DESIGN +DECOR
CONNECTICUT NEW JERSEY NEW YORK
THE 2021 ANNUAL SOURCEBOOK
$7.99 US/$8.99 CANADA
DISPLAY UNTIL 04/12/21
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DESIGN +DECOR
CONNECTICUT NEW JERSEY NEW YORK
VOLUME 18 ISSUE 1 | 2021
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Architecture: Indoor Outdoor Living
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Building: Technologies and Techniques
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Interior Design: Top Trends and Looks
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Kitchen Design: Bringing Families Together
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Organization: Where the Heart is
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Landscapes: The Value of Collaboration
90
Home Tech: What’s New and What’s Next
Story by Sean Jarvis
Story by Nicole Davis
Story by Meryl Seigman
Story by Susan Winlow
Story by Meryl Seigman
Story by Alex Carter
Story by Michael Morgan
DEPARTMENTS 26
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Editor’s Letter
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EDITOR’S LETTER
DESIGN + DECOR VOLUME 18 ISSUE 1 - 2021
Editor-in-Chief Matthew J. Kolk mattkolk@me.com 203-820-1092 Managing Editor James Eagen Contributing Writers Deborah Brannon, Lisa Gant, Susan Heller, Alder Grove, Anna von Stelzer-Worth, Kait Shea, Anastasia Storer
T
Contributing Photographers Jane Beiles, Michael Biondo, Phillip Ennis, Tria Giovan, John Gruen, John Hannon, Paul Johnson, Neil Landino, Mark La Rosa, Tim Lee, Daniel Milstein, Janice Parker, Durston Saylor, Debra Somerville, Eric Striffler, Jonathan Wallen, Woodruff/Brown Photography
his has been has been a Editor very tenuous year for all of us. Copy Hopefully, going into 2021, we can look back on this as Elena Serocki a time that tested all of our wills and we are better for it. Graphic & Web Design
Coast Home Publishing This is our last issue of East 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 negaGroup Publisher tive and making sure we function an industry that continues to Shelley E.asMcCormick serve a vital function in our sm@dd-mag.com society. 203-545-7091
The shelter industry have been put up to the ultimate test. Home Publisher CT/NJ/NY was our nest. Home has been a focal point of raising our families Alessandra Flanagan and to a certain extent, to show a level of success. In this past year, it has become our personal safe placeManagers against what has been thrown Account into our lives. Aileen Gardner Jane O’Reilly
Skowronek Congratulations to all of ourMara partners in this incredible challenge and to all of our readers whoKelly haveAmes beenSmith forced to hunker down and ride out the storm. I believe that the entire definition of home has Design + Decor changed forever in the past year. The silver lining in this is that 7485 Inspira Circle #1203 we all get to spend more time with the people Naples, Florida 34113 who we love, in our homes. Design + Decor is published six issues per year. To subscribe: www.dd-mag.com; Subscriptions:
Stay Happy andtwoHealthy. Enjoy familiesat www.dd-mag.com. and the upcoming one year, $28; years, $50. Back issuesyour can be purchased For editorial inquiries: Editor, Design + Decor, 7485 Inspira Circle #1203 Naples, Florida 34113 or e-mail: holidays, mattkolk@me.com. For advertising inquiries: Please call Shelley McCormick at 203-545-7091. Reproduction whole or in part without permission is prohibited. All projects described in this publication are for private, noncommercial use only. No rights for commercial use or exploitation are given or implied. The opinions expressed by writers for articles published by Design + Decor are not necessarily those of the magazine.
Matthew Kolk
Best,
Editor in Chief
EAST COAST HOME - PUBLISHING 7485 Inspira Circle #1203 Naples, Florida 34113 DD-MAG.COM
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every property has a story it begins with a vision seventyacres.com
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EDITOR’S LETTER
DESIGN +DECOR
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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 button detailing in the inner
emember way backCopy when in January 2020 we told our chilEditor back, the nailhead trim and Copy Editor dren to get off the electronics, get out of the houseofand Elena Serocki the brass details thego arms. Elena Serocki play? Ironic huh!?! It’s almost like they have beencovethouse.eu prepping Graphic & Web Web Design Design for this theirGraphic entire lives! & East Coast Coast Home Home Publishing Publishing East
Now that they have taught us how to use all of these electronics like ZOOM, FaceTime and maybe a little Xbox, and now that we have conquered every puzzle known toGroup man, it’s time for us to look at how we have Publisher Publisher been living in our homes and what we can do to improve the functionality Shelley E. McCormick Shelley E. McCormick sm@dd-mag.com of our safe place. sm@dd-mag.com 203-545-7091 203-545-7091
We have come up with the ultimate guide to just that. Our 2021 SourcePublisher AccountCT/NJ/NY Manager book is full of wonderful resources, inspiration and insights on how to Alessandra Flanagan Alessandra Flanagan transform your home into the space you have been yearning for over the af@dd-mag.com past year. Account Managers Aileen + Gardner Design Decor
Jane O’Reilly With Spring just around7485 the corner, now the time to act on your “mustInspira Circleis#1203 Kelly and Ames Smith have” improvements. Plan Naples, ahead start reaching out to industry proFlorida 34113 Watkins Fax:Anita 203-286-1850 fessionals to help facilitate the process. Every facet of the shelter industry is booming right now with renovations to new builds, so now is the time Design + Decor to start exploring your options and secure your schedule. 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.
We look forward to sharing our next issue with you as well. Our “Kitchen Envy” department is already looking fantastic with many of the industry’s best sharing some truly amazing projects. You’re going to love it.
