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THE ARCHITECTS ISSUE
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COAST
HOME+DESIGN NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
ISSUE 65
FEATURES
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Isn’t it Grand BY KAIT SHEA
Westchester Interior Designer Rajni Alex revamps her home
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Swept up in Greenwich Grandeur BY PEG VENTRICELLI
Picturesque curves enrich a classic shingle-style Connecticut home and provide a pleasant contrast to its clean-lined transitional living space
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Architectural Inspirations PHOTOGRAPHY BY NEIL LANDINO
Inside the minds of Architects in their homes
DEPARTMENTS EAST
COAST
HOME+DESIGN
THE ARCHITECTS ISSUE
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Editors Letter Ask The Experts In The Field
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Melange Kitchen Cookbook Hidden Treasures
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Number 65 Editor-in-Chief Matthew J. Kolk mattkolk@me.com 203-820-1092 Managing Editor James Eagen Contributing Writers Cristina Commendatore, Elizabeth Ervin, George Krawiec, Shelly Linder, Kait Shea, Peg Ventricelli 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, Eric Striffler, Jonathan Wallen, Woodruff/Brown Photography Graphic & Web Design East Coast Publishing
Publisher Shelley E. McCormick shelley_mccormick@yahoo.com 203-545-7091 Account Managers Lisa Dearborn Lollie Mathews Business Development Randi K. Lehrman, Esq. Marketing & Sales Advisor to the Gold Coast Corporate Counsel James F. Walsh, Esq. Distribution Man in Motion East Coast Home + Design 111 Forest Avenue, Fairfield, CT 06824 Fax: 203-286-1850
East Coast Home + Design is published six issues per year. To subscribe: www.echomeanddesign.com; Subscriptions: one year, $28; two years, $50. Back issues can be purchased at www.echomeanddesign.com. For editorial inquiries: Editor, East Coast Home + Design, 111 Forest Avenue, Fairfield, CT 06824 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 East Coast Home + Design are not necessarily those of the magazine.
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E A S T
C O A S T
HOME+DESIGN Letter from the Editor Number 64
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Editor-in-Chief
s the holiday season rapidly approaches, Matthew J. Kolk I can’t help to remember exactly where mattkolk@me.com Shelley and203.820.1092 I were a year ago as opposed to where we are now.
Managing Editor Eagenin Bonita Springs A year ago at this time,James We were
Florida for what went from a weekend visit into an “extended” vacation,Contributing knowing Writers the nightmare that Susan Capparelle, Anne DiFrancesco, Tracy Dwyer, awaited us upon return to the northeast. We became Elizabeth Ervin, John Hannon, Susan Heller, very friendly the Stephanie JetBlue customer service repreKatiewith Keating, King, George Krawiec, sentatives, whoChristina were kind enough the inform Roughan, Karen Williams us on almost a daily basis that no, we would not be going home today, try again tomorrow. Contributing Photographers Jane Beiles, Michael Biondo, Phillip Ennis, Tria Giovan, John Neil The moral of this John storyGruen, is that theHannon, holidays areLandino, a time Mark La Rosa, Janice Parker, to be thankful for Tim whatLee, weDaniel have,Milstein, enjoy friends and Durston Saylor, Jonathan Wallen family, reflect on the past year and look forward to the new year. This year I am thankful for one thing: Graphic & Web Design nothing. Nothing catastrophic happened this year and Steve Wargo the weather has actually been delightful! swargo1@mac.com
We spent a lot of time this past year working diligently with our trade partners to provide you with as much information as possible in the aftermath of the storm and we are thankful to allPublisher of them for sharing their Shelley E. McCormick thoughts and expertise. Our Architect and Builders shelley_mccormick@yahoo.com Roundtable received so much positive feedback that 203.545.7091 we intend on producing another in the new year, which we look forward to publishing in the spring. We also Business Development look forward to sharingRandi several new departments in Lehrman the new year, currentlyLollie in Mathews development, which we know you will just love. Corporate Counsel James F.the Walsh, Esq. and especially So enjoy your family, enjoy holidays enjoy this fabulous issue of East Coast Home + Design! East Coast Home + Design 111 Forest Avenue, Fairfield, CT 06824
203.286.1850 Our best wishes for a Fax: happy and healthy holiday season. East Coast Home + Design is published six issues per year. To subscribe: www.echomeanddesign.com; SubMatthew J. Kolk scriptions: one year, $28; two years, $50. Back issues can be purchased at www.echomeanddesign.com. For Editor in Chief editorial inquiries: Editor, East Coast Home + Design, 111 Forest Avenue, Fairfield, CT 06824 or e-mail: mattkolk@me.com. For advertising inquiries: Please call Shelley McCormick at 203.545.7091. Reproduction whole mattkolk@me.com 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 East Coast Home + Design are not necessarily those of the magazine.
203.557.4320 email:jan@janhiltzinteriors.com 92 www.echomeanddesign.com www.janhiltzinteriorsllc.com
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Melange
The Glitter of Gold
This incredible hand-made tableware edition, reminiscent of fish’s scale comes in gorgeous silver as well! The perfect hosts for a Chateau Latour 63 or a Rose Crystal... hocparis.com
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These unique and grandiose candle holders will add the perfect framing to any table of taste, and add the sifted light so often desired to make one’s diner memorable. hocparis.com
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These amazing liquor bottles really reach their glow once the proper 18 years old scotch is poured in, before being poured out to warm up your guests in these cold winter evenings... hocparis.com
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These unique and stylish inlaid placemats will definitely be the highlight of your diner party, before the food arrives, of course... hocparis.com
These modern metal bamboo boxes will dress up any cocktail table or console, in addition to be the perfect spot to hide one’s keys or remote controls. hocparis.com
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Off the Cuff
Welcome cherished guests to your home with an aperitif or hors d’oeuvre served in a style that suggests an evening of old Hollywood glamour. The Silver Mirrored Gallery Tray features a shimmering arched handles atop a mirror panel tray bottom. parcmonceau.westport.com
Mix function and style. This Tortoise and Hare Bottle Stopper Set is the perfect gift for your favorite wine lover. Each stopper is made from extra durable high-fired white porcelain and finished with a high gloss glaze. The silicone gasket helps preserve the contents of the bottle. Jonathanadler.com
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Trim your tree with our miniature terrier ornament, the most obedient dog this holiday season. All of our signature holiday ornaments begin their life as prototypes in our Soho pottery studio, where the tiny details are meticulously sculpted by hand. The unglazed porcelain provides an airy lucidity which showcases the subtle ceramic details of each piece. Chic and classique, they’re the perfect gift this holiday season. Jonathanadler.com
Peace Studded Candle Tough glam and a dash of Hollywood. Wild jasmine, with notes of cardamon, fresh basil, Litsea Cubeba wild orchid, jasmine sambac, mate leaves cedarwood, verbana, and white amber Jonathanadler.com
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WINDOW DRESSING The Guide to a Common Design Dilemma
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Story by Tracy Dwyer
hopping in Paris has to be one of my favorite pastimes. Living in France, an hour TGV train ride from Paris, was too good to be true. I’ve spent hours and hours, roaming through the most breathtaking department stores showing the latest trends. Le Bon Marche, Galeries Lafayette, BHV Paris and Printemps, each with their own specialty departments. In Bon Marche, you can find the gourmet market called La Grande Epicerie, stocks thousands of delicacies from around the globe. It was necessary to shop with a glossary. Always an exciting challenge is to experiment creating some wonderful dish with these unknown and exotic ingredients. After perusing the dessert section, I wondered how in the world, Parisiens stayed so slim.
