DESIGN +DECOR
CONNECTICUT NEW JERSEY NEW YORK
THE ARCHITECTS ISSUE
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DESIGN +DECOR
CONNECTICUT NEW JERSEY NEW YORK
VOLUME 17 ISSUE 6 | 2020
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UNASSUMING LUXURY
A builder constructs a sprawling estate with a modest look that is perfect for a large, sports-centered family. Story by Nicole Davis Photography by Neil Landino
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MEET THE ARCHITECTS
2020 ANNUAL ARCHITECTS ISSUE Stories by Susan Winlow
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FROM KNOCKDOWN TO KNOCKOUT
A traditional shingle-style beach house sets the standard for style, luxury and hurricane-proof construction. Story by Meryl Siegman Photography by Carl Vernlund
DEPARTMENTS 10 Editor’s Letter 14 Ask the Experts 94 Profile
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Melange Kitchen + Bath
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Monaco Monaco, a waterjet mosaic shown in polished Dolomite, Carrara, Cornflower Glazed Basalto, and brushed Aluminum, is part of the VOLUME - 2020 VOLUME17 16 ISSUE ISSUE 3 - 6 2019 Liliane™ Collection by Caroline Beaupere for New Editor-in-Chief Ravenna. Editor-in-Chief newravenna.com Matthew J. Kolk
Matthew J. Kolk mattkolk@me.com mattkolk@me.com 203-820-1092 203-820-1092 Managing Editor Editor Managing James Eagen James Eagen
Contributing Writers Writers Contributing Deborah Brannon, Lisa Gant, Susan Heller, Alder Grove, Lisa Gant, Susan Heller, Pam Gersh, Anna von Shea, Anastasia KaitStelzer-Worth, Shea, AnastasiaKait Storer, Anna Wirth Storer
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Sika Armchair Contributing Photographers Photographers Contributing Sika is a deer specimen Jane Beiles, Michael Biondo, Phillip Ennis, Tria Giovan, Jane Beiles, Michael Biondo, Phillip Ennis, Tria Giovan, rooted in Japan whose John Gruen, John Hannon, Paul Johnson, Neil Landino, John Gruen, Paul Johnson, Neil Landino, strength and elegance Mark La Rosa, Tim Lee, Daniel Milstein, Janice Parker, Mark La Rosa, Tim Lee, Daniel Milstein, inspired Sika wingback chair. Durston Saylor, Saylor, Debra Debra Somerville, Somerville, Eric Eric Striffler, Striffler, Durston The most distinctive features Jonathan Wallen, Woodruff/Brown Photography Jonathan Wallen, Woodruff/Brown Photography of this wing chair are the
Copy Editor Editor Copy Elena Serocki Serocki Elena
button detailing in the inner back, the nailhead trim and the brass details of the arms. covethouse.eu
Graphic & & Web Web Design Design Graphic East Coast Coast Home Home Publishing Publishing East
Group Publisher Publisher Shelley E. E. McCormick McCormick Shelley sm@dd-mag.com sm@dd-mag.com 203-545-7091 203-545-7091 Publisher AccountCT/NJ/NY Manager Alessandra Flanagan Alessandra Flanagan
af@dd-mag.com Account Managers Aileen + Gardner Design Decor Jane O’Reilly 7485 Inspira Circle #1203 Kelly Florida Ames Smith Naples, 34113 Watkins Fax:Anita 203-286-1850 Design + Decor 7485 Inspira Circle #1203
Design + Decor is published six issues per year. To subscribe: www.dd-mag.com; Subscriptions: Naples, 34113 at www.dd-mag.com. For editoone year, $28; two years, $50. Back issues Florida can be purchased rial inquiries: Editor, Design + Decor, 7485 Inspira Circle #1203 Naples, Florida 34113 or e-mail: mattkolk@me.com. For advertising inquiries: Please call Shelley McCormick at 203-545-7091. Reproduction whole or in partsix without is prohibited. projects described in this pubDesign + Decor is published issuespermission per year. To subscribe: All www.dd-mag.com; Subscriptions: lication are$28; for private, noncommercial use only. for commercial use or exploitation are one year, two years, $50. Back issues canNo berights purchased at www.dd-mag.com. For editogiven or implied. TheDesign opinions expressed writersCircle for articles by Design + Decor are rial inquiries: Editor, + Decor, 7485byInspira #1203published Naples, Florida 34113 or e-mail: not necessarily those of the mattkolk@me.com. For advertising inquiries: Please callmagazine. Shelley McCormick at 203-545-7091.
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Reproduction whole or in part without permission is prohibited. All projects described in this publication are for private, noncommercial Lapiaz use only. Sideboard No rights for commercial use or exploitation are given implied. Sideboard The opinions expressed by from writers one for articles published by Design + Decor are TheorLapiaz originates of Boca do Lobo’s iconic design not necessarily those of the magazine.
pieces. Based on the same aesthetic that created a legacy, the Lapiaz SideEAST COAST HOME PUBLISHING board takes exceptional design to a new realm. Consisting 7485 craftsmanship Inspira Circleand #1203 EASTLapiaz COAST HOMEinPUBLISHING of two individual modules, is finished polished stainless steel that Naples,the Florida 34113 7485 Inspira Circle #1203 portarys a perfect mirror, with a poplar root wood veneer interior. DD-MAG.COM Naples, Florida 34113 bocadolobo.com DD-MAG.COM
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EDITOR’S LETTER
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his has been has been a very tenuous year for all of us. Hopefully, going into 2021, we can look back on this as a time that tested all of our wills and we are better for it.
This is our last issue of 2020 in all of the markets that we serve. I can’t emphasize how proud I am of our industry and how we have handled the adversity that has been handed to us. We have collectively come together to get the job done while respecting the negative and making sure we function as an industry that continues to serve a vital function in our society. The shelter industry have been put up to the ultimate test. Home was our nest. Home has been a focal point of raising our families and to a certain extent, to show a level of success. In this past year, it has become our personal safe place against what has been thrown into our lives. Congratulations to all of our partners in this incredible challenge and to all of our readers who have been forced to hunker down and ride out the storm. I believe that the entire definition of home has changed forever in the past year. The silver lining in this is that we all get to spend more time with the people who we love, in our homes. Stay Happy and Healthy. Enjoy your families and the upcoming holidays,
Matthew Kolk
Best,
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- Editor in Chief
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MELANGE
IT’S ONLY ROCK + ROLL Snake Corkscrew Pop off the cork on your favorite wine with this Snake Corkscrew. Why settle for mundane kitchen accessories when you can introduce one inspired by the majestic body of a snake. mintandmay.co.uk
Madeleine Suspension Inspired by a flower bouquet we designed Madeleine. Light, gentle and elegant this suspension fixture adds a French touch to any cool commercial establishment. Its structure is handmade in brass and the lampshades in aluminum, it is also possible to have with an adjustable drawbar so that you can move it anytime. delightful.eu
Freddie Mercury Tea Towel Don’t let it become a Bohemian Rapsody in your kitchen and maintain order with the help of our ‘Freddie Mercury’ Tea Towel. Bright and bold, it has everything a family home needs to inject personality into the hub of the house. We LOVE the mustard yellow background paired with monochrome detailing - there’s just something about this color combination that works in any room. mintandmay.co.uk Gaga | Cushion Gaga cushion is an extravagant home decor piece. Gold metal buckles and a superposition of leather sounds like a bold design choice for any interior. This leather cushion is the maximum expression of luxurious materials, innovative design, and modern style. A remarkable addition to your sofa or armchair, embodying a stylish comfort. achcollection.com
The Rolling Stones’ Wallpaper Made-to-measure rock music wallpaper mural available at Wallsauce.com in a variety of wallpapers including paste the wall and peel and stick. wallsauce.com
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ASK THE EXPERTS Stories by Sean Jarvis
STEPHEN MOLITERNO MJS CONTRACTING
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hat led to the creation of M.J.S. Contracting? I grew up working in the trades, and always loved all aspects of construction projects. Once I finished college, I decided to continue working in the construction field, and I remembered the advice my father gave me: “Do something you love, and do something where you are in control of your destiny. This way, only you decide how to live your life and what you’re worth.” I took this to heart when I considered starting my own business, and thought there would be no better partner than my father. He and I started the business when I was 25 years old, and we worked together as partners for 30 years, until his passing. What previous experience did you have before founding your business? My father worked in construction as a commercial mason in New York City, 14
and was also involved in real estate sales and speculation. From the time I was 13, I worked in lumberyards and took on painting projects for neighbors, so this type of work has always been in my blood. I was also an ironworker throughout my high school and college years. Once I graduated, I was fortunate to start working for a construction company that did everything inhouse, leading to plenty of hands-on experience. I learned how to operate all types of heavy equipment and acquired many other useful skills. I was trained in structural steel erection, fabrication and all aspects of masonry and carpentry trades for both residential and commercial projects. As I gained firsthand experience, I decided to focus on masonry and became a mason by trade. What has contributed to your success over the last 30 years? One of the most important aspects of any project is maintaining your client’s trust. We do this through hard work and perseverance, ensuring high-quality
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results that far exceed our client’s expectations. With an eye for detail, our team is ready to tackle any projects head-on. We form strong relationships with our clients, treating each one like family, and our reputation for worldclass service has never wavered. What are the most popular styles and trends right now? While we enjoy the creative process that comes from each unique style, most homes we’ve been working on tend to veer towards contemporary. We’ve found that even traditional homes are now incorporating modern touches, such as glass tiles, cable rail systems, large glass windows and straight-edge wood trim. As styles change over time, we at M.J.S. stay on top of these shifting trends so we can offer our clients a wealth of possibilities during the creation phase.