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To aReproduction Happy and 2021! wholeHealthy 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 or implied. The opinions expressed by writers for articles published by Design + Decor are
Matthew Kolk
from one of Boca do Lobo’s iconic design Best,The Lapiaz Sideboardnotoriginates 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 portarys a perfect mirror, with a poplar root wood veneer interior. - #1203 DD-MAG.COM Naples, Florida 34113 bocadolobo.com DD-MAG.COM
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Editor in Chief
5/16/19 11/17/20 9/17/19 5:45 1/20/21 1:43 1:23 5:03PM PM
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MISURAEMME CLOSETS COMING SOON
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MELANGE
ACCESSORIZE YOUR HOME Perfect Finishing Touches for Your Living Space
Habitat Greenwich Allison Meyler Original Nude Handcrafted Ceramic Urchin Table Lamp Handwoven Basket vases Hand Blown Glass Bud Vases Bone Inlay Tray Handcrafted Clay Decor beads Brass Inlay Decor Cups Hand Sculpted Stone Men Brass & Iron Demi-Lune Table 234 East Putnam Avenue Cos Cob, CT 06807C 203.900.1233 habitatgreenwich.com
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Ervi Design Ervi Design announces the opening of their Design Studio & Showroom in Scarsdale, New York. The Studio is headed by Leah Ervi, a seasoned Interior Designer hailing from New York City. In her full-service Architecture and Interiors firm, Leah Ervi and team take an artistic approach to the Design process by infusing their signature use of color, texture, and textiles to elevate any Residential or Commercial project. A curated collection of objects from international travels are available for purchase at the Showroom, such as Biotic Vessels, limited-edition Jim Thomson pillows, Hudson Valley Lighting, and artisan tile and textiles. 1 Chase Road Scarsdale, New York 914-274-8088 ervidesign.com
Apadana Moroccan-style rugs are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Each beautifully showcases artistry and culture. They inject the element of timeless beauty and elegance into any room, and are warm and inviting. ApadanaFineRugs.com
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Design Solutions Design Solutions has been on an endless quest for quality furniture and home accessories since 1995. Originally opened in New Canaan, CT, their store is the result of their multi-decade experience in home decor and gifts. Their new home is now in bucolic Scotts Corners, Pound Ridge, NY, a hidden gem in Westchester, where they relocated in September 2018. They provide otheir clientele creative design choices for all of their furnishing and gift-giving needs. According to the owner Pauline Dora, “Our design approach caters to customers who enjoy mixing color with style, found pieces with accent pieces, and the casual with the formal�. When customers walk into Design Solutions they find well-styled furniture and accessories that look sharp, fit into any setting, and serve more than one purpose. 55 Westchester Avenue Pound Ridge, NY 10576 914.296.0122 designsolutionsny.com
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Audacious Cabinet Oak Finish Audacious is a cabinet with personality. Its specially designed tambour doors slide around the edge of the cabinet, letting you choose how much of the interior you want to put on show. Change the position of the sliding doors to create new displays and use.
The Reader | Wing Chair + Ottoman The solid oak legs on the Ottoman are visually lifted from the base adding a light character to the design. The shape of the cushions have been designed to slightly expose the Ottoman’s shell, giving extra focus on the wooden details.
A Conversation Piece | Lounge Chair An armchair that encourages relaxation and openness, unwinding and having a conversation with friends. This chair is both compact and comfortable with a strong and robust construction.
Audacious TV Bench Oak Finish A multipurpose bench for seating or to hide your AV-equipment under the television. With a cable outlet in the back, it is easy to hide the messy cords. Placed in the hallway it will store all your outdoor clothing, while you can take a seat as you put on your shoes.
Eleish Van Breems Studio Westport 22 & 42 Railroad Place Westport, CT 06880 203.635.8080
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Eleish Van Breems Home Westport 99 Franklin Street Westport, CT 06880 203.635.8383 evbhem.com
Eleish Van Breems Home Nantucket 14 Easy Street Nantucket, MA 02554 508.901.9912
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Salice Watch-holder trays, spectacle holders, ring holders, earring holders, made of imitation or genuine leather, available in various colours and dimensions. Purpose-made holders fit perfectly within elegant 3 mm-thick drawer inserts, available in wenge or walnut finishes. Personalisation and complete versatility. Pin is the innovative and revolutionary display storage system. Available in four versions, Pin Wine, Pin Knife, Pin Shelf and Pin Hang, Pin allows the most flexible and creative arrangement of bottles, knives, shelves, items of clothing and accessories. The elegant, design-oriented and highly refined Pin has streamlined aesthetics and quick and intuitive assembly. This system is available in aluminium and titanium finishes, complementing all kinds of room settings, furniture and applications. The Pin brackets can be moved easily and positioned anywhere with an ingenious fixing system that is extremely strong and stable. 800.222.9652 saliceamerica.com
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Tile America Small project, huge impact... like this show-stopping fireplace! Get this Ombre look by incorporating our Morocco tile into your fireplace surround. Available in three distinct colorways ranging from neutral beige to a rich blue. Get inspired at one of our 7 locations throughout CT! Browse our website, try our Visualizer, order samples, and schedule a meeting with a design consultant. At Tile America, we make it easy and fun! tileamerica.com
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ARCHITECTURE
indoor-outdoor living in the northeast The resurgence of connected open spaces Story by Sean Jarvis
Architecture by: Cardello Architects
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Architecture: Taylor-Viazzo Architects
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Architecture by: Beinfield Architecture
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s stay-at-home orders limit our ability to travel, our desire to get back in touch with nature is stronger than ever. While we once spent much of our day at the office, we are now gazing outside the windows of our homes, appreciating what lies just beyond the glass. Indeed, architects all over the Northeast have noticed an increased yearning for a more seamless indoor-outdoor integration and are meeting this resurgence with enthusiasm. “As the country continues to get more urbanized, the relationship between people and the natural environment keeps getting reduced,” says Bruce Beinfield, an architect based in South Norwalk, CT. “There’s a natural inclination to want to reinforce our connection to the outside world.” Braving the Elements The East Coast is known for its extreme weather swings, not just throughout the year but also within a single day. These weather patterns add to the challenge of creating indoor-outdoor spaces and raise the question, How do you create an outdoor space that can withstand the varied Northeast weather? “It’s difficult—very difficult,” says architect Jason Viazzo of 36
Taylor-Viazzo Architects in New Rochelle, NY. “Nature is constantly trying to tear down everything we build, whether by solar radiation hitting surfaces and gradually degrading them, or by expansion and contraction from wide swings in temperature fluctuation.” With these obstacles at the forefront, architects are turning to many breakthroughs in design, materials and technology to bridge the gap between indoors and outdoors. Triple-paned glass doors, recessed infrared heating systems and advances in building materials to help extend their longevity are some of the ways designers are mitigating exposure to the elements to create comfortable living spaces. “Real design maximizes a potential,” says Jason. “It does not have to be done for more money—it just requires more thought. That problem-solving, that questioning of ‘What am I doing here? What are the unique things this client wants to make their life better—and how do we do that? How do we exceed that?’” Asking these questions has resulted in innovative advances that help designers construct homes with features previously seen only in warmer climates.
