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EAST
COAST
HOME+DESIGN REFRESH FOR SPRING 2015
ISSUE 73
FEATURES
44 POP LIFE The House of Clement creates an opulent, high-art hideaway on New York City’s Upper East Side.
By Jennifer Jackson - Outlaw
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A CASUAL ELEGANCE Classic form meets family function when Wadia Associates creates a cozy space in the heart of New Canaan, CT.
By Jennifer Jackson - Outlaw
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SEASIDE SERENITY Combining old and new elements in unforgettable ways in Stamford.
By Lisa Gant
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Cover Photo by Jane Beiles
East Coast Home + Design
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HOME++DESIGN DESIGN REFRESH FOR SPRING 2015 Kitchen and Bath Issue 2015
ISSUE72 73 ISSUE
Editor-in-Chief Editor-in-Chief 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 Tracy Dwyer, Lisa Gant, Jennifer Jackson-Outlaw, Tracy Dwyer, Roshunna Howard, Jennifer Jackson Kait Shea, Diana Diana Sussamn,Peg Sussamn,Peg Ventricelli Ventricelli Kait Shea, Contributing Photographers Photographers Contributing Jane Biondo, Phillip Phillip Ennis, Ennis,Tria TriaGiovan, Giovan, Jane Beiles, Beiles, Michael Michael Biondo, John Gruen, John Hannon, Paul Johnson, Neil Landino, John Gruen, John Hannon, Paul Johnson, Neil Landino, Mark Tim Lee, Lee, Daniel Daniel Milstein, Milstein,Janice JaniceParker, Parker, Mark La La Rosa, Rosa, Tim Durston Saylor, Debra Debra Somerville, Somerville, Eric EricStriffler, Striffler, Durston Saylor, Jonathan Wallen, Woodruff/Brown Woodruff/Brown Photography Photography Jonathan Wallen, Proofreader Graphic & Web Design East Elena CoastSerocki Publishing Graphic & Web Design East Coast Publishing Publisher Shelley E. McCormick shelley_mccormick@yahoo.com 203-545-7091 Publisher Shelley E. McCormick Account Managers shelley_mccormick@yahoo.com Lisa Dearborn 203-545-7091 Patrick Giddings Lollie Mathews Account Managers Lisa Dearborn Business PatrickDevelopment Giddings Randi K. Lehrman, Lollie MathewsEsq. Marketing & Sales Advisor to the Gold Coast Business Development Corporate Counsel Randi K. Lehrman, Esq. James F. Walsh, Marketing & Sales Advisor toEsq. the Gold Coast Distribution Distribution Man Man in in Motion Motion East East Coast Coast Home Home + + Design Design 111 Forest 111 Forest Avenue, Avenue, Fairfield, Fairfield, CT CT06824 06824 Fax: 203-286-1850 Fax: 203-286-1850
East Coast Home + Design is published six issues per year. To subscribe: www.eastcoasthomepublishing.com; SubEast Coastone Home + Design published issues percan year.beTo subscribe:at www.eastcoasthomepublishing.com; Subscriptions: year, $28; twois years, $50.six Back issues purchased www.eastcoasthomepublishing.com. For scriptions: one year, $28; East two years, issues 111 can Forest be purchased www.eastcoasthomepublishing.com. For editorial inquiries: Editor, Coast $50. HomeBack + Design, Avenue,atFairfield, CT 06824 or e-mail: mattkolk@ editorial Editor, inquiries: East Coast Home Design,McCormick 111 Forest Fairfield, CT 06824whole or e-mail: me.com.inquiries: For advertising Please call+Shelley at Avenue, 203-545-7091. Reproduction or in mattkolk@ part withme.com. For advertising inquiries: Pleasedescribed call Shelley McCormick at are 203-545-7091. Reproduction whole or inNo part without permission is prohibited. All projects in this publication for private, noncommercial use only. rights out prohibited. All projects described in this are for private, noncommercial use only. by NoEast rights for permission commercialisuse or exploitation are given or implied. Thepublication opinions expressed by writers for articles published for commercial or exploitation are giventhose or implied. The opinions expressed by writers for articles published by East Coast Home + use Design are not necessarily of the magazine. Coast Home + Design are not necessarily those of the magazine.
EAST COAST HOME PUBLISHING EAST COASTAVENUE HOME PUBLISHING 111 FOREST 111 FORESTCT AVENUE FAIRFIELD, 06824 FAIRFIELD, CT 06824 EASTCOASTHOMEPUBLISHING.COM EASTCOASTHOMEPUBLISHING.COM
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EDITOR’S LETTER
Shelley Mccormick-Kolk, Myself, Lollie Mathews and Lisa Dearborn
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ow does one refresh their home for spring? This is a great topic after a long winter of living primarily indoors. I think we all get sick of looking at the same four walls after a while and with change in weather, it’s a time to change out our looks. We have some wonderful examples from 11 different Interior Designers to give you ideas on how even simple changes can make a huge difference throughout the home. I hope this prod’s you to renew your look for spring Coming up in the next issue of ECH+D, dive into one of my personal favorite articles each year in our Annual Builders and Architects Roundtable. This years roundtable was one not to be missed. Each year we produce this event, it becomes more and more of a true “open forum” with spirited conversation and fascinating information being shared between the attendees. We look to sharing this with you and hope it is as informative to you as conducting it was for us. Looking forward to a wonderful spring (finally!),
Matthew Kolk Editor-in-Cheif mattkolk@me.com
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LYNNE SCALO DESIGN
INTERIOR DESIGN SERVICES | FURNITURE | ART | ACCESSORIES
GREENWICH
SHOWROOM | 19 EAST ELM STREET | GREENWICH T. 203.222.4991 | WWW.LYNNESCALO.COM
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Refresh for Spring BARBARA FEINSTEIN bfeininteriors.com
This Spring, I’m inspired by geometric shapes that contrast with the organic shapes of the budding season. Geometric shapes are fresh and clean. The chevrons of the Surya hairon-hide rug are a perfect example, and the rug’s hair-on-hide construction is a fresh trend for Spring. To smooth out and balance the geometry of the rug, add the smooth rounded lines of the Uttermost mirror and the Global Views Hurricanes. Finally, The Bungalow 5 chest stacks up storage for all the items unearthed during Spring-cleaning.
DENISE DAVIES KERRI ROSENTHAL d2interieurs.com
Color can be added in the simplest ways.. New table books can transform a coffee table or console- they paint their own picture buy creating a color palate that you can play off of throughout your home.
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Freshen up your outdoor patio for the first warm days of spring with fun pops of color. Add a random color like yellow or green to pop against the soft tones of early spring
kerrirosenthalart.com Many times we start our interiors with the art- Finding a couch you love is much easier than finding a painting you are drawn too- If a client is in love with a piece, we often let the painting inform the interior.