What does the creative process look like for achieving your client’s goals? After 35 years of being in business and catering to high-end residential clients, we’ve found that, while all jobs are unique, there is a common thread that brings our clients’ dreams to fruition. Offering high-quality results and creating lasting client relationships built on trust, hard work and transparency are what tie it all together. With our diverse experience in all types of home construction and remodeling, we can offer creative guidance to every client. That coupled with our construction expertise, which encompasses all types of project styles, makes the process seamless and engaging.
What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced as designers and builders? One of the most challenging aspects of this field are the nuances that come with each project. Our client’s satisfaction is of utmost importance, and we work hard to achieve the highly desired results we are known for. Having clients who understand that quality, timing and price all go hand in hand certainly makes things easier.
Is there anything else you’d like to add about your company? Our customers know we are driven to do things right, no matter what it takes. Being detail-driven and extremely organized, we move through each project seamlessly and never experience setbacks. Because we employ the same reliable, hardworking subcontractors we’ve had for the past 35 years, we’ve developed a rhythm within our team. Since most have been with us since day one, we’ve found where each of our strengths are, and capitalize on them. This translates into high-quality craftsmanship for the client and a smooth-sailing project from start to finish.
How do you stay current and on top of trends? We are located only 45 minutes outside of New York City, a bustling city of trendsetters. With our knowledgeable architects, designers and contractors, we’re constantly learning and staying ahead of the curve when it comes to new styles and trends. We know our clients not only demand the highest quality work from us, but also rely on us to present them with a range of creative options. We make sure to always deliver.
Resource: MJS Contracting Stephen Moliterno 172 Clinton Avenue New Rochelle, NY 10801 914.636.5262 mjscontractingcorp.com
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ASK THE EXPERTS Stories by Sean Jarvis
VAL MORANO MORANO LANDSCAPE
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here did your founder, Angelo Morano, find the inspiration to start Morano Group? My grandfather Angelo’s ancestral family in Southern Italy owned many acres of land. Although they lived in the town square, they had a country property not too far from the downtown area. The property was fruitful in that they had a fully functioning farm, and they made wine from their grapes and extra virgin olive oil from their olives. The agricultural background Angelo had as a young boy gave him a nostalgic feeling, and ultimately led him to begin gardening for commercial properties when he came to the United States. Creating gardens always reminded him of being back in his home country. How do you think being a family-owned company has set you apart from corporate companies and influenced your success? There are pros and cons to being a family business. The key to everything is balance, and that is what I try to remind myself of on a daily basis: balance the good that comes with being a “mom and pop” business with the good side of a “corporate”-run organization. The baseline is that we respect, appreciate and treat all employees as if they were family. I know everyone’s name and their strengths and weaknesses. On top of that, I know every client’s name and story. We all grow in a tight fashion. Unlike large corporations, we care about our
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employees, our Morano clients and our customers from both garden centers. With so many variables and options available for a beautiful finished product, what does the creative process look like for achieving your client’s goals? When deciding materials, whether it be plants or stones, we primarily look at two things. The first is the architecture of the home. This gives us guidelines for what would be appropriate visually and aesthetically to achieve a proper balance between the home features and the landscape features. Second, we rely on the preferences of our clients. We take all their desires and create living art from that. We blend their thoughts and our vision to create a masterpiece! Is landscape and garden design a warm-weather project, or do you take on clients all year round? Typically, coming out of the winter, the first few warm weekends cause an explosion of interest from clients who want to get their properties in shape for the summer. That’s usually the kickoff to a very hectic season. Since our seasons are short and not continuous, we have peaks and troughs throughout the year. Spring and fall tend to be busier, whereas winter and summer tend to be slower. That slower period allows our designers to dedicate time and energy to planning for the busy seasons. They actually enjoy this downtime, as it allows them the opportunity to work without the pressure of having to be on-site, supervising
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installations. What services does Morano Group offer to clients? We pride ourselves on being a one-stop landscape and hardscape company. We act as exterior general contractors, so if we aren’t able to do all the work in-house, we can use one of our affiliate companies to get the job done right. From design and implementation to maintenance and more, our involvement is as substantial as our desire to produce successful results. Our full list of services includes design, development, maintenance, masonry, interior plantscapes, organic tree/ shrub care, plant healthcare/lawn care, mature tree installation and holiday décor for residential, commercial and city properties. Over the last 60 years, there have been many innovations within the landscape and garden design field. Are there any innovations you’ve been incorporating? Yes, absolutely. When my grandfather began, he was using a push mower with only a couple of blades and no engine. We have come a long way from that. Right now, we are working on going to a full lineup of battery-powered blowers for our weekly lawn crews. We recognize the impact that the emissions create on our atmosphere/climate, and we are doing everything feasible to improve that issue. In the meantime, all our trucks are certified “clean diesel,” which means they have lower emissions than most. With so many styles and designs that have come and gone, which trends have held up over time?
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Native plants have held up. No matter what styles come and go, the native and indigenous plantings of a certain geographic area will always remain. Many cities and towns are now encouraging native plantings, which makes sense because the plants are naturally inclined to do well in their original climate and soils. Natives also generally require less care, fewer pesticides and less water than most finicky plantings. What specialties in landscape and design do you excel at? A few things put us above the rest. First, we absolutely excel at mature tree installation. We have planted some of the largest imaginable trees for our clients. We not only plant them, but we take care of them for years through our plant healthcare program. Next, we are second to none at production speed. What I mean is, we have dozens and dozens of manual and machine laborers on one project to hit goals and deadlines. Third, we excel at craftsmanship. Our team is made up of dozens of gardeners and masons who have been with our company for 20 to 30 years. Longevity and experience are key to a superb execution. Resource: Morano Landscape Val Morano 543 Halstead Avenue Mamaroneck, NY 10543 914.698.4065 moranolandscape.com
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ASK THE EXPERTS Stories by Sean Jarvis
SAL INGUANTI ROGER PAGANELLI P+I CUSTOM BUILDERS
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hat led to the creation of P&I Custom Builders? Sal Inguanti was working for a general contractor on a home renovation in Rye, NY, when he met the client, Roger Paganelli. As the lead carpenter on the project, Sal wanted to do more than just carpentry, and this aspiration drove him to the next level: to run the entire project. Roger had no construction experience, but he did have experience buying homes for renovations. As the project moved along, Roger immediately recognized that Sal was clearly the most talented member of the contractor’s team. After the renovation was complete, Roger and Sal stayed in touch and became good friends. Roger was inspired by the construction process and decided to try his hand as an owner/general contractor on a ranch-style house. He reached out to Sal, who was still working with a general contractor, and asked him to join the project and lend his carpentry skills. This was the start of their working relationship, and Roger would frequently reach out to Sal 18
with questions about various projects. In 2003, during dinner at a friend’s restaurant, the two men discussed a business partnership. By the end of the meal, they had agreed to form a corporation and go into business as equal partners. This was the start of P&I Construction. How many employees do you currently have? P&I is based in Rye with three permanent employees and up to 12 on a project-by-project basis. We’ve had to constantly adjust the size of our workforce due to the changing market and different project needs. Skilled labor is not always easy to find these days— at times it’s a challenge—and we are very selective about who we hire. We take great pride in our work, so it’s important to maintain the level of quality we expect with every project. What do you think has contributed to your success over the last 18 years?