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Architecture: Taylor-Viazzo Architects
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Architecture: Carol Kurth Architecture, PC Photography: Peter Margonelli
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Architecture by: Michael Smith Architects
Indeed, many clients seek a Pinterest-worthy experience, often finding inspiration in West Coast architecture while seemingly unaware of the challenges builders face when emulating those designs on the East Coast. Considering factors such as erratic temperatures, pesky mosquitoes and sometimes long winter seasons, designers must use a variety of techniques and materials to create a finished product that will survive with as minimal maintenance as possible. These include “paying attention to the details and using high-quality materials that are resistant to decay,” says Jason. “For flooring, make sure you have good drainage, so water doesn’t sit on surfaces.” Even still, he notes, “There is going to be maintenance. There is very little you can do about that, and you’re going to have to keep it up for the design to last. To build something that survives the elements is much harder than not.” Moreover, people also want to be able to enjoy being outdoors as much as possible. “Homes are built to shelter us from extreme weather,” Jason continues, “and if we can, if we are comfortable, humans prefer to be outside, under the sun, under the stars, in nature.” One trend on the rise is pools that feature an automated retractable roof. Architect Carol Kurth of Bedford, NY, is well
versed in creating seamless transitions between indoor living and outdoor enjoyment—and the finesse needed to make two spaces feel as one. At Carol’s Five Star House, pictured here, the roof over the pool consists of thick glass panels that slide one over another, opening up the room on beautiful days and enclosing it in a protective bubble when needed. “Connecting with an indoor-outdoor lifestyle is not just about being outside—it’s also about bringing the outside in through the use of windows, plants and other features,” Carol explains. Let There Be Light “In terms of indoor-outdoor living, especially where there are potential views of a more natural environment, that’s where we are seeing more use of glass—to really open up the inside to the outside and bring in the natural world,” notes Bruce Beinfeld of Beinfeld Archiecture. Along with large windows, homeowners are also requesting sliding doors that minimize the indooroutdoor distinction. Architect Michael Smith of Norwalk, CT, utilizes large garage doors and lift and slide doors, which open wide to big spaces, though he is mindful of the drawbacks. “In the Northeast, you are limited in terms of the time of year you can enjoy outdoor spaces,” he says. “To help with that, we Design + Decor
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Architecture by: Cardello Architects
install infrared heaters in the ceiling, which extend the season by a few months.” Other Northeast architects are also using technology and materials that allow them to maximize the amount of time their clients can spend outdoors. These include large fireplaces that serve as focal points for outdoor patios, and retractable screens to keep mosquitoes at bay. “Opportunity exists, and it’s our job to find it and be responsible for it,” says Chris Pagliaro, an architect based in Darien, CT. “It’s not about saying, ‘Let’s put a window here.’ It’s ‘I don’t want a wall here.’ It’s a different kind of conversation. Nature exists all around us, people want to feel happiness and optimism, and light is optimism. Bringing natural light into a home creates significant differences in how we perceive our surroundings and how we feel within them.” Destination: Home One thing is certain: The more time we spend at home, the more apt we are to make our home a place we want to spend time. According to architect Robert Cardello of Westport, CT, “Rather than just build a house, people are looking to create their own little oasis.” Carol Kurth agrees. “More people are using their home as a destination,” she says. “We are seeing a lot of people who are not travelling and want to replicate the experience of 42
travel and pleasure in their own homes.” This desire has led to an increase in demand for what were once considered extravagant features, such as pools, outdoor kitchen and living room designs, and landscaping elements that feature highlights of a property. “As an interesting part of this, outdoor lighting has become much more important,” says Carol. “You are expanding the way you experience your outdoor space. Landscaping has become a much more important piece as people’s backyard and front yard experience expands out.” Connecting everything together is an important element in good design and in establishing that home-away-from-home feeling, “Building out in the property itself is an extension of the architecture,” says Robert. “I think of landscape and hardscape pulling from the lines of the house, generating outdoor living spaces that create a destination zone.” Jason expands on this, noting, “Instead of putting a patio right up against the house, move it three or four feet and add landscaping elements, so you are out in nature. Creating these pockets of separation while staying true to the main house’s architectural elements helps to imbue each area with a sense of interconnectedness.” Chris Pagliaro sums up the current thinking on the subject. “The products these manufacturers have come up with are im-
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proving every day with demand,” he says. “The advancements in material and design became accessible to the population through social media and, as a result, design and living have become more exciting. New England architecture in American architectural history is the antithesis of this conversation. The saltbox was designed with a long sloping roof to the Northeast to filter the house’s wind; rooms were small because you had to heat them. Now we are talking about open, bold and fun—technology and advancement have taken over the practicality of the New England vernacular. It’s fun and it’s challenging. It has upped the game of all the local design talent because everyone has to respond to what people want.” Resources Beinfield Architecture Bruce Beinfield 11 Chestnut Street #102 South Norwalk, CT 06854 203.838.5789 beinfield.com Cardello Architects Robert Cardello 60 Post Road East Westport, CT 06880 203.853.2524 cardelloarchitects.com Carol Kurth Architecture Carol Kurth 644 Old Post Road Bedford, NY 10506 914.234.2595 carolkurtharchitects.com Christopher Pagliaro Architects Christopher Pagliaro 320 Post Road, Suite 160 Darien, CT 06820 203.838.5517 christopherpagliaroarchitects.com Michael Smith Architects Michael Smith 41 N Main Street #101 Norwalk, CT 06854 203.563.0553 michaelsmitharchitects.com
Architecture by: Christopher Pagliaro Architects
Taylor-Viazzo Architects Jason Taylor 77 Quaker Ridge Road New Rochelle, NY 10804 914.740.5966 tvarchitects.com Design + Decor
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BUILDING
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BUILDING: NEW TECHNOLOGIES AND TECHNIQUES Story by Nicole Davis
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Hemingway Construction
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OVID-19 has changed almost every aspect of life as we know it, and our homes are no exception. With more time being spent in our households than ever before—and their new functions as offices and schools—the way we live is evolving. What are homeowners requesting in new builds and remodels as we head forward into a post-COVID world?