My favorite and necessary excursion was to BHV next to the L’hotel de Ville (Bazaar de L’hotel de Ville). The entire lower level was filled with an extensive selection of hardware used for furniture refurbishment and home décor. Vintage knobs, latches, pulls, brackets, you name it, could be seen aisle after aisle for a good city block. On the fourth floor of BHV, is dedicated to crafts. You’ve seen nothing like it. Everyone can be a Martha Stewart if they so choose. Galeries Lafayette and Printemps are equally fashionable in clothing and home décor choices. In the curtain department, you can buy right off the rack, silk window panels, beautifully made and racks and racks of tassles. Being your own interior designer is made easy with such resources. The French approach their home interiors much like their fashion East Coast Home + Design
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style. French chic always has that extra special elegantly, timeless look. There is a distinct undone appearing to look naturally put together. In our big American homes, window dressing is essential to add a decorative touch as well as warmth and privacy. Our homes, with their many windows, need a well thought out plan whether it is adding color, texture or pattern to a room, providing privacy and avoiding cold black glass a night, blocking out light to preserve our fabrics and furnishings or allowing us a longer night’s sleep. Today’s trends for window treatments are clean and simple. I think these frequently asked questions, will be helpful tips for making your own window treatment decisions.
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We just built a new home, and I love my windows. I hate to hide my beautiful trim. What can I do? Every day, I’m in a customer’s home that has the same dilemma. My suggestion, often times, is to choose the windows where it is crucial to dress and leave the others alone for now. ‘Must do’s’ are typically the bedrooms for privacy and blackout options and bathrooms.
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What styles do you recommend for bathroom treatments? Due to the moisture issue, I recommend faux wood blinds that will not warp or using indoor/outdoor fabrics made in an operable roman shade design that are treated to repel moisture and provide privacy. In my master bedroom, I have an elliptical shaped window. My husband and I would like a black out option. What do you suggest? This is a very hard question to answer. Lately, I’ve been making a lot of long drapery panels on remote control systems that go up high enough to cover the elliptical window. There are shutter options for this style window but does not offer 100% black out. My kitchen seems very cold with all the white and stone features. How can I warm it up with fabric? Other than with fabric on seat cushions and counter stools, your windows can be a good option. I’m a strong believer in roman shades. They do not have to operate. Hang Room them as high as Epicenter Screen possible above the top of the window’s trim. The objective is to Barry Dixon for Arteriors block as little light as possible but still add warmth, color and Inspired byroman the wave pattern pattern to the room. I never use valances. My style shade acts as a stationary valance but looks operable.of a single droplet
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When installing my draperies, where should they hit the floor? Have your drapes puddle on the floor, when trying to get a more elegant, dramatic look. When trying to design a casual and more informal room, use shorter curtains. I usually have the panels I install just barely break at the floor. A tip to know is that fabric settles and stretches. Curtains will often get longer over time. The height of the rod must be predetermined before installing the drapes and should be discussed when your window is measured. By taking your The rod Collin up higher above your window trim, it Bumby Brass Cube will give the room height a taller appearance. The Collin Bumby Brass Cube in antiqued
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brass. Beautiful sculpture to add architectural
In our new breakfast room, we have a bay window that has depth to any room. southern exposure. The sunlight is very intense in the mornshopcandelabra.com ings. What suggestions do you have to help control the sunlight? I suggest a roman style shade. It can consists of many different material options whichever best compliments your décor. You can use a natural fiber shade that comes in varying light diffusing styles. If you treat each window separately, you can adjust each East Coast Home + Design
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“French chic always has that extra special elegantly, timeless look. There is a distinct undone appearing to look naturally put together.�
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Ask the Experts of the shades independent of one another. You can use a sunbrella, indoor/outdoor fabric that is fade resistant as a roman shade. There are also solar shade options in neutral colors. I would recommend using the same color in a solar shade as your trim color. You will also have the option to choose the percentage of light that you need blocked out. This type of shade dictates function over form but can still be considered stylish. Bay windows can be framed on each side using stationary window panels. How do I choose the best hardware for my window treatments? I love hardware! Hardware gives you a great opportunity to choose a finish that enhances the room and the fabric you have picked out for your drapery panels. Think of hardware as the final accessory in your room. If you are going for a more vintage look, stick with the bronze finishes. The perfect choice for a modern space, you may want to use chrome or polished nickel. It has the same impact in your room as jewelry has to completing your outfit. For a clean look, choose a return rod. That simply means that a clean metal rod returns to the wall with a simple bracket with no finial. I learned this trick from Bunny Williams. It can be used in all applications and in every room of your
house. In a more modern space, we use grommets instead of rings to give a more clean look and create crisp folds. Have fun with designing your window treatments. Layering is my favorite option. You can use a chic sheer fabric for the underneath layer and a decorative patterned stationary panel as the outside layer. Operable roman style shades layered with stationary panels is a stylish way to dress a window. Keep in mind that layering will add to the cost of material and labor. Dress up a plain neutral fabric with a fashionable trim along the edge of panels or roman shades. Bold and colorful patterns can be on more than just pillows and throws. Try out some brightly patterned curtains for a statement piece especially in a room with neutral furnishings. Good Luck! A Bientot Parc Monceau 1375 Post Road East Westport, CT 06880 203.319.0001 parcmonceauwestport.com
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LYNNE SCALO’S
EXCELLENT ADVENTURE Interior Designer Lynne Scalo takes us shopping...in Paris
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ynne Scalo comes from an art history background, which gives her a unique view on the world of interior design. Lynne’s eye and experience allows her the ability to not only look at a certain piece as an object, but to look at it that object for its sculptural quality as well. For Lynne, interior design is a sculptural process, more left side of the brain than right. On Lynne’s last buying trip to Paris, we asked her to choose some of her favorite pieces, share them with us and create a story demonstrating her process. “Wherever you look in Paris, you are surrounded by beauty, I feel like I’m inside a sculpture and that’s the experience. It is not feasible to touch down in Paris and not get transfixed by the city.” Said Lynne “It’s encompassing. The gardens, the architecture, the art, the people, I could so on and on.” It’s about the quality of the piece, the age and provenance of the piece, it’s lines. How one piece’s lines flow into the other. When combined with other the objects, the room is transformed from a space to being inside a piece of art. This is my approach to interior design. I found this lighting! Exquisite! The modern organicism is beyond glamorous! The bronze and crystal are like jewelry. This one piece in any room would easily transform it “parisian chic”! viola. Wallpaper is associated with traditionalism, now here’s an example of how technology informs art! The LED wallpaper was so subtle and magical, the combination of the soft tones and organic pattern infused with the lighting was just beyond! “I’m very inspired right now by bronze. So, while I was walking through the Left bank, perusing some of my favorite galleries, I was awestruck by this Victor Roman Mirror. Circa 1970, J’adore! How fabulous is this wall fixture! I never get tired of looking at this. The glossy nickel and stainless steel hoop
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with it’s direct and indirect lighting is easily a modern classic. It reminds me of a Cartier bracelet. So simple and yet so elegant. How fun is this bronze sculpture! The craftsmanship is so well executed! It makes a great statement. This is exactly why I love the French point of view! It’s whimsical yet adds a sophisticated element to any collection. My creative process in design and inspiration is difficult to articulate. I know Paris is a part of that process. I think Keith Haring articulates my point of view: “When it is working, you completely go into another place, you’re tapping into things that are totally universal, completely beyond your ego and your own self. That’s what it’s all about.” ~Keith Haring Lynne Scalo Interior Design 23 Jesup Road Westport, CT 06880 203.222.4991 lynnescalo.com
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EAST COAST HOME + DESIGN
November / December Interior designer Rajni Alex invites us into her home in Bronxville. Architect Cormac Byrne designs a classic shingle-style home with a contemporary flair. Architects share their inspirations from the comfort of their own homes.
