Design + Decor CT/NJ/NY May 2023

DESIGN DECOR +

SOPHISTICATED AND FUN IN SCARSDALE

A Family of Four Spreads Out in an 11-Bedroom Home

THE MODERN OUTDOOR OASIS

Bringing the Indoors Out

Stories by Danielle Porter

BLANK CANVAS

Turning a neutral builder house into a serene, colorful, timeless family home

Story by Heather Shoning

Photography by Stephane Kossman

Story by Meryl Siegman

Photography by Andrew Frasz + Neil Landino

DESIGN +DECOR

VOLUME 20 ISSUE 4 - 2023

Editor-in-Chief

Editor-in-Chief

Matthew J. Kolk

Matthew J. Kolk mk@dd-mag.com

mattkolk@me.com

203-820-1092

203-820-1092

Managing Editor

Contributing Writers

James Eagen

Deborah Brannon, Lisa Gant, Sheila Lucarnera, Alder Grove, Meryl Siegman, Heather Shoning, Kait Shea, Brittany Shepard, Anastasia Storer

Contributing Writers

Deborah Brannon, Lisa Gant, Susan Heller, Alder Grove, Anna von Stelzer-Worth, Kait Shea, Anastasia Storer

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, Durston Saylor, Eric Striffler, Carl Vernlund, Jonathan Wallen, Woodruff/Brown Photography

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, Durston Saylor, Eric Striffler, Carl Vernlund, Jonathan Wallen, Woodruff/Brown Photography

Copy Editor

Elena Serocki

Copy Editor Elena Serocki

Ilove this time of year in the Northeast. The weather starts to become warmer on a regular basis, allowing us to spend more time outdoors, the grass is green and the beauty of our area shines.

Graphic & Web Design

Graphic & Web Design

East Coast Home Publishing Group Publisher

East Coast Home Publishing Group Publisher

This year, we finally get a step back to normalcy: vaccinations are available to all, and we can start packing away those pesky masks. What a fantastic gift to bring in the summer months.

Shelley E. McCormick sm@dd-mag.com

Shelley E. McCormick sm@dd-mag.com

203-545-7091

203-545-7091

We had a great time putting together this year’s Outdoor Spaces Issue. Our wonderful partners shared some fabulous outdoor spaces with us, and we think these impressive projects will inspire you to take your own home to the next step.

Account Managers

Kelly Ames Smith

Account Managers

Janine Vairo

Jane O’Reilly

Kelly Ames Smith

Our feature stories, “A Classic in the Country” and “Modern in Montauk,” are also top-notch. Both projects have that wow factor, and their attention to detail is nothing short of magical.

Design + Decor

Design + Decor

349 Forest Hills Boulevard

Naples, Florida 34113

Best,

349 Forest Hills Boulevard

Naples, Florida 34113

We hope you enjoy this special issue of Design + Decor, and we look forward to sharing our Amazing Transformations Issue—my personal favorite—in July. We’ll be showcasing great projects in a variety of styles. If you’d like your project or firm to be a part of this, please reach out to us.

+ Decor is published six issues per year. To subscribe: www.dd-mag.com; Subscriptions: one year, $28; two years, $50. Back issues can be purchased at www.dd-mag.com. For editorial inquiries: Editor, Design + Decor, 349 Forest Hills Boulevard Naples, Florida 34113 or e-mail: mattkolk@me.com. For advertising inquiries: Please call Shelley McCormick at 203-545-7091. Reproduction whole or in part without permission is prohibited. All projects described in this publication are for private, noncommercial use only. No rights for commercial use or exploitation are given or implied. The opinions expressed by writers for articles published by Design + Decor are not necessarily those of the magazine.

Design + Decor is published six issues per year. To subscribe: www.dd-mag.com; Back issues can be purchased at www.dd-mag.com. For editorial inquiries: Editor, Design + Decor, 349 Forest Hills Boulevard Naples, Florida 34113 or e-mail: mattkolk@me.com. For advertising inquiries: Please call Shelley McCormick at 203-545-7091. Reproduction whole or in part without permission is prohibited. All projects described in this publication are for private, noncommercial use only. No rights for commercial use or exploitation are given or implied. The opinions expressed by writers for articles published by Design + Decor are not necessarily those of the magazine.

Matthew Kolk - Editor-in-Chief

EAST COAST HOME PUBLISHING

EAST COAST HOME PUBLISHING

349 Forest Hills Boulevard

349 Forest Hills Boulevard

Naples, Florida 34113

Naples, Florida 34113

DD-MAG.COM

DD-MAG.COM

It’s that time again that the flowers start to open up, the lawns start to green up and beaches start to fill with the sound of laughter. Graduations are happening as we speak as we ease into the summer of 2023. It’s a time of wonderful change and growth. Who doesn’t love this time of year.

With that in mind, we all start to reassess our own properties and look for those improvements that can bring our families closer and allow us to spend more quality time with our family and friends. I think that this issue will help in this process immensely. We have a fantastic blend of outdoor spaces that are beyond beautiful. Thank you to all of our partners who have shared with us some of their most recent creations. They are all sure to inspire.

In our In the Field department, we interview Westport Architect Peter Cadoux and Director of Westport Planning and Zoning Danielle Dobin on a relatively new development that is not inclusive to Westport, but their efforts have been lauded as a benchmark in the area on the adaptation of ADU structures. This is a very exiting development that is a must read as it opens up so many opportunities of how you think about the home, how you plan and develop your dream and opens up a vast array of variations in the use of space, scale and utilization of your property. Present and future.

So while the first few whiffs of fresh cut grass tickle your senses while driving around town with the sunroof open and your favorite music playing, we give you the outdoor issue. Enjoy.

Best,

Matthew J. Kolk Editor in chief

Summer Delights

With a beautiful sleek finish consisting of aluminum louvres to protect from the weather and wind, Renson® Camargue® pergolas are customized to seamlessly integrate into clients’ outdoor living space. They are available with a variety of options including sliding panels to serve as walls or lighting to set a cozy mood later at night. gwt-outdoors.com

Renson Camargue Pergola

Mariner 316 Lounge Chair + Ottoman Elegantly designed to withstand the elements and please the soul, the nautically-inspired Mariner 316 Lounge Chair and Ottoman elevates outdoor living both ashore and at sea. perennialsandsutherland.com

Bringing the drama and beauty of an indoor vase, the Abria is oversized and organically shaped. madegoods.com

Cat’s Cradle Dining Arm Chair

Warm, relaxed and with a nod to the past, Rose Tarlow’s Cat’s Cradle designs are truly iconic pieces. perennialsandsutherland.com

Cyril Rectangular Dining Table

We search the globe for the best quality, weather-proof materials the world has to offer. Each piece is handmade, never mass-produced, and built to withstand varied elements and temperatures. madegoods.com

Abria -Juniper Cast Resin

ADUs Grant Freedom to Westport Homeowners

How New Regulations are Changing the Town’s Housing Market

Anew regulation is beginning to take shape in the housing market of Westport, CT. Accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, are now permitted in the town, allowing more freedom for homeowners while creating a greater number of affordable housing options in the area. Danielle Dobin, chairwoman of the Westport Planning and Zoning Commission, calls ADUs “a new stewardship of homeowners and Westport as a whole, which we hope will inspire other towns in the state to move forward with their house markets and grant freedom for single-family homes.”

What is an ADU?

An ADU is any outbuilding that is separate from the primary dwelling on a property. These freestanding units are used specifically as rental units, benefiting those seeking affordable housing in Westport and homeowners looking to generate extra income from their property. The units can be new construction or the conversion of existing structures, such as garages, pool houses or studios. Westport regulations have made ADUs possible by removing some archaic limitations on accessory structures, such as not being more than 300 square feet in size, not being over one story in height, and not having

more than two water fixtures.

