athome in Fairfield County - Jan/Feb 2020

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ta s k m a s t e r s

50+ PRODUCTS FOR HARDWORKING SPACES

TRADITIONAL NOW! c ov e r - u p

FRESH WALLPAPER

goods

HAUTE PINK

$5.95

JAN/FEB 2020

athomefc. com

amyhirsch.com

AMY AIDINIS HIRSCH INTERIOR DESIGN

203 661 1266

COOKING IS

believing

n a recent survey of more than 300 discerning

When you visit the Clarke showroom in South

the #1 resource for both appliance selection

created by the area’s most talented designers.

New England homeowners, Clarke was named and kitchen design inspiration, with 75%

noting Clarke consultant expertise as their top

reason for visiting New England’s Official Sub-

Zero, Wolf & Cove Showroom and Test Kitchen.

Norwalk, Conneticut, you’ll experience kitchens

You’ll learn about the world’s finest kitchen

technology and you can also cook on Wolf appliances, with a Clarke chef, to help you make your final selections.

Designers and homeowners can explore more

models of Sub-Zero, Wolf and Cove at Clarke than anywhere in New England. You’re welcome to

drop in and browse or make an appointment for a

personal tour and in-depth discussion of your project.

Clarke sells its brands through a local network of

authorized dealers and operates Clarke Customer

Care, a factory-authorized Sub-Zero, Wolf, Cove and ASKO repair service that has earned top customer satisfaction ratings in the U.S.

For information on showroom hours and the benefits of making an appointment, simply visit clarkeliving.com.

New England’s Official Sub-Zero, Wolf & Cove Showroom and Test Kitchen

64 South Main Street, South Norwalk, CT clarkeliving.com 800-842-5275

Distinctive Mouldings

Inspired Windows & French Doors

RElove Your Home Classic Entry Doors

Designer Wallcoverings

RingsEnd.com DARIEN BETHEL BRANFORD LEWISBORO MADISON

NEW MILFORD

NIANTIC

NORWALK

WILTON

WESTPORT SHOWROOM

203.227.5181 BETHEL SHOWROOM

203.790.9023 Exceptional Products, Personal Service

gaultstone.com

contents JAN/FEB 2020 vol. 15 | issue 1

features

departments

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10 EDITOR’S NOTE

LIVING COLOR Bright hues and bold patterns revive an old Victorian for a young family.

50

12 GET THE GOODS Color trend: Haute Pink; Turned Up; Kitsch, Please

NEXT CHAPTER Existing pieces used in new ways create a classic look in a fresh palette.

68

OPEN MINDED Layers of vintage finds and plenty of textures enhance a home’s new flow.

18 HAUTE STUFF Scene Stealers i nt e rv i ews b y l au re n f et t e r m an

Dining room designed

by Jennifer Smokler Interiors.

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21 THE HARDEST-WORKING ROOMS IN THE HOUSE Turn utilitarian spaces into works of art.

88 LAST WORD Design pros share fresh ways to keep tradition alive.

ATHOME IN FAIRFIELD COUNTY JAN/FEB 2020, VOL. 15, NO. 1. ATHOME IN FAIRFIELD COUNTY (ISSN 1941-9503) is published six times annually (Jan/Feb, Mar/Apr, May/Jun, Jul/Aug, Sep/Oct, Nov/Dec) by Moffly Media, Inc., 205 Main St, Westport, CT 06880. Periodical postage paid at Westport, CT, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes (Form 3579) to ATHOME IN FAIRFIELD COUNTY, PO BOX 9309, Big Sandy, TX 75755-9607. US subscription rates: $19.95/1 year, $29.95/2 years; Canada and foreign US$40/1 year, US$60/2 years.

on the c ove r rob i n henry studio | ph ot o gr a ph y eric piaseck i/ot t o athomefc.com

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203.489.3800 y hiltonarchitects.com

ARCHITECTURE & INTERIORS

>>

WE ASKED: vol. 15 | no. 1 | jan/feb 2020

creative/editorial director

sales

Amy Vischio Amy V editorial senior editor

Lauren Fetterman market editor

Megan Gagnon advisory editor

Donna Moffly

Lauren F

Hall chairs are packed with personality. I’ve always adored them, and I find them so versatile. In a bathroom, they make a great spot to hold folded towels. In an entry or hall, they elevate any space with their sculptural shape.

I tread lightly when it comes to patterns, so Hygge & West’s removeable Petal Pusher wallpaper tile is my favorite way to add a traditional touch that’s easily changeable.

contributing editors editor, new canaan - darien

Julee Kaplan

Cristin Marandino

editor, fairfield living; stamford; westport

Diane Sembrot business

Garvin B

Megan G

Hooked wool pillows of a tiger and lion my grandmother made in the ’70s.

I love them because they’re sentimental as well as a good conversation piece.

I’m a sucker for giltwood mirrors.

Anything that came out of France in the mid19th century is always welcome in my home.

president

category: travel publisher, westport

Gabriella Mays

Jennifer Frank categories: doctors/dentists/finance/ insurance/business consulting

Rick Johnson categories: real estate/lawyers

Ellyn Weitzman categories: restaurants/wine & spirits/ catering

Hilary Hotchkiss category: schools & universities

event managers

Rachel Shorten Amy Sinclair

Amy Vischio business manager

Elena Moffly John W. Moffly IV & Donna C. Moffly

Karen Kelly

marketing

Jonathan W. Moffly vice president/editorial & design

cofounders

publisher, stamford

regional account executive, southeast category: regional travel

production director

digital editor

categories: automotive/builders/ landscape/sports & fitness

Stephanie Delaney

art director

Amber Scinto

Lisa Phillips Hingst

category: jewelry

Garvin Burke

Taylor Stroili

publisher, new canaan - darien

Jennifer Petersen

art

digital media manager

Trish Kirsch

sales directors

Diane Sembrot

design assistant

publisher, greenwich

categories: architects/interior design/ home furnishing/art & collectibles

executive editor, greenwich

Kerri Rak

sales management moffly media

partnership manager

Kathleen Godbold

Gabriella M I own a Gustavian chest of drawers, like this one from D. Larsson. It’s retained its style through many generations and mixes well with some of today’s contemporary pieces. On a personal note, it brings back my childhood memories from Sweden.

strategic marketing director

Wendy Horwitz creative services art director

Molly Cottingham

TO SUBSCRIBE, renew, or change your address, please e-mail us at subscribe@athomefc.com, call 1-877-467-1735, or write to athome in Fairfield County Magazine, 111 Corporate Drive, Big Sandy, TX 75755. U.S. subscription rates: $19.95/1 year (6 issues); $34.95/2 years (12 issues); $44.95/3 years (18 issues). Canada and foreign, US $36/year. Prices are subject to change without notice. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this periodical may be reproduced without express permission of the publisher. ©2018 athome in Fairfield County Magazine is a registered trademark owned by Moffly Media. The opinions expressed by writers commissioned for articles published by athome in Fairfield County are not necessarily those of the magazine.

FOR QUALITY CUSTOM REPRINTS/E-PRINTS, please call 203-571-1645 or e-mail reprints@mofflymedia.com PUBLISHERS OF GREENWICH, FAIRFIELD LIVING, NEW CANAAN • DARIEN • ROWAYTON, WESTPORT, STAMFORD and athome magazines 205 Main Street, Westport, CT 06880. Phone: 203-222-0600; email: mail@moffly.com ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: Lemuel Bandala: call 203-571-1610 or email advertise@moffly.com

athomefc.com

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ALL PRODUCT IMAGES: COURTESY OF BRANDS/STORES; PORTRAITS: AMY VISCHIO: KRISTIN BURKE HYNES; GARVIN BURKE, MEGAN GAGNON AND GABRIELLA MAYS: VENERA ALEXANDROVA

What traditional piece always has a place in your home?

©FRANCIS DZIKOWSKI/OTTO

editor’s note /NEW TRADITION

P

redictable, staid, overly formal, maybe even boring—these are just some of the ways traditional design has been stereotyped over the years. But traditional is so much more than a one-note approach or outdated look. It has stood the test of time because it continues to evolve. Far from an all-or-nothing aesthetic, traditional design today is truly a continuum, whether it’s incorporating an antique into a more modern space, designing a new piece inspired by the past, or saturating a room with vibrant colors in classic patterns for a whimsical touch. When thoughtfully designed, this intentional mix is what gives a room depth, character and life, and the beauty of traditional is that it isn’t trendy but timeless. ¶ In this issue, we’re showcasing how three designers have reinterpreted traditional style in fun, innovative and livable ways. First, we head to Larchmont, where Robin Henry revived an old Victorian with bright colors, bold patterns and family-friendly finds (“Living Color” on page 32). Next, we visit an updated Westport home, where Jennifer Smokler used existing pieces in new ways for a classic look enveloped in a soft palette (“Next Chapter” on page 50). Finally, we stop by a home in Westchester County, where Debbie Notis created a new flow in a century-old Shingle-style house layered with vintage finds and plenty of texture (“Open Minded” on page 68). ¶ As a bonus, we’re also taking a deep dive into the hardest-working rooms of the house. We’ve created an expanded product section highlighting curated selects for kitchens, baths, mudrooms and laundry rooms. Turn to page 21 to check out the high-end finds and materials that can transform these utilitarian rooms into works of art.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JACEK DOLATA

Me and Lauren Fetterman at this past A-List Awards

AMY VISCHIO Creative/Editorial Director amy.vischio@moffly.com

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FINDING A PRIMARY CARE DOCTOR IS EASIER THAN EVER. Stamford Health Medical Group believes primary care is important for keeping you and your loved ones healthy. With more than 130 primary care physicians and specialists across Fairfield County, we make it easy for you to find a doctor close to home.

We offer flexible hours that fit your schedule, and we accept most health insurance plans.

To make an appointment, visit StamfordHealth.org/PrimaryCare or call 888.898.4876.

DARIEN • GREENWICH • NEW CANAAN • NORWALK • RIVERSIDE • STAMFORD • WILTON

goods/COLOR HAUTE PINK PICKS FOR A FRESH NEW YEAR

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VAUGHAN Trabzon embroidered linen in pink; to the trade. vaughandesigns.com

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HD BUTTERCUP Orlando sofa; $2,050. hdbuttercup. com

Emmi pouf ottoman; price upon request. Wakefield Design Center, Stamford; wakefielddesigncenter.com

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85 m $ o k; .c S pin ens N V E in wov WO illow nce E N C e p ; la L A rgyl alk A orw N

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DESIGNERS GUILD Balintore zinnia throw; $155. Fig Linens, Westport; figlinensandhome.com

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MAGGIE CRUZ HOME Leila cane étagère in Coral Gables; price upon request. maggiecruz home.com

pinks can be so versatile. you can p op a hot pink against navy for a dr amatic punch, add softness with a pastel, or let any shade of pink be the hero in a ro om of neu tr als.

