
Historic Homes

Hello Milford! While the air may still be a bit frigid outside, we all know spring is fast approaching. That means organizing your spring break plans, visiting a local garden center, or carving out some time for spring cleaning around the house. However you choose to spend this transitional time, we are grateful for the opportunity to usher in another season by highlighting the latest from our town.
This month, in our "home" edition, we showcase the homeowners, designers, realtors, and more that contribute to Milford's interior and exterior spaces. With home prices soaring over the last five years, many homeowners have opted against selling in favor of refreshing or expanding their spaces in the form of additions, upgrades, and modern touches. In this issue, we feature some of these stunning local renovations and the stories behind them.
Interested in making changes to your space, but not ready to commit to a full renovation? We ask local experts to share their knowledge of current and upcoming trends to keep in mind, from color palettes to floor plans to choosing the right decor. For those with a more budget-friendly approach to home design, these conversations highlight the small touches that help elevate a space for a more custom look. Finally, we "zoom out" with longtime resident and top Milford realtor, Barbara Zink, to discuss how the landscape of Milford has changed dramatically over time.
Whether you're thinking about a small change, a large-scale construction project, or simply looking for aesthetic inspiration, we've got you covered. Lucky for us, Milford is rife not only with beautiful homes but also with local businesses that are dedicated to making spaces feel welcoming, accessible, and uniquely yours. We are proud to feature even a small handful of teams who are making homes in Milford (and beyond) great places to relax, gather, and grow.
MARK ARNOLD, PUBLISHER
March 2025
PUBLISHER
Mark Arnold | mark.arnold@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Chelsea Spata | chelsea.spata@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Amanda Schuld | amanda.schuld@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Julian Saria
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Ed Belenski, Nancy Elizabeth Hill, Neil Landino Photography, Phil Kohan
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
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Grief
1: The Fig Cooking School celebrates contributions from team members Francesca and Visailly 2: Dockside hosts its annual Aprés Ski event 3: Town
celebrates the retirements of City Employees Rose Elliott and Beverly Hayes 4: Café Atlantique displays work by Artist of the Month, Payal Emery 5: Jazz violinist Kersten Stevens plays to a sold out crowd at the MAC 6: Just Be Yoga & Wellness celebrates their 5th anniversary 7: Clementina Yazdani and Barbara Zink smile for the camera at a local networking event
Orthodontist Since 1968
Our focus is always on you and your smile
Dr. Gary Opin and Dr. Perry Opin understand that changing a person’s smile can change a person’s life. Throughout your entire orthodontic experience, they will be attentive to your comfort, will listen to and respect your treatment goals and concerns, and partner with you to achieve a lifetime of smiles. At Opin Wide Orthodontics, our doctors develop lasting relationships with our patients and their families, while providing a superior level of care to create healthy, engaging smiles. For over 55 years, we have been leveraging state-of-the-art treatments to provide our patients with highly individualized, effective care.
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Online Reports and Online ImagesArthrogramsSteroid Joint Injections
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With spring cleaning on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to outsource some of your organizing and scrubbing to the professionals who care. The Maids is the only residential cleaning services in south central Connecticut to have an exclusive partnership with one of the most trusted names in the business, Mr. Clean. Using proven and effective products, they follow a rigorous 22-step cleaning to process to ensure your home looks, smells, and feels fresh.
Founded by lifelong Milford natives Carolyn Kron and Tricia Izzo, Shelter Interiors has been located in town for more than 15 years. Their interior architecture and design firm services clients from up and down the Connecticut coastline, helping families build their dream homes and designing on-brand office spaces for international companies. Their award-winning work has been featured in local and national publications. Contact Shelter Interiors to schedule a consultation for your next project.
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With budding blooms and more sunshine comes the added springtime task of maintaining your property’s landscaping and curb appeal. Property Solutions Milford offers a variety of services including weekly lawn maintenance, spring bed plantings and redefining, Belgian block installation, boulder bed integration, and much more. Their dedication to transparency and open communication ensures that your property is maintained consistently and according to your unique needs.
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ARTICLE BY JULIAN SARIA PHOTOGRAPHY BY NANCY ELIZABETH HILL
“In many ways, the overall design and layout is timeless.”
Within the charm of a historic Victorian home, this renovation and addition project marries tradition with modernity in a way that is as subtle as it is intentional. Led by Jennifer Huestis and Bob Tucker of Huestis Tucker Architects, with Lisa Gray of Gray Organschi Architecture handling interior design and Eric Rose of Rose Construction Group overseeing construction, the project exemplifies collaboration and thoughtful design. The result is a transformed space that enhances the homeowners’ daily lives while preserving the architectural legacy of the home.