Speaking of distance learning, Peter says on top of wired Internet in the kids’ work areas—and even the creation of a dedicated Learning Room with large screens—Hemingway Fine Homes also works with its sound engineer on soundproofing learning areas. “Soundproofing not only isolates the room from the rest of the house, but also eliminates any echo and unwanted sound reflections for video broadcasts from home,” he explains.
Top-Notch Networks In a world where working and learning from home are now commonplace, a home’s Internet network needs to live up to the tasks at hand. “A business-class Wi-Fi network is no longer a luxury,” explains Peter Sciarretta, CEO of Hemingway Fine Homes, a third-generation general contractor based in Greenwich, CT. “It’s a necessity for multiple users to work and learn from home.” Hemingway Fine Homes’ clients need only order a modem, and the firm—along with its partner, Lifetronic Systems—will install a backup Wi-Fi system inside the house, providing the latest enterprise-level technology to cover all rooms with fast Wi-Fi 6 Internet. The company often installs outdoor Wi-Fi access points to cover swimming pools and the backyard as well.
Delivery Rooms With the rapid growth of online shopping and deliveries, Hemingway Fine Homes’ clients are requesting an Amazon or FedEx room equipped with an exterior door for the delivery person to enter and exit, which is locked off from the main house for security. The room is outfitted with shelving for storing packages, cameras for security and notification of shipments, and an iPad station to enter inventory.
Kai Young, owner of Kai Built building company in Stamford, CT, suggests a return to hard-wired networks. “There’s nothing better than a hard-wired line for Internet access,” he explains, “especially today when a nice network is crucial. Placing one line in the home office and one in each of the kids’ bedrooms for virtual learning, plus having individual Wi-Fi routers on each floor of the home as a backup, is a nice solution.” 48
“We recommend building a delivery room adjacent to the mudroom or garage for package drop-off,” Peter explains. “The outside door to that room can have a smart lock that’s automatically unlocked between 8am and 8pm, and the inside door would always be locked, keeping the house secure. Or you can provide your delivery person with a dedicated code to unlock the door.” Every motion inside the room is recorded on a ceiling-mounted camera. Upgraded Heating and Cooling Systems The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has emphasized the importance of proper ventilation and air circulation indoors to lower the likelihood of airborne transmission of the COVID
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virus. Kai says his company has been pushing to make heating and cooling systems within their homes better, but not just because of COVID. “As builders, we’ve been behind this idea, having dedicated systems to take out the stale air and bring in fresh, clean air and filter it.” In the COVID-19 era, he says, light components are being added to these systems to clean spores and mold. “Our priority when building houses is to build them as tight as possible,” explains Kai. “Every nail hole—and even every tiny drill hole from the electrician—has to be thought of as a weak spot, and they all add up. Minimizing these weak spots and controlling airflow is key, and the next step is that every room has filtered air.” The cost of these air filtration systems varies, but when viewed from an energy-efficiency standpoint, many homeowners find it to be a worthy investment. Quarantine-Friendly Areas Another feature that Kai Built clients are requesting is separate, accessible spaces. The reality of how to comfortably quarantine at home when you live with other people can be a challenge if your space is not optimally laid out. One solution Kai and his team have created, for instance, is the creation of an area on the first floor with an added bathroom, so that if someone in the household were to get sick, he or she could easily stay in that section of the home alone to recover. Online Shopping Made Easier Hemingway Fine Homes’ clients are requesting iPad stations to carry out online shopping tasks all day, every day. “We’re frequently installing wall-mounted iPads for our clients to disarm
the alarm in the morning, check the weather and quickly order groceries,” says Peter. “Our clients also use Amazon Dots to quickly say, for example, ‘Alexa, add milk to my shopping list,’ or, ‘Buy it now.’” With the latest integrated technology and changes to floor plans, homeowners will be ready to step into the post-COVID era more prepared than ever. Resources Builder Hemingway Fine Homes Peter Sciarretta 115 Mason Street Greenwich, CT 06830 203.625.0566 hemingwayconstruction.com Builder Kai Built Kai Young Stamford, CT 203.667.1187 kaibuilt.com Audio Visual Lifetronic Systems 203.951.6088 lifetronic.net Design + Decor
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INTERIOR DESIGN
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Top Styles and Looks for 2021 Story by Meryl Siegman
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ithout a doubt, the year 2021 will usher in many new things, including fresh styles and looks in interior design. We asked six of our favorite interior designers to share their thoughts about what we can expect to see in the new year. Our conversations yielded some marvelous insights, highlighted by a consensus that the coronavirus has made an enormous impact on interior design, perhaps like nothing before. The designers also agreed that in the coming year, homes will become more multifunctional and personalized while serving as sanctuaries for their residents. Neutral Palettes with Pops of Color, Layers of Texture, Organic Elements The verdict is that colors will be subdued with exciting splashes. Michelle Hogue of Hogue Interior Design in Westport, CT, foresees an emphasis on light and bright. “I see a color palette that is white and off-white, mixed with navy, black and tan, with pops of color to create happy spaces.” Jackie Cutler of Jacqueline D. Cutler Interiors in Scarsdale, NY, agrees. “Neutral will have some exciting punches to it,” she says, “ with luxurious colors like emerald green and cobalt blue.” Alexandra Denburg of M&P Design Group in Scarsdale adds, “We are moving away from cool tones
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and into warm color palettes, with saffron, rust and terra-cotta. The look is a natural wood tonality with an abundance of texture, because it adds warmth.” Lea Shulman of Lea Shulman Interiors notes, “We are going to see fewer cool grays and more warm grays and whites, with the introduction of different textures and sheens in neutral palettes.” Michelle also mentioned the importance of adding botanical and organic elements to the home with materials such as hemp and wallpaper depicting nature. Leaning Toward Modern Lea predicts a tilt toward modernism. “Even in the most traditional houses, we’re seeing a lot of clean lines and modern elements,” she says. “Many of my clients who live in traditional houses want to make things more sleek and contemporary.” Michelle foresees modern mixed with natural elements, such as high-gloss cabinets, linear lighting, mod décor and selective furnishings mixed with transitional pieces. “There is a delicate balance between organic material and modern elements, including lighting, plumbing and fixtures,” she explains. Jan Hiltz and her daughter-in-law, Christine Hiltz, of Jan Hiltz Interiors in Westport, CT, stress the importance of staying true to timeless design with a fresh, bright and contemporary feel.