The new rules for accessory buildings are a big win for homeowners, whether or not they want to rent out such a building. A big focus of encouraging the construction of ADUs, however, is to allow for more affordable housing in the area. “These new regulations address flexibility for the homeowners’ right to use their property for whatever they want,” says Danielle. “That includes having elderly parents or children live on the property in a separate dwelling, allowing for a guest home, or generating an extra stream of income through renting out the unit, which also provides more affordable housing for Westport.”

What are the limitations?

Homeowners will still have to follow some key rules when building or converting an ADU. Size still matters for the structure, though the new regulations allow for much more freedom. The size of the ADU is determined by the size of the primary dwelling and the size of the property. Properties of less than one-and-a-half acres are allowed an ADI of up to 850 square feet of floor area; properties larger than this are allowed up to 1,500 square feet. In addition, the unit cannot exceed 25% of the primary dwelling’s square

Story by Hunter Powell

Danielle Dobin

Peter Cadoux

footage. As for height, ADUs have a two-story allowance of 26 feet, with additional FEMA concessions based on proximity to the beach.

Peter Cadoux, president of Peter Cadoux Architects and fellow member of the Westport Planning and Zoning Commission, has already begun work with his team on a number of ADUs. His knowledge of the regulations and early experience have shown Peter the impact that ADUs can have on the community as a whole. “With new constructions going up, it’s important to keep in mind the roofline regulations and the appropriate scaling for the new unit,” he explains. “But ultimately, this is going to change the architectural landscape of Westport. For example, a new rule has allowed for the conversion

of old barns into ADUs. With the history present in Westport’s architecture, this is going to allow for greater historical preservation in town.”

The Benefits of ADUs

Besides giving new freedom to property owners, ADUs help expand affordable housing in Westport while keeping property costs healthy. One key rule regarding the renting of ADUs states that the homeowner cannot rent out both structures on the property—at least one must be a dwelling structure for the homeowner. In addition, units must be rented out for at least six months at a time. This prevents an overabundance of Airbnbs in Westport, which could lower property costs, while encouraging long-term rental units that increase the value of the property.

Peter calls ADUs “an opportunity for varied build sizes for different families and more unique, varied architecture for Westport.” COVID created a greater desire in homeowners to live closer to family; the new regulations provide greater flexibility in building homes that fit the needs of families.

ADUs also offer new avenues of opportunity for people who work in Westport but can’t afford to live there. “Single dads, single moms and working-class individuals are great candidates for ADUs,” says Danielle. Since there are no restrictions on whom a property owner rents to, the door is open for anyone to take advantage of these units.

Explains Danielle: “An ADU allows the kinds of people

who are needed in Westport to be able to work here and live in our beautiful rural communities.”

The introduction of ADUs was a four-year project in the making for the Westport zoning commission, which hopes to inspire other Connecticut localities to do the same. “Westport is acting as a one-of-a-kind blueprint for the rest of the state on ADUs,” says Danielle. As the fruits of these efforts are just beginning to show, Westport’s future indeed looks bright.

Resources:

Danielle Dobin Westport Planning and Zoning Commission ddobin@westportct.gov

Peter Cadoux, AIA

Peter Cadoux Architects 35 Post Road West Westport, CT 06880 203.227.4304 Cadouxaia.com

Wittus Phoenix/Firebird Grill Rises from The Ashes Danish Design with a Flare

An interview with Niels and Alyce Wittus, owners of Wittus: Fire By Design

Story by Sarah Fader

Design + Decor: Your company focuses on bringing premier European-designed hearth products to the U.S. Please tell us why. And how do European and American products differ?

Alyce: When we started in 1978, Niels, born in Denmark, felt there was a market for European-style products outside the U.S. We wanted to bring “hygge”—the Danish art of comfortable living and happiness—to this country. Hygge (pronounced “HUE-gah”) is a word you grow up with when you live primarily in Denmark. You can have a hygge evening, playing cards and drinking tea by the fire. You can have that nice older man or woman gazing out over the ocean—they can also be hygge. So it means a lot of different things, but every Dane knows what hygge means. For us it usually means candles—fire like outdoor fire in a Phoenix/Firebird grill. But it can also be wintertime inside, and having a hygge time. It’s not just coziness; it’s warmth and fun.

In general, U.S. products look old-fashioned or traditional, and a lot of people like that. They’ll have a squirrel or a reindeer on the side, like the old Franklin stoves back in the 1800s. There’s nothing wrong with our American stoves, but that’s not the design our clients want. Our clients want something sleek, contemporary and modernlooking. Today, I’d say that 90% of manufacturers in Europe, not just Denmark, hire designers to develop new products for them because they have an eye for design, and that makes a difference.

Design + Decor: How does the Phoenix/Firebird grill function as both a grill and a fireplace, and how does the design play into this?

Alyce: The Phoenix/Firebird grill is easy to use, and the shape of the grill enables any smoke to be diverted away from the chef. The units are conical in shape, so the whole metal part gets hot, and as it does, smoke wants to go up there. It’s warm air convection, and it’s nice when you’re standing there. You’re not breathing in the barbe-

cue smoke and flavor, so it’s convenient that way. Most people have problems barbecuing and have to move around because the smoke is always getting in their face. One of the many advantages of using the Phoenix/Firebird grill is that you get less smoke in your lungs when you’re cooking.

These grills are easy to move; you can put them anywhere. Two people can lay them down and carry them into the yard, garden, back deck or wherever. That makes them really functional. This wasn’t our design; this was a design from Bent Falk, a famous Danish architect whom we talk about on our website. He’s done quite a few products for us. We make them at Focal Metals in Bethel, CT.

Design + Decor: Your Foculus grill acts as both a garden sculpture and a grill. What are the benefits of this piece when utilizing it as a grill?

Alyce: It’s great for the whole family. Everyone can participate or watch as the Foculus is being used. This grill is an entirely handmade ceramic bowl where the fire is inside, and there is a stainlesssteel rim. It’s made by the Italian company La Castellamonte, which has been making ceramic stoves for us for many, many years. The company’s craftsmanship in ceramic is amazing, and each grill is unique. There’s a different pattern to each grill, so you have your own—no two are alike. They’re a bit pricey, but they’re handmade, beautiful and functional.

Design + Decor: Where are you planning your next trip for sourcing European products?

We’re probably heading to Verona, Italy, in 2024. Every two years, the city hosts the world’s largest fireplace and stove trade show. We go there to meet all our suppliers and look for new products. It’s a very innovative show; Americans are beginning to go to it because it has such a high design value. We’re seeing more and more contemporary products coming to the U.S., not only in furniture but also in stove design. People ask, “What do you guys do?” We sort of jokingly say, “We sell warm furniture,” which is true. People don’t come to us only for heat. They come because they like the style; they want something to fit their mid-century house or modern kitchen.

Design + Decor: What three elements do you look for when choosing products to carry in your showroom?

Alyce: First, we look for great design with quality craftsmanship. We spend time with the company and look at their products. Most companies are certified by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), a standard of quality in manufacturing, which gives them a certain prestige and know-how. We just found a new product in Norway, and we’re having it shipped over to take a look at it. We want to see how it’s built, how easily it comes together, how it functions and so on, so it usually takes about a year or more. Once we like a product and go through the whole process of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) testing, it’s a long process.

Second, we look for state-of-the-art technology and manufacturing. This means innovation. We’ve had good luck finding interesting stoves that have a double-burner firebox. We have stoves that create electricity through cold water, a hot firebox type of system. The

technology is very important because the EPA emission smoke standards are so demanding today. You must have the latest technology and innovation to meet those standards, so that’s something we have to look at and meet.