—bethany armstrong, hue designs, llc

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CHRISTOPHER SPITZMILLER Single large three ball lamp in shell pink; $3,540. christopher spitzmiller.com

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ALL IMAGES COURTESY OF DESIGNERS/BRANDS

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HICKORY CHAIR

ELEISH VAN BREEMS | H O M E

Furniture • Antiques • Lighting • Pillows • Tabletop • Accessories

EV B HOM E 9 9 Fr an k l i n Street | E V B D ESIGN 22 R ailro ad Place | Westp o rt, Co nnecticut | e vba nt ique s.c om

goods/TURNED UP

A NEW TWIST ON SPINDLES AND SPOOLS

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we really l o ok t o tr aditional shapes and turned wo od for inspir ation because these cl assic forms never really go ou t of st yle. —stacy kunstel, dunes and duchess

1 JENNY LIND

Grey bookcase; $299. Crate & Kids, Westport; crateandbarrel.com

2 PAUL MARRA

Spool chandelier; $8,200. paulmarra design.com

3 CURREY & COMPANY

4 WILLIAMS SONOMA HOME

Coventry natural table lamp; $ 1,490.

Lillian August, Norwalk; lillianaugust.com

Spindle leather chair; starting at $1,795. Westport; williamssonoma.com athomefc.com

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5 CENTURY

Artefact bobbin dining table; price upon request. century furniture.com

6 THEODORE ALEXANDER Rivera end table; $1,530. Safavieh, Stamford; safaviehhome.com

7 DUNES & DUCHESS Classic bar; $2,650.

Schwartz Design Showroom, Stamford; schwartzdesign showroom.com

ALL IMAGES COURTESY OF DESIGNERS/BRANDS

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WAKEFIELD design center TO THE TRADE ONLY

Curated by Designers for Designers

T: 203.358.0818 | wakefielddesigncenter.com | @wakefielddesign

goods /KITSCH, PLEASE GRANNY CHIC FOR THE MODERN MAXIMALIST

1 GUCCI

Velvet cushion with cat embroidery; $1,150. gucci.com

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2 ROSE TARLOW

Serpentine mirror; price upon request. rosetarlow.com

3 MATILDA GOAD

Beeswax candles; $55 for six. matildagoad.com

4 BRETT DESIGN

Flower & Serpent wallpaper in marigold; $148 per yard. brettdesigninc.com

5 JULIAN CHICHESTER

18th Century commode; $8,985. us.julianchichester.com

6 JAYSON HOME

Aline wing chair; $2,395. jaysonhome.com

7 MUNNA

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the ‘‘gr anny chic’’ trend-ofthe-moment is more ab ou t interesting and whimsical trims, prints and details. it’s a mix of things a bit precious paired with a more eclectic interior.

ALL IMAGES COURTESY OF DESIGNERS/BRANDS

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Mellow 50 stool; price upon request. munnadesign.com

—mari ann maher, the antique & artisan gallery

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Westy Has Your Closet Needs Covered…

888-893-7897 • westy.com

haute stuff / SCENE STEALERS by megan gagnon

THESE TOILE WALLCOVERINGS DESERVE A CLOSER LOOK

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JEAN PAUL GAULTIER FOR LELIÈVRE

SCHUMACHER 5010421 Modern toile in Indigo; price upon request. fschumacher.com

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Recreation from Les Papiers Collection; to the trade. The House of Scalamandré; scalamandre.com athomefc.com

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4 KATIE KIME

Marfa toile in pink; $188 for double roll. katiekime.com

ASTEK Punk Rock toile in sapphire; price upon request. astek.com

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ALL IMAGES COURTESY OF DESIGNERS/BRANDS

SERENA & LILY Westwind toile; $198 per roll.

Westport; serenaandlily.com

FLAT VERNACULAR Toile de Derby in Driver’s Door; $195 per roll. flatvernacular.com

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BRETT DESIGN

FLAVOR PAPER Los Angeles toile; $250 per roll. flavorpaper.com

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TIMOROUS BEASTIES

Surfing toile; $148 per yard. brettdesigninc.com

New York toile; starting at $335 per roll. timorousbeasties.com

JAN/FEB 2020

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athome

MERENDA WALLPAPER Forest Yoga in Rave; starting at $300 per roll. merendawallpaper.com

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Archi tec tur e: Ma r k P. Fi nl a y Ar chi t e c t s , A I A Ph otogr a phy: Wa r r en J a gger

HOBBS, INC.

hobbsinc.com

D I STI N CTI VE H OM E S , A D D I TI ON S & R E N OVATI ON S

2 0 3 . 9 6 6.072 6

UP NEXT!

Not quite ready for a full-house redo?

Start with a room!

Our next issue will feature fresh new looks by local pros for every space in your house!

On newsstands March 1.

Want to be an advertising partner? Contact: Lemuel.Bandala@moffly.com or call 203-571-1661.

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SPE C IA L B ON U S SE C T ION

E H T STE D R A H RKING WO S M O RO THE IN USE HO A COLLECTION OF GOOD STUFF + ADVICE, TIPS AND TRENDS FROM PROS IN THE KNOW

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1 AKDO White Sand 1” x 4” herringbone; $43 per sq. ft. Bridgeport; akdo.com 2 FIVE TWO BY FOOD52 Essential knives; starting at $49. food52.com 3 HAWKINS NEW YORK Mara paper towel holder; $120. hawkinsnewyork.com 4 LA CORNUE CornuFé 110 range in royal blue; $10,450. lacornueusa.com 5 MOEN S665BG Modern pot filler in brushed gold; $1,211.

Torrco Design Center, Fairfield; torrcodesigncenter.com 6 CIRCA LIGHTING Katie globe pendant by Thomas O’Brien; $375. Greenwich; circalighting.com 7 RATIO Eight coffee maker in white; $495. ratiocoffee.com 8 DACOR Heritage wine station; price upon request. dacor.com 9 OUR PLACE Always pan; $145. fromourplace.com 10 BRIZO Litze® pulldown faucet with arc spout and knurled handle; $849. brizo.com 11 HARMONI KITCHENS Custom cabinetry; price upon request. harmonikitchens.com 12 SCHOOLHOUSE Gallery pull in natural brass; $28. schoolhouse.com 13 etúHOME Black kitchen glass display unit; $1,995. etuhome.com 14 deVOL KITCHENS Real Shaker kitchen; price upon request. New York; devolkitchens.com athomefc.com

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PHOTOGRAPHY: THIS PAGE: COURTESY OF DESIGNERS/BRANDS. OPPOSITE PAGE: COURTESY OF DEVOL KITCHENS; GIANNA SANTORO: KAREN MORNEAU PHOTOGRAPHY

KITCHEN

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GIANNA SANTORO

DEANE, INC. deaneinc.com

What kitchen feature tops the wish list for your clients? Many clients are looking to incorporate breakfast/ coffee bars into their kitchens and open eating areas. With a desire to declutter and keep counters clear, the breakfast bar offers a designated space for coffee makers, tea kettles and toaster ovens and often will house a beverage refrigerator. One of my clients wanted a breakfast bar and a “night” bar—both with retractable doors side by side with double freezer drawers. One was for the waffles and ice cream, and the other was for vodka. Bourbon maple syrup, anyone?

The most ingenious feature you’ve included? I’ve had many clients who wanted a TV in the kitchen without taking up valuable space, so we built the TV into a deep door above the ovens that hinges out, leaving full depth for tray storage within the cabinet.

A clever solution you devised to solve a client’s problem? One of my clients lived in a small Tudor with very little space in the kitchen, but they wanted to have a small table without giving up any storage. I designed a banquette with storage above and around it and even integrated a small wine cooler in the lower space behind the seat on one end.

Materials you’re spec’ing now? We are seeing a lot of textured natural woods.

They provide a less formal feel while still showing the natural beauty of wood.

The finishes are also very forgiving in busy households and work well in conjunction with other painted or metal cabinetry.

JAN/FEB 2020

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A clever solution you devised to solve a client’s problem? We’ve used pocketing full-height doors to conceal a coffee bar, but when you stow the doors, you have full access.

an existing kitchen by adding the Waterworks Atlas collection of cabinet hardware. We chose large pulls in brass that really made a statement and gave the kitchen a whole new look.

LINDA RUDERMAN

LINDA RUDERMAN INTERIORS lindaruderman.com What kitchen feature tops the wish list for your clients? All of our clients want the newest state-of-the-art appliances. Aside from that, clients are requesting cabinets with an interesting color or material. A lot of them don’t want plain white cabinets anymore; they want an interesting combination of materials and/or colors. We like to specify stained wood for base cabinets and then do upper cabinets in a highgloss lacquer color, with some glass front accents.

The most ingenious feature you’ve included? We recently transformed

DAVID PRUTTING

A clever solution you devised to solve a client’s problem? In one project, the kitchen was open to the family room.

In order to maximize space for a large kitchen, dining table and family room, we incorporated a custom banquette into the back of the island. The large island allowed for a large curved banquette and oval table with ample seating for large gatherings.

PRUTTING AND COMPANY CUSTOM BUILDERS prutting.com What kitchen feature tops the wish list for your clients? Marble counters and luxury appliances top the list. Steam ovens and induction cooktops have become very popular as well.

Materials you’re spec’ing now?

Lately we’ve been using porcelain slabs for kitchen counters and backsplashes. Porcelain requires zero maintenance, which is very appealing to some clients. The newest porcelains coming out of Italy are beautiful and look just like real stone.

The most luxurious feature you’ve included? Dual cooktops, so the client can choose induction or gas, depending on the type of heat that is needed, as well as oversize galley sinks with lots of integrated accessories.

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Materials you’re spec’ing now?

Wood floors that match the rest of the house for a seamless look, and lots of white marble and brass accents.

PHOTOGRAPHY: THIS PAGE: COURTESY OF CLARKE-SUB-ZERO/WOLF/COVE. LINDA RUDERMAN: MELANI LUST; DAVID PRUTTING: DXPRUTTING/BFANYC; OPPOSITE PAGE: COURTESY OF DESIGNERS/BRANDS

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1 WOLF Convection speed oven; starting at $2,455. Clarke, South Norwalk; clarkeliving.com 2 BALDWIN HARDWARE Crystal cabinet knob; $21. baldwinhardware.com 3 NANZ N° 10701 knob; price upon request. Greenwich; nanz.com 4 BIG CHILL Classic Collection hood with trim in matte black and brushed copper; $2,795. bigchill.com 5 FAME LUXURY STONE Exclusive Hermes polished quartzite; price upon request. West Haven; fameluxurystone.com 6 CAFÉ Energy Star® Counter-depth French-door refrigerator; $3,429.

Aitoro Appliance, Norwalk; aitoro.com 7 STELTON Emma toaster; $199.95. Crate & Barrel, Westport; crateandbarrel.com 8 CURREY & COMPANY Ashby swing arm sconce; $780.