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Venetian plaster covers the walls of the home office, offering a luxurious look balanced by a neutral tone. The elephant console serves as the centerpiece of the space.
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ISN’T IT GRAND Westchester Interior Designer Rajni Alex revamps her home Story by Kait Shea Photos by Jane Beiles
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hen you’re a professional interior designer, turning your own house into a home comes with plenty of pressure. Add to that two young children and the challenge is even greater, but for Westchester designer and homeowner Rajni Alex, this balancing act resulted in a home with the perfect combination of form and function. Ms. Alex and her family moved into their Bronxville digs in November 2010. The layout of the house was just what the designer was searching for, but having been built in 1986, the entirety of the home’s interior needed a updating. Calling it a “labor of love,” Ms. Alex said she spent the next two-plus years redoing floors, rearranging the kitchen, hand-picking furniture and other accessories and making her home where the heart is. According to Ms. Alex, one of the most unique rooms in the home is the dining room. The room is so customized that every color in its mural-like wallpaper, which serves as the focus of the space, is hand-picked by the designer herself. Each and every panel of the wallpaper, which took 10 months to perfect, was hand-painted by artists in China. The result, Ms. Alex said, is a room with a kind of built-in art that required little else to achieve the light, airy feeling she hoped to evoke. Going into the design process, Ms. Alex said she hoped to showcase that artistic expression in each room of the house, without being “snobbish” and overdone. When a guest enters a room, they should feel welcome and happy to spend time there, she said. Though she used pops of bold colors in many areas, Ms. Alex said their vibrancy was
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The wallpaper in the dining room was hand-painted using hand-picked, subdued tones. Ornate accessories add to the artistic vibe the room exudes.
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balanced by neutral coloring in the walls or rugs. The use of color, she said, is not over the top, but rather “gives you little pauses of happiness” because it is used “in a very selective manner so that it’s not overwhelming.” With that concept in mind, Ms. Alex chose to make walls covered by Venetian plaster the focus of her foyer. The area’s original ceramic black and white flooring was dull and outdated, which prompted the designer to create a brighter space and “make it as grand as possible without making it ostentatious and vulgar,” she said. Working with a decorative painter she often collaborates with on projects for clients, Ms. Alex achieved her goal by incorporating a shiny, lacquered look through the plaster, which was balanced by its light, peach-toned color, she said. When it came time to design her home’s six bedrooms, Ms. Alex said she was once again scrupulous in her color selection. The master bedroom, she said, is comprised of the cool, calming colors that make up the classic Phillip Jeffries wallpaper lining the room. The key to a master bed and bath is to use colors and themes that you don’t mind seeing every day, Ms. Alex said. Guest rooms, however, are a different story. The bright, vibrant colors that were incorporated into the guest bedrooms makes visitors think, “Wow, I want to stay here,” Ms. Alex said, adding that the experience is like staying in a hotel. Waking up to those same bold tones on a daily basis, however, would be overwhelm-
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ing, so the designer reserved her more playful style for spaces that aren’t used every single day. Ms. Alex’s favorite space in her 13-room home, however, is her office, she said. It’s a bright, cheerful room with plenty of orange, a recurring color in much of her work, along with more Venetian plaster on the walls. The centerpiece of the space, she said, is a large elephant console. “Every room, I think, should have one piece where when you walk in it makes you happy,” Ms. Alex said, referring to the console, which she described as unique and unexpected. The office is a light, happy place where Ms. Alex said she is able to truly concentrate on her work. And, as a “no kids allowed” room, it serves that purpose well. “It’s my happy place,” Ms. Alex said. “I go there and I feel motivated and inspired and I can feel my creativity flowing.” One of the approaches Ms. Alex took in designing her home is the same technique she uses with clients, which involves incorporating a mix of both high-end and inexpensive décor throughout the house. By stretching each dollar as far as it can go, clients, and the designer herself, get the most bang for their buck, she said. The perfect example, she added, is the use of accessories in her living room. The room’s investment piece is a sculpture-like coffee table, which cost $3,500 for the base alone. In contrast, the same room exhibits an orange couch pillow from IKEA. The price of a product is far less important than
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The living room’s investment piece is a high-end coffee table that serves as a piece of art within the room.
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Looking back, Ms. Alex said that although an interior designer’s work is never truly done, she wouldn’t change any of the work she’s done to her home. In the living room, the artistic theme found throughout the house is illustrated through accessories on tables and shelves. Considered the “heart” of the home, the kitchen was completely renovated to offer a welcoming feel with warm lighting, hardwood floors and sleek surfaces. The tones used in the master bedroom were meant to create a soothing vibe that is easy to wake up to on a daily basis. The classic Phillip Jeffries wallpaper matches the subdued tones found throughout the space while adding a luxurious touch. 40
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what it brings to a room’s overall design, Ms. Alex said. It doesn’t matter where a piece comes from so long as it doesn’t take away from the design or look cheap, she added. Looking back, Ms. Alex said that although an interior designer’s work is never truly done, she wouldn’t change any of the work she’s done to her home. The designer and her husband are still working to build a swimming pool and pave the driveway, but the interior of their 5,800 square foot home is perfect, she said. “We are so happy in this house,” Ms. Alex said. “This house has a great spirit, we feel very happy. We feel very blessed… It feels like it was the right house for our family.” Rajni Alex Design 66 Palmer Avenue Suite 66 Bronxville, NY 10708 917.543.7049 rajnialexdesign.com East Coast Home + Design
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In the dining room, the family’s artwork is complimented by design touches such as this modern eyepiece of a lamp and contrasting heirloom-style chair.
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Swept Up in Greenwich Grandeur Picturesque curves enrich a classic shingle-style Connecticut home and provide a pleasant contrast to its clean-lined transitional living space Story by Peg Ventricelli Photos by Neil Landino
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ith a wink from its elegant eyebrow-shaped entrance porch, this contemporary shingle-style home on Stanwich Road in Greenwich welcomes you to relax and have fun--from its appealingly traditional frontage to its sleek and modern interior. For two generations, Greenwich-based JBMP (Jones Byrne Margoetes Partners) has been the chosen architectural firm of the DaPuzzo family. Having previously designed the parental home—of a much different style—in the 1990s, JBMP was selected again in 2012 by son Peter DaPuzzo and his wife Rachel to build their new home on a four-acre lot on the prestigious mid-country street. The couple worked closely with principal architect Cormac Byrne and interior architect Kristen Rinaldi, as well as with interior designer Kat Rosier, on every aspect of the home’s spectacular exterior and spacious (10,000 square foot) interior, and was considered an integral part of the design team. What began as the planned renovation of an existing 1920s stone home became, in the words of the architect, “my plan to build the DaPuzzos their dream home.” The decision to start afresh and tear down the old house allowed for movement of the home deeper into the property and set off from the street with a larger and more formal front yard with a regal yet inviting circular driveway. Stone from the house was salvaged and used in the site walls. After many design iterations through styles as diverse as Tudor, Arts & Crafts, Lutyens and Mediterranean stucco, the family settled on 46
the home’s contemporary shingle style with a very clean transitional interior. “We went full circle and came all the way back to shingle style because it gives us the opportunity to be traditional on the exterior and more modern on the interior,” explained Byrne. “And the roof lines can be a lot more interesting,” he added. “We can ‘sweep’ the roof and mix and match different pitches. There’s a lot of play.” The design required a focus on the needs of a growing family. As such, “the adjacencies of the most-used spaces, such as the family room, kitchen and breakfast room, were paramount,” according to Byrne. This informal side of the house is still embellished with all the trappings typically seen in a house of this stature, including a fully custom gourmet kitchen and pantry, as well as a one-and-a-half story family room ceiling with trusses and an open stair to the second floor. Entrance to the house is through an intricately shingled covered porch with a decorative curved roof, which Byrne likens to an eyebrow. It is the construction aspect of the home’s design which most delights the architect. On both sides are tapered shingle columns lending the roof support while welcoming guests. The main entrance hall and staircase open up to the dining room with views directly through the house to the grounds. The formal wing of the house has a front-to-back living room with access to the rear stone terrace, and connects to the paneled library and home office. The well-lit but cozy library then connects to a three-season screened porch with teak flooring and wood ceiling, which also has a wood-burning fireplace for cool evenings. From the
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The wallpaper in the dining room was hand-painted The welcoming mudroom with its heated slate floor has custom using hand-picked, subdued tones. Ornate accessories millwork cubbies and storage for a busy young family. add to the artistic vibe the room exudes. East Coast Home + Design
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The dignified marble fireplace with its refined architectural columns plays host to the icing at its top—a piece of art from the owners’ extensive collection. The subdued room décor is intended to allow the artwork to shine.