Finally, we look for products that are environmentally sound. It depends on where you’re coming from, but we say that burning wood is a good thing. It’s renewable energy. It’s the heat from the sun that gets stored up as you burn it. Trees give off carbon dioxide as they rot in the ground; we know that just by the process of rotting away. Of course, there’s always a little bit of extra pollution when you’re burning something. Overall, compared to fossil fuels, wood burning is still a good choice. Twenty-five to 30 years ago, we had stoves that put out 50 grams of particulates. Now, with the EPA’s standards, we’re down under one gram; it’s amazing.

Resource:

Wittus: Fire by Design Niels and Alyce Wittus, Owners 40 Westchester Avenue, P.O. Box 120 Pound Ridge, NY 10576 914.764.5679

wittus.com

A COUTURE CANVAS

No matter what your outdoor project, ensuring that you find the right materials, the right installers and the right solution for your home are the most critical components to success. Design + Decor recently spoke with Todd Zecher, president of Bergen Brick Stone & Tile Co., to get his take on choosing the best materials for your outdoor hardscape spaces.

When asked about the newest trends for pavers, stones and bricks for outdoor hardscape, Todd notes that size is the biggest contender. Bergen has 14 color and texture varieties in 40- by 40-inch square porcelain tiles in stock to meet demand. Customers who are looking for something contemporary and sleek with fewer grout lines are very pleased with this product. While the tiles themselves may have a rustic or natural stone visual, the actual shape of the porcelain paver, he says, is contemporary and works fantastically in nearly any setting.

How is the tile setting determined? There are two primary setting styles. First is a hard system, which is much like a typical tile installation. Usually installed over concrete, the tile is laid out and grouted, which makes it impermeable to water and requires considerations for drainage near the installation. Second is a full drainage or permeable system. As it implies, this system allows for water to flow through the pavers or tiles, which are laid on a gravel bed with spacers to prevent them from hitting one another, and the gaps are filled with polymer sand. These installations are popular where rainwater is prevalent and in climates that experience freeze/thaw cycles, to help prevent cracking and frost heaves.

An interview with Todd Zecher, President of Bergen Brick Stone & Tile

Story by Danielle Porter

No matter the system used at your home, Todd stresses the importance of having the right product and the right installers. Porcelain tiles are a trend because their man-made composition means a consistent size, color and cut every time—but that doesn’t make them perfect.

Before selecting a tile, make sure you understand the product warranty. While most companies offer a single-year warranty, Bergen Brick offers a 10-year warranty on particular lines, and is working to enhance that across its products. And when it comes to selecting an installer, insist on one who is certified by the Tile Council of North America (TCNA) or the International Concrete Paver Institute (ICPI). Certification ensures that your installer understands the proper way to prepare the site, cut and prep the tile, and install the tile itself.

Resource:

Bergen Brick Stone & Tile Co. Todd Zecher, President 685 Wyckoff Avenue Wyckoff, NJ 07841 201.891.3500

bergenbrick.com

DESIGN DECOR +

Architect Bana Choura designed this home with her signature classically accented style.

The contemporary colonial style fits in perfectly with the architecture of the Murray Hill neighborhood of Scarsdale.

SOPHISTICATED AND FUN IN SCARSDALE

A Family of Four Spreads Out in an 11-Bedroom Home

Story by Meryl Siegman | Photography by Andrew Frasz + Neil Landino

The black-and-white marble floor was inspired by a glamorous Audrey Hepburn look.

When 5,000 square feet isn’t enough space for a family of four, it’s time to move on. A young couple who were longtime residents of Scarsdale, NY, decided they needed to upsize after the birth of their second child. They wanted to stay in Scarsdale, with a preference for the Murray Hill area.

Located less than 25 miles from Manhattan, Scarsdale is one of the most desirable villages in New York City’s suburbs. Murray Hill, its most sought-after neighborhood, is the oldest part of the town. With its own zoning laws, it has estate-like homes sited on unusually large lots measuring between one and four acres. Many of the single-family houses built on those spacious properties are Georgians, Tudors and Colonials, with more modern styles such as Mediterranean represented by more recent construction.

A unique chandelier takes center stage in the dining room.

To guide them through their new project, the homeowners turned to Jan Hiltz, the principal designer of Jan Hiltz Interiors, who had helped them renovate the home in which they were living. Jan has more than 25 years of interior design experience, with a large portfolio of luxury homes spanning the globe, including London, Greenwich, CT, and Manhattan. Known for her exquisite taste and easygoing nature, she is the go-to designer when a home renovation is needed.

Jan works with her daughter-in-law, Christine Hiltz, who, with over two decades of experience in high-end residential interior design, is also a highly respected designer. In addition to offering a wide range of design services, the two have the knowledge and experience to manage projects from initial concept to finishing touches. Because of their track record and willingness to add house shopping to their list of services, the pair was the perfect choice for this project.

Renovate, Build or Bust

“There are very few opportunities to buy property to build on in Scarsdale; developers own most of the available land,” Jan explains. “I know my clients well enough to understand that renovating wasn’t for them.” The solution was to purchase a newly built home. “We found a house in Murray Hill on a cul-de-sac, with only two other homes nearby.”

The living room is a portrait of stunning symmetry. The living room is designed with a soft, off-white palette with tinges of gray and gold accents.

A casual breakfast area with seating for six flanks the open kitchen.

A gray color scheme with silver accents was chosen for the kitchen. The marble countertop overhang on the island leaves room at the end for a casual meal.

The 10,000-square-foot contemporary Colonial featured 11 bedrooms and eight bathrooms. The house was designed by the acclaimed architectural firm Choura Architecture, recognized for its classically accented style with a generous use of space and fluid lines. Fortunately for the buyers, many of the finishing details had not yet been completed, so with the advice of the design team, all work was halted as soon as the new owners signed on the dotted line. “The house had a very dark, Mediterranean feel to it, which wasn’t the right aesthetic for my clients,” Jan recalls. “I knew from the work I’d done for them on their previous home that I had to go in a different direction.”

Scope of Work

There was much to be done to turn the rambling Colonial into a fun and functional family home. Jan and Christine spell out the laundry list of items included in the scope of the project. First came the demolition work, which included gutting the bathrooms, tearing out the closets in the master bedroom, ripping out the main staircase, removing the fireplace in the family room, and deconstructing the entire foyer.

“When my clients purchased it, the house was very streamlined,” Jan says. “New construction doesn’t include all the beautiful details unless it’s a custom build. My clients wanted more pizzazz.” With her work cut out for her, she designed custom millwork all the way down to lower level in the foyer,

A wet bar, sports accessories and leather-upholstered barstools are the perfect design choices for this inviting man cave.

foyer, and all the details on the raised paneling on second floor. The design team completely rebuilt the staircase and added tray ceilings in the dining room and breakfast room, kitchen to help delineate and give more personality to the spaces. The lighting scheme for the entire home was redesigned to include recessed lighting. In the foyer, raised paneling and large black-and-white marble square floor tiles “a la Audrey Hepburn” make a dramatic statement when greeting guests.

The designers also selected all the finishes used in the home, including lighting, floors, wallpaper and paint colors. “We wanted to make it modern,” Jan says. “When I helped my client’s parents with their house in Scarsdale a while back, I created an industrial look. We used black accents throughout the house, even though black wasn’t ‘in’ yet.” Although industrial was not the look sought after by these clients—whose style Jan describes as “Park Avenue glam”—they were so taken with the black used in the parents’ house that they wanted to repeat it in theirs.

Fun and Fabulous Interior Design

Jan describes the overall look she and Christine created as “fun but sophisticated,” as evidenced by the design of the playroom off the kitchen, so that it wasn’t constantly piled

The stark contrast between black and white in the hallway makes a dramatic statement.

with toys. “We used touch-latch concealed cabinets, built out at 14 inches, which looked like paneling,” Jan explains.