Lillian August, Norwalk; lillianaugust.com 9 NORMANN COPENHAGEN Craft rolling pin; $100. normann-copenhagen.com 10 HALLMAN 30 in. 3.0 cu. ft. single oven with brass trim in stainless steel; $3,099. hallmanindustries.com 11 ROCKY MOUNTAIN HARDWARE Bar sink; $3,590. rockymountainhardware.com 12 THE GALLEY Ideal workstation 6D; price upon request. Clarke, South Norwalk; clarkeliving.com 13 GRAFF Sospiro contemporary bridge bar/prep faucet; $771. graff-designs.com 14 AARKE Carbonator II in brass; $249. aarke-usa.com 15 deVOL KITCHENS Tuscan farmhouse 39 3⁄8” double Arabescato marble sink; $6,780. New York; devolkitchens.com JAN/FEB 2020

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BATH

RINFRET, LTD. rinfretltd.com What bathroom feature tops the wish list for your clients? Large showers with body sprays should be at the top of every woman’s wish list. The body sprays allow you to run in and out without getting your hair wet! Genius.

The most luxurious feature you’ve included? If you have the space, I love to design a bathroom with furniture in the space, covered in a soft and luxurious terry cloth. It makes the bath a “room” to enjoy and not just a functional space. When you consider how much time we all spend in the bathroom getting ready, it’s only fitting that we should make this space feel inviting and luxurious. I also love custom motorized shades in a bathroom for privacy.

A clever solution you devised to solve a client’s problem? I love frosted glass with clear glass as a feature in a shower or toilet area. I also incorporate a Sonos system for music and dimmers on all lights. LED lighted mirror/medicine cabinets now come with plugs built inside—they provide great lighting on your face for putting on makeup or shaving. Sliding panels to hide shower gels and shampoos at a freestanding tub beautifully streamline the look of a bath while allowing you to have all of your favorite products at hand. For that designer touch, I always include a garden bench in the shower for shaving your legs—it gives the room a found and collected look.

Materials you’re spec’ing now? We’re using a lot of porcelain slabs because they’re consistent, lightweight and large-scale yet easy to install. You don’t have to worry about grout issues, and they don’t stain. It’s not fun to worry about those things in your home if you don’t need to. Most importantly, porcelain is beautiful and timeless.

SCOTT AND IAN HOBBS

HOBBS, INC. hobbsinc.com

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What bathroom feature tops the wish list for your clients? Scott: The number one want for master baths is a luxury toilet with extra features. These seldom find their way into all the bathrooms of a home, but definitely in the master.

The most luxurious or ingenious feature you’ve included? Scott: We had a giant two-person master shower

Materials you’re spec’ing now?

Scott: We’re seeing far more transitional architecture in bathrooms, such as floating vanities, modern ceramic tiles, linear slot drains in showers, and sleek new faucet and shower sets. Great lighting, beautiful traditional stones, sophisticated audio/ video elements and beautiful bath accessories are all also common.

Ian: People who are going with a transitional/modern style are using new manmade tiles and slabs. There have been big strides in the look and quality of these materials. They’re durable, predictable and clean.

MARK P. FINLAY

MARK P. FINLAY ARCHITECTS markfinlay.com What bathroom feature tops the wish list for your clients? Clients are interested in compartmentalized toilets. If the space allows, water closets are a huge item for clients, especially with multifunctional toilets like the Toto Neorest, which has a ton of capabilities like LED lighting, a bidet, a heated seat and automatic flushing.

The most luxurious or ingenious feature you’ve included? Our clients had a penthouse in Marco Island, Florida. The bathroom has panoramic views of the ocean that they really wanted to enjoy every possible second.

The idea came to me to create a floating shower room entirely encased in glass for complete transparency; that way, the client could see every inch of the view, whether or not they were showering. To ensure a totally clear sightline, we rerouted the plumbing so that no pipes were visible. What you’re left with is a standalone glass room in the master bathroom that perfectly captures the water views beyond.

Materials you’re spec’ing now?

Simulated (quartz) stone is favorable for its nonporous texture, stain resistance and capability to design integrated sinks. It’s typically suited for a transitional/modern style, but it now matches the look of marble for more traditional designs. Because it’s manmade, it’s more readily available.

PHOTOGRAPHY: THIS PAGE: COURTESY OF THG PARIS; MARK FINLAY: SISSELA JOHANSSON. OPPOSITE PAGE: COURTESY OF DESIGNERS/BRANDS

CINDY RINFRET

in a bathroom with amazing water views and an all-glass enclosure. We mounted the controls on decorative posts coming out of the floor, then ran the piping to the exterior walls, across the ceiling and back down into the enclosure so that there would be no exposed pipes. It took a lot of engineering to ensure that the controls could instantly affect the water temperature and flow given the tremendous length of pipe between the controls and the showerheads.

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11 12 13 1 THG PARIS Les Ondes shower system; price upon request. thg-paris.com 2 ANNA KARLIN Pendant mirror; $5,300. New York; annakarlin.com 3 WALKER ZANGER Buderim Lichen cement tile by Pietta Donovan Tile; $29 each. walkerzanger.com 4 FRANZ VIEGENER Nerea 6� rain head round; price upon request. franzviegener.us 5 LISSOY Linen terry towels; starting at $35. abchome.com 6 GROHE 40688GN1 towel bar in brushed cool sunshine; $70.95. grohe.us 7 CB2 Elton brushed brass toilet brush; $39.95. cb2.com 8 CALIFORNIA FAUCETS Hermosa traditional floor mount tub filler; $1,679.25. Bender, Norwalk; benderplumbing.com 9 OOMPH Kensington vanity tiered; $4,923. Greenwich; oomphhome.com 10 KOHLER Fairfax toilet tissue holder; $157.85. Westport; us.kohler.com 11 JENS RISOM Wastebasket; $195. Design Within Reach, Stamford, Westport; dwr.com 12 NEWPORT BRASS 990 Widespread lavatory faucet in biscuit; $1,187. newportbrass.com 13 KREOO Kalypso marble tub; price upon request. thedavanigroup.com JAN/FEB 2020

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MUDROOM

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1 WEST ELM Mid-century hook rack in acorn; starting at $79. Westport; westelm.com 2 TERRAIN Lined rubber boot tray; $98. Westport; shopterrain.com 3 CRATE & BARREL Batten storage bench and panel set; $1,147. Westport; crateandbarrel.com 4 INDUSTRY WEST Cane wardrobe; $4,500. industrywest.com 5 MITCHELL GOLD + BOB WILLIAMS Marguerite umbrella stand; $380. Greenwich; mgbwhome.com 6 TERRAIN Folded leather baskets; starting at $88. Westport; shopterrain.com 7 LILLIAN AUGUST Leather bench; $895.

Norwalk, Westport; lillianaugust.com 8 REJUVENATION Alape bucket sink with navy trim; $299. rejuvenation.com athomefc.com

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PHOTOGRAPHY: THIS PAGE: COURTESY OF DESIGNERS/BRANDS. OPPOSITE PAGE: AMANDA MARTOCCHIO: MICHAEL BIONDO PHOTOGRAPHY. COURTESY OF REJUVENATION

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8 AMANDA MARTOCCHIO

AMANDA MARTOCCHIO ARCHITECTURE amandamartocchio.com What mudroom feature tops the wish list for your clients? Our clients are looking to not only maximize storage but to configure it in a logical, practical way that minimizes clutter and promotes tidiness. (Thanks, Marie Kondo!). For example, everyday items (e.g., dog leashes, biscuits) are on hooks and out in the open, while bulkier, seasonal items and athletic gear are housed in their own discrete compartments and often concealed behind thoughtfully designed doors.

The most ingenious feature you’ve included? We designed one mudroom with a special dog-bathing area. It’s not as outlandish as it sounds—it’s just as useful for hosing off muddy wellies (or children, for that matter!) as it is for cleaning up a puppy. We take care in specifying surrounding finishes that can withstand a good wet dog shake!

A clever solution you devised to solve a client’s problem? We had a mudroom adjacent to a kitchen, where the client wanted to keep an eye on her dogs without having them underfoot.

We designed a custom waist-high pocket door with a see-through screen.

When our client needs the kitchen to herself, she can slide out the doggie door without blocking their view, and when the dogs are free to roam, the door disappears back into the wall.

The dogs love watching Mom cook, and she’s happy to have their company without the hassle.

Materials you’re spec’ing now?

Our go-to for mudroom flooring is a durable, grippy, large format porcelain tile. Non-slippery and easy to clean, it handles slush, mud and melting snow without suffering any moisture damage. They’re available in many different finishes and styles, so the aesthetic options are limitless. But we generally like to keep it pretty simple for a clean, decluttered space.

MAHDAD SANIEE

SANIEE ARCHITECTS LLC sanieearchitects.com What mudroom feature tops the wish list for your clients? Cubbies—they’re good for a variety of things, such as backpacks for kids, hats, scarves, tote bags and, of course, shoes for those who like to organize their shoes at the door. Removing shoes at the door is definitely a direction we’ve been heading for the last few years. It used to be that my clients from Eastern cultures would ask for a shoe-free

house, but the benefits of no shoes inside the house are making this the norm rather than the exception. The other feature is a key station, which is for more than just keys. It’s a station for things like a reminder board, a letter that needs to go out and other items that need a place to go in between the car and home.

paperwork and needs a secure place that is not accessible to cleaners, repair people and maintenance personnel, it works wonders.

Materials you’re spec’ing now?

Tile or stone flooring with underfloor heating for sure. Hard surfaces such as tiles are easy to clean, but they’re cold, hence the underfloor heating.

The most ingenious feature you’ve included? A two-sided access closet.

The outside access door allows for the delivery of dry cleaning and items such as parcels into a secure, dry space.

The same closet is accessed from the inside via a door in the mudroom with a self-closing and locking mechanism.

No more clutter inside or outside the house, and no signal to burglars that no one is home.

MEGHAN DE MARIA AND COURTNEY YANNI MOSS DESIGN mdmossdesign.com

What mudroom feature tops the wish list for your clients? The mudroom tells the story of a family’s everyday life. Each client is unique, but they all have the same request: to maximize storage. Our goal is to utilize every inch to create the

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most efficient yet beautiful space.

The most ingenious feature you’ve included? A dedicated water bottle filling station for a client who had very active children participating in many sports.

Large water bottles are now kept out of the kitchen, the children love it, and it makes the process of getting out the door and to practice a lot easier!

A clever solution you devised to solve a client’s problem? Electronics have become over-accessorized and demand a lot of space. Our client requested a way to stop this clutter, so we designed a designated charging station in a custom cabinet that housed the family’s electronics. The wires remain out of sight, and the home remains uncluttered.

Materials you’re spec’ing now?

We love using brick laid out in a herringbone pattern and performance fabrics for a clean and classic yet durable design. One client requested a little more “pizzazz” in the mudroom, so we installed colorful vintage metal lockers.