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CAMI WEINSTEIN camidesigns.com
Once Spring arrives I usually look for fresh colors and accessories to add to my interiors. For this Spring many things have caught my eye that would refresh and update your home. Wallpaper and paint are wonderful pick me ups – my favorite wallpaper for Spring is from Scion “Groove” is from their Spirit & Soul Collection. It would give an instant lift to your Powder Room or Media Room. New grasscloth wall coverings from Zoffany in plum or olive can add sophistication to any room. A new center hall table with fresh flowers can brighten your entry. Add a chunky quartz lamp, a fluffy chair from Mitchell Gold and an exotic ottoman from MB Tangier at Profiles (To the Trade) and your rooms will have a transitional modern appeal. Adding and mixing in a few unusual pieces can personalize your space, I like to design spaces with my clients in mind – their favorite colors, travels and lifestyles
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DEB LABELLA DINA SPAIDAL LaBellaSpaidal.com
What better way to welcome spring than by incorporating accents of nature throughout your home? We imagine hanging the hammered iron and papier mache mirror on a wall of vibrant grasscloth. Window treatments or pillows in the lively Happy Garden fabric would freshen up any room. For more botanical inspiration, we picture the Leaves Midi suspension pendant making a statement in an entry or kitchen. We also love the timeless design of the curved metal planters and would use them by the front door, on a patio, or even inside.
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CHRISTOPHER TODD chrisophertoddhome.com
Freshening up for spring is such a loaded topic. Besides a deep cleaning of baseboards and beating the dust out of pillows, you really want to invest in furnishings that you’ll love year-round. With a nod to eternal spring, I start from the ground up when designing. I love Stephanie Odegard’s magisterial rugs in silk and Himalayan wool, a luxurious wool to have underfoot. The Poppy rug is something both graphic as well as abstract which is important because a floral rug can be so cliched. With this rug, I’d paint the walls a warm gray/red in Farrow and Ball’s Chaleston Gray. A warm gray is such a year round color. I reads cool in spring and summer but warm in winter. To add a dash of fun and unexpectedness, I’d place a pair of Casamidy Cinquecenta chairs (yes in blue!) as occasional chairs opposite the sofa. They remind me of Jean Prouve’s work, modern, sparse. I’d work in some modern artwork picking up all the colors in the room, particularly the blue in the Cinquecenta chairs. I’d love a memory in winter on the walls in the artwork of Eric Aho who paints snow with warm tones, almost coral tones and a patch of clear sky (available through Argazziart.com). And voila! you’ve got a room warmed up for spring but also a room beautiful enough for next year’s hibernation - although let’s not talk about that yet!
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LYNNE SCALO lynnescalo.com
Sally Chandelier This is a happy and classic form which evokes spring showers!
Tufted Chair in Chartreuse A modern take on a traditional tufted piece that is a classic bit of springtime all year round!
Archimedes Coffee Table Handmade bespoke brass cocktail table. Like that perfect piece of jewelry this will stand out as an example of sculptural splendor!!
White Hardback Lampshades Lined with silver foil interior. Updating lampshades is a great way to freshen a space. Simply modernizing the style or shape can really change a room. My favorite is a lacquered lampshade with silver foil interior.
ALICE BLACK aliceblack.com OmbrĂŠ Throw I suggest mixing in a current pattern in small touches; this ombrĂŠ pattern is really chic and fashionable. A throw is great way to add a current trend into a space, while it is also easy to swap out when then next trend comes along. Merete Rasmussen Loop Sculptures beautiful sculpture with a bold pop of color on a coffee table is like a bouquet of flowers - it just makes a room look better.
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Gus Modern Pawn Stool Freshen up your side tables with a rich and interesting pop of color. This one has sophisticated lines and a high gloss finish that is eye-catching and clean.
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JOLLEY FRANK jolleyfrankinteriors.com
As winter grinds to its dreary end and the first signs of Spring emerge, the anticipation of warm weather and soft breezes captures our imagination. Get a head start on the changing seasons by bringing the hues of summer into your environment. Currently, many interiors are based on neutral palettes because of their adaptive nature. They provide a calm, soft living spaces during colder months, and the perfect backdrop for color as temperatures rise. Blue, aqua and turquoise bring visions of the surf washing up on sandy beaches and salty breezes skimming the tops of waves. These accessories, fabric and lighting help bring the allure of water into your home. Start by exchanging your neutral drapes for something lighter and more colorful. Bee’s Knees, from Donghia, instantly bring the shoreline into your living space. The fine printed linen provides a welcome change of scenery. As the days grow longer, the Oly Studio mother of pearl mirror not only adds reflected sunlight to your surroundings, but also the luster of seashells. Replace a painting or photograph with this mirror and watch your room come alive. A cerulean glass table lamp from Arteriors provides an additional light source while adding a touch of seaglass to your surroundings. And what would a sofa be without pillows? The Restoration Hardware textured linen pillows coordinate perfectly with your new look. Choose a number of sky, peacock and pool colored pillows that mirror the shimmering ocean. The map pillow from Pottery Barn adds an attractive and entertaining reference to the sea. For a unique coffee table accent, Flashpoint Candles offers beautiful handmade ceramic candles with layered glazing that not only provide interest, but a seductive glow for evening entertaining.
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LYNN HOFFMAN lynnhoffmandesign.com This elegant Holtkรถtter torchiere is definitely the ultimate lighting machine. Its sophisticated design fits into any contemporary, transitional or traditional room scheme. It provides high-quality and quantity light via a dimmable halogen bulb. Holtkรถtter is renowned for their superior dimming technology that slowly brightens, allowing the eye to adjust to the gradual increase of light. The torchierre is suitable for a living room, media room or an open space family/kitchen room.
I selected this area rug because of its beautiful Turkish Oushak design, its soothing colors, and its high-quality construction and fiber. This carpet feels like a chenille, but is actually made from Himalayan wool that has been hand spun and hand dyed. It could be used in a minimal space, as well as, a highly decorative space.
When pillows are included in a space, they should be very special. To me, pillows are like jewelry. They give just the right finishing touch to a room, they contribute the perfect splash of color where needed, and help transform the look of a room from winter to spring. I love this one-of-a-kind pillow because of its exotic traditional Persian design. It is hand-dyed and painted with a feather down insert. The color is uplifting and fresh.
RALPH VUOLO ralphvuolodesigns.com Add a pop of modern or animal whimsy to any decor. New or vintage pieces will give a fresh look for spring. All items are available at Hamptons Antique Galleries.
Pair of mid century brass peacocks if you prefer flight of fancy.
Modern sculptures add a bold grafic to any room.
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An 18th century Chippendale chair newly upholstered in old world weavers animal print.
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LAUREN MUSE museinteriors.net
Ro Sham Beaux Add some spring color! These chandeliers are hand-made and you can custom select the beads. The jute in juxtaposition with the beads create a casual sophistication.
Theodore Alexander Lamp Mix your metals. This silver lamp with gold lining is a great way to incorporate a little glam in your space. The pierced shade casts a pretty pattern when lit.
Pigeon and Poodle Bring the outside in. These bathroom accessories are made capiz shell and rattan. The pieces add a glamorous natural element to any powder room or bath.
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Art Department
Anne-Laure Martyn, owner of Cote Est Decor.
