East Coast Home + Design by East Coast Home Publishing

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COAST

HOME+DESIGN CONNECTICUT | NEW JERSEY | NEW YORK

2016 AMAZING TRANSFORMATIONS ISSUE

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EAST

COAST

HOME+DESIGN AMAZING TRANSFORMATIONS 2016

ISSUE 81

FEATURES

Amazing Architecture

Idyllic Interiors

Cooking Kitchens

Luxurious Landscapes

Grandberg & Associates Rosen Kelly Conway AM Architects JBMP Architects

Valerie Grant Interiors Linda Ruderman Interiors Romeo + Baglio Designs B Fein Interiors Lisa Stretton Art Design Lara Michelle Beautiful Interiors Keri McKay Interiors ACK Designs

TR Building & Remodeling Studio Dearborn Heidi Piron Design and Cabinetry Klaffs Charles Hilton Architects

Austin Ganim Landscape Design Hoffman Landscapes

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Editors Letter Profile

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E A S T

C O A S T

HOME+DESIGN JULY/AUGUST May / Jjune 2016 2016

ISSUE ISSUE80 81

Editor-in-Chief Matthew J. Kolk mattkolk@me.com 203-820-1092 Managing Editor James Eagen Contributing Writers Tracy Dwyer, Lisa Gant, Susan Heller, Lollie Mathews, Jennifer Jackson-Outlaw, Sarah Robertaon, Kait Shea 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 Copy Editor Elena Serocki Graphic & Web Design East Coast Home Publishing

Publisher Shelley E. McCormick shelley_mccormick@yahoo.com 203-545-7091 Account Managers Lisa Dearborn Patrick Giddings Lollie Mathews Business Development Randi K. Lehrman, Esq. Marketing & Sales Advisor to the Gold Coast East Coast Home + Design 111 Forest Avenue, Fairfield, CT 06824 Fax: 203-286-1850

East East Coast Coast Home Home ++ Design Design isis published published six six issues issues per per year. year. To To subscribe: subscribe: www.eastcoasthomepublishing.com; www.eastcoasthomepublishing.com; SubSubscriptions: scriptions: one one year, year, $28; $28; two two years, years, $50. $50. Back Back issues issues can can be be purchased purchased at at www.eastcoasthomepublishing.com. www.eastcoasthomepublishing.com. For For editorial editorial inquiries: inquiries: Editor, Editor, East East Coast Coast Home Home ++ Design, Design, 111 111 Forest Forest Avenue, Avenue, Fairfield, Fairfield, CT CT 06824 06824 or or e-mail: e-mail: mattkolk@ mattkolk@ me.com. me.com. For For advertising advertising inquiries: inquiries: Please Please call call Shelley Shelley McCormick McCormick at at 203-545-7091. 203-545-7091. Reproduction Reproduction whole whole or or inin part part withwithout out permission permission isis prohibited. prohibited. All All projects projects described described inin this this publication publication are are for for private, private, noncommercial noncommercial use use only. only. No No rights rights for for commercial commercial use use or or exploitation exploitation are are given given or or implied. implied. The The opinions opinions expressed expressed by by writers writers for for articles articles published published by by East East Coast Coast Home Home ++ Design Design are are not not necessarily necessarily those those of of the the magazine. magazine.

EAST COAST HOME PUBLISHING 111 FOREST AVENUE FAIRFIELD, CT 06824 EASTCOASTHOMEPUBLISHING.COM

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EDITOR’S LETTER

I always enjoy this issue. We have been doing our Annual Transformations issue for nine years now and each one is a study into the minds of the creators of these great projects. Having the ability to pick and choose each project is half of the fun. Typically, in our publication, you only get to see the after, not the before, and I really enjoy hearing from the reader of how a transformation is “clever” or more importantly, “inspirational”. That’s the other half of the fun. We have quite a few new faces in this issue, which we are quite thankful for. With our recent expansion into the New Jersey market, we have gained the ability to show great design throughout the Tri-State Region. Design Transcends Borders. The reception to East Coast home + Design has been fantastic. I feel very positive that this is a wonderful benefit to you as the reader by being exposed to a greater range of styles as well as our trade partners by allowing them greater exposure to their design. We hope that you enjoy the rest of your summer, are spending precious time with family and friends and are ogling over the never seen before projects that our partners have shared with you. I hope you enjoy this issue as much as we have putting it together for you. Best, Matthew Kolk Editor-in-Chief mattkolk@me.com

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GRANDBERG & ASSOCIATES

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Astonishing

ARCHITECTURE Architecture.indd 13

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t was the opportunity to reconnect with grandchildren that led to this stunning transformation of a classic English-style home. The clients were looking to expand their 4,000-square-foot primary residence built in the 1920s to include an indoor pool as well as a sculpture studio for the wife. Wanting to maintain the integrity of their home’s exteriors, the couple reached out to the team at Grandberg & Associates for help.

“The challenge was to make sure the materials seamlessly blended in so it isn’t obvious that it is new construction,” explains firm president Ira Grandberg. “So we were careful to follow the home’s original footprint so that everything came together.”

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The team meticulously chose items such as hand-planed wooden beams and stone that would perfectly pair with the existing structure. They then got to work creating a space for the indoor lap pool and Jacuzzi, being careful to install a separate HVAC unit for the home’s new aquatic area. The new addition also included a new Family Room for casual entertaining styled with transitional mid-century furnishings that the client wished to incorporate. Because they wanted the pool to appear connected to the beautiful landscape outdoors, the team installed large windows to offer stunning views of the garden. A separate section was also built for the Jacuzzi users, giving them a chance to peer into an outdoor sculpture garden created by the wife. “She is a very talented sculptress,” says Ira, “so we wanted to provide her a place to showcase some of her work.” 16

Ira’s team also built a complete sculpture studio in the basement so the client would have a private space to work. As per her wishes, he added an expanded workspace area along with extra storage for supplies—and even included red accessories such as stools and chairs to provide the perfect pop of color to spur creativity. ARCHITECT Ira Grandberg Grandberg & Associates 117 Main Street Mt Kisco, NY 10549 914.242.0033 grandbergassociates.com

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ROSEN KELLY CONWAY ARCHITECTS

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t was the chance to blend classic style with modern sensibilities that served as the catalyst of this amazing transformation by Rosen Kelly Conway. The clients, an active couple based in New York City with grown children, were renovating a quaint beach cottage in the nearby town of Sea Girt, NJ. They were looking to create a space that had a hip yet timeless vibe—one that would be perfect for a weekend getaway or summertime fun.