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We’ve continued to succeed by sticking to the basic principles we started with. Sal has a very hands-on approach with every project, ensuring the highest level of quality not only from our employees, but also from our subcontractors. We’ve developed a team of subcontractors and suppliers who we rely on, day in and day out, to deliver and meet our goals and objectives. The team approach is important no matter what the project is; everyone involved does their part (and then some) to complete the project and exceed our client’s expectations. What services does P&I Custom Builders offer its clients? We offer a wide variety of different services, including doing home additions and renovations, and building custom and speculative homes. Depending on the clients’ needs, we offer different approaches: clients can provide us with plans they have from their architect, or we can guide them from concept to completion. What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as designers and builders? Staying current and on top of trends is important, so we work closely with our team to keep up with what’s popular. We work closely with our architect, realtor and designers to put together a cohesive plan before starting any project. We all need to keep our finger on the pulse of the market and notice changes as they are starting, to stay ahead of the curve. The construction industry continues to evolve, and the number of new products that are available each year keeps growing, which opens doors for more possibilities. Attending seminars and trade shows for new products is an important part
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of our business, to help us see what’s coming to market and allow us to offer it to our clients. What is your process when taking on a new project with a client? One of the first things we talk about with new clients is their “wish list.” Knowing what is most important to the clients helps us guide them through the process, starting from day one. Second, we want to provide the clients with a project outline and time frame, so when it comes to their decisionmaking responsibilities, they don’t feel rushed. This helps prevent them from making panicked decisions and sets a good pace for the project. As our company continues to evolve, our experience and passion motivate us all to achieve the next level of excellence. Delivering the best possible product on a consistent basis and exceeding our client’s expectations are very important to us. We know we’re on the right track thanks to our lasting relationships with repeat clients, and our beautiful finished projects speak volumes about the quality of work we provide. Resource: P+I Custom Builders Sal Inguanti Roger Paganelli 209 North Street Rye, NY 10580 914.967.0413 pnicb.com
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KITCHENS + BATHS
THE FUTURE OF KITCHEN DESIGN Stories by Mary Lee Ptacek
BULTHAUP
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OVID-19 has impacted every facet of American life and will continue to do so for some time. Activities that were previously taken for granted are now either cancelled or altered. Will the coronavirus continue to change other areas of our lives, including the spaces in which we live? Many homeowners are considering transforming their kitchens because of COVID-19. According to Constantin Oltean, the owner and principal designer at bulthaup Greenwich, “The changes I see right now are generated by the new way of life. People spend more time at home with their families. We have to cook more at home because restaurants are closed. There is a lot of in-home activity, and a lot of it is centered around the kitchen.” The necessity of spending more time in the kitchen has led his clients to reconsider the aesthetics of the space. “A lot of our clients came to the conclusion that they need to have a much more contemporary and cleaner-looking kitchen,” says Constantin. “It basically has a more calming presence—it provides a warmer and more relaxing space for the family.”
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Constantin explains that the coronavirus has also given his clients more free time, which they ’ve used to conduct their own research into products they want to include in their kitchen designs. “For example, we have clients who are requesting induction cooktops that have been on the market for 10 years,” he says. “Induction is more energy-efficient and safer. It’s better for maintenance, provides better control with cooking, and offers more cooking power.” Besides upgrading their products, many homeowners want to incorporate additional storage into their kitchen redesigns. “Some clients are requesting more storage space so they can keep more food in bulk supplies,” says Constantin. “We always have plenty of refrigerator storage, but now people are looking more into pantry and freezer storage.” Last, but certainly not least, is the need to redesign the kitchen to make cleaning and sanitizing simpler. Many of Constantin’s clients are asking for stainless-steel countertops, which are easy to clean and sanitize, and products with special features. “People are looking into touch faucets or touchless faucets so they don’t even have to touch the faucet to turn on the water,”
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Constantin explains. Some customers also want to include a very important station in their kitchen: “additional smaller sinks to wash their hands for when they leave their mudroom,” he says. Because they are spending so much more time in the kitchen, Constantin’s clients are rethinking every aspect in their redesigns, including the aesthetics of the space and the practicalities of storage. Indeed, COVID-19 is making homeowners see kitchen design in a whole new light. Resources: bulthaup Greenwich Constantin Oltean 95 E Putnam Avenue Greenwich, CT 06830 203.252.6563 bulthaup.com
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TILE AMERICA
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OVID-19 has given many people more time to think about the form and function of their kitchen designs. Ryan Coyle of Tile America in Stamford, CT, has seen an increase in clients prioritizing personal style. “More than anything, people are trying to create a space and an identity of their own,” he says.
Ryan believes that COVID’s influence can also be seen in the movement towards “marrying the outdoors and indoors,” he says. “My clients are trying to extend those buffer months—to enhance their properties with an outdoor kitchen and have access to the yard.” Inside the home, Ryan continues to see a preference for easy-to-clean tiles for countertops and flooring. “Quartz products have been really popular for kitchen countertops for a number of years because of their ability to be very sanitary,” he explains. Describing the benefits of porcelain tile for flooring, he notes, “Porcelain tile, by nature, is one of the most healthy and sanitary products you can use.” While wood is a very porous surface, he continues, “one of the great selling points of porcelain tile is that it’s virtually impervious. Contaminants don’t linger; they sit on the surface of the product and can be easily cleaned.” Ryan also refutes the idea that hardwoods offer the same benefits as tile. “There’s the argument out there that you can clean hardwood floors just like tile. However, you can clean tile much more aggressively. You can clean it with a harsher chemical—with bleach and with antibacterial substances—without degrading the surface. The same can’t be said for wood or stone or any natural element.” When it comes to options for tile, Ryan sees much potential in a new material that offers additional sanitation benefits. “There’s a titanium dioxide coating that can
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be applied to the glaze of ceramic porcelain tiles,” he says. “It’s a self-sanitizing, air-purifying coating. We have access to a great line called Hytect that offers this coating, which we’re going to be actively promoting to the architecture and design community as well as to residential retail clients,” Ryan explains. By keeping people indoors, the coronavirus has given homeowners the freedom to express their individual tastes. For instance, says Ryan, one of his clients chose a bold route and opted for a kitchen redesign with black subway tile for a stunning, masculine, urban effect. In the past, some might have balked at this decision for resale value reasons, but Ryan believes that homeowners are now making decisions that improve their spaces—and therefore their lives—in the near future. He notes, “More than ever, people are saying, ‘You know what? I’m going to take the plunge and do what I want to do. I’m going to put my identity and my taste towards this finished project.’” Resources: Tile America Ryan Coyle 63 Harbor View Avenue Stamford, CT 06902 203.323.5922 tileamerica.com
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CLARKE LIVING
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arco Barallon, the corporate showroom director at Clarke Living in Norwalk, CT, has seen an increase in the demand for advanced kitchen appliances since the COVID shutdown. Clarke Living represents products from Sub-Zero, Wolf, Cove, The Galley, ASKO, Best and Scotsman brands, which provide innovative solutions to kitchen problems. While Marco has watched demand increase for many different types of appliances, the top three he has seen grown in popularity during the pandemic are refrigerators with advanced air purification systems, a sink solution known as “The Galley Workstation,” and convection steam ovens. When it comes to refrigeration systems, there’s no match for Sub-Zero. According to Marco, “Sub-Zero has unique systems on the interiors of its refrigerators. It has always been a leader in providing humidity.” Now, Sub-
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Zero has developed new advanced air purification systems that “help remove ethylene gas, which can cause leafy greens to go bad quickly,” Marco explains. When it comes to increasing the longevity of food, Marco says customers are choosing vacuum-seal drawers that not only preserve food, but can also be used to seal masks and gloves. Marco has noticed how new sink solutions have helped families since the pandemic began. “I think COVID will change kitchen design with a little more thought geared around the family component,” he says. “I represent a unique line of sinks called The Galley Workstations, which are large sinks ranging from three to up to seven feet in length.” These large basins set in islands provide a lifestyle feature that other sinks don’t offer. “We’re seeing tweeners come back into the family and start working with Mom and Dad, doing the prepping and being more hands-on again, instead of being on their devices,” Marco explains. “It’s a unique type of kitchen product.”
