiving with her elves to create Christmas for the children. What a compliment!”

What was the family’s first impression when seeing their holiday home? “The first time we saw the house decorated for Christmas, we just wandered from room to room taking it all in,” says Lacovara. “And the twins were just amazed—they wanted to touch everything and know what it was and where it all came from.” Green adds: “I

have a fond memory of walking through the house for the first time with the decorations up and our four-year-old Kate asking, ‘Papa, who did our decorations?’

Caught off guard, I replied, ‘Well Kate, Ms. Claus did it.’ From then on, Christina has become Ms. Claus in our house! We couldn’t imagine a more beautiful home at Christmastime.” ✹

Sparkle & Shine A gold pinecone wreath (opposite page) from the Magnolia Company adorns the mirror in the dining room bar area, where Roughan created a wintry vignette. The chairs (top) sport an Elitis mohair/wool-silk bend. Window treatment fabric is Rogers & Goffigon with a Samuel & Sons trim. See Resources

WINE & SPIRITS

Drink Sustainably

hen it comes to drinking, the most often heard phrase is “drink responsibly.” Wine importer Mika Bulmash has a new motto, “drink sustainably.” We should embrace it as well.

W

For the last eight years, through her company, Wine for the World (wine4theworld.com), she’s been scouring the planet for the most socially responsible, environmentally impactful, artisanal producers. Her first discovery was South Africa’s Bosman Family, eighthgeneration grape growers with a historic 260-year-old cellar. She later added winemakers from Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Spain and Italy to her roster.

After tasting through the WFTW portfolio, I gave Bulmash the challenge of pairing wines for a Thanksgiving feast. We started off with two types of sparkling wine, perfect to hand to your guests upon arrival.

Her first suggestion was Brazil’s Cave Geisse Brut Nature, a stunning sparkler that has no dosage or added sugar—a category of low-calorie bubbly that’s now in vogue. “Cave Geisse is in the very south of Brazil at a high elevation, the most prominent sparkling winery in the country,” she explained. “Everything from harvesting to disgorgement is done by hand.” Her next suggestion took us to Spain, a beautiful cava, Roxanne, produced by Chozas Carrascal near Valencia. “They offer a rare organic-certified cava from a single vineyard at 2,500 feet

above sea level,” she said. “The winery is situated within a nature reserve and must follow stringent protocols of sustainability.”

For the Thanksgiving meal, Bulmash proposed a white and a red. “Chenin Blanc works perfectly with turkey,” exclaimed Bulmash, after suggesting the white Optenhorst from Bosman, the oldest “bush vine” Chenin Blanc vineyard in South Africa. “Bosman’s superstar winemaker, Natasha Williams, makes exciting natural wines.”

Her red suggestion also comes a female winemaker, up-and-comer Sveva Sernia, who makes a super savory Aglianico, a variety that pairs well with turkey and stuffing. “Morasinsi in Puglia is making natural wines from indigenous varieties in spontaneous fermentations. It has wondrously biodiverse vineyards along with a huge food forest,” Bulmash noted. Now that’s sustainable! —Baroness Sheri de Borchgrave

THANKSGIVING WINE LIST

Cave Geisse Brut Nature ($36) Made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Brut Nature is aged for 24 months. With zero dosage, the elegant sparkling is bright and crisp.

Chozas Carrascal Roxanne ($22) A rare organic cava from 80 percent Macebeo with aromas of stone fruit and apples and lush, delicious flavors. It’s aged 15 months on its lees and has fine bubbles.

Bosman Optenhorst ($42) This rich and minerally complex Chenin Blanc has notes of apricots, nectarines, grapefruit and honey. A white wine for red drinkers that pairs with poultry.

Morasinsi Sferra Cavallo ($38) Made from the Aglianico variety, this perfumed red wine has aromas of raspberry and sour cherry. It’s made as a natural wine and has mild tannins and moderate alcohol, making it a good match for Thanksgiving.

THIS THANKSGIVING, CHOOSE ENVIRONMENTALLY IMPACTFUL WINES

Fill The Cellar All of these wines can be ordered through grainvine.com.

Mika Bulmash

Bath Trends at Waterware

CTC&G hosted a star-studded

at

Christina Roughan and DJ Carey share a laugh.

Realtor Bonnie Sztam, C&G Media Group Account Director Jamie Lewis and Marjorie Parry

The beautiful Waterware showroom

C&G Media Group CEO & Publication Director Marianne Howatson with designer Judy Larson

The crowd listens

Panelists Laura Moschella of Kohler/Kallista with interior designers Amy Leonard, Christina Roughan and Ingrid Leess with moderator and C&G Media Group

Director DJ Carey 8. Architect Elizabeth Jahn, and Plimpton & Hills’ Gardner Stevens and Sheri Daino 9. Guests admiring the stunning fixtures.