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The Need for Excitement “Once people are able to socialize again,” says Jackie, “they will want to create an exciting environment with luxurious accents, dressing up their homes with exciting colors, bouclé fabrics and light fixtures that dazzle like jewelry—sort of a Roaring Twenties feel.” Emily Bonadies and Morgan Carey, associates at Jody Deluca Designs in Darien, CT, agree. “People now want their homes to be a reflection of their personality and are open to having more fun with their homes,” says Emily. Timelessness According to Jan and Christine Hiltz, timelessness will predominate. “We will continue to give our clients timeless design,” says
Jan. “What really matters is good taste.” By sticking to current trends, they fear their clients will have to invest in redecorating in five years as the style they chose goes out of favor, whereas timelessness never goes out of style. The Pandemic’s Impact on Design The pandemic has kept interior designers very busy because of the demand for multifunctional homes, especially as people move in droves from big cities to the suburbs. Everyone we spoke to agrees that the lifestyle changes brought on by the pandemic will make an impact on interior design for the foreseeable future, if not for years to come. Here are some of the ways the coronavirus has already been influencing design: Design + Decor
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Functionality “Due to COVID-19, the need to have a well-designed space has never been more paramount as we create a day-to-day life function that’s more enhanced,” says Alexandra from M&P. Michelle Hogue adds, “Everyone wants a functional interior—a space that’s designed for you.” She predicts a move towards “more functional and personal interior and exterior spaces.” Morgan at Jody Deluca chimes in, “Design has taken a turn towards accessibility of information and access.”
of view, but they will be de rigueur in 2021. Alexandra comments that they need to be functional as well as “Zoom friendly,” which means photogenic, quiet and private—even requiring acoustical paneling. Indeed, many people will never return to the office out their residence, making their home environment that much more critical. “The home office is here to stay,” says Jackie. “People got used to living in open plans, knocking down walls, but now anyone who works at home needs a quiet, organized space with a comfortable chair—a place where they can feel organized.”
More Privacy vs. Open Spaces The consensus is that the trend towards open-space configurations will give way to “the need for compartmentalized self-space,” according to Alexandra of M&P. Emily of Jody Deluca observes, “People who have larger spaces want to close them in. The trend was for big open great rooms, but now it’s about creating enclosed areas so people have personal space. It might be by using partial walls or organizing furniture so that a small sitting area creates a sense of separation. We’re getting creative by designing different atmospheres within a single room.”
Spa-Like Bathrooms The elements Michelle envisions in master bathrooms are oversized porcelain instead of marble, smaller showers, freestanding tubs, wall-mounted faucets and smart, modern vanity design. Jackie predicts there will be a move to very large showers with a separate bath within a space that can also function as a spa. “It’s not about having a shower in your tub,” she explains, “but a tub in your shower.”
Home Offices Everyone agrees that home offices are not sexy from a design point 58
Indoor-Outdoor Spaces “The one big trend is that outdoor spaces are huge,” says Alexandra. Jackie seconds this opinion, saying, “As people begin to entertain again and make better use of the outdoors, indoor-outdoor
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spaces are becoming more flexible.” Emily and Morgan predict that outdoor spaces will become great living spaces where people not only eat outside, but also socialize and simply hang out. “We turned one client’s backyard into an outdoor living room,” says Morgan. “People are being very creative during COVID in order to have friends and family over safely. This means a lot of fire pits and outdoor furniture that is super-durable so it can be left outside all year.” We have a lot to look forward to in 2021— including exciting changes in interior design. Resources Hogue ID Michelle Hogue Westport, CT Santa Rosa Beach, FL 850.622.3760 hogueid.com Jacqueline D. Cutler Interiors Jacqueline D. Cutler Scarsdale, NY 914.723.2820 jacquelinedcutler.com Jan Hiltz Interiors Jan Hiltz Christine Hiltz 21 Bridge Square Westport, CT 06880 203.361.9943 janhiltzinteriorsllc.com Jody Deluca Designs Emily Bonadies Morgan Carey 14 E Trail Darien, CT 06820 203.962.3453 jodydeluca.com Lea Shulman Interiors Lea Shulman Darien, CT 203.216.5278 leashulmaninteriors.com
Interiors: Jacqueline D. Cutler Interiors
M&P Design Group Alexandra Denburg New York, NY Mexico City, Mexico 917.830.3117 mp-designgroup.com Design + Decor
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KITCHENS
DEANE inc.
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THE KITCHEN BRINGS FAMILIES TOGETHER AGAIN 2021 Sees the Rejuvenation of this Important Space Story by Susan Winlow
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hat a difference a year or two, or three, make; transformations exponentially on the rise and lives forever changed by the advent of COVID-19 and its subsequent and continuing effect on
families.
These changes are profound within our homes, especially the kitchen area. While this space has always been somewhat of 64
a quick meeting place, if it was large enough, COVID-19 has pushed the kitchen out of the single-focused utilitarian mindset and back into the traditional gathering spot of families to chat, study, and work, all while the wonderful aromas of dinner simmer on the stove or bake in the oven. With this change for 2021, comes a new attitude toward kitchen design. Four area professionals weigh in their thoughts on what’s sizzling for 2021 when it comes to the heart of the home.