Bringing together the best of nature and art Story by Lisa Gant
At first glance, interior designer and furniture collector Anne-Laure Martyn and contemporary abstract artist Julia Contacessi appear to have little in common. Martyn is a native of France who worked in the fashion industry in Paris and London before entering her current career; Contacessi is a graduate of the Pratt Institute in New York City with 15 years of experience as a marketing professional. Both of them, however, share an indisputable love of interior design, along with the ability to create stunning works of art for the home. Although she enjoyed working in fashion, Martyn says she always knew that her true passion lay elsewhere. After moving to the U.S. in 2004, she discovered an interest in interior design while redecorating her 18th-century Parisian apartment and, later, during the renovation and refinishing of her home in Connecticut. Inspired by her love of European and American style, Martyn established the design firm Cote Est Decor, with the goal of bringing a sense of “timeless elegance” to home design. Her design philosophy combines natural fabrics and a neutral color palette with salvaged architectural features and reclaimed materials that she collects and restores. The result is a series of furniture pieces and accessories that perfectly blend modern and vintage sensibilities, creating living spaces that display character and charm. Over time, Martyn has built an impressive portfolio that includes staging services, patina and refinishing work, and her own furniture collection. She completes her projects in a workshop in her home, and 22
also has a separate showroom area where she invites clients to view her work. Unsurprisingly, the space is every bit as lovely and unique as any of Martyn’s previous creations. Two chairs refinished by Martyn stand to the right of the entrance, with cream cushions made of linen, and pillows made from hemp and burlap. The formidable barn sliding door was formed from leftover planks, while the floor and covered beams on the ceiling were created with barn siding and imported wood from Europe. A lamp with a simple shade takes on new life by featuring the black metal base of a sewing machine, one of the many ways Martyn pairs vintage and modern aesthetics successfully. The left side of the showroom features an ottoman that Martyn covered with cowhide, a chair she fashioned with hemp and linen, and an oak table she chose to sand down and whitewash instead of using a stain or paint, a tribute to the wood’s natural design. On the other side of the showroom, a gorgeous mantle is the standout feature, a piece Martyn found at a flea market before stripping off the paint to reveal the pine wood beneath. Two chairs made from burlap fabric and a settee add a sense of warmth and comfort and tie the space together. The coffee table had a dark stain when she found it, so Martyn sanded it down and repainted with an antique white patina. The final product speaks for itself. “I enjoy taking so-called ‘ugly’ pieces and giving them a second life, making them beautiful again,” she says. “They are not always attrac-
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In The Fi
Artist Julia Contacessi
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Today’s pantry accessories include convenient pull-out shelves, racks and bins for placing cans and other foods within easy reach.
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Anne-Laure Martyn has created a separate showroom area in her home that allows her to introduce clients to her design style.
tive when I find them, but I can always picture what they will look like when I finish, how beautiful and unique they will be.” Like Martyn’s, Julia Contacessi’s creations are designed to add color and warmth to the areas where they’re displayed. Many of her most recent works are on display in several galleries throughout Connecticut. Escaping Light, for example, is a combination of texture and some metallic paint. Drawing inspiration from artists such as Patricia Larsen and Helen Frankenthaler, Contacessi allowed the work to reveal itself organically, layering loose, watered paint with translucent colors to build up color intensity and create a fluid feeling. “I love to explore the contrasting nature of things,” says Contacessi. “Right now, I’m using metallics and mixing them with more textured and matte paints. Metallics are obviously shiny, while matte and textured paints are more gritty and reflective of nature. I love that contrast, and I try to make sure it comes through in a very organic way in my paintings.” For the painting Ever After, Contacessi chose not to depict a specific location, but instead wanted to inspire her viewers to have their own personal connection with the piece. The painting is grounded in reality just enough so that viewers can envision their own specific memories. Her use of metallics and mattes reflects the dancing of light, creating a moment in time that is both ethereal and gorgeous. Peacocks’ Cliff, a 36 by 36 mixed media, is similar in tone to Ever After in that it is meant to transport the viewer to an individual memory. It also highlights Contacessi’s tendency to use similar color palettes for pieces she works on at the same time. Swimming in Light and Tangled in Delight are both smaller, pencil24
Peacocks Cliff by Artist Julia Contacessi
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Swimming in Light by Artist Julia Contacessi
and-acrylic pieces created on 14 by 18 archival board. Contacessi normally prefers larger pieces, since they give her a bigger area to cover and are less confined. Working with smaller pieces forced her to change that perspective, though Contacessi says she welcomed the challenge. Both pieces were more abstract studies that opened themselves up to color exploration and pencil work. As with all her paintings, she hung them in her home after finishing them in her studio, looking at them thoughtfully for a few days before before naming them. “I can’t name a piece right away,” she says. “It’s almost like naming a child. I like for the piece to be completely done first; then, I’ll jot down words that feel right and create a list, sometimes putting two words together.” Contacessi’s next batch of work is a group of paintings commissioned by individuals, and she is currently in the planning stages with her clients regarding their home decor. At the same time, Martyn is helping a client with an extension for her house, working with the architect and builder in the process. While their tastes and execution vary, these two remarkable women share a love of design that brings together the best of art and nature, making them forces to be reckoned with in today’s interior design industry. Resources: Anne-Laure Martyn Cote Est Decor 203.505.2895 annelaure@optonline.net coteestdecor.com Julia Contacessi 203.216.1259 jcontacessi@gmail.com juliacontacessi.com
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Small Spaces Intimate spaces with tons of Style
JAMIE HERZLINGER jamieherzlinger.com
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ith Jamie Herzlinger’s family legacy in women’s apparel spanning four generations, there’s little wonder that clients seek her out when looking for a space that is both dramatic yet fanciful. “Most clients come to me for my stylized vision and passion for detail,” said Herzlinger, founder of the celebrated eponymous design firm. “They definitely trust how I approach everything from a fashion standpoint.” It was indeed this approach that inspired Jamie to radically transform a hall space while overseeing a renovation of her client’s roughly 8,000-square-foot home. “In large houses, you generally have big hallways,” Jamie explained. “I knew the clients love to entertain and I thought how cool would it be if they were having a party and the hall served as a lounge.” Jamie con26
tinued with a laugh, “It would almost be like a party within a party,” To create the lounge setting, Herzlinger’s team members carved out three spaces in the drywall large enough for two people to sit comfortably in each area. They then filled each panel with silk velvet upholstery along the walls and seat cushions. Jamie also designed and built a dry bar made of Macassar Ebony lumber, along with stylish leather pillows nestled within each perch. Finally, she carved a space at the end of the hall to hold a shadow box handcrafted with Pau Ferro wood. The result is a space that is both posh and surprisingly family-friendly--which is just perfect for her current client, a family with three children.