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8 9 1 CONTAINER STORE Lattice bamboo hamper; $100. White Plains; containerstore.com 2 THE LAUNDRESS Signature detergent gallon; $56 for 128 oz. thelaundress.com 3 MIELE Rotary iron; $2,049.95. williams-sonoma.com 4 ROHL Acqui wall mount column spout bridge kitchen faucet with sidespray; $1,999. rohlhome.com 5 SERENA & LILY Clark flush mount; $648. Westport; serenaandlily.com 6 MENU Ava hanger; $19.95. shophorne.com 7 THE UNSCENTED COMPANY Dryer balls; $21 for box of three. unscentedco.com 8 CRATE & BARREL Scoop; starting at $9.95. Westport; crateandbarrel.com 9 SAMSUNG 4.5 cu. ft. front-load washer with steam in Champagne; $599. 7.5 cu. ft. gas dryer; $699. 27� Pedestal; $139.50. samsung.com 10 CALIFORNIA CLOSETS Custom laundry room; price upon request. Norwalk; californiaclosets.com athomefc.com

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PHOTOGRAPHY: THIS PAGE: COURTESY OF DESIGNERS/BRANDS; OPPOSITE PAGE: COURTESY OF CALIFORNIA CLOSETS; DOUGLAS VANDERHORN: GUS CANTAVERO; AMY HIRSCH: MIXIT, INC.; JULIO DIBIASE: JEN MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY

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DOUGLAS VANDERHORN

DOUGLAS VANDERHORN ARCHITECTS vanderhornarchitects.com What laundry room feature tops the wish list for your clients? Double washer/dryer units have been fairly popular. It’s simply easier to do whites and colors at the same time than extending the chore.

The most ingenious feature you’ve included? We often incorporate a dog-bath station in first-floor laundry rooms. Pets’ needs are frequently overlooked during design. We keep in mind that many of our clients’ pets are considered members of their families.

A clever solution you devised to solve a client’s problem? Laundry chutes that connect a second-floor hall to the laundry room on the first floor are an easy way to reduce the amount of work for homeowners or staff. Despite being a forgotten luxury, this low-tech solution is still very useful.

Materials you’re spec’ing now?

Laundry rooms haven’t changed very much, but we have been prioritizing light in these spaces and having some fun with floor tile patterns. Typically, we specify wood-faced cabinets with plywood boxes, honed marble counters, stainless sinks and washer/ dryer units based on client preferences.

AMY AIDINIS HIRSCH

AMY AIDINIS HIRSCH INTERIOR DESIGN amyhirsch.com What laundry room feature tops the wish list for your clients? The laundry room should not be an afterthought.

Keep consistency with the rest of the house. Go for an impactful color, fabulous lighting and clever hardware, and we love to use Steele Canvas rolling baskets as hampers.

A clever solution you devised to solve a client’s problem? We’re always problem-solving within these spaces.

Drip-dry hanging is a huge client request, so rather than your typical

pole, we try to use different methods such as peg systems, retractable bars or cable systems. Many times, we allocate a section not above a countertop and add a linear drain to accommodate any water.

Materials you’re spec’ing now?

Definitely hardy materials for countertops, which are workhorses— Caesarstone’s raw concrete is always a go-to. I also love a wood floor mixed with a decorative cement tile. Weaving the materials together adds an elevated detail to the space.

JULIO DIBIASE

DIBICO CONSTRUCTION, INC. dibicoinc.com What laundry room feature tops the wish list for your clients? Clients want space, a work surface, storage and practical features that extend far beyond laundry. We’re being asked to provide storage for large items like cleaning equipment and room for creature comforts like pet beds.

Some of our clients have even asked for oversize sinks with attachments to create a dog-washing station.

The most luxurious feature you’ve included? There are so many devices and machines available today that help with ironing, folding and dry cleaning.

The most luxurious laundry equipment we’ve ever installed is the Miele rotary steam iron.

A clever solution you devised to solve a client’s problem? When it comes to laundry rooms, space is always a concern. I would say our most clever solutions have been related to storage and making that storage look less utilitarian and more attractive, keeping with the aesthetic of the home.

Providing multiple laundry rooms on multiple levels is a popular feature in new homes as well.

Materials you’re spec’ing now?

We recommend quartz for countertops for durability, and with so many selections these days, design is not an issue. For appliances, we recommend front-load, not top-load, machines— they clean better and are more efficient by using less water.

interview with robin henry, robin henry studio | phot o gr apher eric piasecki/ot to

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Living Color Jewel tones, vibrant patterns and imaginative solutions revive an old home for a young family What is your history with these clients? I actually met the wife through my husband—they’re in the same industry—so I had known the couple socially for a while. They’re a young couple, and when they moved out of the city, I helped them with their first home in Larchmont. At the time, they had two small children, and after having their fourth child, they needed more space. There’s a beautiful section of Larchmont called the Manor, right off of the water, with old Victorian homes, and my clients found this gorgeous old house. The previous owners had lived here for about sixty years and hadn’t done much of anything to it, except install carpet on the living room ceiling! [Laughs.] It was a blank slate, and it was something where you really had to get in there and work on it a bit. But my client has a lot of energy, and she loves color and pattern.

left: In the entry, a settee, covered in Svenskt Tenn’s La Plata fabric, sits underneath a chandelier custom-designed by Robin Henry Studio and made by Shades From the Midnight Sun. A portrait above the settee creates a witty moment. above: A second-floor balcony with arched openings was enclosed and turned into an office.

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left: The front porch with teak flooring is furnished with plenty of seating for relaxing. below: Opposite the settee in the entry, a custom-made console by Robin Henry Studio is topped with antique mercury glass lamps from Sutter Antiques. Windsor chairs on either side are capped with coverings designed by Robin Henry Studio in a Marine Chan Textiles fabric, and a collection of 1930s watercolors by landscape architect Charles Lay float above. opposite: In the dining room, Marthe Armitage’s Oakleaf wallpaper in a custom color was installed above the chair rail, and Maya Romanoff’s Ajiro Sunburst in Polished Maple is below.

Underneath a 1940s Italian chandelier from Hamptons Antique Galleries, Chippendale side chairs from Hickory Chair Pearson in Rialto mohair in Celery from B. Berger gather around the table. Midcentury Danish cabinets flank the fireplace, and new production William De Morgan tiles from Victorian Ceramics adorn the surround.

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opposite: The dining room’s seating area is outfitted with a custom Vladimir Kagan-style banquette by Robin Henry Studio and made by Stitch NYC. Covered in Holland & Sherry’s Chamonix wool in Maroon, the sofa is accented with throw pillows custom-made by Deborah JohnsonBall in Schumacher’s Cubist fabric in Peacock. A pair of mohair-and-brass ottomans from 1stdibs are pulled up to a cocktail table by Robin Henry Studio, and a Sommerard triple arm floor lamp from Circa Lighting is nearby. below: A table, draped in skirts made by Stitch NYC in Groves Bros.’s Marianne fabric in Ocean, displays cork planters from Chairish and a vintage ceramic art plaque.

Double-armed bronze fleur-de-lis sconces frame a vintage Pointillist painting from Chris Hebert Design Group. right: The powder room is enveloped in hand-printed Fancy Ashlar wallcovering in colorway C from Adelphi Paper Hangings. A Gabriella mirror in Sapphire Blue from Bungalow 5 adds another dose of rich color, as do the Coleen & Company’s Tassel sconces in Peacock. The existing sink was fitted with a Barber Wilsons faucet set.

She’s decorated a few homes now and knew what she wanted. We had collaborated on their previous home in Larchmont as well as a house they have in Litchfield County, so this was my third project with them, and we renovated the home together.

What did that entail? We completely opened up the third floor—

which was just an attic—and we got three bedrooms, a playroom, two bathrooms, a little library at the top of the stairs and an office on that floor. We continued the main staircase up to this floor, and that let in so much light. Another big part we worked on was the entire back end of the house. We kept the living and dining rooms as is, but the new butler’s JAN/FEB 2020

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above left and opposite: In the kitchen, Benjamin Moore’s Providence Olive on the custom cabinetry sets the tone, and a backsplash from Delft Tiles is above the range. A Barber Wilsons faucet was installed at the sink, and lighting includes a 1750s French wrought-iron-and-porcelain chandelier from Hamptons Antique Galleries and Skidmore Classic Cloth-Cord pendants with opal scalloped shades from Rejuvenation. Serena & Lily’s Riviera counter stools offer seating at the custom island. above right: Custom cabinetry in Farrow & Ball’s Hague Blue lines the new butler’s pantry. Brass countertops and backsplash gleam in the sunlight, and a Barber Wilsons faucet is an elegant touch.

An antique Kalabagh rug from Vintage Persian Rugs offers a dose of pattern.

pantry used to be the home’s entire kitchen, and where the kitchen and back pantry are now was an in-law’s apartment, so we blew all of that out. Because of the flow of the house, the new kitchen isn’t huge, but it’s a really cozy size with every amenity and two pantries. The one off of the dining room, the butler’s pantry, has their beautiful glassware, booze and a coffee station, and the back pantry is for provisions and the freezer. Those were the large things we did, and we renovated the bathrooms as well. The clients also wanted a real mudroom in the front of the house, which is unusual, but it didn’t make sense to eat farther into the driveway by doing a whole mudroom, and the front door is the most convenient place to come inside the house. On the exterior, we updated the roof and the siding, and there was a small balcony on the second floor that wasn’t often used, so we enclosed it and turned it into an office for the wife.

What were the clients’ main priorities? The first floor has the traditional

living room/dining room situation, and the client wanted those to be completely child-friendly so the kids could use every room in the house— that was a big part of what we were looking to do. The rugs in the living and dining rooms are made of polypropylene so they can handle spills. In the dining room, there are a pair of chests flanking the fireplace that hold computers, and the kids sit at the dining room table and do their homework, or they set up an easel there and paint. They really, really use these rooms.

There is a large playroom in the basement, and they now have a big playroom on the third floor, so there are a lot of places for the kids to go.

Did you have a particular starting point? The little sofa in the entry

belonged to the client’s grandmother, and we brought it from the previous house I decorated for them; it had been in the living room in the same

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this page: The formal living room doubles as the casual family gathering area. The generous sectional, custom-designed by Robin Henry Studio, features a base covered in Vanessa Arbuthnott’s Nordic Stripe Reindeer in Raspberry, cushions in Holland & Sherry’s Savile Row Windsor Tweed in Jessie, and trim in Buckby Braid in Poppy Forest from Lee Jofa. A 19th-century French pine-and-gilded mirror from the Antique and Artisan Gallery graces one wall, and a vintage painting purchased from Peridot Antiques at High Point is on another. Rather than white, Henry chose to use color on the walls—C2 Paint’s Beehive was paired with Hyman Hendler’s red grosgrain ribbon trim.

above left: A pair of whimsical deer lamps from Artistic Porcelain are displayed on the living room fireplace mantel, painted in C2 Paint’s Dorian Gray. The artwork above is a 1969 oil on canvas, “Automne” by Gabriel Godard from Doyle New York. above right: Robin Henry Studio custom-designed the closets, pendant light and trellis in the new mudroom. The trellis is backed with Japanese chiyogami paper for a fun touch, and the pendant light was made by Shades From the Midnight Sun.

fabric. We knew we wanted to put it in the entry to keep that area light and bright. I would say the color scheme throughout came from the client’s love of jewel tones. The dining room table and chairs were from their previous house as well, so we had those to work with, too. It just developed from there.

since the 1800s; the colors are amazing. With the seating area, we wanted something more modern to drive home the point that what we’re doing here is really playful, so I like the juxtaposition of that.