The original home was a stucco and clapboard Dutch colonial. The family wanted to keep the exterior’s vintage feel while expanding the cottage’s footprint to include a larger kitchen, a mudroom and a new master suite. To meet this need, the design team created a floor plan featuring a two-story addition and more open space between the rooms. Among the many changes was the removal of a wall separating the kitchen and dining room, adding a new breakfast bar in the process. Above the mudroom, the team created a stairway that wound up to the new third level. The new master bedroom was designed with three large windows that offer a beautiful panoramic view of the idyllic beach town.

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The firm had worked with the homeowners on a previous project, so the team was familiar with their design tastes. Therefore, they kept all of the cabinetry, walls and trim a crisp white, while using cool tones of blue among the stone counters, rugs and tile backsplash for pops of color. They also installed details such nickel hardware throughout, giving the space a more luxurious feel. ARCHITECT Rosen Kelly Conway Architects 16 Maple Street Summit, NJ 07901 908.273.6565 rosengroup.com

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AM ARCHITECTS

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Photos

elcoming a new child into a home can be a difficult time for any family— especially when the home is already a tight fit in terms of available space.

But renovating a home with a new baby in tow doesn’t have to be a challenge. All it takes is a little planning and the experts at Anthony Minichetti Architects to get things started. “The clients contacted me not long after the birth of their third child,” explains Anthony Minichetti. “They needed more space for their growing family. They also needed a larger garage, all while keeping it the same scale and design as the rest of the neighborhood.” Anthony’s team got to work expanding the home’s footprint to nearly double its original size. They elected to keep the traditional stucco finish, as he updated the copper gutters and snow guard. Meanwhile, the roof’s peaks

and drops were carefully designed to echo the other homes in the area. The windows on the exteriors were redone, changing the white frames to a darker tone more reminiscent of traditional Tudor homes. Finally, the garage was renovated, allowing the family to store their SUV as well as the children’s fun toys. The project took nine months to complete—just in time to provide a happy ending for the homeowners. ARCHITECT AM Architects Anthony Minichetti 777 North Street Greenwich, CT 06831 203.982.1922 amarchitectllc.com

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JONES BRYNE MARGEOTES PARTNERS

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t’s unusual to see a hurricane bring new life to an existing structure. And yet that’s just what happened with this incredible renovation project by Jones Byrne Margeotes

Partners.

The home, commonly referred to as the “Museum House,” was originally designed by architect Myron Goldfinger, known for his ultramodern luxury residences. The original owner intended the space to be a museum to display his extensive art collection. Unfortunately, the exterior was damaged in Hurricane Sandy, so the client was looking to update some of the building elements while making repairs. He turned to the team at Jones Byrne Margeotes Partners (JBMP) because of their extensive experience in restoring classic homes. In reviewing the project, JBMP was mainly concerned with honoring Goldfinger’s original work while fortifying the house against future weather-related events. The design team was also looking to make adjustments so that the home would be more than just a place to display art—they wanted it to also be practical as a primary residence for a young family. The team got to work updating the exteriors, replacing the worn wood siding with more durable stucco. They changed the metal windows to sliding wood units on the water side of the

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shi for len ext Sco to you ah tha roo to rar Lu des int We lead Ho for wh you ery tha Mi the I th how tio tra

home,by andLisa also Gant replaced the wooden barrel roof siding Story with a sturdier lead copper material. Finally, a stone exterior fireplace was installed to extend the living space, providing the family with a fun area to entertain friends and family just steps away from the water. ARCHITECT Jones Byrne Margeotes Partners 1786 Bedford Street Stamford, CT 06905 203.531.1588 jbmparch.com BUILDER Gatehouse Partners 11 Henry Street Greenwich, CT 06830 203.532.9486 gatehousepartners.com

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Front In Ourdoor the of FieB