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Ring’s End
“In light of our homes being much more important now going forward as opposed to pre-COVID . . . there are more people at home now, going to school, working from home, multiple cooks; kids are cooking, the husband and wife are cooking,” said Marianne Delgado, kitchen designer at Ring’s End in Darien, Connecticut. “We’re learning to live differently. It’s almost like we’re going back to the days when the kitchen was the one main room, but then all of a sudden (kitchens) got small, like that little space at the end. Now, it’s the heart of
the home.” And the heart of the home deserves to be unified with the rest of the rooms in the home. No longer is the kitchen the cast-off room in the corner; it’s now part of the seamless flow that contributes to the home’s design with a less “kitchen-y ” feel, said Leah Diamond, kitchen designer at Leicht in Mount Kisco, New York.
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“It needs to feel just like (any other) room that you can sit in, lounge in and feel comfortable in,” she said. “It’s obviously still a kitchen, but the design isn’t drawing much attention to the appliances . . . it’s more about looking to integrate and finding new ways to hide things.” As such, homeowners want a useful area combined with a certain level of sophistication. In the era of COVID-19 and lockdowns, more people are using their kitchens now and functionality is paramount, said Peter Deane of DEANE inc. in Stamford, Connecticut. “What we’re hearing is the importance of having a kitchen that literally works. It’s critical today,” he said. “It’s not a showcase kitchen. It’s a kitchen that needs to function, suit their lifestyle.”
islands, multiple work zones that include homework and work areas, and lots of storage. Easy-to-clean natural products such as marble, granite and quartzites add movement, color and contrast. Versatile quartz countertops will also continue into 2021 as a big player with their maintenance-free popularity and varied looks from light and airy marble to honed or suede quartz. Darker quartz tones, such as grays or charcoals, will make their mark, as will countertop material extending right to the bottom of cabinets, giving a nod to the continuing popularity of clean lines. Clean lines continue as a theme when it comes to hiding appliances and office and school-type clutter. Hideaways now run the gamut from traditional appliance garages that roll up and down to pocket doors that slide back into the cabinets. They can be glass, giving off an elegant, light and airy feeling, they can be counter height or a taller full height unit.
On the whole, clients are looking for larger spaces, double Design + Decor
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LEICHT
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Ring’s End
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Majestic Kitchens and Bath
“It’s a great way to open up the space in the kitchen but when you have people over . . . you can close it up and the clutter disappears,” Leah said. “It’s a beautiful seamless look.” Flow is another 2021 challenge, as clients are looking for a way to create traffic patterns with islands and architectural elements stemming from a desired change in open floor plans that don’t bring back the solid space-defining walls of yesteryear. Designers are coming up with striking and unique ways to gently delineate rooms, such as distinctive glass and steel partitions, or to control the flow, strategically placed eyecatching islands with a mix of materials and pops of color.
and we’re starting to swing back a bit,” said Jonathan Desimini of Majestic Kitchens and Bath in Mamaroneck, New York. “We’re becoming more aware of the downfalls, as well as the plus sides. Flow is a problem and controlling flow has been the number one thing brought up to me.” With the kitchen becoming a more exciting room in 2021, homeowners are looking for ways to put that fun and unique stamp of ownership on the space. Colors, materials and textures give them the opportunity to do so and have fun in the process. While whites will always be a popular kitchen color, according to Desimini, bright and bold colors are making their way into kitchens.
“We’ve ridden the pendulum of the open-floor plan kitchen Design + Decor
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LEICHT
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“People are getting more adventurous with colors,” he said. “Currently, customers want more saturated colors, and that is a nod toward the future. We’re starting to see some eggplant, deep blues on a small scale. It’s just some of the ways people are trying to make their mark.” Designers agree with Desimini stating that bolder colors are on the rise giving the kitchen area a uniqueness with a bit more personality. In tandem with the increasing popularity of bolder greens and blues, are dark, but warm grays, and blacks, such as black painted or stained oak—versus maple painted black—giving the element an organic texture, or blackened steel. But it’s not just vivid colors gaining popularity. Clients will continue to push the design envelope through the new year with a variety of fun metals mixed and integrated into kitchen projects—gold tones, brass, vintage variations, polished and brushed nickel, stainless steel and chrome—and unique range hoods with a nod toward the traditional give the client “a great opportunity to get creative with styles, designs and finishes,” Deane said.
DEANE inc.
Adds Delgado: “People’s personalities are coming out in their kitchens. It gives people who want to have fun with color a license to do it. A place to be playful or to make a statement.” Resources DEANE inc. Peter Deane 1267 East Main Street Stamford, CT 06902 203.327.7008 deaneinc.com Leicht Leah Diamond 200 E. Main Street Mount Kisco, NY 10549 914.218.3433 leichtwestchester.com Majestic Kitchens and Bath Jonathan Desimini 700 Fenimore Road Mamaroneck, NY 10543 914.381.1302 majestickitchens.com Ring’s End Marianne Delgado 181 West Avenue Darien, CT 06820 203.655.2525 ringsend.com
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ORGANIZATION
Courtesy of California Closets
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THE ORGANIZED HOME: WHERE THE HEART IS An uncluttered home fosters an uncluttered mind. Story by Meryl Seigman
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Settled Home
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Courtesy of California Closets
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ur home is a reflection of our inner selves. Now as never before, it plays many roles— office, school and, perhaps most important, sanctuary. An organized home also has numerous benefits: it promotes productivity and creativity, reduces stress, and improves health and well-being. With most of us spending more time than ever at home, it’s never been more important to stay organized. How do we accomplish that? To find out, we asked the professionals at California Closets and Settled Home. Specialists in creating organized homes, they offer insight into the importance of living in an uncluttered environment, and have come up with some cre-
ative solutions to do so—including amazing new technology. With the credo “Designing Better Lives,” California Closets has built a reputation as a leader in space management for more than 40 years. During the pandemic, the company has concentrated on making the entire process of getting more organized as safe, easy and efficient as possible. Offering white-glove installation, our new system will be installed to the exact specifications of your design on a timeline that works best for your schedule. According to Masha Alimova, the company ’s Director of Information Technology, “The process is really important. We have the best software available. Our design consultants use proprietary 3D software utilizing the latest technologies to bring their designs to life, showDesign + Decor
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Courtesy of California Closets