When designing the new kitchen, what did you focus on? The client

cooks all of the time, so she had a lot of ideas about how she wanted this space to function. As I mentioned, it’s not a huge space, but often when we design new kitchens, they’re almost too big. This kitchen is sort of intimate; you can hold court here while you’re cooking, and everything is close by and manageable. The Lacanche range was important to her, and we added the arched window over the sink. Because it’s a small room, we didn’t want the island to be big and bulky, so we custom-made it to appear more like a piece of furniture and gave it a simple, plain English look.

We also put terracotta pavers on the floor and used limestone as a border to define the kitchen area.

So how did the rest of the dining room come together? The oakleaf

pattern on the walls is a Marthe Armitage wallpaper, and I thought it made a beautiful backdrop and related to the exterior. This space is a central room in the house, and it gets all of this light all of the time, so I wanted to relate it to the exterior in some way. I contrasted it with the paper below, which looks like marquetry. That’s something you would see in the dining room in an old house like this—woodwork on the bottom with wallpaper above the chair rail—so we reference that idea in a fun way. The tiles around the fireplace surround are Victorian tiles, and it’s a pattern that has been around JAN/FEB 2020

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“I love the idea of grandma-meets-victorian-meets-japanesemeets-midcentury and making it all work.”

—robin henry

opposite: The master bedroom enchants with an ethereal canopy bed custom-designed by Robin Henry Studio. Panels of Barry fabric in Soft Blue from Gray Lines Linen cascade down from the corners, and a Napoleon III-style bench from the Antique and Artisan Gallery, covered by a vintage cotton suzani from Marine Chan Textiles, sits at the foot. George Kovacs’s Save Your Marriage lights hover above the headboard, and mahogany campaign-style brass-trimmed side tables serve as nightstands. this page: The reworked master bath is a vision in cerulean. Mosaic House’s Tanger S tile is underfoot, and Benjamin Moore’s Yarmouth Blue is on the walls.

Tooled brass Middle Eastern artwork from Peridot Antiques presides over a Waterworks tub fitted with Barber Wilsons hardware, and an inlaid Syrian Islamic chair from the Antique and Artisan Gallery offers a perch nearby.

A Todd polished brass mirror from Made Goods is a point of reflection in the serene space.

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“What’s so great about these old houses is that I feel like this era of house-building had a deep understanding of how people use their spaces and move through them .”

—robin henry

opposite: The wife’s office, once an outdoor balcony, receives a burst of color from the Rosa Pink wallcovering from Imogen Heath, and an Eames soft pad management chair from Herman Miller is pulled up to the custom desk. Matchstick blinds custom-designed by Robin Henry Studio with tassels by Samuel & Sons were made by Stitch NYC, and the vintage Italian Stilnovostyle chandelier is from the Antique and Artisan Gallery. above left: On the second floor, one of the children’s bedrooms features a “Hershey’s Kiss” bed custom-designed by Robin Henry Studio. A midcentury modern lacquered desk from Post Modern Home and a marshmallow stool from Kinder Modern are set up for homework. Farrow & Ball’s Pale Powder is a touch of softness on the walls. above right: In the second-floor bath, Oscar de la Renta’s Hedges wallpaper in Sky adds a vibrant pop of green accented by wall and floor tile from American Restoration Tile. Kohler’s wall-mounted Brockway sink is illuminated by Rufus sconces from Rejuvenation; a Root stool from Terrain holds towels.

that if you use a bit of color on the walls rather than white, the room looks good in all types of light throughout the day and evening. Since this space doesn’t get a ton of light, we used color for that reason. I thought curtains would seem heavy, so I opted for matchstick blinds, which I treated like a Japanese sudare blind. They’re outlined in contrasting fabrics, and we put tassels on them to make them a little more upscale. We used them in the dining room as well to tie the spaces together.

The living room needed to be both an entertaining space and a family gathering one. How did you balance that? This room is the only formal

living space, so it had to function both ways. The client said, “Our kids are going to be in here, so we need to make space for them.” That idea was at the forefront, and we decorated around it—like using a family-friendly fabric on the sofa—while keeping the feeling a bit more upscale. Because of the overhanging porch, this room can be a little dark. A lot of people would be using this room, watching TV, and furniture would be up against the windows, so we needed to find a way to keep the room bright. I find

Tell me about the master suite. This room was a little strange and a little

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opposite: The husband’s office, tucked into an eave on the third floor, is wrapped in Charlotte Kalamkari wallcovering by Les Indiennes, with Farrow & Ball’s Blazer on the window trim. An Italian hand-blown glass pendant from Blithewold Home crowns the room, and a signed Dyrlund midcentury modern rosewood desk with brass mounts offers ample workspace. Indian chik blinds in the Sidha design from Joss Graham were used as window treatments and to conceal a built-in bed and an office supply nook. right top: The children’s library gets its “treehouse” feel from Donald Kaufman Color’s DKC-102 and a Daisy rug designed by Gunilla Lagerhem Ullberg from Kasthall. A Napoleon III-style chair from the Antique and Artisan Gallery is covered in Pierre Frey’s Samba Estragon outdoor fabric. right bottom: The third-floor playroom’s window seat, in Karapinar fabric in Riviera from Jim Thompson Fabrics, is topped with Colombian molas fabric made into cushions by Deborah Johnson-Ball.

A Dots area rug in custom colors from Vermilion Rugs is another playful addition.

chopped up. With a fireplace and windows everywhere, there was no bed wall, which made it a bit tricky. We opened it up as much as we could, and we put a small seating area near the fireplace. There was only one spot for the bed, so that’s why we hit on the canopy idea. The windows behind the bed have simple Roman shades that mesh with the wall color, so the bed is pulled away from the windows a bit to make it stand alone in a way.

We did what we could with a small, unusual space to make it something awesome. The master bath was a warren of a dressing area and bathroom and very old-fashioned. We took all of that out and opened it up. That blue is a really pleasing color; it’s not too aggressive. You can spend a lot of time in there and still feel good.

How did you determine the ideal layout for the third floor? It was a

puzzle getting all of the various spaces into it. The main staircase ends at the green library, which is the stair landing, and then there is a long hallway, where the other bedrooms and bathrooms are, that ends with the green playroom. Because the landing was a decent size, we chose to make it the children’s library with all of their books. That’s why this house is so great—it has so many nooks where you can put all of these great spaces in. I love the green up here—that was a little hard to bring the client around on, but we worked on it together and landed on this vibrant shade; it’s so wonderful. You’re on the third floor, and it makes you feel like you’re in a treehouse. The husband’s office is tucked into an eave up here, too, and it has a “bonus” bed in it—I would love to have a bed in my office! Sometimes someone will sleep up there when the clients have extra houseguests. We put shades over it and rolled them halfway down to make it cozy, and the shades opposite the bed hide another nook with office equipment, and there’s another small closet. You can just put the shades down and pretend it all doesn’t exist!

Was the client game to try anything? She’s adventurous and has a lot

of confidence, and she really likes this kind of vibrant fun…this is her, in a nutshell. This is how she likes to live, with all of the color. We joked that the kitchen was like our Downton Abbey moment—we were really into the olive/camouflage green, really traditional materials and dark counters. We wanted to work with the bones of the house and make it work in a fun way; we were on the same page about that.

Does any particular piece or element stand out for you? I love the light

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above left: One of the attic baths is clad in American Restoration Tile on the floor and walls and fitted with Barber Wilsons hardware and a custom mirror. Carrera marble tops the custom vanity, and the tub is from Sunrise Specialty. above right: In one of the third-floor bedrooms, a built-in bed unit custom-designed by Robin Henry Studio makes the best use of space.

A striped Cabin wool blanket from Faribault Woolen Mill and a Toast UK mohair throw in Warm Ochre dress the bed; a Zouak painted table from Berber Trading corrals reading material. opposite: In another attic bedroom, a canopy bed, custom-designed by Robin Henry Studio, is nestled in a nook. A light blue mohair throw from Putnam & Mason is draped across, and Night of the Skylarks wallcovering from Tapettitalo surrounds the room.

like the polypropylene rugs that we made look like tatami, the sudare blinds and the chiyogami paper behind the trellis in the mudroom. I loved the idea of grandma-meets-Victorian-meets-Japanese-meetsmidcentury and making it all work. The house, to me, feels like Cheaper by the Dozen. It’s this big, rollicking house filled with people and color and light and life, and that’s what we tried to bring out. What’s so great about these old houses is that I feel like this era of house-building had a deep understanding of how people use their spaces and move through them. Today, a lot of those details are lost or fall by the wayside—we want to open everything up and make it bright, which is great, but the wisdom of the design and the way this house is put together is so satisfying. It’s set up perfectly for entertaining—there’s a lot of space and a lot of light.

Everything about it comes together so well.

What is your favorite part about this house? How well it functions.

Old homes get a bad rap; people think they don’t function for the way people live today, but I think this house functions better. You can be in the kitchen with the door closed, the kids can be watching TV in the next room, and no one is bothered by that, but at the same time, it breathes, and there are a lot of connections. The house has to absorb all of these people, and everyone needs to have their own space, and this house does that really well without making you feel closed off from anything. I think that’s the miracle of this house. —interview by lauren fetterman Resources: Interior designer: Robin Henry Studio, New York City; 646-409-3099; robinhenrystudio

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this spread: The foyer is painted in Farrow & Ball’s Slipper Satin for a serene feel. A Robert Polidori photograph is to the right of the entryway into the living room.

interview with jennifer smokler, jennifer smokler interiors | phot o gr apher stacy bass

Next Chapter inspired updates and existing pieces used in fresh , new ways elevate a young family’s Westport home

“Everything in this house was much more open before, so one of the big things we did was define smaller spaces , in a way.”

—jennifer smokler

opposite: Hand-painted ombré Venetian plaster by Deux Femmes Decorative Art and Design evokes a peaceful feel in the living room. A 1950s American X-base bench from T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings is covered in Cowtan & Tout’s Malabar fabric in Blue, and plush throw pillows on the sofa are in Fortuny’s Granada fabric in Blue & Silvery Gold. this page, top row: A runner from Kanter’s Carpet & Design Center travels up the main staircase; in the foyer, “Ease vs. Me” by José Parlá is a stunning focal point, and the lighting is Jonathan Browning’s Montfaucon double sconce with white porcelain shades from The Bright Group; the front door is painted in Benjamin Moore’s Narragansett Green. this page, bottom row: The living room includes a French 1950s gilded iron coffee table purchased in Europe for the clients’ previous home, an Art Deco marquetry inlaid Macassar ebony writing desk with bronze sabots, and curtains in a Rogers & Goffigon Bechamel wool.