CARA GILBRIDE

6. Waterware’s David Clark and design consultant Lauren Aronoff

DESIGNSTOPS

MUST-HAVES FOR THE DESIGN-OBSESSED SHOPPER

FAYE KIM

This 18 Karat Solid Gold Knife-Edge Link Bracelet is handcrafted and matte-finished for a look that is timeless and unique.

THE POST

Nothing makes your home sparkle for the holidays like the scent of Frasier Fir Candles & Diffusers. In every shape and size, and available all season long at The Post! 203.292.5700 / thepostct.com @thepostct

BEKO

These new CornerIntense® powered dishwashers use 50% less water and 25% less energy than U.S. standards for dishwashers. Cleaner dishes, cleaner planet. 888.352.3990 beko.com / us-en @bekoappliancesusa

RESOURCES

Resources & More…

HERE’S WHERE TO FIND THE DESIGN PROFESSIONALS AND PRODUCTS FEATURED IN THIS ISSUE

CLARIFICATION

In the October issue of CTC&G, Design Notes (page 42), the address and phone number for Ring’s End should have been listed as 149 Westport Ave., Norwalk, 203-663-4450.

A PORTRAIT OF A HOME

Pages 42–49: Contractor, Rose Adams, Rose Adams Design, roseadamshome. com. Architectural designer, Nicholas Renzulli, NAR Architecture Design, nararchitecturedesign.com. Barn exterior: Paint, Benjamin Moore. Kitchen area: Refrigerator, Smeg.

NESTING INSTINCT

Pages 50–55: Interior design, Mar Jennings, marjennings.com. Stylist, Anna

Molvik, annamolvik.com. Landscape design, Mar Jennings and Oliver Nurseries & Design Associates, olivernurseries.com. Exterior: Garland, Terrain. Portico, Gault Stone. Mar Jennings’ attire, Brooks Brothers. Foyer: Wreath, Terrain. Stool, Millie Rae’s. Demilune table, Fairfield County Antique & Design Center. Dutch door, Clearview Inc. Bowl, The Beehive. Window treatment, Artistic Upholstery. Briefcase, Louis Vuitton. Vignette: Holiday decorations, Millie Rae’s. Dining room: Table accessories, Bungalow. Table, hutch and glassware, Fairfield County Antique & Design Center. Chairs, Juliska. Steel doors and windows, Eco Windows USA. Chandelier, Millie Rae’s. Planter, Terrain. Living room: Sofas, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams. Pillows, Serena & Lily. Carpet,

Redi-Cut Carpets & Rugs. Blanket, Hermès. Fireplace, Gault Stone. Mirror/ TV over fireplace, Seura through Phoenix Audio. Garland, Terrain. Coffee table, Fairfield County Antique & Design Center. Sconce, Visual Comfort through Chloe Winston Lighting Design. Paint, Benjamin Moore through Ring’s End. Decorative birds and lamp, Millie Rae’s.

HOUSE OF STYLE

Pages 56–65: Architecture and interior design, Hendricks Churchill, hendrickschurchill.com. Living room: Artwork, Ali Beletic. Sofa, LawsonFenning. Sofa fabric, Romo. Chairs, Interior Define. Side tables, CB2. Ceiling pendant, Workstead. Floor lamp, Hudson Valley Lighting through Lightology. Book shelves, Vitsoe. Lamps, Stone and

Sawyer. Rugs, Fibreworks and Cottage + Camp. Coffee table, Ebay. Throw pillow, LuLu and Georgia. Window seat upholstery and cushions, Peter Dunham. Paint, Benjamin Moore. Mudroom: Bench, Millerton Antiques Center. Paint, Benjamin Moore. Rug, Cottage + Camp. Tile, Cle Tile. Photograph, Housatonic Art & Frame. Powder room: Sconces, Apparatus. Mirror, Hendricks Churchill Reservoir. Rug, Salam Hello. Faucet, California Faucets. Stools, ZZ Driggs. Towels, Boll & Branch. Kitchen eating area: Table, dining chairs, lamp and upholstered chair, O&G Studio. Pendant, 1stDibs. Artwork, Tappan. Window seat fabric and cushions, Perennials. Pillow, John Robshaw. Kitchen: Pendants, Workstead. Kitchen island/worktable, Plain English. Range,

Items pictured but not listed here are either from private collections or have no additional details. CTC&G relies upon the providing party of the image to give accurate credit information.

from “N esti N g i N sti Nct ”

