WORK THAT ROOM! goods
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IN THE BUFF
PILLOW TALK
+ s pac e m a k e r s
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MAR/APR 2020
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contents MAR/APR 2020 vol. 15 | issue 2
features
departments
25
25
8 EDITOR’S NOTE
WORK A ROOM Ten designers find room for improvement in just about every space in the house.
46
10 GET THE GOODS Color trend: Beige; Extra, Extra; Go-To Pieces
FRESH TRADITION Classic features and contemporary style deliver a livable home in a lighter form. i nt e rv i ews b y ju dy o st row
62
GREAT ADDITION A seamless extension and an elegant aesthetic create a family’s forever home. i nt e rv i ew b y l au re n f et t e r m an
16 HAUTE STUFF Pillow Talk 20 SHOP TALK Local design news, the latest collections, haute happenings and more 84 LAST WORD Design pros reveal what elements bring a room to life.
Living room designed by Morgan Harrison Home.
ATHOME IN FAIRFIELD COUNTY JAN/FEB 2020, VOL. 15, NO. 2. 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 dressing ro om by pi m lic o i nteriors athomefc.com
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| ph ot o gr a ph y a m y v is ch io
203.489.3800 y hiltonarchitects.com
ARCHITECTURE & INTERIORS
>>
WE ASKED:
creative/editorial director
Amy Vischio editorial senior editor
Lauren Fetterman market editor
Megan Gagnon advisory editor
Donna Moffly
contributing editors editor, new canaan - darien
Julee Kaplan
executive editor, greenwich
vol. 15 | no. 2 | mar/apr 2020
Amy V
Lauren F
The one thing that affects me the most are the proportions of a room. Too big, and I feel lost; ceilings too high, and I feel very un-cozy (I know, that’s not a word!). Second to a well-proportioned room would be objects and furnishings with patina. Nothing warms a space like well-worn wood—just like this African stool.
I love greenery in a room, but since I have a black thumb, I love faux floral couture. The mini tea leaf topiary from Diane James Home is a great evergreen option!
business
Lisa H
Taylor S
I love the tiny white fairy lights on my bar cart, woven into my potted palm and casually placed in a tray of living room trinkets.
Candles make me feel at home, especially my Floral Press candle by Rosy Rings that I bought at Anthropologie.
category: travel
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
marketing
Jonathan W. Moffly
event managers
vice president/editorial & design
Rachel Shorten Amy Sinclair
Amy Vischio business manager
Elena Moffly John W. Moffly IV & Donna C. Moffly
Karen Kelly
regional account executive, southeast category: regional travel
president
cofounders
publisher, stamford
Stephanie Delaney
production director
Diane Sembrot
categories: automotive/builders/ landscape/sports & fitness
category: jewelry
art director
digital editor
Lisa Phillips Hingst
Jennifer Petersen
Garvin Burke
Amber Scinto
publisher, new canaan - darien
sales directors
art
Taylor Stroili
Trish Kirsch
categories: architects/interior design/ home furnishing/art & collectibles
Diane Sembrot
digital media manager
publisher, greenwich
Gabriella Mays
Cristin Marandino
design assistant
sales management moffly media
publisher, westport
editor, fairfield living; stamford; westport
Kerri Rak
sales
partnership manager
Kathleen Godbold
Cristin M I love curling up under my Restoration Hardware faux fur throw and binge-watching, well, anything.
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
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editor’s note /GET A ROOM!
CALL FOR ENTRIES! ATHOMEFC.COM
Want to win? Then take the first step before taking the stage and enter now!