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The final appliance Marco has seen a high demand for can make life easier in many ways. “Kitchen design today more often involves combi-steam, or convection steam, ovens,” Marco says. “They’re the number-one add-on to an appliance package in our industry.” Convection steam ovens serve many functions, including taking the place of microwaves for reheating food, but they do much more than reheat: They simplify the cooking process and use less energy. With a convection steam oven, there’s no need to turn on a burner to hard-boil eggs—everything can be done within the cavity of the unit. The need for advanced air purification systems in refrigerators, workstation sink units and convection steam ovens has increased due to the pandemic. These appliances can make life easier during these challenging times. Resources: Clarke Living Marco Barallon 64 S Main Street Norwalk, CT 06854 800.842.5275 clarkeliving.com
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MAJESTIC KITCHENS
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cott Weinlein at Majestic Kitchens and Bath in Mamaroneck, NY, has seen COVID-19 alter the fundamental functionality of the kitchen. “In the past 10 years, there’s been a trend to take desks and learning centers out of kitchens,” says Scott. “That’s now changing. We need to have a place for kids to set up their laptops and be a part of the community.” While Scott’s clients are looking for more gathering space for the family, they have other concerns as well. COVID-cautious social events and the need to entertain more at home have also affected homeowners’ kitchen plans. “Clients are trying to figure out how they can gather socially,” he says. “We’re trying to incorporate multiple seating arrangements and, if there’s enough room, a separate eating area.” For one client, Scott and his team performed major structural renovations on the home. “This kitchen was a good size, but it was closed off from the family gathering area,” he explains. “As part of the project, we decided to take out the walls between the two rooms,” which expanded the space dramatically. Scott has also seen a growing need for surfaces that are easier to clean. “People are concentrating the most on counter surfaces to be as sterile as possible,” he says. “Until about six years ago in our area, granite and marble countertops were the number-one product everyone wanted. Slowly that started to change and, pre-COVID, engineered quartzes, which are nonporous and antimicrobial, became more popular.” Since the pandemic, those materials have continued to grow in popularity. Despite the coronavirus, Scott’s clients are still finding ways to achieve their
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aesthetic vision in their renovations, including the use of white glass. “I personally have a love for the material because it’s so crisp and clean-looking. I also find that it’s translating into multiple bathroom applications, too,” he explains. In the project featured in these photos, Scott’s client chose white glass in the kitchen. “On the perimeter countertops, where the homeowner would do any sort of scullery work or butchery, is the white glass,” he says. “The center island is marble, and that is porous.” Ultimately, Scott sees his clients prioritizing a multifunctional kitchen, while still adhering to their aesthetic dreams for the space. Resources: Majestic Kitchens Scott Weinlein 700 Fenimore Road Mamaroneck, NY 10543 914.381.1302 majestickitchens.com
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WATERWORKS
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arbara Sallick, co-founder and senior vice president of design at the luxury fittings brand Waterworks, believes people seeking to renovate their kitchens generally fall into two categories: those focused on the short-term, whose designs are heavily influenced by COVID-19, and those who are thinking about their long-term vision. “If you’re thinking short-term, you’re probably reimagining what your kitchen looks like. Personally, I would want a bigger kitchen table, but I don’t work in my kitchen,” Barbara says, noting that she uses a home office. For those without home offices, and especially for those who have school-age children, the kitchen redesign vision revolves around space. “If there are more and more people congregating in the kitchen and using it as a schoolroom or a very informal lifestyle space, which seems to be the trend at the moment, then I would say we are all going to want larger kitchens,” she says. “Congregating in the kitchen is important; it becomes the pivotal center of the house. A couple of things will go into the future, because none of us are sure this is never going to happen again.” For Barbara’s clients who typically plan with their long-term vision in mind, the design emphasis is different. “Our experience at the very high end of the market is that people want what they want,” she says. “Our clients want marble countertops. They want gorgeous tile backsplashes. They’re not changing their wood floors or cement floors. They’re still painting their cabinets. And all of these are easily kept totally and completely sanitary.” While many surface materials have stayed the same over the past few years, Barbara has seen an increase in the demand for more kitchen storage. “Lots of us travel, are very busy and have learned to shop online,” she says. “If you’re careful in buying for a week and shopping online, then you absolutely need to plan for more storage. Being able to store a week’s worth of food that comes in a gazillion packages seems to be very important; there’s something quite satisfying about always having something on hand. But you can’t do that well if you don’t clean out your existing kitchen or find a way to add more storage.” Barbara believes the design of a kitchen will reflect its function. “When I was growing up, we had a TV room and a telephone room. Now the kitchen is the media center, the telephone room and all these other things. I think kitchen designers today are all thinking, ‘How do we make this the community center?’” Resources: Waterworks Barbara Sallick 215 East 58th Street New York, New York 10022 212.371.9266 23 West Putnam Avenue Greenwich, Connecticut 06830 203.869.7766 waterworks.com Design + Decor
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UNASSUMING LUXURY A builder constructs a sprawling estate with a modest look that is perfect for a large, sports-centered family. Story by Nicole Davis | Photography by Neil Landino
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The six-acre lot that this home is built on is maximized for privacy and functionality.
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The carport — shown here on the left — provides for a formal front entry.
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The home’s main entrance is sophisticated yet unpretentious — a glimpse of what’s to come.
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ucked away on a six-acre lot in New Canaan, CT, sits an expansive 16,000-square-foot estate that combines New England colonial charm with sleek, modern design and amenities. Yankee Custom Builders of Greenwich was enlisted to construct this nine-bedroom, eight-and-a-half-bathroom permanent residence for the clients, a couple in their mid-50s with seven children ranging in age from five to 23. The couple wanted to build a very family-friendly space, one that would enrich their lives with its style and functionality. They live a very active lifestyle, enjoying exercise and sports—especially hockey—so the home needed to be able to accommodate these interests and appeal to their modern interior design sensibilities. Architectural firm Brooks & Falotico is the brainchild behind the design of this home, which has an overall transitional feel with a colonialleaning exterior and more modern interior. “The house was designed not to be too ostentatious, so when you drive in, it doesn’t seem like a 16,000-square-foot monster house,” says Justin Meneguzzo, owner and principal of Yankee Custom Builders. “There’s a cozy feel-
ing when you walk into the home, and the house then meanders in the back. The back elevation is really where you see the grandness of it.” One of the first things that catches the eye when the home pops into view is the juxtaposition of materials on its exterior, namely the wooden structure off the left side. With a lead-coated copper roof and reclaimed wood siding, this building—called “the sports barn”—acts as a space for fun, including a play area for the kids and a full bedroom suite. It’s connected to the main house by a lovely and precisely constructed passageway, accented with reclaimed wood and granite, plus a nine-foot-tall pivot door, which plays off the design of the home’s exterior doors. Between the garages—whose doors are painted a beautiful gray from Benjamin Moore called Bracken Slate—is a carport, which allows for a formal front entry. As visitors or the homeowners drive through, they’ll reach the garage courtyard or the “family entrance.” On part of the garage’s exterior, as well as the interior of the carport, is the same granite found in the passageway to the sports barn. The stone—called Byram Black from Greenwich—adds visual interest and texture while tying the spaces together. Design + Decor
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A 9-foot pivot door and large foyer light fixture from Italian company Henge make a statement at the home’s main entrance.
Along the expanse of the estate, large-format custom windows and doors from Revival Sash flood the home with natural light. The triangle-shaped windows on the sports barn and third-floor main house office for the husband echo each other, creating a unique design element. As you step inside the home, an air of unfussy, neutral, modern style envelops you. The home’s interior design, done by Tori Legge of Stirling Mills Interior Design, sets a tone that you might not expect from the outside, but makes total sense when you walk in. The home is full of light woods and fabrics, with statement light fixtures in the foyer and main living spaces adding unexpected details. On the first floor, an open living space with a kitchen, breakfast nook, formal dining room and living room create a flow for living and en36
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tertaining. In the super-modern kitchen, the homeowners wanted exceptionally durable materials to stand up to the wear and tear of children, plus a layout that would be conducive to their large family. This meant countertops of man-made quartz with dual islands that feature a custom white oak stain. In arm’s length of the kitchen, the breakfast area supplies a more casual space to eat while offering the expansive views of the outdoors. Off the kitchen is a bar area, which makes a definite design statement. Featuring blue cabinets, a blue marble countertop and backsplash, plus a hanging brass shelving unit, the space is functional and funky, interrupting the serene neutral palette of the rest of the home. A wine cooler in the back provides temperature-controlled storage for the homeowners’ favorite bottles of vino.
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Statement lighting fixtures make an impact throughout the home, including in this seating area.
Also off the kitchen is the wife’s office, next to the kids’ homework room, plus the dining area and living room. The dining and living rooms combine to function more like a great room, allowing for the ultimate entertaining area. The dining table is accessorized with a mid-century modern light fixture, and the rest of the dÊcor is kept simple. Echoing the floor-to-ceiling windows in this space is a stunning floor-to-ceiling, zinc-paneled fireplace with a linear gas insert, which acts as the visual centerpiece of the entire Design + Decor
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The home’s formal dining room and living room create a great room (top, bottom left and bottom right), perfect for entertaining. The great room is also open to the kitchen (bottom middle) in the first-floor layout.
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A blue bar makes a statement in an otherwise neutral home.
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The breakfast nook — off the kitchen — provides an intimate and convenient space to eat a quick meal.
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Custom windows and doors from Revival Sash add lots of personality — plus an abundance of natural light — to the home.
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The master suite provides a relaxing, spa-like retreat for the homeowners, including a large master bath (bottom left) and his and hers closets (bottom right).
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His office is a stylish place to work with a dramatic custom triangular window and an attached balcony.
great room. “This whole area—the kitchen/great room—is my favorite part of the home,” notes Justin. “The space is very open and ties together the family feel of the house.” The staircases heading upstairs are themselves pieces of art. “The stairwells were one of the most complex parts of the home to build,” Justin explains. They’re meticulously constructed of a floating steel structure that’s wrapped in wood with floating oak treads and glass handrails. There are two in the home—one in the mudroom that’s two stories, and an entry/foyer stair that’s just one story. Design + Decor
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The “sports barn” — a wing attached to the main house — offers an additional play area for the kids and a full bedroom suite.
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The exterior of the sports barn — plus the passageway that connects it to the main house (bottom right) — is covered in reclaimed wood. More custom windows, including another dramatic triangular configuration (top and middle right), echo the windows from the husband’s office on the opposite side of the home.
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The mix of materials on the home’s exterior creates a unique, high-end look that blends colonial charm with modern details.
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More custom windows on the back of the home allow for great views of the beautiful landscape in the distance.