Bertazzoni. Cabinetry paint, Benjamin Moore. Pot rail, DeVOL. Faucet, Perrin & Rowe. Living room sitting area: Chairs, Rouse Home. Pouf and plant stool, ZZ Driggs. Rug, Minna. Side table, Cottage + Camp. Sconces, Lostine. Family/play room: Sectional, B&B Italia. Rug, The Rug Company. Wallpaper, Fayce Textiles. Child’s chair, Lalo. Side tables, Etsy. Bed, Design Within Reach. Bedding, Parchute Home. Bedside lamps, DBO Home. Lamp shades, The Shade Store. Flush mount lighting, Hudson Valley Lighting. Rug, ABC Carpet & Home. Desk, Lostine. Desk chair, Bertoia. Primary bedroom: Bed, LawsonFenning. Bedding, Brooklinen. Mirror, Glare Goods. Dresser and baskets, Room&Board. Side table, Ebay. Rug, Stark. Paint, Benjamin Moore. Bathroom: Sink, Crosswater London. Sconces, Workstead. Mirror and hardware, Simons Hardware & Bath. Tile, Cle Tile. Baskets, Room&Board. Paint, Benjamin Moore. Stool, Sawkille Co. Rug, Citizenry. Dining room: Wallpaper, Antoinette Poisson through French. Table and chairs, O&G Studio. Light fixture, Apparatus. Painting, Tappan.

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Pages 66–71: Interior design, Christina Roughan, Roughan Interiors, roughaninteriors.com. Builder, Quinndico Custom Home Builders, quinndico.com. Entry: Light fixture, Roughan Home. Benches, Jasper Furniture/Michael Smith. Center hall table, Holland MacRae. Fabric, Lee Jofa. Living room: Storage server, 1stDibs. Chair, Mattaliano. Table lamp, Stephen Antonson through Liz O’Brien. Holiday wreath, The Magnolia Company. Round table, Bunny Williams Home. Settees, Roughan Home. Fabric on settees, Holland & Sherry. Coffee table, Roman Thomas. Dining room: Holiday wreath, The Magnolia Company. Fabric on chairs, Élitis. Chairs and table, 1stDibs. Window treatment fabric, Rogers & Goffigon. Window treatment trim, Samuel & Sons.

SOURCE LIST

1stDibs, 1stdibs.com

ABC Carpet & Home, abchome.com

Ali Beletic, alibeletic.com

Antoinette Poisson (see French)

Apparatus, apparatusstudio.com

Artistic Upholstery, artisticupholstery.net

B&B Italia, bebitalia.com

Benjamin Moore, benjaminmoore.com

Bertazzoni, us.bertazzoni.com

Bertoia (see Knoll)

Boll & Branch, bollandbranch.com

Brooklinen, brooklinen.com

Brooks Brothers, brooksbrothers.com

Bungalow, bungalowdecor.com

Bunny Williams Home, bunnywilliamshome.com

California Faucets, calfaucets.com

CB2, cb2.com

Chloe Winston Lighting Design, chloewinstonlighting.com

Citizenry, the-citizenry.com

Cle Tile, cletile.com

Clearview Inc., clearviewinc.net

Cottage + Camp, cottagecamp.net

Crosswater London (see Simons Hardware & Bath)

DBO Home, dbohome.com

Design Within Reach, dwr.com

DeVOL, devolkitchens.com

Ebay, ebay.com

Eco Windows USA, ecowindowsusa.com

Élitis, elitis.fr

Etsy, etsy.com

Fairfield County Antique & Design Center, fairfieldantiqueanddesign.com

Fayce Textiles (see Studio Four NYC)

Fibreworks, fibreworks.com

French, french.us

Gault Stone, gaultstone.com

Glare Goods, glaregoods.com

Hendricks Churchill Reservoir, hendrickschurchill.com

Hermès, hermes.com

Holland & Sherry, hollandandsherry.com

Holland MacRae, hollandmacrae.com

Holly Hunt, hollyhunt.com

Housatonic Art & Frame, 860-619-8097

Hudson Valley Lighting, hudsonvalleylighting.hvlgroup.com

Interior Define, interiordefine.com

Jasper Furniture/Michael Smith, michaelsmithinc.com

John Robshaw, johnrobshaw.com

Juliska, juliska.com

Knoll, knoll.com

Lalo, meetlalo.com

Lawson-Fenning, lawsonfenning.com

Lee Jofa, kravet.com

Lightology, lightology.com

Liz O’Brien, lizobrien.com

Lostine, lostine.com

Louis Vuitton, louisvuitton.com/us

Lulu and Georgia, luluandgeorgia.com

Mattaliano (see Holly Hunt)

Millerton Antiques Center, millertonantiquescenter.com

Millie Rae’s, millieraesstore.blogspot.com

Minna, minna-goods.com

Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, mgbwhome.com

O&G Studio, oandgstudio.com

Parachute, parachutehome.com

Perennials, perennialsfabrics.com

Perrin & Rowe (see Simons Hardware & Bath)