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KYLE TIMOTHY kyletimothy.com
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or most people, a dilapidated barn is not exactly the image associated with an ultramodern dance and yoga studio. But for the lucky family working with the team at Kyle Timothy Home, this dream was made a reality. The clients, a N.Y.-area couple with two older daughters, were looking to replace the eyesore on their property. The structure, dating from the 19th century, was all that was left standing after the main residence and a guest house were newly constructed two years earlier. “As this property was a summer/holiday home, they requested the creation of a space where all family members could exercise and relax,” said Kyle Timothy Blood, owner of Kyle Timothy Home. “The mother wanted to practice yoga and meditate; the husband wanted to lift weights; one daughter wanted to dance; the other daughter wanted to use aerobic equipment” Kyle had worked with the family on the previous developments, so he was aware of the need for caution when approaching the structure. Due to the barn’s significant damage, Kyle tried to salvage what he
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could (mainly beams and floorboards) before completely demolishing it. He then drew both a floor plan and elevations of the new structure and gave them to an engineer who created the construction specs. “In order to adhere to the town’s building codes, I had to retain the footprint and height of the original barn,” Kyle explained. ““However, I was able to move the sliding doors to the new ‘front.’ I also added as many windows as possible to allow both light and cross breezes to fill the space.” Kyle also found Holophane light fixtures in a salvage shop and had them retrofitted to use LED bulbs inside the studio. A local glazier created the mirrors along the dance floor, while an area metalworker custom-made both the railings and stairs. Finally, all of the multipurpose gym equipment was selected for smaller footprints. Understandably, the clients were thrilled with the end result: a modern exercise space that retains the external beauty of the original barn.
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Design by Sara Baldwin for New Ravenna, The Aurelia from Delft Collection is a modern American interpretation of a centuries old familiar craft, . Shown here is a hand cut jewel glass mosia shown in Lapis, Lazuli, Lolite, Mica, Absolute White and Blue Spinel. jamieshop.com
The Jenning Brutalist Ribbon Table Lamp will dazzle in the modern home with striking illumination, simple geometric designs and bold metal done in a gold leaf finish. zincdoor.com
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RALPH VUOLO ralphvuolodesigns.com
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he client’s desire to create a relaxing vacation hideaway served as the inspiration for the renovation overseen by Ralph Vuolo Designs. The space, an apartment on the New York’s stoic Upper East Side, was being completely renovated to serve as the client’s secondary residence. Ralph had worked previously with the clients, a professional couple with no children, on two other primary homes over the last 15 years. So when they indicated that they were looking for a place that felt like a great haven, he knew exactly what vision they had in mind. Once the space was fully gutted, Vuolo’s team used the client’s love for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s interior stone work as inspiration. So the stone tiles in the bathroom were selected because they had a similar look and feel. The bath itself was custom built, with elegant Porcelanosa fixtures as well as a rain showerhead. In the bedroom, both the mirror nightstands and lamps were specially built from 19th-century architectural fragments, while the colors of the space were selected to mimic the soothing pallet of a hotel retreat.
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JEFFREY KAUFMAN jmkarchitects.com
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deep appreciation of history was the inspiration behind the octagon-shaped library Jeffrey Kaufman designed as part of a home renovation project. The house, with roots going back to the 1860s, was the primary residence of the client, who was an avid reader with two children. Given the home’s rich history, the homeowner wanted a space that served as a sanctuary away from television while maintaining the classic and historic character of the home. To accomplish this, Kaufman and his team at JMKA Architects got to work on designing the space in an octagon shape. By doing so, he could create a reading hideaway while concealing the room’s other purposes within the corners of the room. For example, one corner serves as a powder room, while another holds the access to the front hall closet. Paying homage to home’s classical layout, he also brought in two antique leather chairs that were purchased in France. In addition, the library features a special highboy that is also a cherished family heirloom. The piece once belonged to client’s great-grandfather, who purchased it from famed Connecticut furniture builder Harold Margolis. To finish the space, Kaufman had special cherry bookcases built to better fit the library’s unusual dimensions. Allowing for maximum storage, cabinets were installed beneath them featuring ebony wood hardware.
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GEORGE DUMITRU studiodumitru.com
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ynthia Davis is a person who wears many hats. In addition to her work as a decorative artist, she is the cofounder of the popular stencil brand Wallovers. She also teaches decorative painting both out of her home and at International Decorative Artist League conventions nationwide. So when it was time to collaborate with the architects at Studio Dumitru on new construction of her dream home, she had some definite ideas on what she needed in a home-based studio. Because the 700-sq.-ft. room was to function as an art studio, work space and classroom, she wanted it to have clearly defined areas for each activity. More importantly, she also needed to be sure that the storage was handled in a practical way. “The space was very open, so we didn’t use a lot of it for storage. There was actually another area that we used in the house for that,” Cynthia explained. “So all of the walls had floor-to -ceiling shelving. We also had a desk custom-built with long yet narrow drawers, to hold samples as well as my stencils.” Many of the pieces in the studio were custom-made from repurposed materials. The light fixtures were transformed from items such as garden orbs. The red antiqued chest was refinished and used to hold art supplies. Even the production height tables were created specifically to handle different types of creative tasks. The accompanying stools were also salvaged from various antique stores, adding a much-needed hint of color. The resulting space has an industrial feel, save for one small detail: the colorful stuffed chair sitting in the back corner. “The chair in the corner is a very old antique chair that was just tired, and I was ready to almost get rid of it,” said Cynthia. “However, I covered it in fabrics that I brought back from a trip to Africa, and that really gave it a new life.” “Everyone who visits the studio usually says something about it before sitting in it,” Cynthia concluded with a smile.
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or many interior designers, helping their customers make a transition to a smaller living space can be challenging. That’s why the team at Stirling Design Associates was willing to think outside the box with one long-term client looking to make the change. “This is the third house that I have worked on for the client,” explained Julianne Stirling, owner of Stirling Design Associates. “Each time, we went from a larger home to a smaller one. However, she didn’t really like to use the word ‘downsize’ to describe her latest move. Instead, we made ‘resizing’ the main goal in completing this project.” Taking this approach meant that the team got to reshape and repurpose many of the client’s most beloved possessions to fit into the reduced dimensions of the historic Sears Model Home to which she was relocating. “We really had fun with it,” said Julianne with a laugh. “For example, the marvelous painting in her dining area was at one time in her living
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room. It was a very good painting…so we knew we couldn’t cut it. Instead, we went to a fine art gallery to have it rolled on each end to fit on the wall. It turned out beautifully, and she can definitely display it again in a larger room if she wants.” In addition to the resized painting, Julianne’s team created a custom dining room table that is an almost exact replica of the client’s favorite oval end table. They even brought in handcrafted curtains, as well as a beautifully designed rug that was actually constructed from two separate rugs, to give the space a more homespun feel. Perhaps one of the most surprising additions to the home is the black bookcase from IKEA that sits along the back wall of the living room. Not only does it provide additional storage for the client, but it serves as a great place to display her decorative china. The end result? A place that fits the client’s needs and doesn’t sacrifice her connection to the pieces she adores.