Upstairs in the master suite, the design team created a true retreat, again focusing on soft, neutral hues and simple, light silhouettes. His and hers closets provide plenty of space for wardrobes, while a large master bath with Dolomiti marble countertops and his and hers vanities bring about a luxurious, spa-like feel. A built-in sauna room also gives the couple a chance to relax and recharge. When it’s time to work, the husband can head to his office, on this level, which has a very masculine design vibe. The large custom triangle window from Revival Sash lets in ample natural light, while the walnut cabinetry provides storage and the functional seating area allows for meetings in comfort. When it’s time to play, the family can go downstairs to the basement, where Design + Decor
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their love of sports comes to life. Another large playroom, exercise room and hockey shooting gallery help everyone to stay active. And just outside in the backyard there’s room for both hockey and tennis courts, still to be built. The design and construction of this home was no easy feat, taking 20 months to complete. “The most challenging part to execute, as with any project, is to maintain and even fasttrack the project schedule, procure the right subcontractors to give the project the quality it needs, and maintain the budget,” says Justin. In this case, a successful collaboration among all firms resulted in a one-of-a-kind estate that is the perfect place for this large, active family to create memories in for years to come. Resources: Builder Yankee Custom Builders, Inc. 24 Field Point Road Greenwich, CT 06830 203.588.1556 yankeecustombuilders.com Architect Brooks + Falotico Associates 199 Elm Street New Canaan, CT 06840 203.966.8440 brooksandfalotico.com Interior Designer Stirling Mills Design Tori Legge 189 Elm Street New Canaan, CT 06840 203.594.9596 stirlingmills.com There’s space earmarked in the home’s backyard for both hockey and tennis courts.
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MEET THE ARCHITECTS 2020 ANNUAL ARCHITECTS ISSUE Stories by Susan Winlow
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CHRISTOPHER PAGLIARO CHRISTOPHERPAGLIAROARCHITECTS.COM
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hris Pagliaro wants to work with you, a residential homeowner, in particular. He values the journey and takes pride in the collaborative effort between client and architect as the project moves from paper to fruition. “I do residential work for a reason,” says Chris, who has been with Christopher Pagliaro Architects for 23 years. “It’s personal. I would rather work with you and your spouse or partner and make this a personal journey that creates a house for you, rather than create a medical office. I want you to enjoy the journey and let me take away the headaches.” During the pandemic, Chris and his firm are seeing a shift back toward the home being a sanctuary instead of strictly a financial asset. This shift has led to a boon in the creation of outdoor spaces and the installation of pools and other outside features. It has also put suburbia back on the map in the tristate area. “All of a sudden that bucolic backcountry of Fairfield County is attractive again,” says Chris. “COVID-19 is reestablishing the value and sanctity of the home, and it’s reestablishing suburban living.” Aside from COVID-19 changes, the industry is also moving rapidly to keep up with the evolution of climate, technology and construction shifts. Continuing education is important, with the development of new products and a generation shift to consider. “ This generation has very different thoughts about how they live,” says Chris. “ This is one of the reasons you have to continue to evolve as a designer, or you’ll become irrelevant. Lifestyles have changed, and it’s my responsibility to stay on top of that.” Chris and his team embrace the future and the changes. They want to take advantage of the new, accept the change and have fun with it. “As an architect, I want what’s next,” he says. “And I want to do it well.” Architect Christopher Pagliaro Architects Chris Pagliaro 320 Post Road, Suite 160 Darien, CT 06820 203.838.5517 pbs-archs.com
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RALPH MACKIN MACKINARCHITECTS.COM
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orm follows function.” Architect Ralph Mackin embraces this quote by the 19th-century architect Louis Sullivan, and has evolved with it through his nearly 30 years in the building industry. “We express ourselves through our architecture,” says Ralph, owner of the boutique firm Mackin Architects. “It’s my art form you’re going to live in, so I have to make it beautiful. But it also must be completely functional. There has to be a balance.” Mackin Architects specializes in high-end residential architecture, but the firm also integrates seamlessly with the community by creating its churches and clubs. “It’s a natural extension of our firm,” he says. “If you design residential architecture, you’re learning how people live. You’re bringing those thoughts into the other buildings—it makes people feel like they belong in those buildings.” When COVID-19 hit, Ralph and his family, including extended fam-
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ily, were prepared for planned growth, which helped considerably during the pandemic. They finished the basement and a third-floor room, which gave them that much-needed extra space. By adding flexibility into the original design of his own home, Ralph was able to expand when needed. And this is exactly what he and his team strive to do for their clients. Having that flexible space is a boon these days with the call for bigger rooms and even more open space for family to gather. But it’s now just as important to have additional “away” spaces, where family members can work, study, play, make phone calls or read without interruption. “We need main gathering spaces, but we also need ‘away’ spaces,” says Ralph. “As we’ve adapted to making houses more open, fun-filled and sun-filled, we’ve learned that you also you need quiet rooms, not just one big space.” With people now spending so much time at home, says Ralph, exterior spaces have become just as important as interior ones. Screened porches, pool houses, outbuildings and other outdoor features are
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often deemed essential for a family living and recreating at home. Ralph has also observed a shift from urban to suburban/rural living, which has created a migration to areas that will need additional residences and support buildings. “We’re starting to see there is a focus out here, and our wheels start to turn,” he says. “Not only residences, but support structures are now needed. It’s a revival, and I think it will be interesting to watch.” Architect Mackin Architects Ralph Mackin 112 Titicus Road North Salem, NY 10560 914.277.3152 mackinarchitects.com Design + Decor
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GEORGE DUMITRU STUDIODUMITRU.COM
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tudio Dimitru, with George Dimitru at the helm, strives for excellence, thoroughness and quality throughout its designs and client dealings.
Established in 1999, the firm specializes in high-end residential projects and prides itself on keeping up-to-date, using high-quality products, and ensuring that the products are reliable and not just the latest beta trend on the market. “We are very trendy people, but we want to make sure that what we recommend is really, really good,” says George. “Just because it came out yesterday, doesn’t mean it’s good. Our clients are not guinea pigs; whatever we recommend is tried-and-true and of the highest quality.” George stresses that he and his staff use the finest products available in today’s market and, since it is an ever-evolving market, they stay on their toes through research to provide the best for their clients—be it climate, technology or construction techniques. While George acknowledges that industry information is accessible online, he’s also cognizant of the detriment it can wreak on the industry when it comes to trusting the professional. A good portion of what’s found on the Internet is professional misinformation, he explains, and he and his firm have to “disqualify” it when it is broached by the client. “Hire a professional, give it to the professional and say, ‘This is what I want’,” George advises. “It should be in words, and then let us do the drawing. The Internet is good for research, but when it comes to ideas and design, that is not where the Internet excels.” George cares for his clients, whether they be in the Northeast or down in Florida. He strives to make each house personal and meld seamlessly into the surroundings, regardless of the location or climate. “We have a deep commitment to our clients,” he says. “We don’t build our homes—we build a client’s home. We put our heart and soul into every house.” Architect Studio Dumitru George Dumitru 25 Sylvan Road South, Suite I Westport, CT 06880 203.226.5156 studiodumitru.com
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SUSAN ALISBERG ED PARKER ALISBERGPARKER.COM
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usan Alisberg and Ed Parker of Alisberg Parker have their clients covered from beginning to end, from architectural to interior design.
The partnership operates a small firm, with both integrally involved in the business and with every project. They design with an eye toward timeless beauty, regardless of home style. It is also important for them to be true to the style of architecture—think Vitruvian Man, da Vinci’s ink-on-paper drawing of the perfect human body proportion. “Staying true to its proportion and scale is critical,” Susan says. “The Vitruvian Man—those are the principles by which it’s guided. We work hard to make sure the design pulls together no matter what the style.”
Styles, desires and needs are changing exponentially today. In these everchanging days of COVID-19, Alisberg Parker clients are looking for more casual open living space. They are forgoing a dining room and formal living room in favor of the kitchen integrated into the living space in a large “great room,” with additional smaller rooms for a study or library. Clients are also moving toward heated screened-in porches to take advantage of the three-season room that allows for more outdoor living in a comfortable environment. Pre-COVID-19, says Susan, clients had asked for less outdoor space, less maintenance and fewer large gardens. In an about-face, people want that outdoor space, she says. In fact, clients are now looking for property with more space, so the natural progression is for them to move out of the cities and into the suburbs. A few years ago, notes Susan, many of her firm’s projects took place in New York City. Now, due to COVID-19 and crime, they have clients moving into the surrounding suburbs, where they can enjoy larger outdoor spaces. Susan and Ed’s clients aren’t the only ones clamoring for different things with the advent of working from home. Susan designed her own kitchen with a desk, but it became a repository for mail and miscellaneous objects. Working at the kitchen desk didn’t fit the bill, so she did what many homeowners are doing today: she repurposed another room and took it over as an office. “I share my own life experience,” Susan says. “I share some of my ideas with the clients, and I’ve learned that it works better when there is a place for everything.” Architect Alisberg Parker Susan Alisberg/Ed Parker 222 Sound Beach Avenue Old Greenwich, CT 06870 203.637.8730 alisbergparker.com Design + Decor
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MICHAEL SMITH
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a lot of time to do it. They ’re taking stock of what works and what doesn’t.”
ichael Smith is putting in a pool for his family—now. The need for “now” is in direct response to COVID-19, and is not an unusual move these days for families spending more time at home recreating, working and studying. Expanding outdoor areas is just one aspect of living that has been put on the front burner since the manifestation of the pandemic. As president of Michael Smith Architects, a small firm specializing in all types of high-quality residential architecture, Michael is finding there has been more emphasis on outdoor spaces, home offices and “lounge” areas so children can spread out in places other than their rooms. These changes might have always been on the table, but the pandemic has accelerated the need exponentially.