shingle style facades on these projects because people want that comfort exterior that feels like home. But as architects, how are we challenging ourselves to translate the most more modern interior to a different particularly during the first few ne of the challenging conditions in any provide adequate water to the plants,Resources exterior, whatever that landscape is? is shade, it can be caused by several fac- years while their root systems establish, even drought tolerant or xeriScott Hobbs: People tors looksuch at modern housestrees andand think, it’s going to become established enough as large canopy adjacent build- scape plants will need sufficient water Hammered in Time elcome It’sstruggling atrue. new Ifyear to andsurvive in that it’s months a new start. Isn’t itDewitt great? time autilizdigit thevein, dry hot of late summer. We Every recommend the but lawnthat in to this area is Aaron to leak like a sieve, thisings; is a typically nightmare, is2016! no longer changes on the calendar, we all get to start fresh! I can feel it in the air. I feel that this is going to to provide water directly be to thrivedesigning or in some hasload, become barehave soil ing either drip irrigation or soaker hoses 203.343.2224 you’re in New England,toyou’re forcases a snow and you a year of growth, a year of personal challenge. A year of change and a year of excellence. decomposed leaf compost, it and the plantings are leggy sparse. We desire hammeredintime.com a heck of a flat roof, you’ve also got a heck of anand infrastructure there the root zone. If there is not a natural need notWhereas, be empty ifvoids yard, may be necessary to top dress the desired planting areas with a thin thatmore you from don’tthese need areas, most they of the time. youwithin have athe pitched around. Take a second of your up day and look around at how we are becoming simplistic in our lives. tomore alter the Furniture topography more with careful plant Look selection these beout brightened Industrial Revival Company roof,instead you can shed the load, distribute it. Sospaces as thecan products continue layer of compost, being cautious not Speaking with my cohorts, the revaluation of our lives is complete. We, as a society have become more simplistic of Hawker any changes adjacent to the with color and are capable of being transformed into a contempovisual focal than a few inches, which staying clear Justin to develop perhaps we’ll seeinmore of a shift toward more our destination; needs. We have shed, for a transition lack of a better word: on possessing fewer items, but trunk rootstuff flare,and so have as toconcentrated not harm the trees. a pleasant path; a shady an interesting 203.395.8806 rarypoint; and modern structures. personally significant items. fromVita: a woodlands the possibilities endless. Lucien We areedge; pleased to find thatareclients who love modern Color in the garden comes not only fromDesigns flowers but also foliage, Cynthia design are feeling emboldened by the growing trend modern It is truly planting a challenge to thetoward shelter community. It isand no longer about sheer volume of possessions, theflowers meanbranches. Plantings in Cynthia shadier spots oftenbut have The first step towards a successful is assessing the space to stems Davis interiors, and inpossessions fact are looking forthey a fully modern exterior as well. ing of those and how influence our daily lives. You can see it in the pages of our magazine. One great item instead of of blue, purple and pink, five the determine the amount of sunlight, understanding whether the space that bloom in white or pastel shades 203.268.8928 We non-important believe that theitems. acceptance of was our the passion for modern interiors is Because we want to live in smaller spaces, more responsibly. Storage, catch phrase of 2015. Why? from a few days to several weeks; receives partial sun, partial shade, full shade or deep shade is critical floral display can last for anywhere cynthiadesigns.com leading to a growing confidence and acceptance of modern exteriors. to preventing the plants from becoming misshapen by stretching for however individuals seeking bolder colors or four seasons of interest Howard People want energy houses, they don’t Isunlight, lookLathrop: forward working with partners in 2016 to showcase individual innovations and showcase their talents our audience. examine the possibilities ofWallovers perennials withtounique foliage, or leafto scorch caused bymy tooefficient much sun. A landscape thatask re-theirshould for Starting contemporary or colonial, they want them energy efficient. So this February, we have partnered with Sorelle Galleries in New Canaan to create vignettes with our Interior Designers to showcase patterns, two tones and seaceives four to six hours of direct sunlight each day during the growing from interesting textures, to variegated Rena Paris their Each what vignette will in upcoming issues of ECH+D. when youtalents. go through it takes to featured make anshade, energy efficient house, sonal variations. Selections can be 203.268.8928 mono-chromatic, integrate comseason is considered partial sun be or partial additionally spaces youwith end large up with a contemporary vernacular on the outside and ev- plementary colors, or contrasting colors and textures to create visually canopy trees referred to as having dappled or filtered light wallovers.com SECRET LOVERS In March Issue, weshade will our annual and Architects Roundtable.” This is my themes personalsuch favorite event. lively eryone wants contemporary onbe thefocusing inside, so I think it’sto“Builders technology dynamic spaces. Mono-chromatic as silver andA white are the partial shade. Full areas receiveon between two four hours Secret Lovers isofcharacterized by beautiful, artistic discussion on the state the industry. that’s driving a lot of this. of directmosaic sunlight each day andsilk deep shadeAnisoriginal less than two hours of gardens, can help to brighten a spaceBrooks with Custom their lightly colored foliage and precious velvet. element Michael go the opposite say I from don’tother thinkprodthe trend is and flowers, these appear to sparkleRichard as if litBrooks by moonlight. High condirectBlack: sunlight. that I’ll distinguishes Secretand Lovers With a newwe’re digit in the calendar comes athink new focus. I hope ayou look forward to ourcombinations focus, it’s going to be15fun! there. I think ourselves weof we’regolden seeing trend. trast foliage integrates bright Kensicocolors Drive such as chartreuse ucts in fooling the market is the if use platinum ROBERT JAMES or white with dark purples, burgundies or blues; impact is made The we’re nextleaf step is determine the availably of water. Landscapes featuring Mount Kisco, NYthe 10549 I think talking themosaic difference between style and form. It’s about artistic (from Sicis Murano Collection), I love when hardware becomes focal pointinclude of the design. Even simple shapes and finishes Today’s pantry the accessories covering the back of each of the two chairs. by using individual plants as accents or groups of plants to create trees can provide unique challenges although we ap800.244.5432 howmajestic we use mature spaces, the trend is coming with the Millennial generatake on a life ofconvenient their own when used in interesting pull-out shelves, racks scale and and combined with unexpected materials. Before Kolk sicis.com drifts of color noticeable from a distance. preciate the Contacessi cool shade these canopies provide in the heat of summer, brookscustom.com tionMatthew and going to explode and change everything. Forget about Artistthat’s Julia bins for placing cans and other foods Chuck Hilton Editor-in-Chief it can becontemporary, difficult to getit’s plants to to grow, the tree’s densehouse. root system BeforeBrooks Custom traditional, going change the entire We’re within easy reach. mattkolk@me.com often out competes grass and other plants for water. It is important to To be a successful shade garden is to understand that it is time to

EDITOR’S LETTER

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Idyllic Interiors

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VALERIE GRANT INTERIORS

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esigning a memorable space doesn’t always require an overdependence on bold designs and vibrant hues. For Valerie Grant, owner of Valerie Grant Interiors, it’s often the modest approach that makes the most impact.

“My design aesthetic is clean, understated modern design with a traditional foundation,” Valerie explains. “So I look to designers like Steven Gambrel, Victoria Hagan, Vicente Wolf and Jean-Louis Deniot for inspiration.”

That design philosophy was on full display with an astonishing spec house project she recently completed for a family looking to transform the model home into something that felt a little more personal. The clients, a couple with two young children, intended to downsize into a smaller home. After seeing the design of Valerie’s own residence, they decided they wanted something similar for their place—mainly a layout that was both simple yet sophisticated, without a lot of effort. The clients were completely trusting and gave me free and complete control to transform their space,” says Grant.

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Many of her favorite influences can be clearly seen throughout the home. Fans of Deniot, for example, will recognize a nod to his love of architectural design within the family room—especially with the clean lines and French-inspired patterns on the chair’s upholstery. Meanwhile, the mixing of modern furnishing colors within the living room offers a similar feel to the works of both Hagan and Wolf. Perhaps one of the biggest improvements was changing the color of the walls, many of which had been painted a sunny yellow hue. To give the space a cleaner look, Val34

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Artistic Tile ARTISTICTILE.COM

Christopher Spitzmiller pair of wide zig zag lamps in marigold christopherspitzmiller.com “Yellow is the most luminous of all colors in the with purchases and shipping, and can even suggest accommodations, spectrum, in almost every culture it represents if needed. sunshine,happiness, and warmth”