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ecorating bedrooms can sometimes pose tests for many interior designers--especially bedrooms that have unusual features like a round sitting room. So when Robin McGarry’s interior design team was approached to design two memorable bedrooms as part of new construction, she knew she had to think creatively. “I had worked with the clients on previous projects over the last three years,” explained McGarry. “They are a couple with three daughters… two in college and one on the way.” In the master bedroom, the couple wanted to turn a connected sitting room into a comfortable spot to relax and read, separate from the actual sleeping space. In the daughter’s bedroom, they wanted a space befitting a young woman with a passion for purple. To facilitate the sitting room’s transformation, Robin partnered with Classic Upholstery to custom-create the sofa and ottoman that perfectly fit underneath the beautiful Tudor-style windows. Completing the look, Robin added a comfy Loro Piana throw and a shagreen tray that is perfect for holding both snacks and a juicy novel. Just beyond the sitting room lies a beautiful custom chaise lounge sofa (made again with the assistance of Classic Upholstery) that overlooks the pool outside. The chaise also offers a perfect view of the bed and fireplace with the television hanging above the mantle. Finally, the installation of Corbett overhead light fixtures maintains the room’s peaceful ambiance. Although Robin chose subdued tones inspired by the client’s personal art in the master suite, 36
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the daughter’s room is filled with rich purple and yellow tones to create a fun and upbeat space. The nook was refashioned into a sitting area to entertain her friends. Wallpaper by Jonathan Adler adds a pop of silver color to the walls, while a rich gold table from Arteriors provides the right touch of casual elegance.
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Pollinator Gardens Story by Eva Chiamulera
Agastache ‘Black Adder’ with monarch butterflies
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Outdoor Spaces
bird and butterfly garden
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here is nothing more rewarding for a landscape designer than to see your gardens appreciated not only by your clients but also by the creatures that inhabit them. Having designed landscapes throughout the East Coast for more 15 years, I can recall when it was not uncommon to be in gardens filled with butterflies—whether a late-spring gathering of yellow-and-black-winged swallowtail butterflies in Vermont, or the fall migration of the orange-winged monarchs during their great fall migration on the banks of the Potomac. It was always a site to behold as they fluttered between the blossoms. Lately, however, these scenes have become few and far between. The monarch butterfly may soon be on the endangered species list, and the declining population of honeybees may seriously impact our food supply. Although the European honeybee and monarch butterflies receive the most press, thousands of other pollinators that are equally important have begun to decline as their habitat vanishes from the landscape. These include native bee species, wasps, moths, flies and beetles that not only play a role in helping our local ecosystems to thrive, but also in vegetable and fruit production. - along with their more well know counterparts, many of these species have begun to decline as their habitat vanishes from the landscape. As the nation looks towards preserving its declining pollinator populations, we must consider incorporating pollinator-attracting plants into our residential landscape. The concept of a bird and butterfly garden is not new to landscape design; however, a pollinator garden goes beyond that, as it encompasses plants that attract a greater variety of invertebrates, including native bumble bees, moths, skippers
and many others. There are several key features to consider when creating your pollinator-friendly space: select a variety of bloom types, incorporating both bottlebrush and composite daisy-shaped flowers, provide a water source or puddling area; consider the lifecycle of your desired pollinators; provide nectar and pollen sources for adults and host plants for caterpillars; create a safe habitat free of chemicals; and wait until the spring to cut back your perennials and grasses to allow overwintering areas for the insects. An effective and aesthetically pleasing design method is to create color blocks of one type of plant, typically covering several square feet of garden to make the destination more obvious to the pollinators, and then alternate the groups with other plants that bloom at different times in the season. This will keep them coming back throughout the season. When selecting your color scheme, note that butterflies and hummingbirds are attracted to bright colors such as reds, oranges, yellows, pinks and purples, whereas bees prefer shades of blue, purple, white and yellow. Below are several examples of great garden plants that can be easily incorporated into your landscape to attract our native pollinators.
Agastache foeniculum (anise hyssop): These long-blooming perennials start in early summer and continue well into fall. Their licorice licorice scented foliage and bottle-brush-shaped blue and purple flowers provide nectar that attracts bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. Asclepias incarnata (swamp milkweed): This early-summer pink East Coast Home + Design
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Caryopteris ‘Longwood Blue’ with monarch butterfly
flowering native perennial not only attracts bees but is the preferred caterpillar host plant of monarchs. Its fluffy, white seed pods add interest to the fall landscape as well.
Cephalanthus occidentalis (buttonbush): This underutilized shrub not only has unique pom-pom-shaped fragrant flowers that are attractive in mid-summer to bees and butterflies, but it is also a host plant for moths and butterflies. The recent introduction of the ‘Sugar Shack’ variety has tamed its size for the residential landscape. Clethra alnifolia (summersweet): The fragrant, white, bottlebrushshaped, late-summer blooms of this native shrub attract butterflies and hummingbirds, and mix well in any perennial or shrub border. Its fall foliage is bright yellow. Echinacea purpurea (purple coneflower): Daisy-like flowers in shades of purplish pink and white attract a wide variety of bees and other pollinators in the mid-late summer months, and provide a food source for songbirds in the winter months. Eupatorium (joe-pye weed): The mauve pink flowers of this perennial attract butterflies and bees. Its larger varieties hold their own against large ornamental grasses and shrubs, while the smaller one fits perfectly into any cutting garden. Itea virginica (sweetspire): This is a great shrub for the mixed border. Its early-summer blooms attract a variety of bees; its purple and red fall colors make it a great alternative to the once-popular burning bush. 40
Echinacea purpurea ‘Magnus’ with giant swallowtail butterfly
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Echinacea Purpurea Magnus with Red Admiral Butterfly
Liatris (blazing star):Grown from corms, these purple and white, bottlebrush-shaped flowers bloom in mid-late summer and attract a wide variety of butterflies and bees. Monarda fistulosa (bee balm or wild bergamot): This prolific midsummer blooming perennial, available in shades of pink, red and purple, is particularly attractive to butterflies, moths, bumble bees and hummingbirds. Nepeta faassenii (catmint): A prolific bloomer from late spring to frost, this is perhaps one of the longest blooming perennials. Its purple flowers attract pollinators of all shapes and sizes, making it a must in any border. Rudbeckia fulgida (black-eyed Susan): The golden yellow composite perennial flowers attract bees and butterflies throughout the summer, and their seedheads provide a food source for songbirds in the winter.
These attractive examples are just of few of the many plants suitable for a pollinator garden. Consider incorporating them into your gardens, whether on a grand scale in large drifts to brighten up a fence line or hedgerow, or in a more intimate setting as a pop of color in your foundation or cutting garden beds. It’s not only important to preserve our wild and naturalized spaces to provide food and habitat for pollinators, but also to begin incorporating plants into our residential gardens that will help sustain these critical species for years to come. Resource Eva Chiamulera, ASLA, PLA Austin Ganim Landscape Design, LLC 320 Kings Highway Cutoff Fairfield, CT 06824 203.333.2003 AustinGanimLandscapeDesign.com East Coast Home + Design
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EAST COAST HOME + DESIGN
March/ April Interior Designer Gilles Clement designs a chic, sophisticated pied-à -terre on the Upper East Side. Wadia Associates creates a casual yet elegant country farmhouse in New Canaan. Interior Designer Donna Benedetto’s talent shines in a waterfront home in Stamford with a distinct French Flair.
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Custom furniture and Silk Moire wallpaper imported from Milan give the living room space a modern touch. Opposite: In the foyer, a prominently displayed lacquered chest of drawers was custom-made by The House of Clement.