In business for 20 years, Michael enjoys his work with residential customers, applying the key components of consistency, simplicity and authenticity with an eye toward timeless, client-specific architecture that meets his client’s needs. He also works to seamlessly integrate environmentally sustainable features when possible. “I enjoy the challenge of each individual client,” he says. “People are different, and sometimes husbands and wives are different. Each project poses a unique challenge. I enjoy working for a family or an individual—it’s very customized.” Architect
Michael also notes that certain rooms, such as dining rooms and formal living rooms, are moving by the wayside and being replaced by more casual living spaces, with homeowners less interested in having certain spaces just for the sake of having them. Flexibility in terms of use is also at the forefront. “Houses are much more casual,” he says. “That’s been trending, but I feel the pandemic has sped that up. Homeowners are spending literally all their time in their house, and they ’re looking differently at the way they live because they have
Michael Smith Michael Smith Architects 41 N. Main Street, Suite 101 Norwalk, CT 06854 203.563.0553 michaelsmitharchitects.com
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BANA CHOURA CHOURA.COM
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ana Choura has a passionate regard for the Gilded Age of the 1920s, and this includes its fabulous architecture, which straddles the elaborate and affluent, but contains a classical order through balance and symmetry.
While Bana has an affinity for the classical, she enjoys working alongside her clients on all residential projects—whether it’s from the ground up, or a rejuvenation of an Edwardian, Tudor, Georgian or Colonial. Her firm, Choura Architecture, has been in business for about 20 years, and she and her staff take pride in their ability to work with clients to create dreams that intuiDesign + Decor
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ing room, and working from home was not an abnormality. Today ’s residences have become hives of activity, with many needs thrust upon a home not used to so much bustling and utilization. While a room for each activity would be optimal, Bana says that not everyone can afford to have many rooms, so these areas—including outdoor space—need to be created with multifunctionality in mind.
tively blend the outdoors with the home. “It’s architecting from the inside out,” says Bana. “You live inside, but you don’t want to deny what is on the outside.” Bana and the rest of the trade have been designing with an eye toward climate change for many years, even as local and state codes continue to impose green requirements in the industry. But the biggest challenge for architects is convincing clients to move in that direction. While more and more homeowners are expressing interest, cost is still a sticking point. “They ’ll say, ‘Hey, I want to be as energy conscious and environmentally conscious as possible—and here is my budget,’” Bana says with chuckle, adding the budget doesn’t always cover desired sustainability elements. Education is key, she notes, and there are some environmentally friendly features that can be deployed with less or no additional expense. Pushing into the design forefront, however, is how to deal with the pandemic and the needs that are changing the industry landscape. Bana sees this change as one evolving from the past, like the 1920s, when most homes had a library, a parlor and/or a draw-
It’s a challenge that Bana thrives upon. “I love what I do,” she says. “I love architecture and I never get tired of it. It’s like a puzzle when I work on a project. I’m lucky because everyone uses what I do. It’s so important to be in place that feels comfortable and safe.” Architect Choura Architecture Bana Choura 1 Barker Avenue White Plains, NY 10601 914.686.7774 www.choura.com Design + Decor
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BRAD DEMOTTE
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uring the ravages of the pandemic, Brad DeMotte has kept up his usual demanding pace at his firm, DeMotte Architects, a fixture for 30 years. While COVID-19 has not tied him to an ill-equipped home office, plenty of his clients have found themselves in that situation. For some, says Brad, confinement has brought about the realization that the house that once had a “ wow” factor might need a bit of sprucing up, maybe with some paint or floor refinishing, and that things just don’t work as they ’re supposed to. “Spending more time at home has really given people the opportunity to focus,” he notes. “A lot of times they ’re up early and gone, coming home in the early evening with a couple of hours at the end of the day before they go to bed, and then they do it again. They spent very little time there. Now they ’re spending huge amounts of time at home, which is giving them the ability to look around and assess their environment.” These days, Brad sees an emphasis toward a more open floor plan, now popular with younger and older generations: not a wide-open space, but perhaps opening the kitchen to the dining room, or the family room to the living room. “Sometimes those traditional rooms are still there, but they want the spaces Design + Decor
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more open to other rooms,” he says. “They ’re not disappearing completely.” Obviously, with the advent of working and studying from home, dedicated rooms with privacy have also become popular—a temporary situation turning into more permanent one as homeowners look to the future. Some rooms are repurposed, such as a spare room becoming a full-time home office. Specializing in residential architecture, Brad enjoys creative problem-solving by thinking outside the box to come up with unique solutions to problems. His mission is to offer firstrate service, great designs and an excellent set of construction drawings that resonate with his clients. He calls the act of designing homes “very personal.” Brad would like to be remembered for his thoughtful and quality design work that provides incredible satisfaction for his clients. “I’d like to think I’m creating something that is going to be there for a hundred years,” he says. “I’d like to think I’m improving the quality or character of the neighborhood or town through good design.” Architect DeMotte Architects Brad DeMotte 635 Danbury Road Ridgefield, CT 06877 203.431.8890 demottearchitects.com
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KATHLEEN POIRIER KPARCHITECTS.COM
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athleen Poirier’s love of architecture runs deep and doesn’t just carry her through the proverbial 24/7 work week of a self-employed architect.
When travelling and residing in foreign locales, her natural pull takes her to architectural wonders, such as cathedrals and Mayan ruins. And, while COVID-19 has sidelined most people from extraneous travel, Kathleen is still thinking about visiting her bucket list item, the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey, built 1,500 years ago. “It’s been on my bucket list since I was a kid in high school,” she says. “It’s a remarkable piece of architecture that is so foreign to Americans.” That palpable enthusiasm for the Hagia Sophia carries over into her work in residential and commercial architecture here in the northeast corner of the U.S. While she does both types of architecture, residential design holds a special place. “I very much like to do residential architecture, although I do some commercial,” she says. “I feel there is so much more passion in residential architecture. You’re not only creating a home for people, you’re building around their lifestyle.” Her company’s mission is centered around that passion. “My mission is to create beautiful architecture for my clients and bring their realities and hopes to fruition,” she says. “I try to listen to my clients and understand what their
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needs are, and make a beautiful piece of architecture that will last a long time.” Her mission is entwined within her company’s values, which are to create a unique stamp while working with the client to ensure their needs and desires are met. Indeed, Kathleen doesn’t shy away from working tirelessly, seven days a week, to meet her client’s needs. To give her clients the best, she keeps up to date on the latest in the industry not only by completing the mandated number of learning hours per year to maintain her license, but also by attending seminars from product suppliers, seeking out professional learning programs, keeping abreast of the new building codes, and cruising the Internet and looking at magazines to find inspiration and trends. “You have to be able to talk to electricians, plumbers and carpenters, and know about windows and the prettiest doorknobs—you have to know everything,” she says. “You’re specifying everything from gravel under the slabs to the fancy light fixture in the driveway. It feels like you’re having a baby, and once it’s done, you think, ‘Look what I’ve made.’ They’re all my babies.” Architect Kathleen Poirier Architects Kathleen Poirier 40 Twin Oak Lane, Wilton, CT 06897 203.210.5199 kparchitects.com Design + Decor
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GIOVANNI ZAPATA GRUPODESIGNNYC.COM
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rupo Design NYC, a residential and commercial design has its own point of view, which is very interesting to me,” he notes. firm, has a truly international flair that embraces team- “Every culture also has its own vision of design; it reflects life in the work and cultural sensitivities. house.”