Another example of the lively but elegant decor can be found in the design of the long hallway that runs from one side of the house to the other. “It looked like the inside of a train!” Jan exclaims. “So we put raised paneling on the bottom half of the walls, and sparkly wallpaper that looks like rain on the top half.”

To add even more character, the designers used a golden white foil

resembling clouds on the ceiling.

Jan was able to repurpose every single piece of furniture and all the drapery from the clients’ existing home. “Integrating the existing furnishings and accessories with new ones was a big part of the work we did,” she says. Adds Christina, “We integrated the new with the old so no one would know the difference.”

Creative Use of 11 Bedrooms

Jan smiles when she explains how a family of four could occupy 11 bedrooms. “There is a designated guest room with a private bathroom on the ground floor,” she explains. The lower-level guestroom was converted into a spa room, an extra bedroom on the second floor into a home office, another bedroom into a TV room, and yet other bedroom into the girls’ second playroom.

Oh, and the “golf simulator room” advertised by the developer was turned into an elegant and clubby suite for the husband to entertain his friends. “We opened up the walls around the fireplace to create a wet bar, and added high-topped tables, a media area with a big loungey sofa and ottomans, and a custom poker table,” Jan explains. “We converted what were little spaces into a beautiful man cave that

A four-poster bed, bright gold table lamps and a crystal-trimmed chandelier make the master bedroom an elegant retreat.

Silver and gold accents add a splash of pizzazz in the master bathroom with a soft gray color palette, where marble and glass abound.

all his friends are jealous of.”

Beyond all expectations, and even with last-minute changes to accommodate the clients’ vision and enthusiasm, all the work was completed within five months.

Wait Till You Step Outside

The work on the exterior of the home began after the family moved in, but unfortunately coincided with the height of the COVID pandemic, creating a logistical challenge for the designers. In addition, what began as a fairly simple outdoor project ended up being a complete redo of the spacious lot, which had already been landscaped by the builder.

“We started by covering the patio with a pergola,” Jan explains. “Then it became a double pergola.” From there, the plan kept mushrooming. The family decided they wanted a full kitchen, complete with dishwasher, refrigerator and icemaker. Then came the fireplace and outdoor TV. “Every time my clients called, they had another idea in mind,” Jan recalls with some amusement. “Finally, it was the pool. Roma Pools did an amazing job.”

With the help of Morano Group landscapers and Walpole’s louvered pergola system, the family ended up with a gracious,

beautifully designed and landscaped outdoor space they can use practically year-round, thanks to the addition of heaters as well as the fireplace. Explains Jan, “Everything is on a system that can be controlled remotely, including fans, lighting, heaters and blinds.”

Transforming a new build into a customized, fun but sophisticated family home with 11 bedrooms is a daunting task, but for interior designers Jan and Christine Hiltz, it’s one of many outstanding projects they have done for a very satisfied community of family and friends. As a result of their incredible work, a young family has a special house they will continue to grow into for years to come.

Resources:

Interior Designer: Jan Hiltz Interiors

21 Bridge Square Westport, CT 06880 203.331.5578

janhiltzinteriorsllc.com

Architect: Choura Architecture

1 Barker Avenue, Suite 270 White Plains, NY 10601 914.686.7774

choura.com

Landscaper: Morano Group 543 Halstead Avenue Mamaroneck, NY 10543 914.698.4065

moranogroup.com

Swimming Pool: Roma Pools

7 Pineview Drive Brewster, NY 10509 845.279.7530

romapools.com

A double pergola with louvers from Walpole Outdoors that open and shut by remote control makes a beautiful frame for the outdoor kitchen.

The fireplace extends the outdoor entertainment season well into the fall.

The Modern Outdoor Oasis

Stories by Danielle Porter

CHRIS SHEA DOMUS CONSTRUCTORS

When home is where your heart is, there’s no need to leave if you have the talented team of Michael Smith Architects, Christine McGovern Design, Brunetti Design Group and Domus Constructors to transform your residence into a modern haven. The owners of this house in Fairfield, CT, loved their neighborhood and the memories they’d created over two decades raising their nowadult children, but as their lifestyle and design tastes evolved, their home failed to keep the pace. So they engaged the dream team to create a modern-day oasis—inside and out.

Chris Shea, owner of Domus Constructors, recalls that the design team renovated nearly every facet of this home and landscape and completed the job in only 10 months—just in time for the family to celebrate Thanksgiving. With such a high-level design, this renovation is truly impressive. The millwork package alone required three separate millwork shops and a mason to complete it all, with Domus bringing in nine shipping containers of precut stone from India. In the end, the home offers a sense of transitional simplicity rooted in thoughtful complexity, merging both the history and the future of the couple in the home.

Arriving in the backyard, you are greeted by an idyllic landscape integrating a variety of passive and active spaces to support the couple’s evolving lifestyle. Lounge chairs on a covered porch overlook the expansive grilling station, perfectly positioned next to an elegant dining space beneath a natural mahogany trellis structure. From this dining space, perfectly framed by hardscape and greenery, you can see a matching trellis offering poolside shade and lounge seating, surrounded by a perfectly manicured lawn.

The property is truly a showpiece, creating a cohesive experience from the front door to the backyard. (Indeed, the design earned Domus a first-place national award from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry in 2018, for a whole home project over $1 million.) Every detail was considered along the way, including the design of the new freestanding garage structure that aligns with the home’s architecture, and the mahogany trellis structures that match the handrails at the

upper balcony. The details add up to a warm and inviting experience, achieving the owners’ dream of having a home that is a desirable destination for their children in the years to come.

The clients and Domus—which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year—are thrilled with the results. Chris credits the project’s success to a collective team effort and all the great people on the team.

Domus Constructors, LLC

Chris Shea, Owner P.O. Box 181 Greens Farms, CT 06838 203.852.6789 domusllc.com

JOHN C. GEDNEY III

WAGNER POOLS

For Wagner Pools, curating luxurious outdoor experiences for its clients may be an everyday occurrence, but the breadth of the company’s projects keeps its work fresh and exciting. According to Wagner Vice President John C. Gedney III, the success of the firm—a family-run business for more than 100 years—is grounded in the company’s dedication to ensuring top-quality work and a successful outcome for every project.

Indeed, Wagner’s superior craftsmanship and skill in bringing customers through the process seamlessly keep clients coming back for more—and that was the case with the Tryall Heron Cove pool in Montego Bay, Jamaica. After Wagner designed and built the family’s pool at their home in Fairfield, CT, the clients requested that the firm travel to Jamaica to design their island oasis, a pool overlooking the ocean. The construction of this outdoor space was truly a team effort: materials were shipped down to the site, and Wagner partnered with a local builder to bring the space to life. The beach entry pool allows swimmers to walk right in, without steps, so they can keep their eyes on the ocean ahead, beyond the vanishing edge of the pool. An ingenious detail the family members particularly like are the bench shelves nestled into the nooks along the edges of the pool, enabling them to take a break and enjoy the pool from different locations.

Another inventive way that John and his team integrate moments of respite in a pool is through sun shelves and spas. At a pool

project in Greenwich, CT, designed for an active family, with young children, who love to entertain, the design team included an automatic pool cover for safety, and maximized usability of the pool space by placing a spa between two sun shelves. This creates space for sunbathing in the shallow water, and for little ones to wade in the water while their parents relax in the spa, swim laps in the pool or entertain company beneath the adjacent pergola pavilion, which features integrated grill stations and dining space.