How did this project begin? I met the clients about five years ago, and I

did their apartment in the city. They’re a young couple with small children, and when they decided to move out of the city to Connecticut, I introduced them to their real estate agent and then went with them to look at houses, which was really fun. At every house we looked at, we talked about the changes that could be made to the house to make it more conducive to their lifestyle and what they were looking for. When we saw this house, we all knew it was the one. It’s fairly new and was custom-built for the previous owner (my clients are the second owners), and we did about four months of construction on it.

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opposite: Wrapped in an elegant wallcovering from Gracie, the dining room is furnished with a table and chairs from Studio Van den Akker, and the chairs are covered in JAB’s Cheeky fabric. A Lindsey Adelman chandelier hangs above, and the bowl on the table is by Lauren Kaplan at Bungalow. this page: The updated butler’s pantry pops in a sophisticated selection from Calico Wallpaper.

Custom glass shelves (below) by Amuneal Manufacturing were added, as was a sink from Waterworks; the tray and glassware (right) are from The Flat in Westport.

What did you change? The house was in move-in condition, and it was beautiful. We ended up doing one addition—we added the breakfast room—and then touched every part of the house without doing a ton of work. We turned a guest suite on the first floor into a library and office; we redid the master bathroom; we added the stair rail. We also added a wall in the entry, which was a big thing—originally, when you walked into the house, it opened up right into the family room, and you could see through to the backyard. We put up a wall to define the spaces, and it gave us more wall space for art. Everything in this house was much more open before, so one of the big things we did was define smaller spaces,

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above: In the new light-filled breakfast room, the custom table and chandelier are from Demiurge New York, and the set of Eames molded plastic chairs are from Design Within Reach. opposite, top row: The kitchen’s new addition includes a seating area, accented by a trio of paintings by Jennie C. Jones; a Waterworks faucet is set against an Artistic Tile custom backsplash, and the hydrangeas are from the clients’ garden. opposite, bottom row: A bowl from Tucker Robbins sits on top of the spacious island, and the custom hood is from Brooks Custom; the cozy kitchen seating area is set up with chairs from A. Rudin covered in Ludwig fabric from John Rosselli & Associates, and a Mark Nelson Designs rug is underfoot.

in a way. On the exterior, the natural shingles had turned different colors, so we painted the exterior white and redid the landscaping and added a pool.

Going from an apartment to a larger home, how did you furnish each room with their existing pieces? The biggest challenge for me on this

project was reusing all of their existing items while making the home look entirely different than their apartment because we didn’t want to create the same exact space. It’s easier when you start from scratch and can do anything you want, but it was fun and interesting to work with existing pieces and make them look completely different. And that was the goal—to reuse everything but not replicate the space they had. We mixed things from room to room, so one whole room didn’t stay together.

What was the design concept for the interiors? The house was really open and bright, which the clients loved, and it has a somewhat traditional feel architecturally. We reused all of their furniture from New York, and we needed a lot more since the home was larger. The pieces they had defined the look of what we were going to do, because we had only done their apartment a few years before and we still loved everything they had.

The color palette isn’t neutral, but rather soft. There are a lot of creams, blues, beiges and caramel tones, and the rooms really flowed together in terms of that palette. We didn’t change the door hardware throughout the house, but we did change the cabinet hardware. We used a mixture of nickel and brass, even within the same room.

To fill in the gaps, did you look for new pieces? Antiques? A mix? It was

a combination, as my work always is. And with their pieces from their apartment, some were new, some were vintage, some were 18th- and 19th-century antiques.

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this page, clockwise from top left: Benjamin Moore’s Van Courtland Blue gives the mudroom a timeless feel, and the floor tile is from Karen Berkemeyer Home; the butler’s pantry connects to the rear staircase and mudroom; Herringbone Pencil wallcovering from Hermès and a Made Goods mirror adorn the powder room; an Oly Muriel chandelier from the clients’ New York City family room now presides over the rear staircase, and the artwork is by Lourdes Sanchez. opposite: Maharam Exaggerated Plaid fabric on the walls and Benjamin Moore’s Maple Leaf Red on the trim unite the new office and library. The custom bar shelf is by Amuneal Manufacturing.

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“Their New York apartment had a formality to it that this place doesn’t. This home has more of a country-living feel and a more casual vibe .”

—jennifer smokler

Tell me about the new breakfast room and seating area. The kitchen was

half-existing—we added to it and changed about half of it. It’s completely the heart of their home, especially since the clients have young children, and they cook a lot and are always in here. When we were looking at houses, one of them had a breakfast room like this with French doors on three sides, and we all loved it. The clients really wanted a bigger space for eating and entertaining, so we created it and added this entire space.

The seating area has a fireplace with a TV above it, and the chairs are almost double-sized—they’re so comfortable.

How did you approach the dining room and butler’s pantry? All of the

dining room furniture was existing. The only new elements were the wallcovering, rug and curtains. In their apartment, this dining room was part of one big living and dining space, and it had a lot of blue in it.

We didn’t want another blue room, and this is a Gracie wallcovering that I just love. In fact, I think that was the very first thing we bought for this house. In the butler’s pantry, we painted the cabinets, did the wallcovering and backsplash and put in a new countertop, sink, hardware and faucet.

We also added the glass shelving.

How do the library and office relate to each other? This area was origi-

nally the guest suite. While the library and office are one large space now and they have the same fabric on the walls, a huge opening slightly separates them. We took the full bathroom that was here and split it up into a more formal powder room and a bar. All of the trim is painted red, and there is an entire wall of stained oak built-ins. We built all of that and added a gas fireplace and changed the windows. This space and the breakfast room were the two biggest areas of construction that we did. this page: The library’s custom oak millwork was designed by Jennifer Smokler Interiors and made by Braydan Construction. The more formal powder room off of the library offers a dose of pattern with Brunschwig & Fils Les Touches Pink wallpaper. A 19th-century French Louis Philip antique mirror discovered on 1stdibs was placed above an antique chest of drawers transformed into a vanity. opposite: In the family room, custom upholstery by A. Schneller Sons is topped with pillows in Lewis & Wood fabrics. Forgoing window treatments enhanced the room’s indoor/outdoor feel, and an Apparatus ceiling fixture lights up the room at night.

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above, left to right: Kravet’s Levon fabric was chosen for a set of custom chairs by A. Schneller Sons, and a Warp & Weft rug adds additional shades of blue to the space; a three-drawer 19th-century Italian writing table, purchased in Atlanta, is paired with a Tamaso table lamp by Thomas O’Brien; a painting by Mika Tajima graces the family room on the back of the new wall added in the foyer. opposite: One of the home’s guest rooms is furnished with a bed and chest of drawers from Bunny Williams Home. Bedding is from John Robshaw, and the curtains are made from Eskayel’s Icelandic Mist fabric.

Is the family room where everyone tends to gather? Absolutely. It’s open to the kitchen, and it has a wood-burning fireplace. There’s also a door leading outside to the pool area and the backyard. Because the views outside are so beautiful, we didn’t put window treatments in here. The clients have such a great backyard and a lot of privacy, and there is no real direct sunlight coming in, so we didn’t need window treatments to block the sun. We wanted to bring the outside inside—coming from New York City, the clients really embraced being able to see all of the grass, trees and openness here.

find. As for the master bath, we gutted the entire space but kept the layout the same. There was a vanity on either side of the room, and there were windows above the vanities. We closed the windows and then put in taller cabinets and taller mirrors, which opened up the room a lot. We took out a large built-in tub and replaced it with a freestanding one, and we put in wood paneling with upper panels of blue glass. The husband’s closet was completely redone, and in the wife’s closet, we added the wallpaper and painted and changed the stone top on the island.

Was the master suite a mix of old and new? The furniture is from their

What did you change in the guest rooms? Both of the rooms had built-

bedroom in New York, but the rug, curtains, walls and soft furnishings are new. We custom-designed and made the bedside tables for the space, and the swivel chairs in the seating area are new, too—those were a great

ins where the bed walls were, so we took them out to open up each space.

While we did have some height restrictions, I loved that—I think it gives those rooms character and makes them different, warm and cozy.

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“It was fun and interesting to work with existing pieces and make them look completely different .

And that was the goal.”

—jennifer smokler

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opposite: In another guest room, beds from Serena & Lily are dressed in Matouk bedding from Fig Linens. Milleraies wallpaper in Indigo from Hermès envelops the room, and curtains made in Studio Four’s Woodford linen frame the views outside. In the corner, a T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings lounge chair with curved walnut legs is covered in Romo’s Billy linen. above left: In one of the children’s bedrooms, Manila Hemp wallcovering in Navy from Phillip Jeffries creates a cozy feel, and the bed is from RH. above center: A custom daybed by A. Schneller Sons furnishes the other child’s bedroom, and Benjamin Moore’s Wickham Gray on the walls serves as a backdrop for a photograph by Peter Mendelson. above right: The third-floor playroom is set up with orange chairs from AllModern, and wood taken from the clients’ old kitchen island was used to top the cabinets.

Did you end up working closely with the clients? I did; I love these clients.

I was there every day, and I wanted it to be perfect for them. They’re my friends and we see each other socially, and I’m just so excited they moved here. I felt like I was the “welcome wagon” for them! [Laughs.] I kept emailing her, saying, “Your kids would like this,” or “Go to this restaurant!”

I was really trying to help them embrace life here in town.

Heading outside, did you help design or furnish the outdoor living spaces? Yes—I was involved in all of the landscaping. The clients had a

landscape designer, whom I had recommended to them, but I was at a lot of the meetings and part of all of that. We designed an outdoor kitchen, and there’s a large outdoor dining table for entertaining. A big priority was being able to see the kids in the pool and having a straight line of vision. Coming from the city and having this great backyard, the clients wanted a true play space for the kids.

Since you helped the clients actually choose this house, how did that impact the design process for you? This is probably the third time I’ve

done that with a client, and it makes such a difference. When I go to look at houses with clients, I can step inside each one and have a vision. And even if it’s a house they don’t end up buying, I can walk through and say, “We can change this, we can change that.” It can be helpful to have that perspective, as it can be difficult to see past somebody else’s furniture or colors and imagine your own things there. Since I had done the clients’ previous home, I was also able to have their furniture in mind as we walked through each house.

I could say, “This is where we would put this or that.”

What design element do you think made the most impact for the house?

In terms of architecture, I love the breakfast room we added. In terms of decorating, I love the living room. It’s not a space they use every day, and it’s a small room, but it’s so soothing with such a serene feel. The walls are actually painted by a local artist—it’s an ombré Venetian plaster. I also love the lamps we added in there. They’re marbleized glass with a lot of color, and they added a punch to this room so it wasn’t all blue and white.