Sustainability is a core principle of Jennifer Huestis’ work, and this project reflects that commitment. “It’s always more sustainable to renovate than build new,” Huestis explains. The team worked diligently to retain as much of the existing structure as possible. The original fireplace, for instance, was preserved and became a focal point around which the new kitchen and sitting area were designed. This approach minimized the renovation’s environmental impact while maintaining the home’s character.
To enhance the home’s energy efficiency further, the team incorporated double-glazed windows and doors and added insulation to reduce heating and cooling loads. These updates modernized the house and aligned with the homeowners’ desire for a sustainable living space. Seemingly small features such as windows and doors play a large part in a home’s overall efficiency. Less air escaping (or entering) means less energy is required to maintain the temperature—a simple equation that can often go unappreciated, especially in older homes.
“We respect and admire historic architecture,” Huestis says. “Details and craftsmanship of the past often inspire us, and we try to use that attention to detail to reinterpret historical precedents for modern needs and lifestyles. This philosophy guided every aspect of the project, from selecting materials to integrating new architectural elements.”
One of the standout features of the renovation is the careful selection of materials that balance functionality, aesthetics, and the home’s character. The addition’s connection to the landscaped backyard was achieved through a stunning steel and glass wall. This feature floods the interior with natural light and provides a modern touch harmonizing with the home’s Victorian roots.
“While the material feels modern, the layout of the doors and windows and the scale of the muntins (the supporting bars between glass panes) feel in keeping with the existing home,” Huestis notes.
Another example of this ethos is the marble shelving in the kitchen, supported by custom-fabricated steel brackets. These shelves are both practical and sculptural, embodying the craftsmanship and attention to detail that defines the approach of both the architect and interior designer. “The brackets were custom fabricated and help give the new kitchen a feeling of being crafted, much like the existing house,” Huestis adds.
Victorian homes are renowned for their rich architectural vocabulary, and this project ensured they paid homage. The existing home featured light-filled rooms adorned with intricate moldings, paneling, and other details that the team sought to seep into the new spaces.
The kitchen and sitting area, however, presented a different challenge. These were the only parts of the home that lacked the
grandeur of the original design. “Our goal was to enlarge this space to create an expansive [area] for the family to cook, eat, and lounge in while echoing, rather than mimicking, the detail of the original house,” Huestis explains.
To achieve this, the team matched the original casings and base trim, introduced extensive crown molding, and coffered ceiling details as a nod to the existing home’s character. These elements create a sense of continuity, ensuring the addition feels like a natural extension of the original structure.
This project exemplifies the power of collaboration. Jennifer humbly stated in our interview that she would “like to make absolutely sure that the interior designer, the contractor, the photographer, and homeowners receive ample credit for their contributions.” They all needed to be a highly functioning unit for a home of this caliber to be completed. As principals of their respective firms, Jennifer Huestis and Lisa Gray worked closely with Eric Rose and his team to ensure that every design decision aligned with the project’s goals. “We work very closely with our clients, our team, and the contractor to ensure that every design decision and every drawing we produce meets our standards,” Huestis emphasizes.
This collaborative approach extended to the homeowners, whose vision was crucial in shaping the final design. The team’s ability to listen carefully to their client’s needs and preferences ensured that the renovated spaces were both functional and
deeply personal. Architecture is, at its core, an expression of will; working with your team is how something extraordinary, enduring, and relevant comes to be.
The renovation has garnered significant recognition, a testament to its thoughtful blending of old and new. In 2019, it was awarded Connecticut Cottages and Gardens ‘ Innovation in Design Award for kitchens design.
The homeowners’ satisfaction with the final result is perhaps the most meaningful measure of success. “The fact that my clients are really happy with the addition and love to spend time in these spaces is extremely rewarding,” Huestis shares. It is the goal of any designer for their creations to be lived in, loved, and remembered – in this home’s case, it’s hard to imagine anything but that. Warm interiors and a clean flow from space to space make for a house that will surely be the center of decades of memories and movement. Even small features, such as a built-in coffee bar tucked in behind doors, add to its comfort. Good design looks good, but great design feels right.
This project reflects what architecture can achieve when it respects its history and its environment. The addition and renovation didn’t seek to overshadow the existing Victorian home but instead worked to complement it. Designing with such care requires more than just meeting practical needs—it’s about honoring the story of a place and the people who
“The fact that my clients are really happy with the addition and love to spend time in these spaces is extremely rewarding.”
shaped it. By preserving the home’s character while weaving in modernity, the team showed that masterful design isn’t about imposing change but integrating it thoughtfully.