For a project in Rye, NY, the Wagner team opted to anchor the steps, spa and sun shelf along the edge of the pool, drawing the focus along the length of the pool towards the breathtaking view of the Long Island Sound. The bluestone patio creates a harmonious balance between the lush landscape, blue water and sky, making this outdoor setting a true destination.

Wagner Pools

John C.

Gedney

III, Vice President

101 Noroton Avenue

Darien, CT 06820

203.904.2429

wagnerpools.com

ROSALIA SANNI ROSALIA

SANNI DESIGN

The Pondview home, as it’s fondly become known, is a lush landscape filled with picturesque spaces, natural views and beautiful greenery year-round. The current owners purchased the home knowing it would need to undergo a major transformation, as the 20-year-old landscape had become overgrown and unmaintainable, hiding the natural beauty of the property.

Engaging Rosalia Sanni Design, the homeowners set the bar high, asking the team to design a pool and a sports lawn to support their children’s active sports endeavors among an unforgiving terrain of precarious slopes and wetlands. The owners also sought a space that was organized, clean and balanced, despite the irregularly shaped property that had little symmetry. Rosalia and her design team were clearly up for the challenge.

Since creating the clients’ dream space meant removing much from the property, the team sought ways to make the process a seamless experience—to create the feeling that it had always been there, and as if “only one hand ever touched it,” says Rosalia. They achieved this by maintaining certain elements—like the view to the pond and a large old oak tree that provided character— but enhancing them with design fea-

tures that blended in seamlessly. The team also added new plantings along the perimeter of the pond, highlighting the view, and placed new evergreen trees at the edge of the property to improve privacy within the lawn.

While the house wasn’t renovated, Rosalia and her team did collaborate with an interior designer to repaint the exterior in a color that

would work seamlessly with the overall exterior palette. The palette is grounded in the homeowners’ commitment to evergreen selections, which provide a continuous backdrop year-round, highlighted with soft colors and specialty plantings that offer seasonal flashes of color. Together with the home’s soft beige and stone, the green lawn, and the natural stone that forms the patio and steps, the lustrous landscape does not disappoint at any time of year.

In the end, the Rosalia Sanni Design team endeavors to go back to its projects years later and see them looking just as beautiful—if not more lovely—than they did on the day of installation, while their functionality evolves with their clients’ ever-changing needs. At the Pondview home, the team created an experience that will not just evolve with the family as their children grow, but—thanks to its thoughtful design— will continuously breathe life into the property.

45 East Putnam Avenue, Suite 105 Greenwich, CT 06830 203.918.4619

rosaliasanni.com

Rosalia Sanni Design LLC

Rosalia Sanni, Owner

MICHELLE HOGUE

HOGUE INTERIOR DESIGN

As both the general contractor and interior designer, Michelle Hogue wanted to build a spec home in Westport, CT, that would be unlike any the community had seen before. With the completion of the Halper Home, she did just that. To collaborate on the project, she sought out architect Jon Halper, AIA, and landscape architect Cheryl Russ, bringing every necessary expertise together.

Built in 2018, the Halper Home is the epitome of Michelle’s trademark design approach: designing, curating, and delivering fully finished and furnished, ready-to-live-in spaces—right down to the dishes. It is an inspired experience of thoughtfully curated moments and high-end aesthetics that fully embraces the concept of indoor-outdoor living.

From the moment you walk onto the property, the experience is immersive. You are greeted by a manicured front yard, complete with Adirondack chairs and a tire swing in the tree. The beige and wood tones of the home are bright and contrasting against the landscape. The home itself is thoughtful and articulate, and the interior is open and flowing, almost drawing you into the backyard, where the real magic begins.

The outdoor fire pit living-lounge is right next to the indoor living room, while an outdoor dining space is accessible via large glass doors from the indoor kitchen and dining area. These visual connections make transitioning to and from the indoor/outdoor space a natural evolution of movement, encouraging the use of

the outdoor space. The black fence that spans the perimeter of the yard creates a stunning contrast and seems to almost frame the area as if it were artwork.

As beautiful as the space is, it didn’t come without its challenges. The property itself is on the smaller side, and every inch is well used. When it came to ground-cover material, it was critical that the design team selected materials that would allow for rainwater to permeate through—meaning standard stone and concrete options were not in the mix. The team opted to use peastone to ground the outdoor spaces. This created a beautiful contrast with the grass and allowed them to plant trees around the dining table, directly in the peastone, and to hang lights that cascade above like an invisible pergola at night. Using planters rather than overdone plantings throughout the property meant a more cost-effective approach to varying color throughout the year.

As Michelle eloquently points out, home is meant for engaging and experiencing the world with your loved ones. Something as simple as planters or raised garden beds can be an opportunity to share an experience together, such as teaching young ones to sow the seeds of tomorrow and appreciate what is right in their own backyard.

Hogue Interior Design

Michelle Hogue

Westport, CT 434.987.6595

hogueid.com

JIMMY CRISP CRISP ARCHITECTS

When in need of an escape from the hustle and bustle of their home in New York, the Will family retreats to their picturesque home in the Berkshires, complete with a new guest house and pool designed by Crisp Architects in Millbrook, NY. Looking for an oasis at the property, the family brought in Jimmy Crisp and his team, and now spend more time there than in their actual home—a sure sign that their new space is a success.

Composed of Crisp Architects and Greylock Design, the design team aimed to create a structure and space that were simple and classic, using materials that would stand the test of time. Jimmy notes that the meticulousness of the contractor, who did a lot of the work himself, was a major contributor to the outcome of the project.

Set upon a hill, slightly above the home, the guest house and pool are accessed via a subtly landscaped path, delivering the visitor to a colorful landscape surrounding the guest home and pool. Bluestone steps and pavers lead the way through a mahogany and wire fence that almost disappears within the plantings. The

fence, which will naturally gray out, works perfectly with the palette of the pool space and encloses the entirety of the pool space, providing safety for little ones and a barrier to active wildlife that may want to feast on the tasty landscape.

The thoughtful placement of the pool house and pool on the hill offers panoramic views of the Berkshires from all the sun loungers surrounding the pool, and even from the elevated hot tub nestled in the corner. While summertime is naturally their active season, the Will family knew they wanted to use this space year-round in some capacity, and it was important that the design supported this. Jimmy and his team integrated creative design solutions and turned the space into a true destination, making the space a fixture in the family’s home life.

In the wintertime, a sauna and hot tub paired with an indoor pool table and lounge still beckon the family to head up for a fun afternoon. For the spring and fall, when the bugs come out to ruin a good time, Jimmy’s team used a creative strategy that had given them past success: phantom screens. Tucked into the beams between the columns that surround the three-season lounge space are retractable bug screens. Rolling down much like window shades, these screens offer views but keep out unwanted pests.

Crisp Architects

Jimmy Crisp

16 Washington Avenue

Millbrook, NY 12545

845.677.8256

crisparchitects.com

JANICE PARKER

JANICE PARKER LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS

We began this designer/client dialogue with a single question: “What was your happiest vacation?”

Our clients. a young family with very active twins, didn’t have to think long—their most memorable holiday occurred in Italy where they cavorted in a vineyard, feasting on the local fare. A landscape with fresh food and the potential to deploy lots of kinetic energy was where they most wanted to be. How do we translate this to the design of their home? We suggested a high-quality vegetable garden, a prominent pool, an adjacent entertaining patio and a tennis court, and they agreed.

Putting food first, as the jewel in the landscape’s crown, was the ap-

proach behind this particular design. From there, creating a nearby place to eat the harvested goods was the next important step, followed by the recreational and relaxation spaces. We use the “three times” formula—an outdoor kitchen needs to be three times the size of its indoor counterpart to give it breathing room in the panorama of all outdoors.