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I “ had the privilege of watching their family grow and evolve, and I got to know their personalities and lifestyle.” screened porch, one can also access the rear terrace, which spreads the length of the house. Behind the house, a large upper garden was created for family recreation. A second terrace level contains a pool house and re-upgraded existing pool. Then, an expansive lower lawn slopes down to a picturesque pond. For designer Rosier, the project had special meaning in that she had worked with the clients decorating their previous home. The personal connection led to an easier understanding of the homeowners’ design goals. Said Rosier, “I had the privilege of watching their family grow and evolve, and I got to know their personalities and lifestyle.” As there were young children, it was important to combine aesthetics with practicality. “As a mother, I completely get that,” chuckled Rosier. “Fabrics and furnishings had to be durable to withstand the ‘jumping, bumping’ test of kids.” Another important consideration for Rosier was the clients’ extensive art collection. “The collection is amazing,” gushed Rosier, “so it was important that the colors and furnishings I used not steal the scene from the artwork.” Both clients were “incredibly involved” in the proj50
ect and brought their strong sense of style for Rosier to incorporate. In the end, it was the “mutual trust” that made it work, according to Rosier. “There are always so many components that must be thought through to achieve balance and continuity,” she explained. “In addition to the furnishings and decorative accessories, is everything from molding, hardware, tile selections, and paint and floor stains.” Decided-upon finishes include marble and tile: Afyon sugar in the master bedroom, Carrera in the boys’ room and Thasos in the girls’ room. The countertop in the kitchen is La Dolce Vita. Since the clients’ previous home had been just recently designed, Rosier used as much of the existing furnishings as possible, with original or reupholstered fabrics. For example, the living room sofa was reupholstered (in Kravet No. 32320, color 116) and the chairs retained their original fabric. On the other hand, the furnishings in the family and dining rooms were designed for the new space. Much of the fabric for the family room was purchased through Kravet. Sandstone Chenille was used on the sofas, while the complementary pillow fabric is Kravet Modern Elegance in Mandarin. The window treatments in the family room are
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The rear stone terrace, overlooking a large upper garden and a second terrace comprising a pool and pool house, runs the length of the house, providing ample space for entertaining.
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Kravet Linen in Dove, which is the same subtle coloring as the walls, allowing the nearby artwork to shine. The stylish yet comfortable ottoman was custom-designed with Mulberry Home Haslam Paprika. Rosier’s favorite treatment is of the dining room windows in soft, fluid Bart Halpern navy velvet, sold through Donghia. The dining chair fabric is Robert Allen Archetype in Sapphire. Kravet is also showcased in the master bedroom in the silk window treatments that gently serenade the calm neutrality of the room’s color scheme. In the boys’ bedroom, window treatments in Ralph Lauren Ice House Stripe will bridge their changing tastes in the years to 52
come. The girls are treated to Duralee No. 42191 in Seaglass at their bedroom windows, pleasantly color-coordinating the room’s other feminine touches. Rosier told how she imbued an element of sophistication into everything she designed for the home. “Yet it is relaxed and casual at the same time,” she pointed out. Included in this methodology is the family room carpet of a modern yet durable geometric pattern in soft brown, the Kane dining room carpet, and the bedroom floors covered in Masland. Her “favorite” room in the house is the dining room, where, she says, her biggest challenge was to convince the husband to
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use the Nobilis silver sea grass wallpaper. “He was having a hard time envisioning the navy/silver color combination,” she explained, but considers the outcome well worth her efforts at persuasion. Throughout the home’s interior, the inspiration for Rosier continued to be the “casual, yet cool and hip” lifestyle of the family.” She added, “They are a young couple who like to have fun, and I believe that this house reflects that.” With evident pride, Rosier stated, “From the eclectic artwork to the fun color combinations, this house will remain timeless and always in style.” RESOURCES ARCHITECT JONES BYRNE MARGOETES PARTNERS (JBMP) ARCHITECTURE & INTERIOR DESIGN Cormac Byrne, Assoc AIA, principal Kristen Rinaldi 245 Mill Street Greenwich, Conn. 06830 203.531.7182 www.jbmparch.com INTERIOR DESIGN Kat Rosier 203.912.9890 CONTRACTOR RAM CONSTRUCTION 40 Warshaw Place Stamford, CT
Traditional appeal and plenty of visual interest are aspects of design allowed by the home’s contemporary shingle style per architect Cormac Byrne, who appreciated the opportunity it engendered to “play” with the roof lines.
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ARCHITECTURAL I N S PI R AT I O N S INSIDE THE MIND OF ARCHITECTS IN THEIR HOMES
Portraits by Neil Landino
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CHARLES HILTON hiltonarchitects.com
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lease tell us about this space and why you choose it? I spend a great deal of time in my study doing all kinds of office and personal work. It is warm, inviting and comfortable. Its central location adjacent to the kitchen and our outdoor pool terrace ensures I am never too far from my family and all the action.
Describe your signature style? Refined and comfortable traditional design. You have been an Architect for over 25 years please tell us about some fun structures you have created over the years? I have designed a number of wine cellars, garden buildings, pool houses, an indoor basketball court and am now doing a natatorium. I love designing homes on the water. These provide the
opportunity for many creative and fun spaces. Name another career you would be in if not an Architect? When I was in high school I thought I might want to go into medicine. Although I continue to be fascinated by all facets of science, I’m glad I pursued the architectural path. I guess if I could no longer design great buildings I would find great satisfaction building them. Please advise our readers three top questions they should ask when interviewing an Architects. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) lists a number of good interview questions on their website. Some of the most important I think are: Who from your firm will I be dealing with on a regular basis and who is the person who will lead the design of my project? What is your design philosophy? East Coast Home + Design
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ROB SANDERS rsarchct.com
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ell us about how you created your home to feel so warm and inviting? Our home is a converted barn, and had the volume and structure to be a great space. We have replaced and relocated all of the windows to bring in light, added a 10’ high wall of books for our collections, restored the butternut paneling, and solved the lighting challenges of a large, high space. Finding a great carpet, a 12 x 16 contemporary Tibetan silk, gave us the cue to select furnishings of the right color, character and scale.