Founder Giovanni Zapata is a Colombian native with business ties to Colombia, Spain and the U.S., and the members of his team represent many cultures: American, Spanish, Italian and Colombian. This international vision allows Giovanni’s firm to cater specifically to clients who come from around the world and have particular cultural and religious needs in their American homes. “Every culture
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Giovanni says the mission of Grupo Design NYC, which is part of ECO Team Contracting, Inc., a New York design build company, emphasizes teamwork at residential and commercial projects to develop the best results for the clients. “We provide all the tools to finalize the project however the clients want it,” he explains. “I am always happy to help them obtain their dreams. Every family wants to have a home,
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and they dream of their home, so we have to be very careful with it.” Changes are a given in the architectural industry, and Giovanni’s team understands that climate change and technological advances are key to the future. This includes a drive for more aesthetically pleasing green elements at a lower cost. Currently, however, it is COVID-19 that is driving numerous changes. As an architectural history buff, Giovanni believes these design changes—like home offices, gyms and outdoor spaces—will be reflected in history through dynamic architectural changes. Dedicated work and study spaces integrated with open-concept designs and wide outdoor spaces, while desirable prior to COVID, are now emerging as important aspects of home design, with most of the family working, studying and socializing at home. “Life will change after this pandemic, but it will change for the good, and we have to take advantage of that,” says Giovanni. “My mission is to keep an eye on everything that happens and how society is going to be after the pandemic. I will advise my clients not only in green ways, but in ways family and society will work after the pandemic. It’s a learning time— not only for architecture, but in all ways.” Architect Grupo Design NYC Giovanni Zapata 157 Columbus Avenue New York, NY 10023 21 Harrison Drive Larchmont, NY 10538 914.374.5721 grupodesignnyc.com
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DAVID SPENCE WINDIGODESIGN.COM
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W
ith roots on the eastern coastline deeply ingrained since the bicentennial year of 1976, Windigo Architecture has made an indelible impact in the areas it faithfully serves. The firm has a strong foothold in high-end residential, commercial and institutional architecture, taking great care to treat each project with a personal touch. Indeed, its philosophy is reminiscent of the words of English author/poet/artist John Ruskin: “Fine art is that in which the hand, the head and the heart of man go together.”
ing industry, says David. “It’s interesting,” he notes. “Years ago, we didn’t have the resources to see what was out in the world. Now, it’s almost like too much information, but it’s amazing. Everything we saw back then was through books; now we’re seeing some really cool architecture throughout the world that, in the past, we’d only see if we went there.” As the building industry moves into the future and grapples with a post-COVID-19 world, David sees more home and office integration creating a better life/work balance. He would also like to see an environmentally conscious society with less petroleum-based usage and waste, which, he says, “are not good to have in the home or the landfill. Soy- or plant-based plastics are better. They ’re out there, but they ’re just hard to find. There are enough people out there who would prefer not to have petroleum-based products.”
“Successful design satisfies the need but also moves the spirit. Architecture has to solve the problem, but in a way that moves the spirit,” says David Spence who has been with the company since 1998 and took over in 2005 after the original owner retired. “A lot of technological advances solve a lot of issues, but they don’t always move the spirit. We have to adapt to that technology, but also make Architect it a part of the design—not as a plug-in.” David and his team keep themselves updated beyond the necessary prerequisites through continuing education and “Lunch and Learn” meetings with vendors (which have become Zoom presentations during the pandemic). The team remains steadfastly connected to social media such as Pinterest and Instagram, sharing information with past and present clients, and also finds magazine articles to be a valuable resource. Education is a constant in their rapidly chang-
Windigo Architecture David Spence 914 Mount Kemble Avenue Morristown, NJ 07960 973.425.7680 windigodesign.com
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FROM KNOCKDOWN TO KNOCKOUT Hemingway.indd 78
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Local Connecticut fieldstone graces the ground=level walls.
A traditional shingle-style beach house sets the standard for style, luxury and hurricane-proof construction.
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Story by Meryl Siegman | Photography by Carl Vernlund
newly married couple, each with a large family and adult children, longed for a house on the water to start their new life together. They found the perfect spot in the Shippan Point neighborhood of Stamford, CT, not far from the Stamford Yacht Club: a third of an acre with a private beach right on Stamford Bay, overlooking the calm water and picture-book sunsets. Then they assembled a dream team, including the area’s most sought-after builders, who knew exactly what was needed to make their vision come to life. After a year of construction, a gracious, traditional Shingle-style house rose up in the place of the outdated four-bedroom colonial, built in 1929, that had occupied the lot. The team proved there’s nothing better than starting from scratch to create the perfect home. The owners wanted a space that could accommodate their multigenerational family members for short- and long-term visits, provide multiple areas for par-
ties and large gatherings, and offer an intimate setting for privacy and work, all taking advantage of the gorgeous water views. They envisioned a structure with a modern beach-house feel that respected its historic provenance. The result is a magnificent 4,100-square-foot, four-bedroom, five-bathroom, four-story house constructed from rounded Connecticut fieldstone, doubledipped white wood shingles, an Alaskan yellow cedar wood roof, and bricks from the original structure. A Winning Team According to everyone involved, what made the project successful was the collaboration among all the players: architect, builder, interior designer and the owners themselves. According to Peter Sciarretta, CEO of Hemingway Fine Homes, a great home isn’t simply about “location, location, location.” As he explains, “It’s about architectural integrity and the art of fine home building, along with first-rate interior design for the finishing touches.” And it helped to have owners who were involved in the process every step of the way. Design + Decor
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The custom lantern-shaped chandelier was designed to cover a lot of space but not interfere with the wooden ceiling arches.
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The bubble chandelier extends over several floors, magically reflecting and diffusing light from the source on the ceiling.
Hemingway Fine Homes Award-winning Hemingway Fine Homes brought the experience of three generations of high-end general contracting to the project. For over 35 years, the firm has designed and built luxury homes in New England and Florida. Founder Sal Sciarretta and Doug Horn, vice president of operations, were onsite from the very first day of construction through to the final punch list to guarantee quality workmanship and complete client satisfaction. “The project was all about the client and collaboration,” says Peter. “The owners were just as involved with the project as the design team and the builder.” Hemingway demonstrated how the art of fine home building is an essential part of creating a dream home. Robert Cardello Architects The house was designed by Robert Cardello Architects, which came highly recommended by two members of the owner’s family who had previously worked with the company. Founded in 1999, the firm designs award-winning commercial and residential properties throughout New England and beyond. Known for its timeless design and attention to function and space, the company combines a creative spirit with a client-focused process to design spaces that radiate warmth and intimacy. The main design goal of the project was to maximize the water views from all the public rooms, so the living, dining and family rooms and master suite are all filled with windows and doors. The result is a traditional New England home with gables and a triangular roof,
but the clever use of architectural details—such as a flat entry roof, metal suspension rods and transitional elements including glass and windows–helped create a modern look. Diana Sawicki Interior Design Diana Sawicki, owner of Diana Sawicki Interior Design, put the finishing touches on the home with her iconic interior design. The perfect choice for the project, Diana has a portfolio of numerous residential and commercial projects, ranging from New England to Colorado. Her top priority is having a satisfied client. “When construction is involved,” she explains, “I like to be involved from day one. I can help make the builder’s and client’s lives much easier by offering input, such as where the TV or sofa will go.” Diana says she loved working on this project, which she also helped keep on track. “I have the utmost respect for the architects, who went out of their way to fulfill the clients’ wishes,” she notes. “The same is true for Hemingway; Doug was the perfect person for the project. It was great teamwork—everyone was on the same page.” The Clients Everyone on the team agrees that the owners were the ideal clients. “They were responsible for creating the dream team to build this home,” says Peter. “They were very generous and fair throughout the entire project.” Rachelle Roll, the project manager at Robert Cardello, adds, “They were the most fun people ever. They both have huge families, and they love to entertain. We designed Design + Decor
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Interior designer Diana Sawicki found the perfect wall space for the owners’ artwork in a house filled with glass and windows.
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doors from the public spaces that lead out to a covered terrace that extends their entertaining space—a truly indoor/outdoor experience and a genuine party house.” Diana appreciates that the owners were “very open-minded, with no preconceived notions.” Most important, the couple was on hand every step of the way to collaborate with the team.
The tree branch lamp over the long dining room table adds a touch of whimsy.
Unique Architectural Features The house was designed to maximize the view of and access to the water, create places for large gatherings and accommodate lots of overnight guests. It includes some remarkable design features that make the home unique and specific to the desires and needs of the owners. The fireplace in the two-story family room was inspired by the clients’ visit to the Waldorf Astoria in Park City, Utah. The architects figured out the scale of the original, and were able to replicate the random square pattern of the stacked Connecticut fieldstone. They added an oversized granite hearth and mantel to give it an exceptional flare. In the den, they used the same material on both the floor and ceiling, but applied a lime wash to the floor to give it a truly beach-house feel. The room also incorporates facing desks so the owners can work together from home when necessary. The house features a residential elevator that runs from the lower garage level to all floors, including the attic. Another clever detail is the use of fully integrated and concealed shades in the main rooms, allowing the owners to set them to automatically open and close based on the time of day. The design includes outdoor spaces on every Design + Decor
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The custom pendant lantern and recessed cabinet lights set a warm tone in the TV room.
level of the structure. A huge roof deck terrace offers a 360-degree view of the water and the neighborhood. A granite hot tub was installed on the first floor’s covered terrace, with views of both the water and a retractable outdoor TV screen, which disappears into a bench seat in the master bedroom above when not in use. The rear terrace on the first floor is half covered and half open, with only a pergola above it, giving the owners the option to let in sunlight as desired. Fully integrated outdoor ceiling speakers bring the entertainment zone from the home’s interior to the outdoors. Two cabriolet roof windows in the attic were designed to meet egress requirements. Cleverly designed to look like a normal skylight, they turn into a balcony, allowing attic residents to step outside to take in the view of the harbor on one side and the charming neighborhood on the other. “It’s particularly beautiful in the winter,” Rachelle explains, “especially when there’s a snow cover.” Overcoming Zoning Challenges and Building Requirements In 2012, Superstorm Sandy wreaked havoc in the area, flooding the basement of the home that previously stood on the property. As a result, FEMA designated the area as a Flood Zone Elevation 13, and the City of Stamford passed an even stricter minimum elevation standard. Knowing that FEMA may tighten its rules further, the architects designed the ground level to be twoand-a-half-feet higher than required so that expensive alterations do not have to be made in the future. At the same time, the Stamford zoning code limits how tall a house can be. According to Rachelle, “We had to get creative with rooflines and massing so as not to go over municipal height requirements.” The technical and design aspects, a big part of the design process, were a huge challenge. “We wanted to Design + Decor
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The master bedroom and bathroom offer sweeping views of Stamford Harbor.