We like to consider ourselves as specialists in delivering the garden inspired version of the “Ahhh” moment. Our clients are hard workers who need a sanctuary to completely relax in when they get home. In other words, they need a vacation, of sorts, on a daily basis. For every family, the formula for relaxing is different and the method of which to help them get there is certainly not common knowledge. A lot of gardens look good on paper, but how do you make clean, modern, crisp space feel cozy?

Shared fences or hedges broadly frame these spaces. We worked to create an itinerary that flows seamlessly from one space to the next. By dropping spaces within spaces, the family can simultaneously enjoy the full experience of their gardens. Among the splashing and tennis racquet play, in the center of it all, are the tomatoes.

Janice Parker Landscape Architects

Janice Parker

95 East Putnam Avenue Greenwich, CT 06830

203.340.2824

janiceparker.com

VALERIO MORANO SAGLIOCCO

Sustainability may be a trendy buzzword for much of the design and construction industry, but it’s clearly a way of life for the Morano Group. When designing or installing outdoor spaces for their clients, the team at Morano, headed up by Valerio Morano Sagliocco, are always looking for opportunities to infuse sustainable practices that give back to the surrounding environment. They evaluate every part of their practice, such as selecting native plantings and materials that will survive with less ongoing maintenance, having 25% percent of their maintenance equipment run on electric, and anticipating being 100% electric within the next four years.

At this newly built home in Chappaqua, NY, the clients sought a space that was rooted in sustainability, where their family, including their young-adult children, could gather. Given the company’s deep understanding of sustainable landscaping, the Morano Group was a natural fit, and was brought in as the landscape contractors to execute the design and perform the ongoing maintenance of the property in the years to come.

The outdoor centerpiece, a dual structure pool house, is centered on a three-season loggia space, anchored perfectly at the uniquely shaped pool. Because the daughter swims competitively, the pool was specifically designed with a longer swimming lap space running through it, maximizing it for fun and function. It is filled with saltwater, allowing more time in the water without concerns of harsh chemicals on the skin.

The plantings around the property are stunning. The leafy plantings have a variety of textures that are visually appealing because of the multiple shades of green, and they are thoughtfully layered upon one another, adding depth and interest. This is particularly apparent at the rain garden, which houses a variety of native and pollinating plants.

While the rain garden was not in the initial design, Valerio and his team worked with the owner and designers to integrate it for better use of the natural runoff water on-site. The water collects in a basin populated with native plants and pollinators to “encourage biodiversity and support plant material that is native to the area,” Valerio explains. This allows the water to recirculate and benefit the ecosystem and environment.

To maintain the sense of sustainability and regional character, the designers carefully considered the hardscape material as well. The team opted to use bluestone quarried locally in Penn -

sylvania. As Valerio points out, using limestone or marble from other parts of the country or world would add to the cost of delivering the product. These stones would also make the design more prone to cracking and breaking sooner than native options because they originate from a climate unlike New York’s.

All in all, this home delivers on the concept of sustainable design done beautifully, and demonstrates that these features not only enhance the environment, but the human experience within it.

AUSTIN GANIM EVA CHIAMULERA

AUSTIN GANIM LANDSCAPE DESIGN

Acommon request from homeowners over the past few years has been to create private retreats, spaces to unwind and escape the stresses of everyday life. Inevitably, the request brings with it a discussion of what elements make a space a personal oasis. Each of us interprets a private retreat differently: Is it as simple as creating privacy with screening or a hedge? Perhaps, but more likely, what’s critical to the success of a space is determining which senses evoke the desired tranquility and escapism we seek. For some, it can be as simple as providing an element that creates white noise; for others, what’s needed is a calming visual effect; still others desire a vibrant and dynamic landscape filled with wildlife to watch.

Sounds and fragrances can transport us by evoking fond memories. Strategically arranging drifts of grasses or fine leafed trees in a manner that captures the breezes, the sound of wind rustling through leaves and subtle motions can lull one to sleep on hot summer day as we recall a beach vacation or a hilltop hike. If your property is not well situated to catch the breeze, bubblers and fountains can provide an alternative white noise to mask some of the ambient neighborhood sounds.

A landscape’s color palette can greatly impact how it is perceived. Gardens that incorporate predominantly blues, purples and whites are often perceived not only as a calming, but also as cooler, even in the blazing August sun. For some, monochromatic green-on-green landscapes, with minimal flowers and shades of green plantings focused on organization and foliage, can be quite soothing, as there is less to process with just textures and tones. Others may find this landscape too sterile and seek the vibrance of a more colorful environment. Plantings with lively drifts of red, yellow and oranges evoke the feelings

of a late summer afternoon, when things seem to slow down and you can watch the butterflies migrate.

Perhaps the most desired landscapes are wildflower meadows. Indeed, some homeowners dream of having their own suburban meadow where they can immerse themselves in nature, spending hours identifying the many pollinators that visit their gardens, or searching for that elusive must-see songbird as it dines on seed heads. Meadows are constantly evolving as plants intermingle, one flower finishes blooming while another type be -

gins, and spent blooms are allowed to go to seed, sometimes resulting in plants migrating over time. For some homeowners, this is part of the charm, creating a sense of discovery with each day’s changes. Others, however, find this ecosystem stress-inducing, perceiving its diversity and dynamic nature as chaotic, messy or unruly. And yet, their feelings for the individual plants may change if they were arranged in a more organized pattern.

A private oasis can be interpreted in many different ways. The key to creating a successful one is to first understand what emotions and senses trigger serenity and calm in the homeowner.

Resource:

Austin Ganim Landscape Design, LLC

Austin Ganim & Eva Chiamulera

320 Kings Hwy Cutoff Fairfield, CT 06824

203.333.2003

AustinGanimLandscapeDesign.com

BLANK CANVAS

Turning a neutral builder house into a serene, colorful, timeless family home

Story by Heather Shoning | Photography by Stephane Kossman

Clients seek out Prudence Bailey of Prudence Home and Design LLC for her liberal use of color and pattern that bring homes to life. “Sometimes my rooms can have up to six to eight patterns,” says Prudence. “I’m known for having a strong skill in that area, and I think it’s really fun. It’s like a puzzle. Sometimes it’s like finding a needle in a haystack to uncover those patterns that work together, and it’s rarely within one family of fabrics.”

A couple relocating from California discovered her work on Instagram and contacted her to transform the all-white interior of their new home in Darien, CT. It was only natural that Prudence would ensconce the spaces with floor-to-ceiling soothing colors and intricate patterns.

While this Colonial-style home is ultra-traditional on the outside, the interior featured some modern-leaning elements that didn’t suit the new owners, and had to be blended with more traditional elements. When she took on the project, Prudence knew the homeowners were under a time constraint and therefore took a fresh approach to her process. The couple didn’t bring many furnishings with them from California, and had three children under the age of six, including a newborn. They needed to

The wife thought the decorative balusters on the staircase were a little too modern for the home. Instead of replacing them, Prudence added traditional elements to the space to balance the design styles.

The wife

for a connection to the outdoors and to feel immersed in nature. The sky-blue palette and wallpaper with florals and birds create a tranquil, interpretive take on nature in the sitting

longed

room.

get settled quickly. So instead of going through a whole-home design process with a complete discovery phase, Prudence reviewed images of the family’s previous home, inquired about design style and color preferences, and then hit the ground running.

Before diving into color and pattern, Prudence wanted the foyer to be a somewhat neutral space punctuated by a sensational chandelier by Julie Neill Designs. “She has a beautiful point of view on lighting,” she says. “I hung her long-tiered Vaccaro light in the entry, which is an absolute showstopper.” A cream-colored chest with a traditional silhouette from Century Furniture and a wovencoral-framed mirror create a welcoming vignette. An antelopeprint runner goes all the way to the third floor.