But I really just love this house overall, every part of it.

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opposite: New finds for the master bedroom include curtains in Holland & Sherry’s Josephine fabric in Marble, a Rosemary Hallgarten rug and vintage swivel chairs from Todd Merrill Studio. above, left to right: Sited next to the custom bed by A. Schneller Sons, new shagreen/wood bedside tables were custom-designed for the space, and the bedding is from D. Porthault; the wife’s closet receives subtle pops of color thanks to Martyn Thompson Studio’s Spotted wallcovering; the renovated master bath was updated with custom back-painted blue glass panels from Bendheim, and the millwork was designed by Jennifer Smokler Interiors and built by Braydan Construction. The towels are from Fig Linens.

How did you source the artwork throughout the house? We actually

which I think really brings a space to life, I feel like their New York apartment had a formality to it that this place doesn’t. This home has more of a country-living feel and a more casual vibe. I’m so happy they’re here.

—interview by lauren fetterman

haven’t bought any new pieces yet. Because they had so much from New York, we were able to place everything they had. After all of their furniture was in, about a week after they moved in, ILevel, professional art hangers from the city, came in, and we spent an entire day hanging everything once everything else was in place. Throughout the project, from the very beginning, we discussed what would go where. And certainly, when we built that wall between the entry and family room, we knew that there were two big pieces that needed to go on each side.

Resources: Interior designer: Jennifer Smokler Interiors, Westport; 203-227-0477; jennifersmoklerinteriors.com Architect: Robert Storm Architects, Westport; 203-222-9055; architectstorm.com Builder: Braydan Construction, Darien; 203-321-1084; braydanconstruction.com

How does this home differ from their apartment? While they do have

Landscape designer: Karen Hughan, Good Gardens, Darien; 203-984-2025;

similarities, because there are a lot of the same pieces and the same art,

goodgardensllc.com

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“I was there every day , and I wanted it to be perfect for them.”

—jennifer smokler

interview with debbie notis, notis design

| phot o gr apher jane beiles

Open Minded A layered look, soft textures and a new flow create a lighter, brighter family home

You’ve done several projects with these clients. What is your relationship like with them? They found me about eight years ago through the

Mayflower Inn & Spa in Washington, Connecticut, which was a project I had worked on. The client saw the project and loved how it looked.

We met, and since then I’ve done four projects for them. The client is just a lovely human being. She’s a pleasure to work with and appreciates good design; she’s a dream.

opposite: A vintage Parzinger chest—nicknamed the “happy chest” because it appears to be smiling—welcomes guests in the foyer. A carpet from Stark runs up the home’s original stairs. above, left and right: All items in the entry are vintage for a classic yet layered feel, as the pieces range in style. The foyer boasts original paneling, a vintage rug, an original Paul Frankl console, a Hans Wegner chair and a Jean Perzel ceiling light. above center: The original front porch was fitted with a Dedon swing.

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left: Architectural details were added in the living room to match the home’s original style. The walls, trim and millwork were painted in Farrow & Ball’s Blackened, and custom pieces include the rug, coffee table and leather sconces. A Lindsey Adelman light fixture floats above the seating arrangement that includes BDDW chairs and vintage Fornasetti end tables decorated with butterflies, a theme elegantly repeated throughout the house. The artwork by Suzy Spence, Lourdes Sanchez, Poogy Bjerklie and Cecil Touchon are all through Sears Peyton Gallery.

“The client is just a lovely human being.

She’s a pleasure to work with and appreciates good design; she’s a dream .”

—debbie notis

How would you describe their house? It’s a Shingle-style home, in the vibe of Stanford White, built sometime between 1917 and 1920 in Westchester County. It’s beautiful and classic, and while it is a stately house, it feels quite intimate inside. The clients moved in and lived there for a year, and during that time, we did a few quick fixes while we planned a renovation.

Then they moved out for a year while we completed it. We worked with an architect who dealt with the exterior, construction documents, permits and architectural details, and I led the aesthetics of the interiors and provided the design for the millwork and vanities, all colors and materials, decorative lighting, window treatments, wallpaper, furniture and more.

What was the goal of the renovation? The original rooms were smaller

and darker, so we changed the entire flow of the house so it’s much more open, brighter and family-friendly. We built an addition on the back and branched off to the side. On the first floor, we significantly expanded the kitchen and family room as well as the outdoor patio. The goal was to create a “heart of the home,” where the space flows from the “function” area of the kitchen to the eating area to the family room, and everything is open to each other. We also reconfigured space to add a first-floor en suite bedroom. On the second floor, we expanded the master bedroom, closet and bathroom, added a terrace and expanded the daughter’s bedroom with all of the windows. It was a pretty significant gut renovation.

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this page: Paneling and dentil molding designed to look original to the home were added to the dining room.

A custom Elizabeth Dow wallpaper serves as a backdrop to a Patricia Iglesias painting through the Sears Peyton Gallery, and a Roman Thomas sideboard is below. Beneath an Apparatus light fixture, vintage Nakashima chairs are gathered around a BDDW walnut-and-bronze wishbone table, all on a rug from Stark. The succulent is from Terrain. opposite: The large sun-filled kitchen is organized into “stations” for maximum functionality. Urban Electric lights hang over the generously sized island, which is topped with a slab of Olympian White Danby from Vermont—an exciting find due to its large size. The hood was customized to match the blue Lacanche oven, and Mater stools offer seating.

above left: The breakfast/coffee/drinks bar is outfitted with a California Faucets selection and Armac Martin hardware. The station includes a sink, icemaker, beverage refrigerators and storage for glasses, mugs and tea. above right: The main sink, which overlooks the backyard and patio, also features a faucet from California Faucets and hardware from Armac Martin.

The window treatment is crafted from a butterfly-patterned fabric by Matthew Williamson through Osborne & Little. opposite: One of the “stations” in the kitchen includes a built-in desk.

What was the vision for the home’s look and feel? The client wanted

Nakashima chairs that we had recovered several years ago, and we had used the Roman Thomas sideboard on another project. But the living room is all new and a lot of it custom—throughout the house as well— except for the ceiling light fixture, which we bought years ago. It’s a Lindsey Adelman prototype, and I think it may have been one of her first porcelain lights.

a relaxed, easygoing environment that was light, inviting and modern.

I tend to mix a lot of classic and modern elements together to create a layered feel, and that was really important to her. The client and I both love blue, so there is blue, or hints of it, throughout the house, with accents of gray, lavender, navy, purple and other tones. The homeowner is also very tactile, so everything has a softness to it, and we incorporated a lot of textured fabrics and family-friendly materials that could hold up to a family living there, with children, their friends and dogs. We used matte brass and antique brass in many places, as that was the original metal of the house.

I love the artwork in the living and dining rooms. Did you help source any of the pieces throughout the home? They had an existing art collection,

but what you see in the living and dining rooms, we did together, which was so fun. We focused a lot on female artists and pieces that were modern and colorful.

Did you use any existing furniture, or did you start fresh? A lot of the How did you ensure the kitchen met everyone’s needs? We worked very

furniture was new, but a fair amount were items we had bought over the years. For example, the dining room is one area where we reused a lot of pieces. They already owned the BDDW table and the vintage

closely to determine the locations of things and were really organized and practical about what was going where. The kitchen is very user-friendly

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“The original rooms were smaller and darker, so we changed the entire flow of the house so it’s much more open, brighter and family-friendly .”

—debbie notis

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“The goal was to create a ‘heart of the home,’ where the space flows from the ‘function’ area of the kitchen to the eating area to the family room, and everything is open to each other .”

—debbie notis

above: The “functional” area of the kitchen seamlessly flows to a cozy eating area with a comfortable Kvilt sofa and custom City Joinery table. The glass doors behind open to the back patio, enhancing the home’s indoor/outdoor feel. The linen draperies can be pulled to either side to expose as much of the glass doors as desired.

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above left: The Kvilt sofa is covered in a dining-friendly ultrasuede through Suite NY, and the pillows are in LuRu Home and Ferrick Mason fabrics through Studio Four NYC. above right: A Caitlin McGauley butterfly wallpaper is a whimsical touch in the powder room. A 1960s vintage mirror is flanked by Urban Electric sconces in a custom color, and the Dash faucet by Waterworks was selected for its playful “jacks” look.

with different functions, like the coffee station, the kids’ snack area and the built-in desk, and it’s well thought-out. The client cooks a lot, and she wanted family and friends to feel comfortable being in the kitchen when she’s cooking. The twelve-foot island was very important to her. It took a lot of research, but we were able to find a slab of Olympian White Danby from a quarry in Vermont to top it.

the morning or have a drink in the evening. The doors wrap around the corner in a Z-shape, so there is another series of glass doors in the family room that open up to the patio as well.

Tell me about the family room. The sofa is custom, and I can’t tell you how many times we sized it and drew it in different configurations— we wanted to get it just right, and thankfully, we did. It was going to take up such a large part of the room, and it needed to fit the space well.

The ottoman is custom, and it has a sliding coffee table tray on a track.

We added the built-ins, and to the left of those is the fireplace and TV. The painting to the right was a piece we bought together for a different project. It’s huge, and it was so perfect for that wall.

I love the sofa in the breakfast nook. We wanted to create a comfortable, relaxed space that was warm and cozy; sometimes the kids do their homework there. There are sliding glass doors on both sides that open up onto the patio, so there is a really good relationship between indoors and out. There are comfy chairs out on the patio to sit in and enjoy coffee in

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“There were so many times where we would find a piece and say, ‘Oh my God, that’s perfect .’”

—debbie notis

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left: In the family room, the custom sofa and ottoman with a sliding coffee table tray were made by J&P Custom Upholstery. Motorized window treatments by Boaz Sharoni Design help to easily control the amount of sunlight coming into the space. Spacious window seats, with cushions and pillows by Artistic Upholstery, provide comfy perches to read and watch TV, and a Prouve table through Vitra is set up for writing or working on a laptop. below: Built-ins with custom millwork display a combination of midcentury vintage ceramics sourced over time and new items from Bungalow in Westport as well as small paintings by Isabel Bigelow through Sears Peyton Gallery and collage drawings by Jason Brinkerhoff through ZieherSmith. The large painting on the right wall is by Victor Matthews through GK Framing.

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Is there a story behind the butterflies in the powder room? I love that

the window treatments are a gorgeous blue fabric with appliqués and embroidery from Holland & Sherry. The bed was fully custom, and there is a TV built into the base—you push a button, and the TV comes out and up. It also swivels, so you can sit on the chaise opposite the bed or on the window seat and watch TV as well. The TV was originally supposed to go over the fireplace, but it was going to be too high. I had seen my upholsterer do something like this on a bed before. The bed was already being built but wasn’t complete yet, so we were able to add this feature.