This approach reflects a respect for craftsmanship and detail that feels timeless. Although the steelframed windows, marble shelves, and coffered ceilings may be new, they settle into the home as though they’ve always belonged. This balance makes the space feel like a bridge between eras.
Architectural design often reminds us that homes are not just structures but living connections to the people and times that came before us. When approached with care, design has the power to celebrate those connections while creating spaces that enrich our present and future. Respect for Connecticut’s foundational aesthetic becomes more and more important for preserving parts of history, and it is the design work of teams like this one that help bolster that preservationist perspective while maintaining focus on modern imperatives like functionality and sustainability.
Jennifer Huestis is a co-principal of Huestis Tucker Architects in Woodbridge, CT. She graduated from Washington University in St. Louis and the Yale University School of Architecture before founding Huesis Tucker Architects with her husband, Bob Tucker, in 1998. Jennifer has more than 30 years of experience in the architectural and design fields. Her personal philosophy, and that of the firm, is one of collaboration and attention to detail as they aim to produce timeless designs that bridge historical patrimony with modern functionality.
Photo: Jennifer Huestis and Bob Tucker
ARTICLE BY JULIAN SARIA PHOTOGRAPHY BY ED BELENSKI, PHIL KOHAN
From Past Foundations to Future Homes: A Conversation with Barbara Zink
Barb Zink, a top-producing realtor at Coldwell Banker and lifelong resident of Milford, has spent her life immersed in homes. Her connection to property is personal and professional, rooted in a family legacy that dates back to the 1930s. From those early days of property management to her award-winning real estate career today, Barb has witnessed and shaped Milford’s housing market evolution.
In this interview, Barb reflects on her family’s history, shares her expertise on Milford’s real estate market, and offers insight into how homes – and the communities they shape – remain at the heart of what makes Milford, Milford.
Barb’s story begins with her grandparents, who moved to Milford in 1932 and established a property management business on the Boston Post Road. “They built a thriving community from the ground up,” Barb recalls. Her father worked alongside his parents, digging septic systems and placing homes on sites. While not the most glamorous, we can all appreciate the value of a good septic system.
Growing up in this close-knit environment taught Barb the value of community and the intricacies of property management. “I learned about people and property from a young age. My best friend was an 80-year-old neighbor named Emma Peck—I’d visit her every day to read her Harlequin Romance novels,” she laughs. These formative experiences shaped her understanding of what makes a house feel like a home: the people, stories, and connections woven into its walls.
Barb has seen Milford transform over the decades as a resident and a realtor. “Many of the homes here were built for returning war veterans—practical capes and ranches designed to grow with families,” she explains. These homes remain a staple of Milford’s charm, attracting buyers who want affordability and the perks of living in a waterfront
community without the high costs of other towns in Connecticut with similar proximity to the ocean.
Barb has a deep appreciation for the diverse pockets of Milford, from the vibrant downtown Green to the serene shores of Laurel Beach. “Milford has always been a place where families can grow and thrive,” she says. “We have excellent schools, beautiful parks, mom-and-pop businesses, and a location that combines the convenience of city access with the peace of small-town living.” Milford, through her eyes and the eyes of many others, is truly a town where people can place their roots and grow.
"MILFORD HAS
ALWAYS BEEN A PLACE WHERE FAMILIES CAN GROW AND THRIVE. WE HAVE EXCELLENT SCHOOLS, BEAUTIFUL PARKS, MOM-AND-POP BUSINESSES, AND A LOCATION THAT COMBINES THE CONVENIENCE OF CITY ACCESS WITH THE PEACE OF SMALL-TOWN LIVING."
She has also witnessed shifts in the housing market that mirror broader trends in New England. “There’s a greater focus on lifestyle,” Barb notes. “Buyers want homes that accommodate remote work, outdoor spaces for relaxation, and easy access to amenities like beaches and shopping.”
Barb’s approach to real estate is deeply rooted in her belief that buying or selling a home is more than just a transaction. “It’s a journey,” she says. “My goal is to make it as smooth and successful as possible by listening to my clients’ needs.”
With 31 years of full-time experience and numerous accolades, including the prestigious Five Star Professional Award, Barb brings expertise and empathy to every interaction. “I treat my clients how I’d want to be treated,” she says. “That means providing clear communication, connecting them with trusted experts, and being there every step of the way.” It is a simple but golden rule to live by.
When asked about Milford’s future, Barb is optimistic. “Milford will remain a small city with a big heart,” she predicts. “Our community values, combined with thoughtful development, will continue to attract people who want a high quality of life.”