One of your firms specialties is preserving older homes, why is this important to you? Preserving and adapting older structures to contemporary lifestyles works on so many levels: the particular character of these homes, the room shapes, the flow, or how light enters enhances our lives. The continuing dialogue between past residents and our own enriches the daily experience of living. It challenges us to do more than satisfy our selves- we’ve been entrusted with a legacy for the future. And reusing a structure is the original ‘green’ alternative, often more energy-wise than modern structures.
a landscape architect, and work closely to create a setting where the building looks as though it has always been there, that “just right” dialogue between man and nature. Inside, we find that selection of a color palette can be very daunting. We often help our clients find their comfortable range, to compliment their furnishings and artwork, and to provide a launch point for their interior designer. Where do you invest/splurge when designing a custom home or renovation? When circumstances permit, we usually see clients splurge in materials upgrades. Where tile was specified, it becomes a beautiful handmade mosaic, or where wide board flooring was going to be new material, it becomes reclaimed antique material. We’re doing some custom art screen panels in a new home, which will be fun to design and craft with a furniture maker we like. It will make a unique statement in the space.
The two greatest influences had to be the encouragement of my mother, who is an artist, and my parent’s purchase of a classic Connecticut colonial desperately in need of work when I was seven.
What is another creative aspect of your firm that you would like our readers to know? Almost every project we work with is deeply engaged with its site, so we have developed a real sense of the indigenous landscape and native plants. We often help select
Were there any particular influences in your life that lead you to be an Architect? The two greatest influences had to be the encouragement of my mother, who is an artist, and my parent’s purchase of a classic Connecticut colonial desperately in need of work when I was seven. It had a barn and a carriage house and 7 acres of land with a river, and we did everything to it, much by our own hands. It was a great platform for experimentation, a skill builder, and wonderful place to grow up. East Coast Home + Design
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JONATHAN WAGNER jwaia.com
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lease tell us how your choice of location coincides with your work? The main staircase in my home reflects a lot of what all of my projects embody - there is an underlying order, in this case the grid of painted paneling on the wall, juxtaposed with the fun, sexy walnut handrail. There’s elegance, whimsicality, quality and fun. You enjoy using the handrail; it’s an unexpected little pleasure every time you use the staircase. Shouldn’t everything in one’s home be that way? I imagine over the years of designing homes you have had some obstacles to over come please tell us about one of these experiences and how you rose to the challenge? I am often asked to tweak other architect’s designsI have been brought in to objectively assess and fix design flaws (or worse) in recently completed houses or in troubled construction projects- by owners, builders and even the architect (usually a friend). It is a delightful challenge to try to resolve these issue in a way that the integrity of everyone’s work is respected, clarified and enhanced, and no one’s ego is bruised. Please describe your evolution in your work, from first project to
present day? Fresh out of Cornell Architecture, I saw my projects as either “Traditional” or “Modern”- one or the other. Now my work embodies aspects of both equally, in ways that the best of Modernisminteresting uses of light, floor plan openness and flow, the sculptural aspects of the exterior- is combined with the warmth, appropriateness and familiar charm seen in the best Traditional houses. I am, however, then surprised to often hear people say “Wow!” about a house that I thought was just a simple, elegant and (hopefully) timeless blend of old and new design ideas… maybe the “Wow” really comes from visitors seeing the sometimes unexpected, previously unexpressed and often amazing thoughts and dreams my clients have- translated into the perfect home for those clients. No two houses I design are alike, yet people often sense that I designed a particular house they may see. I hope they are sensing the “spirit” a great collaborative project like an amazing custom home can have. You have a love of animals, what animals do you presently have living with you? Two English Cream Golden Retrievers and more “rescue” Rabbits than I can handle. Until the next one hops unexpectedly into my life…. East Coast Home + Design
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GEORGE DUMITRU studiodumitru.com
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ell us why you choose your kitchen for us to showcase you in? In my house the kitchen is the place where everybody ’s paths meet. Historically we, as human beings, gathered around the fire. These days that fire is where the kitchen is. But second of all, and more important, cooking is my hobby, and therefore the kitchen is where I like to spend my free time. That’s why I take a lot of pride in designing the kitchens in my clients’ homes. When entertaining do you do the cooking or you and your wife Tammy? Both Tammy, my wife, and I like to cook. Cooking together is what I like. But that’s not what she likes. She says that I am too obsessed with the details and she likes a more relaxed approach. What is one of your speciality dishes? and can you please post the recipe on your website for our readers to go to? Sorry, I don’t have the option to add a recipe to my website. I would also like to keep the focus of the website on architecture and not sidestep from that. So let’s skip this one.
the same reason I also suggest that the stove or cooktop always be in a central location and never relegated to a corner of the kitchen. Since we are talking about kitchens and food please tell us who your ideal guests would be that are still alive or passed that you would like at one of your dinner parties? Of course I would give anything to have my father around and cook for him. He loved food and friends, and they always had to be together. But I really enjoy good friends. And I like the ones that love food as much as I do. First of all because I want to impress, but second of all, if there is a better way to cook something I am eager to learn. Name one mistake homeowners make when making decision for their new kitchen? Oh, this one is easy: the biggest mistake is not listening to the professional’s advice. Many times a girlfriend’s opinion ends up being the driving force and, consistently, that ends up as a regret in the end. Also because what applies to one family ’s lifestyle does not necessarily applies to another. Some people like to eat in some like to go out. Some people like to entertain some don’t. Some family has 5 kids some none. How do you reconcile it ? That’s why a kitchen is a tricky thing.
I would give anything to have my father around and cook for him. He loved food and friends, and they always had to be together.
Please give us two or more important components to creating a kitchen for entertaining? Since cooking is my hobby I really like to cook for friends. That’s why my kitchen has the cooktop placed in the island facing the guests. This way I can cook a lot of different things and share them with my friends, while not being isolated from the crowd. For
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CHRIS PAGLIARO pbs-archs.com
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our home was originally a 1970’s ranch, but upon entering your home I can not believe it was, please tell us how this space came about and the execution that was involved? People always love to ask architects if they’ve designed their dream home, and if so, “what does it look like?” Funny, I always struggled with that question because I never narrowed a singular answer down. In truth, it always depended on the site and the “givens”. Where is the view….the sun? In my case, I started with a 1963 raised ranch. It was ample in footprint, but not size. My goal was to create a home that respected the scale of my neighborhood, in a modern interpretation of the New England Shingle style. Knowing I was adding a story, I didn’t want to do so with the typical 8’ vertical wall and a roof as would be the utilitarian response.
to was that a new space had to be sexy – it couldn’t be in a medicaltype building, or surrounded by financial advisors. Just as we started talking about ways to renovate the existing space, we stumbled upon a great new building in a fresh part of South Norwalk. The space is playfully irregular in shape, with spectacularly high ceilings exposing the wood structure – a true artist’s studio. So – our goal was to occupy the space efficiently and respectfully. We took some special pieces with us, and the rest remains open (and low), with exposed tubular galvanized ducts. The idea is to let the people and our work make the space. Trust me, after all of those years, all the conversations and creativity that was generated in that old space….it wasn’t easy to say goodbye. Now it’s time to create the next memories, which in turn, make the space ours.
Being an architect how did you decide your aesthetics in your own home? More than anything, I wanted the second story addition to create “attic rooms”, which I always found to be the best spaces in a home. The key was getting the existing stair to work, which created the entry pavilion. The two gables were a response to responsibly sized rooms, the roof structures starting at the floors of the new spaces. The rest was easy as I knew I wanted the exterior to be sculptural – hence the battered and flared walls – all of which plays the scale of the house to the varying grade planes.