ing clients how they will actually look in three dimensions.” Settled Home takes a unique approach to home organization by focusing on multi-room rather than single-room solutions, with the goal of reinventing the home organizing industry. According to Larisa Bright and Pam Melusky, co-founders of Settled Home, the firm offers a full-service, luxury experience that is really a lifestyle transformation. Its mission is to go beyond organizing to provide sanctity and alleviate the anxiety caused by disorder and disconnection. By eliminating distractions and enabling clients to achieve their goals, Settled Home provides a luxury service that creates and implements a tailor-made “system hierarchy ” crafted for each particular client’s home, lifestyle and personality. “We do it all—even furniture—so the client doesn’t have to lift a finger,” says Pam. “At the end, when clients are getting rid of things they no longer need, we take care of all donations, junk removal and recycling.” Settled Home was formed at the beginning of the pandemic, and its launch could not have been more timely. “There’s a lot you can’t control, but you can control your life inside your home, which is a sanctuary,” says Lara. “There is real power in creating a curated lifestyle and being sensitive to what’s in your home. It’s therapeutic for people to go through the organization process. Once they get settled, they can reach their full potential because they can focus outside the home and really evolve.” 78
Settled Home
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Since the onset of COVID-19, homeowners’ desire to take charge of their interior environments by becoming more organized has resulted in an uptick in business for both companies. California Closets has seen an increase in the demand for home offices, while Settled Home has noted clients’ yearning for whole-house makeovers. Both companies have responded by providing their home organizing services remotely, which also allows them to work with clients anywhere in the world. They offer initial consultations, as well as many of their services, virtually. “Our clients can go online, 80
fill out the questionnaires about inventory lists and dimensions, and then consult with us as we review measurements together,” Masha explains. After Settled Home’s virtual consultation, clients submit photographs and videos to familiarize Larisa and Pam with their spaces. Both companies conduct on-site consultations when appropriate, taking all the necessary precautions. California Closets has also made other adjustments to deal with the pandemic. With its 120 showrooms and warehouses tempo-
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rarily closed during the lockdown, the company had to think fast on its feet. As soon as it was able to reopen, the firm redesigned its showrooms to make customers feel safe and secure. “We changed the size of the offices and put in small cubicles,” Masha explains. “Clients have to make an appointment before coming in, so we can limit the number of people in the showroom at any one time.”
Courtesy of California Closets
California Closets and Settled Home have worked hard to make sure installation is safe and worry-free. Both companies supply all the materials and labor necessary for their projects. While Settled Home does all the purchasing from approved vendors, California Closets maintains large, fully stocked warehouses with the materials needed to create great spaces. It is also committed to providing clients with environmentally sustainable options, such as doors and drawers made from recycled wood or reclaimed wood fiber, and items that meet rigorous regulations for emissions standards. Moreover, both organizations are committed to giving back to their communities. Settled Home established “Settled Path,” which partners with nonprofit corporations that meet their criteria. They donate a percentage of every job to funding pro bono work for economically disadvantaged people who can truly benefit from getting settled. California Closets supports national, regional and local charities and has joined forces with its parent company, FirstService Corporation, in the creation of the FirstService Relief Fund. The fund helps franchisees and their employees facing financial hardship after a natural disaster or unforeseen hardship. “We are very proud of what we’ve done,” says Masha of the company ’s outreach efforts, “and, so far, it’s been great!” Resources California Closets Masha Alimova 16 Saw Mill River Road Hawthorne, New York 10532 914.401.0582 californiaclosets.com Settled Home Larisa Bright Pam Melusky 720.327.7383 973.405.4233 settledhome.com
Courtesy of California Closets
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LANDSCAPES
Connecticut Stone
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THE VALUE OF COLLABORATION Collaboration and planning are the essential steps in insuring a fabulous outcome of any project. Story by Alex Carter
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ollaboration between landscape firms and architect firms has always been vital for the success of a construction project. Amid a global pandemic, this kind of cooperation—especially in the planning stages—has become more essential than ever. The need for collaboration is fundamental to Tyra Dellacroce, vice president, interior sales & marketing at Connecticut Stone in Milford, CT, and Scott Deniston, owner and general manager of Young’s Legacy Landscaping in Newtown, CT. “Collaboration is the fusion of the architect’s vision and the manufacturing know-how to arrive at a product that fits the bill from both an aesthetics standpoint and a budget standpoint,” says Tyra, whose company supplies natural stone to landscape architects. When collaboration starts early, landscape contractors and architects are more comfortable with one another during construction and are more likely to speak up if a problem arises. “That sharing of ideas in which they ’re expressing their artistic vision, asking questions and seeing samples is really important,” says Tyra. “That’s the secret sauce.” Design + Decor
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Failing to collaborate in the planning stages is a surefire way to delay a project and cause a host of other issues. “You find yourself in the design phase, and you don’t know what can and can’t be done, so it can cause more work,” says Tyra. “Having to shift expectations can also cost more money, because you may have to go back and redo things that were already done. It makes the process more cumbersome, and certain risks are involved.” Scott Deniston agrees. He notes that, when collaboration is amiss, it can have a domino effect on the status of the project. “If the fence guys don’t show up, you can’t do this; if the pool guys can’t work, you can’t do that,” he explains. According to Scott, the number one thing needed for successful collaboration is to communicate as soon as possible when an issue arises or there are project updates to provide. “So much has to be, ‘He can’t start that until I finish this,’ so constant communication is absolutely necessary,” he says. Tyra also stresses the importance of open, fast communication between the architect and landscape architect in order for a project to run smoothly and stay on time and budget. “When there’s a collaboration of ideas and talking in the early stages, when 88
their vision is coming to life, they ’re taking into account what can or can’t be done with a certain material or a certain finish.” In a perfect world, beautiful architectural structures are created when talented architects ensure that their projects are complemented by extraordinary outdoor spaces. “We collaborate to create mood, structure and privacy outdoors,” says Scott. “A lot of times now, we build landscape rooms that are contained spaces. That’s an example showcasing the two sides collaborating.” Just as it has influenced most areas of life, the pandemic has also affected collaboration between architects and landscape architects—and indeed the industry as a whole. “COVID has created challenges with construction overall,” says Scott. “If people are sick or worse and can’t show up to a job, everything gets delayed.” Adds Tyra, “COVID has impacted the supply chain. We’re seeing much longer wait times for products coming from overseas. You definitely need to have your ducks in a row and order much earlier than you did a year ago.” She says COVID has also caused a shift to local materials, with landscape architects and architects now very keen on using materials that are locally sourced.