We arrive at Antichita Trois, where I’m introduced to Alberto Anfodillo. Once again I’m whisked away—indeed, my feet barely touch the Gypset Travelof a somber palazzo. Of course, the ground ground!—to the interior assouline.com floor is reserved for acqua alta, and thus left vacant. We enter an elevator that is small even by European standards and are brought to the most spacious rooms of his magnificent palazzo. Alberto guides us through his treasure trove of antique paintings on reverse glass; a collection of lions (the symbol of Venice); ancient boxes, some as PUZZLE CHANDELIER beautifulbyonathe inside the outside; furniture; paintings; glass; and, Inspired house of as cards, our Puzzle Chandelier is made ofsheets course,ofchandeliers (this is Venice, all). I’ve always been fond of solid brass layered into after a dynamic composition. The clients wanted an open, free-flowing house that would take adThe Modernist warmed by the luminous of Architectural Venetian Murano chandeliers, now I’mup convinced that antique Design Baldwin forfeel Newisand Ravenna, Aurelia fromLathrop vantagebyofSara a dramatic waterside location onaThe a cove. Sellars metal. your Chandelier above circularoftable, like is theHang way to go.isPuzzle Delft Collection a modern American interpretation a cenArchitects and Landscape Architects were fortunate to colourArtemis Nixon, or in a here fabulous turies old familiar craft, . Shown is a foyer. hand cut jewel glass laborate on this classic modern home. jonathanadler.com David Rachtian a Venetian partialMica, Persian descentWhite on hisand father’s mosia inisLapis, Lazuli,ofthem Lolite, Absolute erie’s shown team decided to update to an off-white finish. Doing so side. Spinel. At his shop we find antique Persian rugs from Tabriz, Kashan, Blue not onlyHoward helped lighten also offered the enduring look While Lathropthe ofrooms Sellarsbut Lathrop provided the overall deIsfahan and China, around which one could easily build a room. This jamieshop.com that couple for wasthe seeking. helped provide a sense of sign the direction housePlus, and the thecolor site, Ibiza he knew it was important Collection thoughtfully arranged and packed antique storeLounge also features glassuniformity home. from Artemis, to bring in within Tara M.the Vincenta a firm known for its exrestorationhardware.com ware, silverware, jewelry and important, sought-after Jewish pieces. pertise in coastal plants and sensitive ecological locations. Howard What catches my eye are paperweights from the 1950s, decorated The thrilled with the results—a timeless home that is says couple he and were Tara “worked collaboratively to meld the interior of the with mythological creatures. just as with welcoming to their kids as to their adult guests. house the exterior.”

D U N E

Orseola and Chiara walk me back to where the tour began, and I am “Hedgerows and stone walls work together to form the interplay of pleasantly surprised to find myself in familiar surroundings. Then I INTERIOR DESIGNER planes and solids that create the design aesthetic,” he says. The palrealize we have made a large circle, and they have given me a lesson Valerie ette ofGrant hardscape materials is limited to washed river rock, narrow in getting around Venice, too. Valerie Grant Interiors concrete pavers, Ipe wood deck tiles and native stone outcropping. 14 Friar Tuckwalls Circleare natural concrete matching the pavers. A native Retaining Leaving Venice is like parting with a lover; I daydream to linger a Summit, NJ runs 07901adjacent to the road and at the parking area. stone wall little longer before returning to reality. Visitors can at least can take 917.921.1916 comfort in bringing something back home—a beautiful lion, box, valeriegrantinteriors.com Tara provided a clean, simple landscape that fits the architecture and chandelier, a commissioned Luigi Bevilacqua fabric for that very spespectacular waterfront setting. As she explains, “Howard and I were cial upholstery and/or unique bag. Finds like these add sparkle to The Jenning Brutalist Ribbon was to be simple and architectural, in agreement that the landscape interiors and wardrobe, lifting one out of the sea of sameness. Table Lamp will dazzle thethe home, with the use of clipped particularly at the entrancein to modern home ivy withgroundcover, striking il- concrete plank walkways and verboxwood hedges, Venice is a bewitching city that I can’t wait to get back to as soon lumination, simple geometric nacular stone site walls.” as possible. It makes me yearn for more. And it makes me wonder, designs and bold metal done Scalamandre Spring 2016 fabric Where will The Antiques Diva takeIndoor/Outdoor me to travel and shop next? BIZET TABLE in a gold leafwas finish. One of the project goals to extend the direct coastal vegetation book. The colors Linda has selected are the stunning hand-wrought base is topped into following: the house,27056-002 allAzincdoor.com while becoming part of the shoreline. To achieve Surf, 27059-002 Surf, 27058-002 The Antiques Diva &with Co circular tempered glass. Distinctively Surf, 27067-003 scalamandre.com this the team used a varietySurf of ornamental grasses and perennials, Toma Clark Haines individual a range including echinacea, Russian sageand andsuitable joe-pye for weed to fill of in among up, I love these fabrics for settings. + 49 (0) 171 “Surf’s 386 2213 Before period andfresh contemporary the native shoreline vegetation and enhance the natural cove setting. remind me of the water” christopherguy.com antiquesdiva.com spring, theyZanzibar Ticking Woven Cotton Rug dashandalbert.annieselke.com

Front middle Small Architecture.indd Melange.indd Arts and Spaces.indd ofBook Antiques.indd book.indd Jan 19 2016.indd 29 15 9 Melange.indd Mel Interiors.indd -of Outdoor.indd 37 1733 13 35

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LINDA RUDERMAN INTERIORS

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A computer generated rendering of the space

new construction serves as the backdrop for an amazing transformation in the heart of the Long Island Sound. The homeowners, a young family with two children, were in the process of completing work on a “green” home when they realized they needed some help with the interior design work. Wanting to ensure that their home would be both comfortable yet environmentally sound, they turned to the experts at Linda Ruderman Interiors for guidance. “The family was building a home that met the strict guidelines of green design” explains interior designer Linda Ruderman. “So I worked closely with them to select items designed for sustainable living.” Doing so meant using natural materials such as banana leaf and hemp whenever possible. Linda’s team also worked closely with the builders and architects to make sure that all materials were either repurposed or disposed of in a sustainable fashion.

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Because the family enjoys entertaining guests, Linda’s team worked to ensure that the furnishings were sturdy enough to withstand the myriad functions the family regularly held. This meant introducing items like the oversize couch in the main family room, which was custom-built specifically for lounging. Carefully upholstered with indoor/outdoor fabrics, it provides the perfect setting for both kids and adults. INTERIOR DESIGNER Linda Ruderman Interiors 74 Greenwich Avenue Greenwich, CT 06830 203.552.9700 lindaruderman.com 40

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L 42

egendary singer Willie Nelson once famously said that there’s a freedom you begin to feel the closer you get to Austin, Texas. This sentiment is no doubt shared by one of Romeo + Baglio’s clients, who was looking to start over in the quirky southern town.