Your firm is known for adding some really cool elements tell us where you keep finding your inspiration? Inspiration comes from so many things – it is amazing how many small details translate to architecture. I would say extensive travel is the most inspiring – which can be cutting edge South Beach, or ancient Greece. But there are so many small things that surround you. I recently designed a sculptural stair with metal detailing inspired by the hinge on a pair of Persol sunglasses. A glass sphere detail based on the bolt pattern of a NYC bus. Music, cars, a flower…..a set of knives. Lessons abound - inspiration is everywhere!
You recently moved your offices, what are the design plans for that space? Our offices……for 20 years people walked into our studio and stared with amazement at the views of the water – as if we really sat back and enjoyed the view all day! The old space was approaching 100 years, and the building had its inherent issues, and it was time for changes to be made in our office environment. Technology has changed office needs and the space required. The choice was to renovate or to seek a fresh space. The one thing all three partners adhered
Name the last placed you traveled that inspired your creativity ? Paris! Is there really any place like it? The scale, the texture, the physical movement! It is the ultimate inspiration. Fortunately, my most recent visit was followed with a commission to completely redo a NYC brownstone in the Parisian Art Nouveau style. To make sure we got it right, I’ll just have to head back over there. East Coast Home + Design
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ED PARKER alisbergparker.com
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see a playhouse behind you in this photo tell us meant to fit into the landscape as if it has been there for a little bit about this and if your children helped 100 years. with the design and build process? I’ve built a few What is the most common design mistake you have seen small structures on the property in the 12 years and how do you correct it? I have two prominent pet we’ve been there. The first was this Greek Revival peeves. The first is the incorrect placement of a classiPlayhouse. My kids were very small at the time so cal column under an entablature. Very often I will find a they didn’t have much input. I had salvaged some Doric column that is set too far under the entablature in Doric columns and thought it would be nice to have a that the column capital is covered. This makes whatever miniature Greek Temple folly in the back yard. It’s set the column is holding look too heavy. The face of the back in the wooded entablature and the area of the lot and the column necking is morning sun streams meant to align and thought the trees to the capital should illuminate this white extend past both. temple as seen from the The weight of the house. It has a direct entablature is carsight line to the kitchen ried by the column so my wife could watch not the cap. the kids play if she were The second comin the house. The playmon mistake is inhouse also has a small appropriate proporloft with a leaded glass tions of windows. window that was salThis is perhaps the vaged. As the kids have easiest mistake to gotten older the playcorrect in the design house is now a small process but incredart studio that they ibly difficult to coruse regularly. After the rect after. Generally, playhouse was built, my this occurs when a son, Phoenix, helped builder tries to save me design and build the money and reduces tree house that includes the size of the winbunk beds, two porches, dows creating smalla crow’s nest and a zip er openings thinkline. We were lucky to ing it doesn’t make get some cedar from the much difference. park next door after the Correctly proportown took down some tioned windows are brush and dumped it paramount to a well near my property after a design façade. (No, Ed did not pay us for this!) storm. The rails are all natural cedar. If you were not an architect you would be? I have many interests and all of Please describe your firms design philosophies as if you them involve some sort of creative process. I like to build were speaking to me for the first time as a potential cli- things (which is why our office also includes Construcent? tion Management). I worked for Kent Bloomer as a sculpWe strive to create beauty. We research historical prece- tor and fabricator early in my career. I enjoy drawing, dent to help in that endeavor. We want to design a houses writing, making music, gardening, making honey and mathat reflects the tastes of our client while also adhering to ple syrup; all of which we currently do on our property. the typological rules of their style of choice- from Georgian and Mediterranean to Shingle style and Modern. Name three priorities in your life right now? My wife, Regardless of the style, we believe proportion, rhythm, my kids and my business. I hope my wife notices that I symmetry and balance are the fundamental guidelines to put her first and business last. beauty. Our style is not ego driven. Our architecture is
Name three priorities in your life right now? My wife, my kids and my business. I hope my wife notices that I put her first and business last.
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DINYAR WADIA wadiaassociates.com
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You have a beautiful landscape of gardens surrounding your home; please tell us about the design aesthetic? Our garden consists of two different approaches; it is divided into many outdoor rooms. This inspiration comes from Tintinhull, in Yeovil, Somerset, UK. The borders in our garden were inspired by the borders at Wisley Gardens in Surrey UK., which is the flagship garden of the English Horticultural Society. It is an hour ride from London by train. These two gardens had a profound effect on my wife Gool and myself. You opened up your firm 30 years ago, how has your firm evolved in designing homes? The evolution in many ways is similar to the design of the early automobile to the sleek design of the present. We have gone from designing homes which were predominately shelter to today’s homes which are a reflection of our client’s station in life as well as a terrific place to raise a family and entertain family and friends. The creature comforts of the home can be compared to the creature comforts of a luxury automobile. What or who inspired you to become an Architect? The question really should be what inspired me to become and architect. The answer is the beautifully designed, carefully built homes, public buildings and squares of the 1950’s Bombay which rival the buildings in London. As you may know Bombay was the jewel of the English Empire. I thought how wonderful would it be if I could take their lead and make a similar contribution that would stand the test of time, just as the home I grew up in and the buildings and the public squares that filled my life. There was a wonderful cohesiveness which I couldn’t verbalize at an early age but affected me fondly. Your firm is known for New Classicism can you please explain what that means? New classicism simply means classicism that is transitional – clean, airy, light and still valid. My clients want a connection to history but do not want to live in heavy overly encumbering, dark homes. One client said it best “I do not want to live in my grandmother’s home.” Name a destination that you would like to travel to and why? There are many destinations. I would love to visit the Sydney Opera House, Vienna, Prague, St. Petersburg and a few other European cities. The Sydney Opera House is a master piece of modern architecture. Even though it is a huge structure it has the feeling of flight, due to its design and construction. The Eastern European capitals on the other hand are exciting because of the texture and scale that they offer. Anyone who has visited the main square in Brussels knows exactly what I am talking about. What brought you to America and how did you end up in New Canaan? As a young boy I would regularly visit the Library of the United States Information Service in Bombay, now Mumbai. I saw progress – I saw a rapidly changing world of which I wanted to be part of. The green fields, beautiful towns with painted clap board houses and the happiness on the people’s face in America which inspired me to come here. I also wanted to get away from my parents and the joint family system of living. After earning an undergraduate degree in architecture I applied to a few graduate schools in America and was fortunate to be admitted to Columbia. There I was very fortunate to have Victor Christ-Janer as my design professor. He brought out the best in me and upon graduation offered me a job in his office in New Canaan. This is how I came to New Canaan. East Coast Home + Design
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JEFF KAUFMAN jmkarchitects.com
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My inspiration comes from the materials I choose to work with, the natural environment, my travel experiences in different countries and the space where the project will be built- how far can I push the envelope?