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POP LIFE The House of Clement creates an opulent, high-art hideaway on New York City’s Upper East Side. Story by Jennifer Jackson-Outlaw | Photography by Jane Beiles
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eering at the outside of the grand apartment building nestled in Manhattan’s Upper East Side, one can comfortably expect all of the apartment homes that lie within to be designed in a traditional fashion. And yet looks can be deceiving. “When client’s look to hire a designer, they should remember that eclecticism and originality should always prevail in an interior space.
The inside does not need in any way to match the outside architecture” explained Gilles Clement, owner of the House of Clement, a full-service interior design firm. “Expectations are the worst enemies of creativity.” Such was the case when Gilles was approached by a couple in their late forties who were looking to transform their pre-war apartment with Art Deco influences into a home that reflected a more cosmopolitan lifestyle. The space was to serve as a secondary home that they would use for entertaining on the weekends, while one of their adult daugh-
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Two David Hollier paintings provide a playful pop-art contrast to the contemporary furniture .
ters lived there throughout the week. In planning out the project, the client had only two main concerns: First, they were looking for the completed apartment to be designed in such a way as to comfortably accommodate up to seven people and their various activities. Second, the wife specifically requested that navy blue be incorporated into the master bedroom, as this is one of her favorite colors. Aside from these requirements, Gilles was happily given complete control over the project’s direction.
Restarting from Scratch Gilles and his staff elected to completely gut the apartment in order to start from scratch. “Doing so allowed me to take better advantage of the space, create symmetry where needed, highlight architectural details and heighten functionality,” he said. “As with most of my projects, I love to break the rules in order to make a common space exceptional.” It was in these initial stages that Gilles ran into one of the venture’s most significant challenges: working within the limited hours as esEast Coast Home + Design
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“My influences and inspirations are multiple. But if I had to choose one in particular, I would say that fashion is definitely a huge influence throughout my designs.” tablished by the building’s owners. Further complicating matters was that any measurements had to include the buildings and elevators and deal with some of the materials, including the concrete walls and aluminum beams commonly built within the time period. Luckily, the House of Clement had established long-term relationships with its own construction support team to assist with what was certainly the most troubling part of the job. “I have my own team of electrician, curtain installer, general contractor, wallpaper hanger and plumber,” explained Gilles. “I always use the same talented and dependable professionals, as I know I can count on them to get the job done. These buildings will challenge even the most
experienced designer, but in the end the rewards are even greater!” Runway Meets Residence Once the initial reconstruction of the apartment was completed, Gilles’ team set out to create a flat that would befit the city that never sleeps. Because he was given carte blanche direction over the finished space, Gilles found himself drawing inspiration from his own unique signature style. “As with every artist, my influences and inspirations are multiple. But if I had to choose one in particular, I’d say that fashion has a huge influence on my designs. truly believe that a home is like a woman, and East Coast Home + Design
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Lighting plays a significant role throughout the project. Here, the brass curtains behind the bed are illuminated with LED strips, while above the statue hangs an elegant Murano milk-white light fixture.
it inspires me in the same way. I look at its shape and personality, and I dress it up in a way that transcends its beauty, grace and sex appeal.” Keeping with this strategy, he made sure that many of the furnishings he selected bore a glossy metallic finish. Gilles also used sensuous fabrics that paid homage to avant-garde designers such as Jean Paul Gaultier and Christian Lacroix. Throughout the home, the walls were adorned with silk moiré wallpaper imported from Milan. The foyer boasted a brass-infused metallic cowhide rug. In the master bedroom, the king-sized bed frame was covered with a tufted fabric. Lighting was also generously used to create a sumptuous atmosphere. In the living room, LED lighting was strategically placed under the steps to create cost-efficient lamination while making the space more inviting. LED strips were also used behind the brass curtains, leading to a Murano milk-white pendant hanging above the Buddha statue. Custom Creation Most of the items featured were specially made for the client’s home. Gilles is a big believer in handmade products because they ensure the high level of quality and provide unique choices for each client. Whenever possible, the pieces were created by the House of Clement itself.Along with his busy interior design business, Gilles also owns a 6,000-square-foot plant that manufactures specialty pieces for his customers. Among the exclusive creations exhibited in this home are the dining room banquette and the living room sectional. The design 50
team also crafted the lacquered chest with the brass molding that greets visitors in the foyer. Gilles commissioned a few pieces to be constructed outside of his factory as well. The special brass knobs securing the curtains in the master bedroom were made for the clients in the United States, as was the curtain hardware in the living room. While the wheeled black glass door separating the kitchen and dining room was constructed in Germany. Artful Finishes Perhaps one of the most striking features of the completed apartment was the inclusion of two paintings of Hunter S. Thompson and Grace Jones. The artist, who specializes in typographic art composed of quotes and phrases, is one of Gilles’ personal favorites. “The client had no artwork prior to the start of this project. So after we completed the design phase, I came back with some original artwork to propose to her,” Gilles explained. “I have been doing art consulting for a few years and I am opening an art gallery across my design store in late April 2015. So I have quite an interesting selection-especially--pop art and high-end street art. The artist who painted the two portraits in the living room is David Hollier. He is British and I absolutely love his work. The quality is mind-blowing.” The pieces, along with the carefully placed white statues in the master bedroom and living rooms, helped to solidify a space that was
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both totally modern yet timeless. And the clients were so thrilled with the final results that they’ve continued doing business with Gilles. “I did not know the clients prior to this project,” said Gilles. “They were sent to me by their good friends, whose Westport resident I had designed. But since the completion of this apartment, they have also hired me to do their Westport home--which, I must confess, remains the best compliment a designer can receive!” Resources Interior Designer Gilles Clement, Owner House of Clement 181 Main Street Westport, CT 06880 203.349.5300 Hocparis.com Featured Artist David Hollier 1533 Myrtle Ave Brooklyn, NY 11237 917.520.6589 Davidhollier.org Gilles’ love of pop art influences much of the design strategy throughout the apartment. Here, a serene statue of praying Buddha blends well with the brightly colored wallpaper and brass curtains.
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A CASUAL ELEGANCE Classic form meets family function when Wadia Associates creates a cozy space in the heart of New Canaan, CT. Story by Jennifer Jackson-Outlaw Photography by Jonathan Wallen
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A side view of the front door to the home, strategically put to the side as opposed to directly in front of the main walkway.
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A window box adds a whimsical touch to the stately design of the home.
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or many people looking to begin construction on a house, one of the most frustrating aspects is finding a design firm that understands your vision--that can turn even the most basic concepts into a place you would be proud to call home. So when a young couple looking to break ground on their dream home began their search for a team to work with,-they knew that they found the right partner in Dinyar Wadia, principal at Wadia Associates. “By that point, we’d gone to a few architectural firms to discuss the project,” the clients recalled. “Our first meeting with Dinyar lasted four hours and was very telling. We came with some rudimentary ideas, and he was able to translate them to what we were looking to achieve.” Although that first interaction may seem quite extensive, it actually serves as one of the hallmarks of the firm’s storied success. According to Dinyar, who was recently inducted into the prestigious New England Design Hall of Fame, constant communication with the home-
owners is the key to understanding their needs. “Our design process is to keep the client engaged and excited about the property throughout the process,” explained Dinyar. “We want to understand their lifestyle. What they do on Saturday mornings. How they like to relax.” “The details are very important. We even try to find out where they shop. Do you go to the A&P or do you go to Costco. Because if you shop at Costco, you must have a “Costco” closet, “Dinyar continued with a laugh. “Because you can’t shop at Costco and come back with two rolls of toilet paper. You come back with a mountain of it. “ A Balancing Act The client were looking to build a unique shingle-style house that combined traditional styling with modern efficiencies--one that honored the time period, late 1800s/early 1900s, without feeling outdated.More importantly, they wanted a home that felt open but had clearly defined, separate spaces within. East Coast Home + Design
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Many of the art pieces displayed in the home come from the client’s extensive private collection. Here, visitors are greeted by a statue of a women in a yoga sun pose.