“My client was a newly divorced mom with two young boys,” explains the firm’s cofounder, Rebecca Baglio. “She was looking for a fresh start in Austin and was very excited.” The family’s previous home had been heavily decorated with bold designs and floral patterns. Thus, the client was determined to make her new space much simpler—with a Texas meets East Coast vibe. And after making the big move, the homeowner turned to the expertise of Romeo

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ROMEO + BAGLIO DESIGNS

+ Baglio Designs to make it happen. To mesh the two styles together, Rebecca along with her partner, Andrea Romeo, looked for pieces with clean lines and muted tones. The leather couches proved to be a great find, as they provided just the right touch of warmth and contrast to the living roomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s crisp white East Coast Home + Design

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walls. The Mongolian fur stools added a bit of whimsy to the room. Whenever possible, Rebecca and Andrea sought out items made with rustic materials as a nod to the home’s Texas roots. So when they found aged wood, they knew right away it would be perfect to build the shelving in the living room’s unique nook. They then added unique items such as moss and textured vases. Perhaps the biggest challenge in completing the project was the fact that most of the work was done at a location that was more than 1,700 miles away from the design team. “This project was unique because we did it remotely,” says Baglio. “We did most of the work via Skype, with us being present for the last two days for installation.” Despite the distance, everyone was able to come together to create a kid-friendly home that was surprisingly sophisticated—and just right for making new beginnings in the heart of the Lone Star State. Even Willie would be impressed. INTERIOR DESIGNER Romeo + Baglio Designs Rebecca Baglio Andrea Romeo 203.448.7669 516.297.4195 romeobaglio.com

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B FEIN INTERIORS

or many interior designers, the secret to creating an amazing transformation starts with helping clients find their unique voice.

“For me, my client’s tastes serve as the vocabulary for their home design,” explains Barbara Feinstein, owner of the acclaimed interior design firm B Fein Designs. “So I work closely with them to help them identify it.” To accomplish this, Feinstein normally guides her clients through a process of reviewing home design books and magazines and pictures of rooms they like. The objective is to remove any anxiety that often comes when making major design decisions. And, while a novice may find the initial process to be a bit daunting, the results—as seen with the three projects below—can be magic. Although all of the clients were families with young children in primary residences, each project has a different vibe, based on the customer’s vision.

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In the case of the girl’s bedroom, for example, the homeowner’s main focus was to design a space that would be just as enchanting to a sixyear-old as to a 16-year-old. To help facilitate a timeless setting, Barbara incorporated colorful floral designs into both the wallpaper and the custom chair. Because purple is one of the girl’s favorite colors, the designer made sure that it was prominently featured throughout the room. She even painted the ceiling the beloved hue. Color selection also played a major role in the family room project—but for entirely different reasons. The family had a labrador, so we had to make sure that the rug’s neutral color matched his fur,” Barbara recalls with a laugh. Believe it or not, the project took just about a day to carry out. To complete the room’s classic look, Barbara’s team brought in custom-made 48

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sofas and window treatments. The strategically placed art gave a muchneeded contrast in color while infusing the room with warmth. Muted tones were also a part of the third project, which prominently features changes for the homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dining room and library. Additions such as textured floor coverings and golden wall mirrors gave both rooms an elegant update, while carefully placed lighting and art helped provide a light and airy feeling. INTERIOR DESIGNER B Fein Interiors Barbara Feinstein 51 Greenacres Avenue Scarsdale, NY 10583 East Coast Home + Design

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LISA STRETTON ART DESIGN

verything was coming up roses in for one lucky client of Lisa Stretton Art Design as part of a recent room redesign. The client, a young girl who adores the color pink, had a chance to help design the room of her dreams featuring her beloved color.

Hues of pink are woven all throughout the room, using strategically placed accessories and kid-friendly window treatments. The ceiling, also painted pink, takes on an almost iridescent glow when illuminated by the elegant chandelier hanging below it. An abstract pink painting—custom created for the project by Lisa herself—is positioned above the young girl’s desk.

“This is part of an ongoing project we’re doing for a family of five,” explains artist and designer Lisa Stretton. “When it came time to redesign the daughter’s room, we wanted to make sure that her favorite color was an essential part of the space.”

To provide much-needed contrast, the design team painted the walls a soft gray color. They also used a neutral carpet that has flecks of gray and blue as accent colors. And above the tween’s bed are three additional paintings from Lisa’s personal collection.

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The project, once completed, created a fun and rosy space that the daughter can call her ownâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;-both now and in the future. INTERIOR DESIGNER Lisa Stretton Art Design Lisa Stretton Westport, Connecticut 203.331.2217 lisastrettonartdesign.com

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LARA MICHELLE BEAUTIFUL INTERIORS

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onventional wisdom states that people look to downsize when their children leave home. But this amazing transformation submitted by the team at Lara Michelle Beautiful Interiors was created by a couple taking the opposite approach. “It’s a trend I’m noticing more and more,” explains interior designer Lara Michelle. “Empty nesters actually decide to expand their home to encourage their children and eventual grandchildren to come back and spend time with them.” In this case, the clients had older children who had gone to college. Looking to make a dramatic change, the homeowners decided to nearly double the footprint of their home by adding a second story and a pool. They also chose to radically update the interior, moving from a traditional French country theme to something more modern. In the living room, the couple removed most of the floral print furnishings and replaced them with soft-gray sofas and chairs that were custom built. The coffee table was refinished and given a darker finish, while the custom rug bearing geometric shapes was brought in to give the space added depth.

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But perhaps the most stunning addition to the living room was the addition of the textured wallpaper from Zoffany. “The wallpaper is unique because it has crystal interwoven throughout, giving it a glittery finish,” says Lara with a smile. “The client loves it!” In the foyer, Lara’s team removed the paneling and refinished the floor to continue the contemporary theme. She then brought in an elegant golden console from Jonathan Adler, and completed the look with a geometric glass mirror and a custom rug from Carpet Trends. Photo credit: Chuan Bing. imagesbychuan.com INTERIOR DESIGNER Lara Michelle Beautiful Interiors Lara Michelle Westchester, New York 914.939.5777 laramichelle.com

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KERI MCKAY INTERIORS

nspiration for an amazing home décor project can be found in a variety of sources. But for interior designer Keri McKay, it always starts with one key source: her customers. “My inspirations are my clients,” explains Keri. “Understanding their lifestyle, aesthetic and how they live in their home sets the stage for every one of my designs.”