Barb envisions a market that balances preserving Milford’s historic character with meeting modern demands. “I think we’ll see more eco-friendly builds and creative use of space to accommodate multi-generational living,” she says. “But at its core,
Milford will always be about connection—whether to nature, neighbors, or the past.”
Barb’s work is about building relationships that last a lifetime. She is deeply involved in community initiatives, from supporting small businesses to volunteering with organizations like Beth El and Keeping Milford Warm.
“Helping people find a home is one of the most rewarding experiences,” Barb says. “It’s not just about the four walls; it’s about creating a space where families can grow, celebrate, and make memories.”
Barb’s passion and expertise make her a trusted guide, whether you’re a first-time buyer, a seasoned investor, or simply curious about the Milford market. “A home is more than a place to live,” she says. “It’s a reflection of who we are and the community we’re part of—and I’m honored to help people find theirs.”
This blend of personal history, professional insight, and community pride creates a narrative as rich as Milford itself. As Barb Zink continues to help shape the local housing market, she remains a testament to the enduring importance of home—not just as a structure but as a foundation for life.
Kitchen design has entered a transformative era, where innovation meets artistry to create spaces that are not only functional but also personal and sustainable. With advancements in technology, materials and craftsmanship, today’s kitchens are tailored to meet the evolving needs and tastes of homeowners.
According to interior designer Laura McCroskey, kitchens today are about more than just cooking—they’re an expression of personal lifestyle.
“Kitchen design has entered an exciting time where the possibilities feel limitless,” says McCroskey. “For me, the design process starts before lines are ever drawn on a construction document. I believe in creating spaces that enhance life, both functionally and aesthetically. The design process begins with a discussion about what a space needs to do, and what aesthetic will bring a spark to the homeowner. I also firmly believe that when designing a kitchen, one should walk out a recipe to make sure everything is in the right place to
suit one’s lifestyle. Cooking zones are imperative to a well-designed kitchen.”
Modern kitchens emphasize zoning, or the creation of dedicated areas for preparation, cooking and storage, to enhance workflow and functionality. These zones not only improve efficiency but also contribute to a cohesive and visually appealing aesthetic.
Cutting-edge rendering software, utilizing technology similar to that used in gaming, allows homeowners to visualize their dream kitchens in hyper-realistic detail. While these tools inspire creativity, McCroskey advises balancing ambitious ideas with practical implementation to achieve the best results.
Technology, sustainability and customization are driving the revolution in kitchen design. Advanced appliances are at the forefront, enhancing convenience while aligning with a growing emphasis on eco-friendliness.
“From vacuum-sealing drawers that preserve food and reduce waste to smart appliances controlled by your
phone, the emphasis is on efficiency and sustainability. Functional storage built seamlessly into marble countertops and oversized workstation sinks are making daily tasks easier and more enjoyable. Thoughtful features like composting compartments and advanced food preservation methods reflect a broader effort to minimize waste and reduce environmental impact.”
Custom cabinetry that maximizes every inch of space minimizes waste while optimizing functionality.
“Forget the limits of traditional cabinetry. Blind corners, tiny nooks and hidden areas are now designed to maximize storage. Automated drawers and pop-up outlets are becoming increasingly common, marrying convenience with sleek aesthetics.”
Design trends have also evolved, becoming more flexible to reflect individual tastes.
“While white kitchens remain timeless and black adds drama, bleached woods continue to be popular. Style trends are no longer as rigid—whether you prefer modern, transitional, or traditional designs, you can create a kitchen tailored to your unique vision. There’s no limit to what you can achieve with today’s tools and technologies. The goal is to create spaces that resonate deeply with the people who live in them.”
The kitchen is the heart of every home and represents a space of endless possibility. Whether your aesthetic leans modern, farmhouse or somewhere in between, the tools and technologies available today make it easier than ever to bring your vision to life.
The Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce, along with our 660 business members, is excited to welcome Milford City Lifestyle Magazine to our vibrant and growing community! We’re thrilled to see local voices and stories featured, further enriching what makes Milford such a special place to live and work.
If you’re not currently a member of the Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce, now is the perfect time to join us! Connect with other businesses, enjoy exclusive resources, and make an impact in the community. For more information or to get started, email Simon at smcdonald@milfordct.com.
Starting a new home improvement project can be daunting, especially if you aren’t sure what you like. To help out, we sat down with Milford-based interior designer, Lisa Heldwhite (Breakwater Renovation & Design), to discuss current and upcoming home trends.
Neutral paint colors are timeless and will always be popular. Grey certainly had its moment over the last several years, but now the trend is starting to move toward warmer off-white tones. Dramatic jewel tone colors, such as navy blue and ruby red, are being used on accent walls.