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A custom-made knotted rule rug by J.D. Stanton pairs well with the muted tones of the formal living room.
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The kitchen was designed to be the center of the home. The stone-colored details combine well with the casual open layout to allow for relaxed entertaining.
“What he wanted could be described as being casually elegant,” Dinyar said. “A place where you can put up your feet in the family room, but which also has an element of formality in the living room and dining room.” To set the tone, Dinyar and project architect Robert Butcher designed the entrance to the home to the right of the steps leading up the driveway. Inside, the first floor was carefully laid out utilizing an enfilade strategy-bringing together several different rooms along a single axis. Because the wife was a gourmet cook, the design team decided to make the kitchen the center of the informal space. “The kitchen is off the family room and the breakfast room is set off the kitchen, so it made the spaces feel young and family-oriented,” Dinyar explained. “Meanwhile, we made the dining and living rooms the formal area.” In addition to the enfilade design, the rooms on the first floor were purposely created so that there were no doors separating them. Which allows visitors to be able to see from one end of the house to the other when they looked through. And because the different styles were joined along the same axis, the plan allowed for the effortless mix of formal and informal East Coast Home + Design
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According to Dinyar, the furniture was selected to contribute to the casual elegance theme. The comfortable couch invites visitors to put up their feet in front of the fireplace.
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The landscape architects at Devore Associates worked closely with the client to continue the theme of casual elegance outdoors.
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while adding the illusion of a cozy space. Defining Spaces To aid in the combining the diverging design concepts, Wadia Associates selected calm, neutral tones for the walls. Doing so not only added to the sense of formality, but gave the entire home a light and airy feel, a sensibility that would also be reflected in the screenedin porch located directly outside the breakfast room. Overlooking the pool outside, the screen mesh is fully retractable to allow the family to enjoy the warm summer breeze without the irritation of insects. Each room’s character were clearly defined through the use of art, furnishings and accessories. The intricate design of a custom-made wool rug gives an air of sophistication in the living room. In the breakfast dining area, the elegant zebrawood mantel that adorns the gas fireplace was handcrafted by the client himself. Because the couple are avid collectors, the team had a wealth of art pieces to choose from. For example, visitors to the home are greeted by a statue of a woman in a yoga pose. And over the aforementioned mantel is a painting that served as the inspiration for the room’s overall color arrangement. Perhaps one of the most stunning features defining the residence is the use of a single majestic staircase in the front of the home. The client originally wanted front and back stairwells, but Dinyar advised against the second set of steps. “Most of our clients who get a home of this size want a back staircase, but I tell them this idea is outdated. Historically, it was used for butlers and other servants so they wouldn’t interact with the rest of the family. This isn’t the way most people choose to live today.” The couple readily agreed to Wadia’s sugges-
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Four years after completion of the initial new construction, the client partnered again with Wadia Associates to construct both a pool and pool house for the family.
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tion, and the team constructed the stairwell connecting the floors with artfully designed bannister railings that visually formed different patterns as you climbed. Its best feature is that it gives an exceptional view of the entire first floor so you can appreciate the unique axis layout. Finishing Touches Creating this space was not without its challenges. The home was to be built on a location with an existing property that the client purchased as a temporary residence throughout the project. Because the setting had a sharp decline in the back of the property, the location had to be regraded to make it look natural. “We selected Diane Devore because her work and portfolio were beautiful,” the homeowner explained. “She really listened to us and was able to take the casual elegance concept to the outside area.” Ultimately, the clients were so pleased with the collective work of the design teams that they reconnected with them four years later when the family decided to install a pool in the backyard. “We originally weren’t sure we wanted a pool. But when we decided to do it a few years later, we were thrilled to work with Wadia Associates again. We truly found an architect who listened to us and guided us with a firm hand when needed.” And that vote of confidence, says Dinyar, is the best reward a designer can receive. “Designing a home is not just a matter of nuts and bolts--it is how the clients react when they come to the home. The more enthusiastic they are, the more they give to us in terms of input in return. So the completed home isn’t our tastes, but the clients’. In the end, it’s our job to make the space theirs in every way.” Resources Architect / Interior Designer Wadia Associates 134 Main Street, New Canaan, CT 06840 203.966.0048 Dinyar Wadia-Project Principal Robert Butcher-Project Lead Architect wadiaassociates.com Landscape Architect Devore Associates 2557 Burr Street, Fairfield, CT 06824 203.256.8950 Diane Devore-Project Principal devoreassoc.com
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Seaside Serenity Combining old and new elements in unforgettable ways in Stamford. Story by Lisa Gant | Photography by Neil Landino Styling by Ronny Carroll
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aintaining the delicate balance between antique and modern styles in a home is a challenge for any interior designer, but it is a feat that Donna Benedetto has clearly mastered. Her aesthetic seamlessly blends old and new elements with her own custom-designed pieces, resulting in a sophisticated, layered look. Benedetto’s clients had a special appreciation for this unique “mix not match” approach. Having seen her talents at work when she spent 18 months remodeling their office spaces to exude a sense of homelike comfort, Benedetto’s clients immediately became residential ones when they bought and remodeled their own home. Thus, she became, in her words, “The designer who came and never left.” The home itself has inherent appeal as a
Interior Designer Donna Benedetto
waterfront property, a feature that Benedetto highlights in beautifully subtle ways with every design choice she makes. In each room, silver, gray and icy blue tones contrast with warm browns, taupes and shades of white. Metallic, handpainted walls offer a touch of shimmer that plays off the natural light, while organic rugs create textural variety and further echo outside elements. In many cases, her restraint is every bit as effective as her bolder design statements. For example, the entire back of the home is made of glass and features a breathtaking view, which Benedetto brilliantly enhances with the use of simple, gauzy window treatments. The result is a series of serene spaces that emphasize the beauty of the outdoors, rather than competing against it. East Coast Home + Design
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The dining room is suited for entertaining, with a view of the water as the focal point, accented by sheer window treatments and a blend of unique furnishings.
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The intimate living room embraces Benedetto’s organic design aesthetic.