For the family room, Prudence chose performance fabrics that would withstand the children—and their dog—while still looking beautiful and sophisticated in a palette of serene colors. She selected a curved sectional in soft aqua and blue hues. “I thought it would provide them the seating they needed, but in a more elevated style for a family room than a traditional sectional,” she says. She

also wanted pattern, so Prudence specified a rug with a monochromatic geometric design and a custom upholstered ottoman with a small-scale print from Highland House Furniture. “The chairs from Century Furniture have a white performance fabric in the front,” she says. “And I love that Anna Spiro fabric on the back, which really speaks to the mood of that room.” She repeated both the ottoman and chair printed fabrics on the sofa pillows.

To give the room a final touch of elegance, Prudence specified high-gloss paint in pale green for the ceiling. “I chose pale green because the house is in a very bucolic setting of Darien, and it has beautiful French doors that bring the outside in,” she says. “I wanted the feeling of the reflection of the outside plus the color of the sofa coming up to the ceiling.”

Prudence loves the subtle sophistication that the high gloss brings, so she carried it into the adjacent sitting room on the twostep molding in a tranquil sky blue, which is repeated throughout the room. The ceiling is covered in a striking Lotus Garden by

To continue the natural feel, Prudence selected Bosky by Lewis & Wood wallpaper that creates the feeling of being outdoors in a garden or forest.

Schumacher floral print wallpaper, with birds in a blue colorway on white. The draperies are blue with a white chinoiserie print, while the chairs and rug have slightly modern geometric patterns. “There’s such a nice balance,” says Prudence. “I did that by using the draperies with a blue background and then the opposite in the chairs, where white is the background. The rug—even though it’s got the white weaving through it—still has that strong grounding blue, playing with light and dark.”

One modern touch the wife did not love about the home was the light fixtures. This room didn’t have a chandelier initially, but Prudence added one from Julie Neill Designs for its dramatic effect. “I love the bubbles, the lightness and the swirled glass,” she says. “I thought it was fun and different—not too serious. I wanted this room to have a formality because you can see it when you come in the front door, and also make you want to go in and look at these interesting and fun things.”

Across the hall, the dining room follows the same dark and light balance, but reversed. In this room, the walls are covered in print wallpaper, while the window coverings are solid sheers. The ceiling features the same two-step molding, this time in a coffered pattern, and the insets are covered in a blue-gray metallic wallpaper color, derived from the print wallpaper. Here again, Prudence pulls the outdoors in. “You want to go in there and stare at the wallpaper itself because up close, it has so many unexpected little

In addition to updated lighting from Visual Comfort and new barstools, Prudence replaced modern faucets with ones that have traditional profiles to create the perfect balance of modern and traditional the homeowners sought.

things—like a dark gray bird sitting on a branch—that you can’t see when you’re looking at it in totality,” she says. “There are little hidden things in it, and it’s just so special.”

The table and antique sideboard are the featured elements in the room. To ensure they held the most attention, Prudence selected clear Lucite chairs from Worlds Away, and a light-colored custom hide rug with metallic silver woven through it. A bronze and crystal vintage-style chandelier from Visual Comfort completes the room.

Prudence knew the breakfast area would be the family’s everyday dining space, so she chose a small round table that expands like a flower to seat up to 10 people. Cane-look chairs in a herringbone pattern keep the area light and airy. A bronze chandelier from Vaughan Designs with custom Martin Lawrence fabric shades is a perfect delicate touch. In the kitchen, Prudence added Wegner-style barstools and replaced a modern chandelier with a style that better aligned with the wife’s wish for a more traditional feel. She designed custom cornices with nail-head detailing for the kitchen and breakfast area windows. “It’s traditional with the modern—an unexpected element there to have cornices, but it really changed the room,” she says. “It softened it and made it feel cozier and homier because it’s quite a big space. It speaks to the wife’s overall aesthetic.”

The traditional light fixture with custom fabric shades brings color into the mostly white breakfast area. It also retains the pattern thread that ties the main living areas together. The table by Sarreid Ltd. expands to seat up to 10 people.

The family room featured a heavy wood shiplap-style wall treatment around the fireplace, which was too overbearing for the design Prudence had created for this space. She opted to paint the wood surround white for a fresh look. The hint of color in the high-gloss ceiling gives the room an ethereal feel.

The husband’s office is a slight departure from the nature-inspired, soft color palette of the rest of the home, but it keeps up the traditional feel with modern touches. Prudence played up the high ceilings by painting them black to create an endless sense. Schumacher’s Deconstructed Stripe wallpaper adds a subtle geometric vibe, while patterned and solid leather pillows punctuate the custom navy sectional by Charles Stewart Company. Although the room serves several functions, including a workspace, television room and a place for the husband to have cocktails with friends, Prudence kept the furniture to a minimum because he likes to pace while talking on the phone. She did add a small bar cart and builtin bookshelves for storage. The desk by Arteriors is a sleek profile with rich brown wood and a black lacquered top.

The wife disliked everything about the powder room and wanted to tear it all out, but the husband suggested they keep the concrete sink since it was brand new. So Prudence launched her design from the sink, selecting a gray and white Hydrangea Drape wallpaper by Schumacher, and swapping a flat mirror for a white framed mirror with cane styling. She replaced a sleek, modern faucet with a traditional style, aligning the space with

Prudence brought a rugged yet debonaire look to the husband’s office using dark colors, patterns and leather. What you don’t see because of the 20-foot-high ceilings is a pair of striking leather Ralph Lauren chandeliers.

the rest of the home’s aesthetic.

Wallpaper played an essential role in taking this once-white, blank canvas and turning it into a fresh yet serene family home. But paint played a significant role as well. “It can be hard for people to visualize how painting it correctly can make such an impact on a space. It can take on a totally different light,” Prudence says. “It’s amazing what paint can do—it has a real power to it, and it can be life-changing.”

Resources:

Interior Design Prudence Bailey

Prudence Home and Design LLC

76 Elm Street, Suite 204 New Canaan, CT 06840

203.859.9499

prudencehomes.com

Builder/Contractor

PW Painting and Carpentry

493 Berkshire Road Southbury, CT 06488

203.550.2544

Get back Jojo

At the intersection of American historical heritage and timeless functionality, Get Back Inc. is the respected leader in authentic, vintage-industrial furniture, lighting and furnishings. The company’s astute artisans comb the country for antique pieces from America’s Industrial Revolution and pre-World War II, and reverently repurpose storied artifacts into functional pieces of art for the home, office and commercial businesses. For more than 20 years, founder and designer Tim Byrne has helped celebrity clients with selective tastes beautify their spaces with the unique craftsmanship of modern-industrial design. Recently, Tim talked with Design + Decor about what makes Get Back Inc. unique, and why these pieces of American heritage are so remarkable.

With his detailed knowledge of woodwork craftsmanship and a genius for design, visionary Tim created Get Back Inc. in 2000. Tim saw mid-century and pre-World War II factory pieces and forgotten relics as treasures to be recovered and restored back to their original beauty so they can be appreciated in our everyday spaces. Long before online auctions, Tim drove his van across the nation to explore old mills and factories with the goal of rescuing artifacts and hidden relics. “I don’t even make a drawing,” he says. “I can just see what I want to do with the piece.” The restoration and reimagination of modern-industrial wares helped carve out a new niche in the furnishing industry, known as Vintage American Industrial.

Initially, Tim’s ideas were met with skepticism—until the finished pieces drew admiration. Now, the original works of Get Back Inc. are being widely and inexpensively reproduced. What sets Get Back Inc. apart from the imitation works? Tim explains, “We stuck to our guns” of upholding the extraordinary quality and superior workmanship of America’s industrial age. Even the workspace where the restoration magic takes place honors the era of America’s working past. The firm is based in an old brass factory built in the 1800s in Oakville, CT, where craftsmen and artisans

Inside the wonderful world of Tim Byrne, Founder of Get Back Inc.