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lease tell us why you choose this space for your photograph? This is the most comfortable room in my residence. The room is filled with family heirloom furniture, art work that Ann and I have collected for almost 30 years. Each piece tells part of our story-- whether it came from an art gallery, a find at an antique show or a tag sale. I found the pair of leather French chairs at an antique store in Westport. They are the most comfortable chairs in this room! The oriental area rug was a commission from one of my first jobs. The coffee table and side table are my designs--they have been staple designs for furniture we customize for different projects. Our house was built in 1860. When we purchased it our family just shook their heads. It was a huge project that took more than five to complete, but I still consider it a work in progress! I opened up the house to lots of natural light and the orientation was turned away from the street, overlooking a formal courtyard and six acres of trees. What do you see in today’s market for home design that you didn’t see 25 years ago other than technology? The use of reclaimed materials - especially beautiful woods and stones. Better quality new materials of all types- from tile to glass to paints. Where in this world do you think the most awe inspiring architec-
ture exists? Although I am still working on seeing the whole world, I admire the architecture in Italy, the formality and exquisite plans, but I also love the farmhouse in the French countryside: the way they were built to allow families to live almost off the grid; they included a pigeon house to provide eggs and pigeons, a terraced garden to grow food, and a barn for farm animals. These structures influence my work- they allow a scale and proportion that fits together well, and let very large structures look like series of buildings built and joined over time. If you weren’t an Architects what would you be? A veterinarian Where does your inspiration come from? My inspiration comes from the materials I choose to work with, the natural environment, my travel experiences in different countries and the space where the project will be built- how far can I push the envelope? What other materials can accomplish the same result and how to maximize the project within the surroundings. I rely on historical precedent, not magazines- I am intrigued by mixing the old with the new. JMKA | architects views each project as a new canvas. We integrate the client’s vision and aspirations, work within a budget and provide hands-on management of the details and the craft. A unique, personal architectural process is the hallmark of our firm.
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ell us about the patio area behind you that you recently designed and built? The design for the patio area grew from the need to have a truly functional outdoor living space for spending family time as well as entertaining. Being surrounded by nature creates a relaxing atmosphere and invites lingering. It has quickly become our favorite room! An essential design element is the flow of the landscape planting within the frame of the masonry to create an organic transition from the living space to the outdoors. It defines the area while maintaining an informal feel. One goal of the patio design was to create an attractive access area to the primary entrance of our home. Now the greeting begins at the driveway where a 30’ stairway surrounded by a row of 40 boxwoods and annuals leads you toward the house. When you reach the beautiful outdoor living room the welcome is complete. Your firm is a Design Build please explain what that means? A Design Build firm has the ability to provide homeowners with comprehensive service under one roof to see their home project from concept to completion. The design build philosophy creates a collaborative bond between architect, builder, and client—we’ve found that this bond is inspiring and gives our clients a lasting sense of pride as they increase the appeal and value of their home. You had a lot of buzz and recognition for the Ultimate Man Cave project that we featured in our spring edition along with CBS News and Wall Street Journal, if you had another opportunity to work on something so unique what would it be? I must admit that I am a car nut, there is something magical about the juxtaposition of a beautiful automobile in an equally beautiful completed interior space. I would love to expand on the mancave concept and do a more industrial version that could accommodate a working shop in addition to showcasing the cars. The finished space would be high end but with a more industrial flair: exposed steel and concrete, lifts for actually working on the cars not just storing them. Name three things that you would relay to your client that are the most important when renovating a home? Communication: This is one of the reasons I am such a fan of the design build process. Communication is the single most important ingredient in any relationship, whether it be between husband and wife or a contractor and a client. We must strive to make sure we truly listen to each other and understand what the question behind the question is. That is the only way we really get to know each other and help look out for our clients’ best interests. “As a design build firm when we are an integral part of the discussion from the very start it makes us that much better at helping you build your dream.” Budget: Too often homeowners start the process before establishing a budget. The resulting ideas can be totally out of range and they are frustrated and disappointed when they have to scale back. A design build firm will start by discussing the budget and then create a design that reflects what can be realistically accomplished based on real building costs. Very often this field knowledge leads to innovations that can deliver a better project than initially imagined. Decisions: The job that is the most successful for the client, the architect, and the builder is the one that runs on time, on budget and with a predictable outcome. Decisions for even small items like a tile pattern or doorknobs can impact the ability to achieve those objectives. Fall in love with a tile a week before you need it and discover it is not available for 4 months (yes, this does happen) and suddenly the subcontractor’s schedule can’t move ahead. Multiply that by the number of selections required for an entire house and you see how the project can be slowed down if decisions are not made in a timely manner. Tell us two things that nobody knows about you? My wife Cathy is my best friend and biggest cheerleader, I don’t think I would be where I am in this business if it were not for her constant understanding and support. I am crazy about cars, can’t get enough of them! It is a great passion that I share with my 11- and 12- year-old sons. My favorite automaker is Porsche, my unobtainable dream car is a Porsche 993 GT2
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TODD DRURY
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JOSEPH CUGNO cugnoarchitecture.com
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What was one of your proudest accomplishments you had in your career? I would say my answer is simple. Becoming an Architect.
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our home is in the middle of being done and have created this unique space to live in the meantime. Please tell us about the design? The style for the house I was going for is American Gothic with the portion that I am living in now in the style of an attached barn that was finished into living space. I wanted a rustic styled room. Please tell us about the work your firm does? is there anything you specialize in? My firm does mostly residential new construction and addition work. Projects that have an older period look. I specialize in period looking designs. Name a book that you have read recently that had an impact in your way of thinking or living? A book I read recently, within the last year, was “Mr. Blandings builds his dream house”. I think there is an inherent need to be patient with the process, be it with the Owner or the Owner
with trades and the way these relationships are portrayed in the book just makes me laugh and yet find it so familiar with everyday situations. I just love it. If you can give only one piece of advice to a client what would it be and why? I think the one piece of advice I would give to a client is use your professionals, be it your architect or designers, to help you manage your expectations of your project. Communication during many aspects of a project is so important and keeping everyone informed will lead to a smooth process. What was one of your proudest accomplishments you had in your career? I would say my answer is simple. Becoming an Architect. There is nothing more that I ever wanted to be since I was 10 years old and I geared everything in my life at a young age to accomplish that. I have been lucky enough to have been nominated for a few awards but to achieve a child hood dream just can’t be topped.
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Misty Carrara by Caesarstone
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PentalQuartz’s Lattice, a new introduction in 2013.
Countertop Quagmire ALTERNATIVES TO WHITE MARBLE COUNTERTOPS
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Story by Sarah Robertson
n love with white marble, but not the maintenance? Many of my kitchen customers deal with the same dilemma. For some help evaluating the alternatives, I consulted Alex DiPietro of Rye Marble, in Rye NY. We have rounded up some of our favorites for your consideration, including several materials new to the market.