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Connecticut Stone
Connecticut Stone
Surprisingly, however, not all effects of the pandemic have been for the worst. “On the positive side,” says Tyra, “ we feel the collaboration is probably better than ever. That’s partly because of the online meetings in which we’re able to share ideas in a different way. We’re finding that collaboration and communication are improving significantly.” Resources Connecticut Stone Tyra Dellacroce 138 Woodmont Road Milford, CT 06460 203.882.1000 connecticutstone.com Young’s Legacy Landscaping Scott Deniston 5 Melody Lane Newtown, CT 06470 203.491.2257 youngslegacy.com
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HOME TECH
HOME TECHNOLOGY: WHAT’S NEW AND WHAT’S NEXT Story by Michael Morgan
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InnerSpace Electronics
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Advanced Home Audio
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ransforming your home into a fully integrated smart system has never been easier. Thanks to major brand choices such as Google’s Nest suite, Sonos audio and Ring home security, homeowners have more options than ever for putting this kind of technology to use. Indeed, having complete command of your home from anywhere in the world is now achievable for most of us. But what are the heights of this technology, and where will it be in the years to come? Here’s what we learned from two leading home automation specialists whose focus is to bring bespoke technology solutions to high-end residential environments. Connectability, Inside & Out Particularly in the wake of the pandemic, the growing number of bandwidth-drinking smart systems in our living spaces necessitates a greater dependence on reliable home networks. Network solutions capable of providing adequate bandwidth for multiple users to simultaneously stream large amounts of data have traditionally been reserved for offices. But now, as we increasingly depend on our homes to provide not only office but school resources as well, we have a much greater need for enterprise-level home network and Wi-Fi hardware. Bill Charney of Advanced Home Audio in Shelton, CT has witnessed
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this shift firsthand. “Basically, our challenge is to provide what offices used to provide, but in a residential setting,” he says. “And the most robust solutions tackle not only indoor living spaces, but outdoor as well.” As parents and children vie for precious, private workspace, the importance of having a Wi-Fi system tough enough to extend to outdoor spaces is paramount. Among other things, that means hardware capable of surviving the elements while providing adequate connectivity. Equally important is an investment in more refined audio and visual hardware. “Even if you’re working on your patio on a beautiful spring day,” says Bill, “ingesting hours of poor audio and video adds an unseen level of stress and frustration to your life.” An increased emphasis on noise cancelling and seamless streaming hardware reduces the digital fatigue inherent in the era of e-conferencing. Wellness Basics, Air & Sunlight Wellness tech has exploded over the last decade, and experts agree it’s only as a matter of time before our homes become suffused with it. Peloton’s home gym equipment and Mirror’s personal trainers are some of the earliest examples, but many more subtle, passive home wellness solutions are quickly becoming prevalent, particularly in the luxury market.
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InnerSpace Electronics
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InnerSpace Electronics
Advanced Home Audio
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Homeowners may not realize that the air in our homes can be some of the most polluted we breathe. Actions as banal as heating oil on our stovetops or pulling our cars into the garage can lead to the accumulation of microparticles in our home atmospheres—levels of pollution that go unnoticed by all but the most sophisticated sensing and filtering technologies. Couple that with the fact that many of us live in colder climates that require us to keep our windows closed for most of the year, and we have a recipe for recirculating less-than-perfect air. Among other features, smart, submicron filtration devices have the ability to strain particulates and even pathogens such as mold, bacteria and viruses. As an added level of security, many systems go so far as to sterilize all they filter with directed ultraviolet (UV) rays. An indoor lifestyle also causes us to absorb less natural sunlight. Prolonged exposure to traditional artificial bulb emissions can play havoc with our circadian rhythms, leading to sleep problems at night and energy problems during the day. Emerging systems not only continuously adjust the UV band of the light they emit to match that of the sun, but
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InnerSpace Electronics
even mimic the color of the light outdoors. On an overcast day, the light inside will become softer to match the environment; on bright summer days, a warmer tone will envelope our living spaces. Integration Barry Reiner, president of InnerSpace Electronics, Inc. in Mount Kisco, NY, is a self-styled residential systems integrator who has spent the last three decades installing state-of-the-art technology in the some of the finest homes in the country. At this point, he insists, “a more elegant, single-app solution” is the defining element of a fully integrated smart home. “Clients expect total control and visibility over their homes from wherever they are.” A recurring problem Barry has encountered throughout his career stems from an overabundance of user interfaces. When each smart system installed in a home comes with its own proprietary app, the hassle of learning the particulars of each tends to discourage many users for achieving a highly tailored experience. Rather than having his clients fumble with as many apps as they have smart systems in their home, Barry consolidates all that control into a single, sleek, seamless app that activates and monitors each system. The result is an easy, visually appealing and intuitive user experience that allows homeowners to create a home environment personalized to their exact specifications.
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The Future Bill and Barry both agree that the wellness sector of home automation will be a continuing trend, particularly in the area of home lighting and shading. As homeowners gain a greater understanding of the link between proper lighting and sleep health, we will place more emphasis on bringing the ideal amount of natural light into our homes. As a result, features such as automated window treatments will be seen in more fine homes in the years to come. Although window shades might not seem like a priority in home automation, Barry insists, “It’s all these little things that add up to a fully integrated, healthy home.” Resources Advanced Home Audio Bill Charney 120 Long Hill Cross Road #2 Shelton, CT 06484 203.922.0051 advancedhomeaudio.com InnerSpace Electronics Barry Reiner 45 Kensico Drive Mt Kisco, NY 10549 914.937.9700
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