It was this philosophy that guided Keri as she recently helped a young newlywed couple with a beloved dog and a baby on the way. To better accommodate the needs of their growing family, the couple had begun renovating the family room, but weren’t sure how to make the area their own. “For them, the family room is their main living space,” says Keri. “They use it for reading, relaxing, watching television and even entertaining. It is also the gateway to both their backyard and kitchen. So they wanted to make it a contemporary space that is grown-up yet comfortable.” Although the couple love neutral tones, they wanted to find a way to infuse a pop of color into the room. Eventually, the design team found the answer in the form of a very unique art piece. “We found an amazing, large contemporary photograph mounted on acrylic that the client immediately fell in love with,” Keri explains. “This piece served as the inspiration for the rest of the room.” Taking cues from the photograph, the design team was able to pair the new soft-gray furnishings perfectly with the crisp blue pillows, window treatments and accessories. Keri also brought in a rustic wood coffee table and bone side table to give the room a more natural flair.

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Perhaps the projectâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biggest challenge, however, was how to handle the wall where the couple placed the television. Apparently, there was an offset that made the area appear separate from the rest of the room. To resolve this issue, Keri custom-built a set of floating shelves that wraps around the offset. Doing so not only creates a place to display some of the familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favorite photos and trinkets, it also serves as a console under the TV, which conceals an upholstered bench that can be pulled out for extra seating. INTERIOR DESIGNER Keri McKay Interiors Keri McKay Fairfield, Connecticut 203.414.0133 kerimckayinteriors.com

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ACK DESIGNS

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ooking for a way to stage your own amazing transformation? Sometimes all it takes to create a memorable space is stepping out of your comfort zone. That’s the lesson embraced by homeowners who recently completed a project with interior designer Angela Kosinski and the team at ACK Designs. “My clients had just moved from a traditional home to one that a contractor had built,” says Angela. “They ultimately loved the home but realized they wanted to change things up with the design.” To move away from more traditional styling, the couple opted for mostly neutral hues contrasted by blues and green tones reminiscent of the beach. These pops of color were usually added via accessories such as throw pillows or beloved mementos that sit on the custommade shelving. Because their children are older, the homeowners weren’t afraid to be playful with texture. So, whenever possible, they added unique pieces such as geometric wall mirrors and bold light fixtures to give a modern sense of drama to the home. East Coast Home + Design

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Perhaps the most unusual textured detail is the wallpapered ceiling in the dining room. Even though it’s a major design focus of the home, it was a tough sell for the homeowners in the beginning. I had already picked out the paper for the walls when I came across this piece,” Angela explains. “I thought there was no way we’d go for it, and they were understandably nervous because they were petrified of wallpaper.” Eventually, Angela was able to convince the clients to try installing it on the ceiling with the caveat that she would remove it if they were not satisfied. “But once they saw it, they were in love,” Angela recalls with a laugh. “Now it’s one of their favorite things.” INTERIOR DESIGNER ACK Designs Angela Kosinski 169 Grace Church Street Rye, NY 10580 914.420.5010 ackdesign.net

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Cooking Kitchens

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TR BUILDING & REMODELING

very designer knows that love can sometimes provide the spark needed for some truly amazing home projects. Such was the case for the clients of TR Building and Remodeling, who were inspired to renovate their kitchen after falling for a very special oven.

The customers, a work-at-home couple with a young teenage daughter, were looking to renovate their combination kitchen/laundry room into a space that could accommodate their busy lifestyle. And at the center of it all would be the two elegant, blue BlueStar ovens with French doors that they adored. “What was fun about this project was that these clients were nonconformist,” explains Todd Drury, one of TR’s principal owners. “They found this blue oven that they really wanted to add, so we used it as the basis for the color scheme.” Because the couple was willing to experiment with design, they decided to match the oven’s cornflower hues with that of kitchen’s range hood, marble countertops and mosaic backsplash. The result was an unexpected pop of color that gave surprising depth to the room’s bright white walls. The custom cabinetry was also bright white, with rich walnut drawers and a special drop-in sink for the island. Finally, white oak flooring was installed to complete the look. East Coast Home + Design

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To give the area some much-needed space, Drury’s team added a bump-out that extended the kitchen to 8 feet x 18 feet. They also removed a door separating the kitchen from the dining room to create an open feeling. Perhaps one of the project’s biggest challenges was providing sufficient light. The team added new light fixtures throughout, as well as a lovely English skylight in the kitchen. The family also wanted to preserve the antique bow window in the dining room to keep it from looking too modern. So Drury elected to give it a stained glass window frame and, for added character, put a different stained glass frame on the window over the sink. Finally, Drury updated the laundry room to include a multipurpose area that not only furnished extra storage, but also a place for completing crafts. The team even designated a location for a proper mudroom—something the house did not have prior to the renovation. INTERIOR DESIGNER TR Building & Remodeling 28 Vitti Street New Canaan, CT 06840 203.664.1303 trbuilt.com

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STUDIO DEARBORN

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n amazing kitchen transformation is not always defined by flashy appliances or bold designs, as clients of Studio Dearborn recently learned during a kitchen renovation project.

The homeowners, a dynamic couple with two teenaged boys, were looking to upgrade the kitchen in their classic Greenwich colonial. They had found the boutique specializing in kitchen and cabinetry through the company’s Houzz page, and were immediately drawn to the firm’s crisp designs. “They wanted a clean aesthetic that wasn’t ultra-contemporary,” explains Studio Dearborn’s lead designer, Sarah Robertson. “So we were looking for something that reflected their personal sense of understated luxury—casual, crisp and classic all rolled together” To bring the client’s distinct vision to life, Sarah worked to create a custom set of cabinets reminiscent of a classic linen outfit. Invoking the themes of summer, she stained their interiors driftwood gray, giving them a beachy feel. Hardware also played a major role in the room’s update. Sarah and her clients decided to mix Waterworks knobs and pulls on the base cabinets, with nicked Europa pulls on the wall units. Waterworks also created the rustic glazed brick backsplash.

enough to create a new space that was both minimalist yet elegant. KITCHEN DESIGN AND CABINETRY Sarah Robertson Studio Dearborn 914.915.2707 studiodearborn.com

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HEIDI PIRON DESIGN AND CABINETRY

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s an acclaimed designer with an eye for detail, Heidi Piron has worked her magic on a number of unique spaces. But even she was taken by surprise by a recent client’s request.