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At the same time, however, the home’s design presented its share of challenges for Benedetto throughout the design process. As a waterfront property, the home stretches up five floors with numerous angles; this layout, combined with its original Tuscan feel, caused the home to seem disjointed and awkward. Benedetto combated this issue with custom furniture designs and accessories that “brought the outside in,” creating the illusion that the house and the water are virtually connected. Furthermore, since this home was her clients’ personal residence rather than a vacation home, it was particularly important for each space to serve multiple purposes to maximize continuity and flow. The dining room area perfectly illustrates all the strengths of Benedetto’s design style. The vintage dining table was refinished with a gray custom lacquer and paired with delicate chairs and an antique chandelier imported from France. Sheer window treatments that can be opened and reclosed create an ethereal effect. The walls display a paint treatment designed by Benedetto, which contains a metallic strie that is reflective of the light that comes in; some areas seem to shimmer while others appear flatter, depending on how the light shines. The room is completed with an elegant, pale gray rug. Similarly, the feel of the lower-level family room makes it ideal for everyday use and casual entertaining. Throw pillows with exotic prints add pops of color throughout the space, and complement the otherwise neutral furniture pieces. Again, Benedetto brings together antique and new pieces in stunning ways, pairing customEast Coast Home + Design
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In designing the guest bedroom, Benedetto considered the clients’ older son, who visits often. As a result, the space has a distinctly masculine feel combined with softer, beachy undertones. made benches and upholstery with vintage artwork and accessories. The originally dark built-ins were painted white and put together with a faux bois wallpaper, giving the room a natural and organic feel. Lastly, Benedetto added a banded, organic rug with a large nail-head design to tie the space together. The wallpaper is clearly the standout feature of the guest bathroom, giving it a rich feel. In keeping with Benedetto’s signature style, the room boasts classic taste with modern updates, executed with the goal of maximizing the space. The floor was fashioned with traditional materials, including lagos blue marble for the border, and a combination of gray and carrara brown marble in the center. In contrast, Benedetto updated an otherwise classic vanity with a carrara marble top and nickel legs. A built-in medicine cabinet was transformed into an elegant mirror, keeping the space as open as possible. Everything needs a place, Benedetto says, and so she specifically plans how each part of the room will be used so that each space blends and doesn’t detract from the rest of the room. In designing the guest bedroom, Benedetto considered the clients’ older son, who visits often. As a result, the space has a distinctly mas-
culine feel combined with softer, beachy undertones. The shades of blue are deeper, bordering on navy, yet are mixed with the same silver and white hues found throughout the rest of the house. A gray-andwhite chevron rug complements soothing gray walls, while the right side of room features all water views. In keeping with Benedetto’s “old meets new” motif, the headboard is custom-built while the remaining furnishings are new, save for a gorgeous, vintage driftwood lamp that has been lacquered black and serves as a statement piece. A similar sense of simple elegance can be found in the sitting room area of the master bedroom. Here, the window treatments are handembroidered with a silver background and a mixture of cream and icy blue embroidery. The room’s focal point, however, is arguably the armoire, which is custom-made with fretwork detail that is carried over from the foyer. Not only do these charming details pull the home’s design together, but the armoire adds a sense of grandness and sophistication to the space on its own. Benedetto says her primary goal was for this area to be textural. “People think you always need color to create drama,” she says, “but it can also be done with really subtle elements. Those spaces can be more East Coast Home + Design
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A delicate-seating reading area and mirrored armoire serve as a focal point in the master bedroom.
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interesting, I think, than your more intense spaces.” The rest of master bedroom, in contrast, features a custom bed facing the water, complete with built-in shelves and an upholstered headboard. In this area of the bedroom, Benedetto utilized a limited color palette for accessories, focusing on white, gold and slate blue. The headboard and Euro pillows are similar shades of cream, while vintage pineapples and coral books add cohesiveness to the space. The idea here, says Benedetto, is one of “less versus more.” As with most of the chandeliers in the home, the two chandeliers in the bedroom were both imported from France. While there is a unique focus on limitation, this area shares commonality with the sitting area in that both spaces bring together different textures in creative ways. The fifth floor of the home, which is the top lookout floor, is Benedetto’s personal favorite. Her design is simple, allowing the water view on the left side of the room to command much of the attention. Unlike the remainder of the home, the wall color here is dark and moody, which brings out the blue in the water and establishes the space as a quiet place to relax. An organic, pale-gray sisal rug ties together with a Mongolian lamb ottoman, along with polished nickel sconces made from tree branches. The space also features a chocolate brown, reupholstered chaise lounge, one of the few pieces Benedetto’s clients brought with them into the home. The foyer sets the tone for the entire house. The room features a circle window that is off-center, so she designed a custom bench to fit the space. She also designed the breathtaking wallpaper, featuring a hand-painted, silver leaf metallic, chinoiserie background. The limestone floor was laid in a herringbone design, giving the room a drift78
wood and organic feel to balance out the formal wallpaper. A delicate shell chandelier adds an unexpected yet delightful hint of character. In short, the foyer combines all of the elements found within the rest of the house to create a glamorous yet natural effect. The main living area offers a final glimpse into the complexities of Benedetto’s design style. The fireplace features a custom screen with mirror surround, which reflects the water from outside. Clean and contemporary, it is formed with custom polished nickel and glass. A vintage Buddha made from carved wood with gold leaf details stands beside it. Outdoor and indoor, old and new, paired together in perfect harmony-- these are the choices that set Benedetto apart from other designers. These are the ways she has taken gorgeous pieces of antique furniture and breathed new life into them, time and time again. Perhaps it is fitting, then, that Donna Benedetto entered the world of interior design after selling antique treasures for years. Perhaps it was that appreciation for classic, timeless beauty that informs much of her success today. Resources Donna Benedetto Designs Donna Benedetto 20 Harvest Moon Road Easton, CT 06612 203.556.1705 donnabenedetto.com
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The fifth-floor lookout serves as a serene getaway with its blend of soothing browns and whites.
The lower-level family room includes a wall of built-ins to provide an additional storage option.
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Hidden Treasures
SORELLE GALLERY
April 2015 marks Sorelle Gallery’s first year in New Canaan, Connecticut. Its sister gallery in Albany, New York, continues to be a trusted art source for established collectors and first-time buyers alike. With more than 40 artists represented in their two locations, and 40 years’ combined employee experience, Sorelle Gallery is a diverse, knowledgeable and richly talented company. Sorelle Gallery New Canaan has been warmly received by the community and looks forward to an exciting year of artist lectures, local fundraising event participation and colorful monthly exhibitions. For viewers desiring more than a typical “sip and see” gallery experience, some exhibit openings will feature prominent Connecticut-based musicians, signature cocktails and creative hors d’oeuvres. Businesses benefit from Sorelle Gallery’s corporate services. Art instantly communicates a company’s personality and culture, bringing brands to life. Purchase, lease or lease-to-purchase pricing terms are all options for securing artwork. And Sorelle offers a competitive trade program for designers and architects. Sorelle’s art consultation service is great for art-seekers looking for that “personal touch” -- from the initial meeting through art installation. “Surrounding yourself with artwork is an enriching and intimate experience,” says Sorelle owner Sandy Pelletier. “Let’s discuss your creative vision, establish your spectrum of taste and collaborate to find the ‘perfect art fit’ for your home.” Sorelle Gallery Fine Art Stuyvesant Plaza 1475 Western Avenue, Albany, NY 12203 518.482.2000 84 Main Street, New Canaan, CT 06840 203.920.1900 sorellegallery.com
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