As an interior designer, my recommendation to homeowners is to pick colors that appeal to them and that they will enjoy looking at every day. I work with them to select a color that coordinates well with the other finishes in the home and then I ask, “Do you love this color?” If the answer is no, we work on selecting something else.
I think one of the most undervalued elements of kitchen and bathroom projects is time: the time required to plan, select, and coordinate all of the details in these rooms often gets underestimated. Kitchens and baths are some of the most difficult rooms to renovate because there are so many components and choices to make.
In cabinetry, we are seeing a lot of lighter wood tones. That said, white painted cabinetry will always be a timeless option, and painted cabinetry in various colors is also still very popular.
Tile seems to be going in one of two directions: either understated and neutral or bold, decorative patterns.
Regarding hardware, we’re noticing that more people are selecting durable, high-quality hardware. Homeowners are recognizing the importance of what these last selections add to the finished rooms.
Homeowners are still requesting an open floor plan for the main central spaces in the home, usually the kitchen and living area for day to day family gathering and entertaining. Concurrently, there has been a shift back to more traditional separate rooms like home offices and kids playrooms.
The first step in the design process is getting to know who the clients are, how they
live, what they like about their existing home, and what they want for their new space. With this initial information, we are able to offer guidance and recommendations on what type of floor plan would be best for their individual lifestyle, rather than what current trends or social media are broadcasting.
"THE FIRST STEP IN THE DESIGN PROCESS IS GETTING TO KNOW WHO THE CLIENTS ARE, HOW THEY LIVE, WHAT THEY LIKE ABOUT THEIR EXISTING HOME, AND WHAT THEY WANT FOR THEIR NEW SPACE."
WHAT ARE SOME CHALLENGES OF DOING ADDITIONS AND WHAT MAJOR EXTERIOR CHANGES HAVE YOU SEEN OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS?
In designing and building additions, one of the biggest challenges is working within the constraints of the existing house: creating balance with existing window and door locations, tying existing rooflines into new ones in a way that ensures functionality and aesthetics, coordinating new siding with existing – these elements require a thoughtful approach.
The most notable exterior shift has been the installation of black windows in place of white. Other shifts include patios instead of decks, vertical board and batten siding, and modern, clean-lined details rather than ornate classical detail.
WHICH ELEMENTS ARE HOMEOWNERS LIKELY TO OVERLOOK IN THE DESIGN PROCESS?
Defined scope, quantity, and size are details that homeowners are more likely to miss without professional guidance. Creating too many focal points in a room, trying to include all the different types of finishes or elements they love, selecting furniture that is too big or too small, not accommodating paths of travel – these are all important considerations that are easily overlooked.
MARCH 15TH
Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Downtown Milford | 1:00 PM
The annual Milford St. Patrick’s Day Parade is back. This year, the parade promises an exciting display of floats, music, and a visit from Miss Emerald Isle. Don your green and your shamrocks while you support local organizations and celebrate Irish heritage – because we’re all a little Irish on St. Patrick’s Day.
MARCH 15TH
St. Patty’s Day Bash
Tribus Beer Co. | 12:00 PM
Head to Tribus to celebrate all things Irish with Irish beer, live music, and a themed menu from the Blind Rhino food truck. Stop by after the parade and continue the fun with music from One Headlight starting at 4 PM.
MARCH 18TH
Locals Only Concert
Milford Arts Council | 7:30 PM
This concert series is hosted by Frank Critelli and features local bands from around Connecticut. Proceeds will benefit the Beth El Center.
MARCH 26TH
Virtual | 7:00 PM
Presented by the Milford Public Library, this event will feature a conversation with New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Weiner. Considered by many to be the modern “Queen of the
CONTINUED
Beach Read,” Weiner’s repertoire includes In Her Shoes (2002), That Summer (2021), The Breakaway (2024), and many more. Weiner will also discuss her upcoming novel The Griffin Sisters’ Greatest Hits.
MARCH 27TH
Milford Arts Council | 6:00 PM Head over to the MAC at 40 Railroad Avenue for the annual Milford Photo Expo. A fruitful collaboration between Milford Photo and the Milford Arts Council, the expo will feature pieces from photographers of all experience levels. The exhibition runs from March 27 – May 30.
MARCH 29TH
Vazzano’s Four Seasons | 10:00 AM Executive Cleaners is partnering with Star 99.9 on Project Prom Dress, a community initiative to distribute prom dresses to young people in need. From January 27 through March 29, Milford-based Executive Cleaners will be collecting and dry cleaning dresses to be included in the event. Dresses will be on display and available for selection on March 29.
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