The project involved a dramatic kitchen expansion with the existing yellow walls and brown cabinets changed to a more modern all-white theme. And, while designing around the new dimensions of the room may seem the more challenging task, it was the color choice that initially vexed her. For a kitchen designer, the challenge is how to reinvent the classic all-white kitchen,” Heidi explains. “At first I mistook the client’s choice as a safe one. But she had something far edgier in mind, which inspired me to think big and be bold.” To achieve her client’s vision, Heidi’s team decided to essentially create two kitchens in one. The main area would be dedicated to food preparation and entertaining. Because Heidi believed this space would get the most use, she made sure appliances such as the Sub-Zero All Refrigerator and Wolf’s 60-inch Dual Fuel Range were located there. The “working center” also includes a fully stocked prep area with a microwave drawer and main sink nearby. The second kitchen area, nicknamed the “beverage center,” contains items that will not be used as frequently. Thus, Heidi placed things such as refrigerator drawers and cabinets for extra storage in this area. There is also a prep sink available to help keep the area tidy. Once the plans for the expanded footprint were in place, Heidi worked with the homeowners to implement their daring design strategy. To assist them, the clients hired Miles Redd, an interior designer known for his edgy use of color. 72

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To give the monochromatic kitchen some depth, the design team added elegant book-matched Calacatta marble countertops and white subway tile that stretches from floor to ceiling. Silver hardware and white oak flooring complete the modern look. KITCHEN DESIGN AND CABINETRY Heidi Piron Heidi Piron Design and Cabinetry 44 Maple St, Summit, NJ 07901 908.598.0035 heidipiron.com

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KLAFFS

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hat is the formula for an amazing kitchen transformation? As the team at Klaff’s discovered recently while completing a customer home renovation, it’s one part creativity paired with 90+ years of experience.

“The clients had been past customers of Klaff’s and were looking for a design professional who could help them resolve a space-plan problem,” explains general manager Nick Geragi. “They wanted to add more space and light to their kitchen. They wanted to bring the outside in, while using a more contemporary design theme.” The project was complicated due to the narrow width of the space. The kitchen itself was L-shaped and connected to both a pantry and a laundry 78

room. Due to this unusual shape, much of the existing space was consumed by the hallway that ran between the pantry and the laundry. Furthermore, the laundry room blocked access to sunlight. After consulting with the homeowners, the Klaff’s team decided to relocate the laundry area. Doing so not only opened up more space by eliminating the hallway, but also brought in some much-needed light. Once the layout expansion was completed, team members set to work on updating the kitchen itself. They installed a breakfast bar to improve seating options. They added cabinets with American Sycamore veneers and countertops made from recycled glass and concrete. And they upgraded the floors with porcelain wood-grain tile over radiant heat panels. Perhaps the most impressive change, however, was the addition of three cus-

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tom windows that provided a view of the lush landscapes just steps away. Nick also added a large glass wall to help bring the homeowners a sense of the outdoors. KITCHEN DESIGN AND CABINETRY Nick Geragi Klaffs Norwalk 203.866.1603 Danbury 203.792.3903 Scarsdale 914.740-1800 klaffs.com

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CHARLES HILTON ARCHITECTS Kitchens.indd 80

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hroughout his storied career, Charles Hilton has been able to create some truly memorable spaces for his clients. But he saved one of his most amazing transformations for this project, which was recently completed in his own home.

“When we first bought our home, we realized immediately that we wanted to work on the kitchen,” explains Charles from his office in Greenwich. “There were lots of chocolate brown and speckling things. The kitchen had a lot of cabinets and Formica countertops. Plus, it was a little too dark and narrow for us.”

KITCHEN DESIGN AND CABINETRY Charles Hilton Charles Hilton Architects 170 Mason Street Greenwich, CT 06830 203.489.3800 hiltonarchitects.com

Wanting to open up the kitchen to allow for more workspace, Charles fully gutted the room and began making dramatic changes. He mounted custom cabinets and countertops and installed all new appliances from Wolf, including a range. And a kitchen island with seating was added to allow for more prep space and storage. To bring in much-needed light, he added bell jar light fixtures as well as elegant French doors that offer a view of the pool just outside. He also made sure that the walls and cabinetry were a light cream color to brighten the space. One of the most unusual renovation details is a special section that was made to display Charles’s growing bottle-opener collection. To date, he has collected more than 60 bottle openers from his various travels.

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Luxurious Landscapes

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AUSTIN GANIM LANDSCAPE DESIGNS

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s avid gardeners, the owners of this recently constructed residence in the Fairfield Beach area wanted to transform their corner lot into a series of dynamic garden rooms. The plan was for the rooms to encompass the entire lot, creating spaces for entertaining while incorporating colorful floral displays and minimizing lawn areas. Changes to the building codes in the post-Sandy era have presented new landscape challenges for Gold Coast, CT, residents in designing outdoor spaces that can relate to the elevated living quarters. All too often, the new homes have maximized the available lot coverage before consideration has been given to integrating elevated decks or terraces to provide a transitional space at an elevation between the interior and ground level. Instead, these outdoor spaces must be created so they are visually stimulating both from within the space and when viewed from above. Through the use of interesting patterns in the hardscape and layered plantings with color blocks and textures, these garden rooms create a sense of place in neighborhoods where the recently elevated houses seem disconnected from the adjacent yards. The owners of this home understood the importance of street trees on their property in providing the shade canopy layer while also screening them from adjacent homes. To supplement the existing mature maples that had survived the house construction as well as storms Irene and Sandy, they implemented soil loosening and fertilization techniques to improve the health of the trees, 86

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while also planting new maple and cherry trees along their frontage where older trees had once been. These provide the backbone of this four-season landscape, where a combination of shrub plantings and picket fences were used to define the spaces. The series of spaces begins with the transformation of the entry sequence, where pavers replaced the gravel drive, which was repurposed into the side-yard walk. The basic bluestone walk was revitalized by the addition of an elevated deck with staggered bluestone planks with 88

planted joints. A combination of lacecap hydrangeas, laurels and ninebark defines the perimeter of the front-yard lawn area. A ribbon of lawn meanders through the side-yard gardens, leading to a set of interlocking circular patios and stepping-stone walks. The first incorporates a fireplace; the adjacent firebox transitions into an arced seat wall that curves into the perimeter of the adjacent dining patio. Dogwood trees and witch hazels provide a buffer from the neighborâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s adjacent decks and patios. The garden beds that surround the pa-

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tios incorporate an assortment of perennials that attract hummingbirds and butterflies, including native bee balms, Joe-Pye weeds, agastache, catmints and sages. Dwarf pines are set into the perennial layer to provide contrasting textures for winter interest. A hedge of fastigiate European hornbeams creates a screen for the second-story living quarters, while a combination of shade perennials and miniature lacecap hydrangeas offer color and textures at the base and edges of the recycled gravel path leading to the drive. LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT Austin Ganim Eva Chiamulera Austin Ganim Landscape Design 320 Kings Highway Cutoff Fairfield, CT 06824 203.333.2003 austinganimlandscapedesign.com