It works spectacularly. It’s much more comfortable to watch TV this way than it would be to watch it so high up. Their master bath is in the same location, but the addition included expanding to the side of the house.

It’s much larger than before, with a separate water closet, a steam shower

you asked that, because the homeowner loves butterflies. We put them here and there in an elegant way throughout the house to give you a smile. The powder room wallcovering is a beautiful painted wallpaper

by Caitlin McGauley, and we custom-colored the sconces to go with it.

This is a narrow space, and I found that vintage mirror on 1stdibs—it was just the right size.

The master suite feels so serene. Definitely—they wanted an airy,

calm, Zen space. It’s also tactile all the way. The rug is shearling, and it’s so comfy and luxurious. The kids were so funny—they were doing “snow” angels on it! The pink chaise is a yummy, soft bouclé fabric, and

opposite, top left: The stair landing doubles as a reading nook, lit by Urban Electric sconces on either side. On the window seat, a custom cushion in a Holly Hunt fabric by Artistic Upholstery was paired with pillows by Rosemary Hallgarten. The ceiling light over the stairwell is by Allied Maker. opposite, top right: The son’s en suite bathroom features a custom vanity made by the contractor and painted in Farrow & Ball’s Parma Gray, and the floor is covered in Carrara-and-Bardiglio mosaic tile. opposite, bottom left and right: In the son’s bedroom, custom millwork built by the contractor was finished with leather hardware by Spinneybeck. A Risom chair through Knoll is seated at the built-in desk, and window treatments, fabricated by Boaz Sharoni Design in a Christopher Farr fabric through Holland & Sherry, add pattern. A Stark carpet covers the floor, and a Bone Simple Design light is above. above: The daughter’s bedroom has an ethereal feel, with a pink fuzzy desk chair from RH and an elegant light by Bone Simple Design. The custom millwork was built by the contractor.

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left: The serene master bedroom beckons with a luxurious light gray shearling rug through Stark on the floor. The custom upholstered bed with a mechanized slideout TV lift from J&P Custom Upholstery provides easily accessible TV-viewing from any spot in the room. Lighting includes a Fortuny ceiling fixture and custom-colored Urban Electric sconces, and a Holland & Sherry fabric adorned with embroidery and appliquĂŠs was used for the window treatments. below: Custom millwork built by the contractor provides storage and display space. The painting by Malcolm Bray provides an infusion of bold color in the room, and the bed is dressed in custom Kohro bedding through Angela Brown Ltd. opposite: A custom chaise in a soft pink bouclĂŠ fabric, with a cashmere throw from Holland & Sherry draped across, is primed for curling up to watch TV or read a book.

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left: A beautiful custom mosaic floor in white Thassos and ash gray and custom-colored Urban Electric lighting grace the master bath.

Window treatments, fabricated by Boaz Sharoni Design, feature a bird fabric custom-made by Kari Fisher Designs and a pale pink café curtain and valance fabric by Rogers & Goffigon. below: The walls are lined in white Thassos tile, and the sculptural fittings and faucet in the steam shower are from Kallista’s Counterpoint collection. opposite, top: The third-floor hangout space also serves as a sleepover room. The daybed is from RH Teen, and the Sally Gall photograph is from Julie Saul Projects. opposite, bottom left: Arne Svenson’s “Neighbors #7” from Julie Saul Projects was chosen for the third-floor landing. opposite, bottom right: In the hangout space, a pink Womb chair by Knoll sits in front of an original window seat. The window treatment is fashioned from a Seemakrish fabric, and the rug is from Serena & Lily.

and plenty of storage. The custom mosaic floor is so pretty, and all of the lights by Urban Electric were custom-colored. The window treatments are motorized so you don’t have to reach over the tub to close them.

How did you approach the third-floor space? On this floor, there is one large room, a bathroom and a smaller guest bedroom. The large space functions as a sleepover and hangout room. There are two daybeds with trundles underneath, and there are a few ottomans that unfold into mattresses, so the space can sleep a lot. We didn’t do anything architecturally to this space—we just painted the walls, floors and ceiling—but there is such a lovely feeling up here. Behind the Womb chair is this amazing window seat that’s much deeper than it looks; it’s such a good perch. That window seat is original to the house, but we added window seats wherever we could.

What has been the clients’ reaction to their new home? They love it— they love the light and the colors, how it flows, how they can have tons of people over, and there’s no area where everyone is bottlenecked. They are such gracious people, and it’s always so much fun working with this client—she has a great, positive energy about her. There were so many times where we would find a piece and say, “Oh my God, that’s perfect.”

It was like good karma! [Laughs.] We kept saying, “That’s the Zen of design.” Things just worked. —interview by lauren fetterman

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Resources: Interior designer: Notis Design, Weston/New York City; 203-557-6560; dnotisdesign.com Architect: Stoll & Stoll Architects, New Rochelle, NY; 914-576-0800; stollarchitects.com Contractor: Noonan Construction Corp., Yonkers, NY; 914-373-4672; noonan.construction Custom workroom: J&P Custom Upholstery, Long Island City, NY; 718-482-8500; jpcustomupholstery.com Custom workroom: Artistic Upholstery, Norwalk; 203-849-8907; artisticupholsteryandfabrics.com Custom window treatments: Boaz Sharoni Design, New Hyde Park, NY; 917-763-8266

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6TH ANNUAL

RESTAURANT WEEK SAVE THE DATE

Opening Night Party

@JHouse March 4 2020 6:00 – 8:30 •

•

Hungry for Business?

We’re serving up Sponsorships!

To be a participating restaurant or for sponsorship opportunities please contact Trish Kirsch 203.571.1644 • trish.kirsch@moffly.com

Greenwich Restaurant Week 2020 Runs March 6th-13th greenwichrestaurantweek.com

advertisers index BUILDING & HOME IMPROVEMENT Clarke clarkeliving.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2, 3 Gault Family Companies gaultstone.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Hilton Architecture & Interiors hiltonarchitects.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Hobbs, Inc. hobbsinc.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Ring’s End ringsend.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Robert A. Cardello Architecture + Design cardelloarchitects.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cover 3 SBP Homes sbphomes.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Tischler und Sohn tischlerwindows.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cover 4 Westy Self Storage westy.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

DECORATING & HOME FURNISHINGS Amy Aidinis Hirsch amyhirsch.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cover 2, 1 Eleish Van Breems evbantiques.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Wakefield Design Center wakefielddesigncenter.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

EVENTS 6th Annual Greenwich Restaurant Week, greenwichrestaurantweek.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

HEALTH & BEAUTY Stamford Health Medical Group stamfordhealth.org/primarycare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 athomefc.com

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last word/KEEPING TRADITION LEE ANN THORNTON

LISA HILDERBRAND

BROOKE CREW

CAREY KARLAN

RHONDA ELEISH AND EDIE VAN BREEMS

THORNTON DESIGNS leeannthornton.com

HILDERBRAND INTERIORS hilderbrandinteriors.com

BROOKE CREW INTERIORS brookecrewinteriors.com

LAST DETAIL INTERIOR DESIGN careykarlan.com

ELEISH VAN BREEMS HOME evbantiques.com

What “traditional now” means to you: Classic and timeless without being boring or tired. I like to ground a room with antiques, giving it gravity with a Biedermeier commode, George II chest or Regency table.

I love to keep it fresh with contemporary art, modern lamps, parchment and animal prints, and keep it lowkey with a jute rug and gracious, comfortable seating. It’s inviting and interesting, and it never gets old.

A traditional element that’s here to stay: Anything that evokes a feeling of familiarity, comfort and warmth.

I’ve lost count of how many projects we have repurposed an inherited accent chair that recalls fond memories for a client. With one client, we recovered her grandmother’s chair and upholstered the back in her faux fur coat and put it in the entry next to a console. For several others, we’ve painted the legs, dressed them in a fresh fabric and added tassel fringe for kids’ rooms.

Your favorite way to do traditional with a twist: I’m intrigued by the idea of using classic representational portrait art that has been tweaked in some way to make it new and exciting rather than old-school serious. A somber portrait stripped of its ornate frame and hung on a stark white wall over a contemporary console will look fresh and interesting; a grandfather’s portrait will get a second look if stripped down and encased in a deep acrylic box.

How you would make a traditional element or furnishing look and feel more modern: Consider taking a traditionally dark stained dining table, stripping it down and applying a cerused oak whitewash finish for a new, modern and fresh look.

A new traditional fabric you’re dreaming of using next: I’m working on a new family room that has plenty of traditional elements.

One of my favorite fabrics in the mix is Lee Jofa’s Hollyhock in Grey/ Sage. It’s one of the most beautiful florals that has been around for a long time.

A new traditional wallcovering you’re loving right now: Porter Teleo’s Kintsugi is a modern work of art, your own painting customized for your walls or for a ceiling, as it was on a recent project of mine. It has enough pattern to be interesting but little enough to be restrained. The handbrushed background shows the hand of the artist, and precious metal leaf makes it luxe.

A new traditional trim you’re dreaming of using next: I use trim any chance I get. It’s a detail that makes each project feel thoughtfully designed and personalized. I’m working on several rooms for little girls, and I would love to band the edge of drapes with Schumacher’s Rousseau tape (shown below) and Samuel & Sons’s Onion Tassel fringe. The tape adds a touch of whimsy, and the fringe feels young yet sophisticated.

athomefc.com

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New traditional hardware you’re loving right now: My son is getting married, and the couple’s favorite gift so far has been a monogrammed door knocker. I’m on the hunt for a really striking, clean and modern one that can be monogrammed.

Pottery Barn’s Ella door knocker is a great choice!

How you make traditional feel fun: The key is in the mix.

We love peppering antiques into interiors that may not at first glance call for antiques.

Clean, modern interiors—so embraced that they’re now the new “traditional”—can be one-dimensional without the soul of an antique added in, and antiques are given a new life when thoughtfully included.

New traditional light fixture you’re dreaming of using next: The lamps of Los Angeles potter Natan Moss, which are arriving soon at Eleish Van Breems Home! We love his fun, bold pops of glazes on midcentury Danish-inspired lamps.

We also just can’t get enough of Avantgarden’s Meander collection (sample shown above) of gooseneck chandeliers and sconces finished in brass that are wrapped in bespoke leather, infusing so much freshness into a traditional lighting form.

PORTRAITS: BROOKE CREW: STACY BASS; CAREY KARLAN: MARSIN DIGITAL; RHONDA ELEISH AND EDIE VAN BREEMS: ELAINE UBINA

PROS SHARE HOW “CLASSIC” CAN STAY ON TREND

ARCHITECT: MARK P. FINLAY ARCHITECTS, AIA, PHOTO BY WARREN JAGGER

TISCHLER WINDOWS AND DOORS. UNCOMMON. UNCOMPROMISING.

Tischler und Sohn (USA) Ltd. Six Suburban Avenue, Stamford, CT 06901 Telephone 203/674/0600 • Telefax 203/674/0601