Peter Dunham, peterdunhamtextiles.com

Phoenix Audio, phoenixaudio.net

Plain English, plainenglishdesign.co.uk

Redi-Cut Carpets & Rugs, redicarpets.com

Ring’s End, ringsend.com

Rogers & Goffigon, rogersandgoffigon.com

Roman Thomas, romanthomas.com

Romo, romo.com

Room&Board, roomandboard.com

Roughan Home, roughanhome.com

Rouse Home, rousehome.com

Salam Hello, salamhello.com

Samuel & Sons, samuelandsons.com

Sawkille Co., sawkille.com

Serena & Lily, serenaandlily.com

Seura (see Phoenix Audio)

Simons Hardware & Bath, simonsny.com

Smeg, smeg.com

Stark, starkcarpet.com

Stephen Antonson (see Liz O’Brien)

Stone and Sawyer, stoneandsawyer.com

Studio Four NYC, studiofournyc.com

Tappan, tappancollective.com

Terrain, shopterrain.com

The Beehive, thebeehivefairfield.com

The Magnolia Company, themagnoliacompany.com

The Rug Company, therugcompany.com

The Shade Store, theshadestore.com

Visual Comfort, visualcomfort.com

Vitsoe, vitsoe.com

Workstead, workstead.com

ZZ Driggs, zzdriggs.com

from “A P ortr A it of A H ome ”

MEET THE DESIGNER

Melinda Shea

Melinda Shea grew up in Colorado, studied piano, became an architect and relocated with her architect husband to California, where she designed award-winning corporate interiors for financial services and entertainment industries. She also served for several years as president of the Pasadena Symphony and Pops orchestras. Brought east by a design job with a hedge fund, the family moved into a glass house in the woods of Connecticut. “I love being here,” Shea says. “The rural setting is the opposite of Southern California, and it’s a train ride from the museums, theaters and galleries of New York City.” With two grown children, Shea resumed pursuing her interests in music, fine arts, photography and gardening, and also discovered a passion for collage on glass. She has devised a unique method of arranging images on the glass, creating one-of-a-kind pieces that are prized by purchasers and collectors. melindashea.com.

How did you first become intrigued by color and texture? When I used to stay with my grandmother, I loved looking through her jewelry boxes. The sparkles, colors and textures of the gems and rhinestones, and how the details fit together. I’ve always been fascinated by beautiful intricate details—how they assemble to create a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts. Jewelry is primal for me.

At first you designed jewelry. What led you to collage? I started taking photographs, and I’ve always loved art books. That led me to digital programs like Photoshop and learning all the amazing things you can do to digitally manipulate images. I started playing with parts of pieces, enhancing colors, changing image sizes and textures, manipulating a perspective. It opened a whole new world to me.

So you aren’t cutting up art books? No, you take a hard copy and do different things with it, then cut out the images with scissors and razor blades and combine them into different compositions. I’ve graduated to playing with different paper, printer ink, gold and silver leaf, researching glues, increasing the vocabulary for creating the collage works.

What drew you to glass as a medium? I started doing plates and loved the way you could view the imagery through the glass, which then offers the opportunity to turn it over and work backwards creating a three-dimensional story. The images closest to you must go onto the glass first, then you turn it over and think backward. You think how the story is fitting together from back to front.

How do they tell a story? How the parts and pieces fit together is very intimate. Every time you look you might see a different rendition.

Why do you say glass is an unforgiving medium? It has taken a lot of practice and experimentation to find methods to avoid bubbles and tearing. And each different vessel shape—plate, vase, bell jar—is more complex, making you think how it is going to morph the actual image. You’re working in multiple dimensions at the same time.

What is the purpose of up to 30 coats of waterproof varnish? You see the image through that glossy finish, and it gives the impression it is encased in glass.

You work up to eight hours a day and a single piece may take weeks to finish. After all that effort, why do you sell them? It’s hard to part with them, like a child leaving the nest. But if someone truly loves and appreciates the piece, it’s also truly gratifying.

What is the appeal of time-consuming crafts in this modern era? We’re all so focused on digital media—our omnipresent virtual screens—computer, phone, iPad. People are drawn to feel an object created by a human being, by somebody’s hand, to study its details, feel its texture. It is very different from machine made and mass produced.

What’s the appropriate décor for your collages? Philosophically, I think my pieces could fit into any décor; they are unto themselves. I’ve never been a proponent that art should match the décor. Rather I think the piece should speak to you. It should be the accent in a place.

Who is a celebrity you would like to design a piece for? Joni Mitchell is my idol. I love her imagery, poetry, the complex and beautiful melodies. She is a printer, a poet, a Renaissance person. I thought about that specifically when I was creating my last piece. —Sharon King Hoge

Glass Act Unique collage-on-glass pieces by Melinda Shea make cherished collectibles.

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