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HOFFMAN LANDSCAPES

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hen Fairfield homeowners approached Hoffman Landscapes of Wilton, CT with a lengthy To-Do list, at the very top was a request from the husband for an outdoor space where he could unwind after a long day at the office and an equally tiring commute. But this being a typical busy suburban family, there were also social gatherings to consider, whether hosting the Little League for an impromptu cookout or a cocktail party for friends. The homeowners wanted to use the space for as much of the year as possible so an outdoor fireplace was also on the wish list…along with an outdoor kitchen, expandable dining area, a seating area near the fireplace (with some sun protection) and of course, a TV. Hoffman Landscape Architect Brian Cossari had issues to accommodate beyond this wish list. With so many windows and doors lining the back of the house, the outdoor living areas had to adapt to these openings seamlessly. Next, was the challenge of regrading the property to support the new structures while installing drainage, electrical and gas lines underneath. Finally to screen out neighbors, ornamental trees were planted creating a soft, natural fence amidst the hardscape elements. One by one every design challenge was surmounted with clients checking the must-haves on their wish list. An inviting seating area with comfy sofas, a television built into the (nomess) gas fireplace and a pergola overhead with retractable screen created the perfect spot for the busy husband to relax after a long day. Multiple areas for dining were designed to seat varying groups of guests and the outdoor kitchen housed an enormous 60 inch gas grill, large enough to feed a crowd. “We even made the dog happy” said Cossari. “The homeowners’ large chocolate lab loves to run from the rear kitchen door to the outside. Cossari’s design solution was to place the outdoor kitchen ‘off access’ using a retaining wall in the outdoor kitchen to support the change in grade. Granite stairs were built next to this wall to provide convenient guest entry from the driveway.” East Coast Home + Design

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To soften the bluestone on the patio, as well as the fieldstone in the retaining walls and fireplace, soft shades of perennials – Nepeta, fountain grass, lavender, moonbeam coreopsis, liriope and coral bells are planted throughout. Spring flowering crabapple trees flank the fireplace, providing privacy and the ambiance of a “room” out of doors. Even with the addition of these multiple and infinitely accommodating entertainment areas, the beautiful open space of the backyard was preserved for active recreation and aesthetic enjoyment. LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT Hoffman Landscapes Wilton 203.834.9656 Greenwich 203.637.1131 Fairfield 203.254.0505 Litchfield 860.868.0103 Westchester 914.234.0304 hoffmanlandscapes.com

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Profile

CABANA-IN-A-BOX

The “Tiny House” trend is booming, and Westport, CT-based ELBAR Pool Houses is tapping into this rapidly growing market while continuing to revolutionize the pool house industry.

and ELBAR is a part of that storm. The shipping container construction method makes it possible for ELBAR to construct and deliver a completely finished pool house only four weeks after the order is placed.

ELBAR Pool Houses makes luxurious and fully-constructed and equipped pool houses out of steel shipping containers, which is very much in vogue in architectural circles. The ELBAR pool houses are environmentally friendly, energy efficient, and highly sustainable, yet they feature upscale finishes and custom features. These same characteristics are also standpoints of the “Tiny House” movement. Even better, the house can be built and delivered in just four weeks, and costs far less than stick-built construction.

The Corten steel shipping containers are transformed into ELBAR Pool Houses at ELBAR’s own construction site, and can be delivered practically anywhere in the world. This hassle-free system eliminates the mess of construction on your property, as well as the threat of cost overruns and missed deadlines. The price is $79,900, well below the cost of a comparable stickbuilt pool house.

The concept was born when ELBAR co-founder Barbara Rose wanted to build her own pool house and was surprised that the process was as timeconsuming and complex as building a 3,000 sq. ft home. The elements - architect, contractors, equipment, research - added up to months. She discovered the shipping container construction trend in Architectural Digest and realized she could transform this versatile box into a sumptuous poolside oasis. Architectural Digest says that shipping container construction has “taken the world by storm, metamorphosing into more than simple metal boxes,” 94

Each ELBAR Pool House features elegant cedar siding and oversized windows, porcelain tiling, a kitchen with handcrafted cabinetry and quartz countertops, LED lighting, double-burner stovetop, refrigerator, designer bathroom, Grohe kitchen and bath fixtures, indoor and outdoor shower, refrigerator with ice maker, and standard heating and air conditioning, creating a chic, refined outdoor living space. The customer needs to arrange for a foundation, electrical and plumbing, and Elbar can assist the buyer in those processes. More details are available at www.elbarpoolhouses.com

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Profile

For the Stamford community, though, the 125-year old buildings represent something more: they are symbols of compassionate care for those in need. After many decades of continuous use, the buildings required considerable restoration. A State Historic Restoration grant was awarded, and local architect Patricia Gill of Gill & Gill Architects was hired to ensure “period correct” building specifications would be met. Gill and General Contractor Charles Connor of Emerson Construction teamed up with Upstate Door and Interstate + Lakeland Lumber for a very special aspect of the restoration project: replicating the building’s iconic exterior doors. Gill designed and specified authentic, period appropriate doors. Upstate Door’s team of drafters, engineers and woodworkers generated shop drawings to confirm her specific design details.

Upstate Door Company

The historical design for the main entryway doors required oversized flush double doors made of African Mahogany. These paneled custom doors have a custom gothic top and a split finish to match the Rectory’s interior and exterior look. The building’s side entry door is a custom single panel door with gothic lites, transom and custom sidelites. Both doors required precision-built custom jambs so they could fit squarely inside original masonry openings. One of the first steps in the replication process involved building “actual size” wood templates of the original doors. Templates were built on-site at St. Luke’s then shipped to Upstate Door in Warsaw, NY where radius measurements could be more accurately captured. Using hand-selected lumber and precision milling technologies, Upstate Door built both doors with custom jambs within six weeks and delivered the doors to St. Luke’s on an Upstate Door truck. Refurbished glass and iron work from the original front entryway doors were inset in each leaf to complete its historic design. “A project like this requires a manufacturer with a level of expertise that is above and beyond the norm,” said Gill. “Upstate Door’s ability to meet architectural design specifications with exceptional precision helped preserve and protect the architectural design of St. Luke’s Chapel and Rectory – and has made the buildings something for the community to be proud of once again.” Upstate Door, Inc. 26 Industrial Street Warsaw, NY 14569 585.786.3880 ¬upstatedoor.com

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