Story by Brittany Shepard

Story by Sheila Lucarnera

patiently labor to uncover the beauty of factory relics, artifacts and remnants, reworking and repurposing them into functional furnishings.

Characterized by each piece’s unique story, unparalleled quality, masculine strength, and built-to-last impeccable metal casting, Vintage American Industrial is revered for transporting the viewer to another time, while remaining timeless and functional. “It’s the scars that make the pieces beautiful,” Tim explains, pointing out the warmth and character evoked from each one-of-a-kind piece.

Due to high client demand, Get Back Inc. began casting its own furnishings, which feature the same high quality demanded during America’s Industrial Revolution. The firm’s showroom is a mix of reworked artifacts and Get Back-cast pieces. Popular furnishings include the firm’s iconic swing-out seats, which have the style and character to transform any bar, restaurant, office space or home. The company’s lighting fixtures and one-of-a-kind vintage industrial dining tables also move quickly from the showroom. When ordered online, items are carefully packaged and shipped across the globe to destinations such as South Africa, New Zealand and Asia.

Tim enjoys speaking with his clients and helping them choose customized creations that will make perfect additions to their homes. “I’m lucky to do what I love,” he says. “If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.” Up to six days a week, Tim can be found at his workbench, creating and breathing life into usable pieces of art.

Clients can visit the Get Back Inc. showroom by appointment and take in the best of America’s past. They can peruse the vintage American industrial works utilized by celebrities, Hollywood icons, top designers and industry leaders to create ideal settings for their homes, offices and businesses.

Resource: Get Back Inc.

Tim

Byrne, Founder 27 Main Street, Suite 4

Oakville, CT 06779

860.274.9991

GetBackInc.com

The Legend of Walpole

For homeowners seeking to add timeless, durable appeal to their outdoor spaces, Walpole Outdoors is the most trusted name in the game.

Founded in 1933 in Walpole, MA, by P.R. Allen, the company began as a fencing company with the goal of employing area laborers during the Great Depression. This area of Massachusetts is known for its cedar forests, and it was only natural for the Walpole woods to spark a business idea. Originally named Walpole Woodworkers, the company has set the industry standard for quality outdoor products for nearly a century, and is known for its innovative and forward-thinking approach to changing times and technologies.

Mark Bushway, director of sales, began working for Walpole just over 35 years ago. During college, he worked summers with the company, installing fences and building furniture. “I always enjoyed my time there, and after graduating college, the company was looking to hire a couple of sales people,” says Mark. “I thought I might be pretty good at that.”

With showrooms in retail locations all along the East Coast from Florida to New Hampshire, Walpole provides residential and commercial customers with stock and custom outdoor products—including pergolas, arbors, fences, gates, outdoor furniture and children’s playsets.

Over the course of its history, Walpole has constantly looked for opportunities to incorporate new and original processes and technologies to improve the overall look and durability of its

Wapole Outdoors celebrates ninty years

Story by Brittany Shepard

product line. As its products grew in popularity, the company developed a process for pre-staining cedar fences to more quickly serve their customers.

In the early 2000s, Walpole began working with materials other than wood to increase the longevity of its products. The firm settled on AZEK cellular vinyl as the material of choice, and became the industry leader in the fabrication, reinforcement and finishing of outdoor products in the material. This allows Walpole to replicate some of the cedar designs with material that is impervious to rot, warping and insects. Due to the expansion of material offerings, the company changed its name from Walpole Woodworkers to Walpole Outdoors in 2015.

Walpole’s products and designs can be seen in notable landscape architecture projects in homes and commercial locations nationwide. Some of Mark’s favorite projects include several exquisite commercial pergolas featured at prestigious golf clubs, including the Hyannisport Golf Club near the Kennedy family compound. “Those types of projects bring me the most satisfaction,” says Mark.

The company also has a long-standing relationship with This Old House—the hallmark renovation, remodeling and carpentry TV show that is a household name in the U.S. In fact, Walpole and representatives from the company were featured on the very first episode of the show in 1974.

“We’ve always been the leaders in the industry and selling the top product, and that means we have to deliver. There is something to be said for that,” says Mark. “That’s one of the reasons I’ve stayed with Walpole for so long: because we hang in there until the job is done and the customer is satisfied.”

Resource:

Walpole Outdoors

Corporate Showroom and Headquarters

255 Patriot Place Foxborough, MA 02035

888.303.6031

Aitoro Appliances Newly Designed Showroom

Avisit to Aitoro Appliance Store and its masterfully remodeled kitchen showroom is unlike a visit to your average appliance store. At Aitoro Appliance, guests are welcomed like members of the family. Indeed, with its historic family heritage, Aitoro has perfected the art of customer service, lavishing warm Italian hospitality on all those who visit. How did this stunning kitchen showroom in Norwalk, CT, become the gathering place for elite clientele, top builders, architects and designers? Owner Tony Aitoro leads us around the live and interactive Gaggenau kitchen showroom while revealing the secrets of the company’s long-lasting success.

The Aitoro family first opened its doors 75 years ago, offering the same welcome and reception that they do today. For over four generations, the family has found its niche and achieved success by presenting only the finest higher-end appliances to its clients. Its appreciation for remarkable quality, lasting craftsmanship and timeless design has naturally led the family to feature the ultimate in kitchen luxury: sophisticated Gaggenau kitchen essentials.

Entering the attractive showroom area, you are transported with a view of a lush, green German pine forest on a misty morning. The showroom zones are expertly staged like individual, open-style kitchens, making you feel like you’re entering a luxury home. “Gaggenau appliances integrate into any kitchen, both contemporary and classic,” says Tony. Gaggenau artisans have been honing the art of kitchen performance since 1683, creating lifestyle items designed to truly perform at the highest level.

Elegant offerings in the Aitoro showroom include Gaggenau downdraft ventilations that seamlessly whisk away cooking smells, heat and vapor. Gaggenau dishwashers can be personalized to pamper your dishes soundlessly with optimal care. Sleek intelligent refrigerators with or without handles can be touched, opened and explored. Without handles, Gaggenau refrigerators gracefully blend in, allowing your beautiful cabinets to take

center stage in your kitchen.

The incredible flush-surface Gaggenau induction cooktops combine timeless design, perfect function and intelligent cooking advances that have to be experienced to be appreciated. “Our showroom is live and interactive,” Tony says, noting the fun he has entertaining guests right in the showroom. “Let’s be honest, we always end up in the kitchen,” he says. To recreate all the warmth and welcome of visiting the kitchen of a close friend, Tony often cooks for showroom guests to demonstrate the superior functionality of Gaggenau cooktops. “I love making breakfast and cappuccinos,” he says, explaining the delicious aromas wafting through the showroom.

What if guests want to try these intelligent Gaggenau appliances for themselves? “Live and interactive means you can come in, grill and cook,” he says. He knows the importance of a touch-feel experience when you’re considering integrating a high-end kitchen appliance into your lifestyle.

The Aitoro showroom is open to visitors throughout the week and—in true Italian style—you’ll be treated like family from the moment you enter. Occasionally you’ll even find professional chefs demonstrating cooking techniques for visitors. While guests are always welcome to explore the fine craftsmanship of the Gaggenau for themselves, an appointment is recommended for those who want to experience Tony Aitoro’s hospitality and a personalized tour of the newly remodeled Gaggenau showroom.

Resource::

Tony Aitoro,

President

Aitoro Appliance

401 Westport Avenue

Norwalk, CT 06851

203.847.2471

aitoro.com

Story by Sheila Lucarnera