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Built-in bunk beds were installed in the attic to accommodate multiple overnight guests.
Outdoor spaces offering sunlight, air and views are built into every level of the house.
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make the house look grounded, not like it was up on stilts,” she continues. The answer was creating a garage and storage area for recreation and boating supplies on the ground level, with the lifted first floor directly above it. “Our creative solution was to create a hybrid foundation design system of concrete piers and ‘breakaway’ walls,” says Rachelle. They were clad with stone veneer, creating the seamless look of a traditional Shingle-style house, while making sure the structure was up to code and met all FEMA requirements. “The stone veneer really gives the house character and charm,” she says. “Combined with the white shingles and wood roof, the look is truly timeless.” Hemingway Fine Builders also went above and beyond with its ingenious solution to the challenges of building a home in a flood zone. “The soil on the parcel was not solid or suitable for a proper foundation, let alone one meeting FEMA standards,” says Peter. “It takes real experience and know-how to accomplish this.” The team installed suitable soil and structural steel and created breakaway walls, which became the building blocks for the home’s foundation. If there is ever another storm like Sandy, the house will withstand it. Because this was the first home to be built in the neighborhood after the storm struck, it has become the model for future building in the area.
A clever spin on a distance arrow sign shows all the fun places the owners have visited together.
Cool Things About the Interiors One of the owners had previously lived in a traditional colonial-style home. Interior designer Diana Sawicki helped curate her existing furniture and accessories so they would be compatible with a completely different type of residence: a beach house with an openspace plan. And since the new house has all glass doors and windows, and not a lot of walls, it was a challenge to find the best place to hang artwork and cherished family photographs. Diana had fun with the light fixtures. She found a Visual Comfort chandelier for the dinDesign + Decor
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ing room that the clients fell in love with. It is designed with delicate branches graced with leaves and lights, large enough to be suspended over the dining room table which, when extended, can seat as many as 16 people. “I chose it because it is whimsical,” Diana explains. “The clients understood that anything too traditional wouldn’t work, especially in an open-space plan.” The chandelier was hung so it would not block the sweeping views of the harbor. Diana chose a white chandelier for the living room. “The architect created a beautiful, detailed design with arches, so I wanted something that didn’t interfere,” she explains. She designed a large fivefoot-wide pendant lantern that would not detract from the cleanness of the ceiling lines. Perhaps most striking is the fixture that hangs in the grand threestory entryway. Suspended from the ceiling, it looks like a cascade of bubbles flowing down through all the floors. The chandelier’s illumination source is located on the ceiling plate, its light reflected and diffused by the bubbles. “They are so light and airy—it is perfect for a house on the water,” says Diana. “It looks simply magical.” Another notable feature of the house is the first-floor powder room. “The client showed me a picture of shower walls that looked like wood,” Diana recalls. She was able to source something similar, and added a floor of mosaic tiles flecked with white marble. “It looks so crisp and simple and beautiful.” The countertop is man-made, so it can withstand the wear and tear of a house full of guests. Turning Down Offers “Set against a backdrop of beach and water, this is truly a dream house,” says Peter from Hemingway. “This house is about the architecture, but also about the art of building, using the best materials money can buy.” Even though the home is not on the market, the owners have turned down multiple offers. They plan to live their dream for a very long time. Design + Decor
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Resources: Architect: Robert A. Cardello Architects Robert Cardello David LaPierre 60 Post Road West Westport, CT 06880 203.853.2524 cardelloarchitects.com Builder: Hemingway Fine Homes Peter Sciarretta 115 Mason Street Greenwich, CT 06830 203.625.0566 hemingwayconstruction.com Interior Designer: Diana Sawicki Interior Design Diana Sawicki 597 Westport Avenue, Apt. A117 Norwalk, CT 06851 203.454.5890 dianasawickiinteriordesign.com Landscape Architect: Spaulding Landscape Architects Nancy Offenbach Spaulding Bradford Kent Spaulding 203.322.6404 spauldinglandscapearchitects.com Cabinetry: Sterling Custom Cabinetry Charles Marsillio 380 Lindley Street Bridgeport, CT 06606 203.335.5151 sterling-custom.com
To comply with FEMA and local flood regulations, a grotto was designed at ground level for storage, elevating the first floor to above-standard heights.
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PROFILE
CALIFORNIA CLOSETS ENSURING A SAFE & HEALTHY WORK ENVIRONMENT
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roduced exclusively through California Closets, this new innovative product was originally created to insure safe conditions in offices and factories, however, the uses for the health scanner have rapidly entered into the retail and educational sectors as well.
- Temperature screening log connected automatically with dashboard browser. - Non-contact, non-invasive screening FCC certified. - Clear pass/fail visual and audio alerts - Easy set up — ready in minutes. - Accurate infrared temperature technology Think about it as a metal detector for your health. This stand- - Binocular liveness detection. alone health screening device is designed to test patrons and - Connected with Ethernet cable. staff for elevated temperatures before entering your estab- - WiFi version available. lishment. Featuring clear pass/fail visual and audio alerts, the device uploads a temperature check log automatically to an At an entry price of $4,000 plus training costs for a basic online dashboard that works from any browser. white model, exterior finishes may be customized to suit your particular needs. Not a huge price to pay to protect your Key features of this innovative product: business and provide peace of mind that you are protecting your customers and employees as well. - Designed to test for elevated temperature. For more information, email cc-health-scanner@caliclosets.com. - Stand-alone unit — no attendee necessary. - Adheres to social distancing policy. Design + Decor
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PROFILE
MODEL NO. LAUNCHES COLLECTION OF SUSTAINABLE AND CUSTOM HOME PRODUCTS AND FURNISHINGS MADE FROM FOOD WASTE With an innovative digital showroom providing nearly infinite customization options, Model No. harnesses eco-friendly tech and 3D printing to deliver sustainable and accessible furnishings to consumers in less time than standard furniture brands.
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odel No., the on-demand custom furnishings company, today announced the launch of their sustainable home furnishings line after over a year of perfecting the supply chain and manufacturing process, ethically sourcing materials and partners, and deploying its proprietary design process to deliver the ultimate upcycled collection. Innovation in the furniture business has remained stagnant while consumer and environmental needs have changed. Model No. caters to today’s consumer’s desires for quality and accessible products that are responsibly-made. The company’s cutting-edge approach to producing furniture serves as the first home products model to prioritize technology, customer experience, design and environmental integrity within the furniture industry. “Buying furniture from mass-market brands’ ‘one-size fits all’ approach is painful and fails to take into consideration the environmental needs of ecoconscious consumers,” said Phillip Raub, CEO of Model No. “By modernizing the design and manufacturing process, we provide consumers with tools to easily customize furniture on-demand in a matter of weeks using materials that are 100% renewable.” The Commitment to Sustainability Model No. was created to solve for the furniture industry’s current cumbersome pain points of mass production with little original design or customization ability, long delivery wait times and unsustainable manufacturing. The launch of Model No.’s innovative digital showroom allows consumers 96
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to fully customize items to fit their needs, from shape and color to size and budget, with the expectation of delivery of a few weeks. Additionally, through the adoption of 3D-printing technology using agricultural waste from corn husks, sugar cane and sugar beet as materials, Model No. minimizes carbon emissions and toxic byproducts, making the company’s home collection the largest eco-friendly furnishing offering for today’s conscious consumer. The Collection In response to consumers’ dynamic needs presented by the shift in lifestyles, Model No.’s agility to market demands resulted in a comprehensive collection of products for every room of the home such as dining suites, coffee and side tables, chaise lounges, office suites and home accessories. Each unique piece contains an individual model number and is designed to order based on the customer’s preferred customization. Developed by industry leaders with backgrounds in architecture, industrial and parametric design, who use the latest technology including digital fabrication, parametric, and generative design, Model No. captures a sophisticated modern aesthetic with pieces that evoke a timeless quality and marry form with function. With recent hires such as Lauren Dreeland, VP of Marketing, Model No. will continue to deliver and redefine the way that customers experience and purchase home furnishings. For more information, go to: model-no.com
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