Option 1: QUARTZ COMPOSITES Among all the choices listed here, Quartz composites are the most durable alternative to real marble countertops. They are composed of 90%+ natural quartz, and some brands, such as Silestone, offer bacteriostatic protection. They resist scratching, etching, and staining better than quartzite, granite, or solid surface materials. Some on-line bloggers report that they can survive 24 hours of exposure to acidic materials such as lemon juice without etching! And the good news is that quartz composite manufacturers are continually innovating to develop products that look just like marble. This year there are several new introductions that are coming very close to mimicking the classic, understated elegance of white marble. Not all quartz composites are available in a honed finish. Caesarstone’s “Misty Carrara” is a light gray, subtley mottled alternative to honed Carrara marble. Cambria’s Torquay is offered in both semi-polished and polished, and
has hints of grey, cream and white. Silestone’s “Lagoon” is available in polished and suede finishes, and is a blogger favorite. There are far more quartz composite options in a polished finish, including PentalQuartz’s new introduction, “Lattice”, which has tones very similar to Carrara. For a whiter marble alternative, consider HanStone Quartz’s “Tranquility” (new in 2013), and Zodiaq’s Okite in “Bianco Carrara.” Caesarstone has two new polished marble look alikes, “London Gray” (more like Carrara) and “Frosty Carrina” (a soft ivory white with delicate powdery grey veins, resembling Statuary marble.) Option 2: QUARTZITE For natural stove lovers, quartzite may be your best option. Although pricier than Carrara, it is generally more resistant to etching and staining. Keep in mind that it is not indestructible—quartzites will still scratch, stain, and etch, and are not as durable as manufactured quartz. According to Alex, “You would need to treat this like you would any natural stone, clean up spills as soon as you can and be careful with acidic foods.” The durability of quartzite varies, and your stone fabricator will be your best resource for questions regarding particular stone characteristics. Here are some of quartzite varieties that come close to white marEast Coast Home + Design
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ble—be aware that quartzite varieties often go by more than one name, and you will always need to view individual slabs. Photographs can be misleading! •Super White Quartzite: AKA White Princess, White America, White Fantasy, White Arabesque. This quartzite can also be known as Vermont White Granite (even though it is not a granite.) It is a highly figured quartzite, making it a “busier” stone visually than Carrara, but is within the same color family. •White Macauba Quartzite: AKA Luce Di Luna, Quartzite Bianco. A pale grey stone with darker grey veining, often running in tight parallel lines. It is elegant with a slightly contemporary vibe. White Macauba doesn’t etch, but it is an absorbent stone which is difficult to seal so can be prone to staining, and can darken with use. It is one of the more expensive quartzite options. •Madre Perla (Madreperola) Quartzite: From Brazil, this stone is very hard, doesn’t require sealing, doesn’t etch, and is much harder than granite. Its color is more reminiscent of Crema Marfil marble. Option 3: GRANITE Although the choices of white granites are slim, there are a couple worth mentioning. White Kashmir has subtle mottling in black and maroon. Bianco Romano, a common substitute for Carrara, is grey with more movement than marble. Most granites have a warmer grey beige tone than Carrara, and are just not the same look, but they are generally more affordable and durable than either marble or quartzite. 76
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Kitchen Cookbook Name one over-the-top luxury item in kitchen design? Claire Paquin Glass countertops. People are comfortable with marble, granite, and quartz for countertops and are even coming around to metal countertops – whether it be stainless steel, copper, or bronze. Glass, on the other hand, is under-utilized. It’s beautiful, functional, and can be custom-colored and backlit. It can be fused together to create a variety of different thicknesses and comes in many different textures from smooth to organic to crackled. Consider glass countertops for a multitude of surfaces: your main counters, island, desk, message center, or custom tabletop. The luminosity of glass will add a completely unique element to your custom kitchen.
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Mollie Rhodes As a kitchen designer, I think luxury items for cabinetry would include fumed, rather than stained, woods. This process is costly, but the affect can be stunning. Another high-end finish is a high-buff polyester, which is similar to a car finish. This finish on stained wood is extraordinary, as it is as clear as glass. •
Super White Quartzite
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Jet Mist Granite counter with Carrara marble backsplash
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Sarah Robertson Option 4: SOLID SURFACE I know we’ve heard it mistaken time andfor real Corian’s “Rain Cloud” has a very realistic, subtle pattern which can be timeandagain, but theofover-the-top stone. Although lacking the “feel” of true stone the durability quartz composites, solid surfacing is a more economical option than quartzite quartzallcomposites. luxury itemorthat my customers say “I’m glad I did it” is well
Option 5: SAVE THE MARBLE FOR THE BACKSPLASH built, custom cabinetry. This One of my favorite combinations of materials in the kitchen is a Jet Mist Granite counter involvesthean investment your finish with Carrara marble backsplash. Classic and timeless, Jet Mist granite inofa honed time as well, spent with a kitchen is superb at hiding stains and dirt. Its charcoal-colored mottled finish resembles soapstone without the maintenance. Carrara on the backsplash, a mosaic, tile, or fullallslab, designeraswho will consider thebrings the classic look together. functions of your kitchen, and
take the time to develop custom
Option 6: GO WITH MARBLE AND LIVE WITH IT storage havemarble Many homeowners feel that the occasional chips, etchesoptions and stainsfor thatyou. occurI with had customers spend weeks designing custom storage for every gadget and are countertops merely add to its “patina”. Some marbles, such as Imperial Danby Marble, annoying thatthan theyCarrara, never and want to see their countertop again. It’swith a the a bit moreitem resilient should be on considered as well. If you can’t live patina havebut always dreamed of having a marble countertop, thereisarelife contractors big timebut sink, when a kitchen is done, the added efficiency chang- who can periodically your countertops to custom their original condition. The cherished Marble Doctors, ing. It may be restore obvious that you want storage for your in Wilton, CT, specializes in restoration work to countertops, and can remove shallow etchcollection of Wedgewood, but what about the cell phones, the school papers, ing and many stains by rehoning or polishing. Some countertop fabricators will also “do that annoying box? work A true is designing kitchen that works house calls” to tissue do restoration on luxury your counters, and manya of my customers choose this with you, and for you, everyday, and looks beautiful doing approach. Before selecting a countertop fabricator, confirm theyit.are willing to come back and rehone or polish if necessary.
John Eigo
Dearborn Cabinetry What could possibly be better than 732 The Parkway getting yourNY pizza from a state of the Mamaroneck, 10543 art914.777.1388 pizza oven rather than a cardboard dearborncabinetry.com box? Pizza ovens have gained popularity in high end kitchens over recent years but only now have the range of designs to go along with almost any style kitchen. stainless steelcream for painted cabinets and walnut acfriendly feel, isFrom finished with contemporary kitchens to plaster andprovides a durable island surface. cents, and a honed absolute black stone for a more traditional appeal, The client requested a rich walnut master bath in order to create the pizza ovens can truly become the focal feeling of being in a library. In order to accommodate the client’s point of a new kitchen.
wishes while maintaining functionality in the bathroom, the firm created a wet and dryA spot within. In addition, walk-in refrigerator room. vanities, which are in the Lindy Weaver master foyer, lead to a stone wet room for the shower, tub and toilet. Alisberg Parker, collaborating with a builder in Scarsdale, handled all RESOURCES the architectural facets and DEANE interior decorating for this project. The LINDY WEAVER CLEAN DESIGN INC., best compliment the firm can receive, according to Susan Alisberg and DESIGN ASSOCIATES CLAIR PAQUIN KITCHENS BY DEANE LINDY WEAVER 13 Harcourt Road RHODES Ed Parker, is someone askingMOLLIE which part of the home is the addition. Scarsdale, NY 10583
1267 East Main Street
76 Sinoway Road
914-725-0995
Stamford, CT 06902
Cos Cob, CT 06807
cleandesignpartners.com RESOURCES
203-327-7008
203-869-6764
kitchensbydeane.com
lindyweaver.com
ARCHITECT
HEMINGWAY CUSTOM
DEARBORN CABINETRY
CABINETRY
SARAH ROBERTSON
JOHN EIGO
732 The Parkway
3400 Fairfield Avenue
Mamaroneck, NY 10543
ALISBERG PARKER ARCHITECTS Susan Alisberg Ed Parker 222 Sound Beach Avenue
Old Greenwich, CT 06870 Bridgeport, CT 06605 203.637.8730 914-815-2707
914-815-2707 dearborncabinetry.com
alisbergparker.com hemingwaycustom.com
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Hidden Treasures
CLARKE & CLARKE ANNOUNCES THE RELEASE OF IT’S NEWEST COLLECTION: WILD GARDEN WALL COVERINGS Designed to complement Clarke & Clarke’s fabric collection of the same name, these patterns have been given a fresh twist with the use of modern colour. Surface printed foliage designs are teamed with embossed, plain grass cloths and a wonderful trompe l'oeil named Peeling Planks. Colours range from soft shades of Pearl, Parchment and Mineral through to bold hues of Aqua, Citrus and Spice. Available exclusively through Duralee. clarke-clarke.com duralee.com
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