F
or many things in life, getting started is the hardest part. Maybe you’re planning to undertake a whole-home redesign, or you’re exploring the possibility of an addition to expand your space. Embarking on large projects like these can feel overwhelming—which can lead to analysis paralysis—but the key may lie in starting small. Refreshing just one room in your home can update the look and feel of your entire living space while also inspiring you to take on the next. There is no time like the present to love where you live, and there are so many ways to start. Pick just one and see how small-scale makeovers can have large-scale impact. ¶ In this issue, we showcase a variety of rooms—from a light-filled entry to a jewel-box powder room—to inspire your next single-space redo (“Work a Room” on page 25). Next, we stop by a new build by architect Douglas VanderHorn and designer Amy Aidinis Hirsch that blends a classic form with a more contemporary style and more modern materials to deliver a beautiful yet livable home (“Fresh Tradition” on page 46). Finally, we visit an elegant English country Tudor, where designer Elena Phillips worked with James Schettino Architects to seamlessly expand the family’s living space and then infused the home with a chic, Art Deco-inspired aesthetic (“Great Addition” on page 62). ¶ While dreaming up which room to refresh next, we also hope you’re ready for the 11th annual A-List Awards! You have until April 15 to enter your best interior design, architecture and landscape projects at athomefc.com. The A-List is your chance to build your brand, grow your audience, network with the best in the industry and celebrate our local design community. Enter today!
AMY VISCHIO Creative/Editorial Director amy.vischio@moffly.com
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LAUREN FETTERMAN AND AMY VISCHIO: VENERA ALEXANDROVA; A-LIST PHOTOGRAPHS ALL BY KRISTIN BURKE HYNES EXCEPT FOR TOP RIGHT PHOTO BY JACEK DOLATA
Enjoying an early spring-like day in Westport with Lauren Fetterman
goods/COLOR IT’S TIME TO GIVE BEIGE A SECOND CHANCE
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SERENA & LILY
KERRI ROSENTHAL
Beachside table lamp; $398. Westport; serenaandlily.com
13 Layers in sandstone Belgian linen; $158 per yard. Westport; kerrirosenthal.com
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FJ HAKIMIAN
Contemporary custom Deco border rug; $14,000. New York; fjhakimian.com
Tullgarn Gustavian three drawer chest; $3,265. Westport; evbantiques.com
our clients are resp onding more t o what we call the “candlelight gl ow” of creamy beige shades. the warmer palet te is absolu tely fl at tering for all skin t ones. —krista fox, krista fox interiors
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LAWSON-FENNING Mesa lounge chair; $1,850. lawsonfenning.com
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MADE GOODS Anders mirror; $1,550. madegoods.com
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ALL IMAGES COURTESY OF DESIGNERS/BRANDS
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ELEISH VAN BREEMS
NORWALK
GRAND OPENING
Safavieh is proud to announce the opening of its latest showroom – on 28 Washington Street, in South Norwalk, Connecticut. All the latest fashion trends together in one stunning home furnishings showroom. There are five separate floors filled with the latest fashions for your home. Safavieh’s professional interior designers are available to help make your dreams a reality. All the best brands, the freshest designer collections, outstanding ar t, chandeliers and accessories, and of course the best-of-the-best Safavieh Rugs.
w w w. s a f av i e h h o m e . c o m NOW OPEN: 28 WASHINGTON STREET, NORWALK, CT • 203.568.6063
goods/EXTRA, EXTRA BIG ON PERSONALITY, BIG ON STYLE
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—carmiña roth, carmiña roth interiors
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3 1 JAYSON HOME
Linea coffee table; $1,550. jaysonhome.com
6 2 THE TAILORED HOME
3 NICOLE HOLLIS FOR MCGUIRE
4 CARLYLE COLLECTIVE
Palm chandelier; $7,320. Greenwich, Westport; thetailored homect.com
Hokulele side table; $1,497. Schwartz Design Showroom, Stamford; schwartz designshowroom.com
Slash standing mirror; price upon request. carlyle collective.com
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5 KYLE BUNTING
Submerge hide rug; starting at $2,832. kylebunting.com
6 KELLY WEARSTLER Morro coffee table in Coulmier limestone; $15,680. kellywearstler.com
ALL IMAGES COURTESY OF DESIGNERS/BRANDS
d on’t b e afr aid t o use a statement piece; there is always a way t o make it work. just d on’t use sever al. surround something b old with more subtle things, or the ro om will feel overp owering.
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 /GO-TO PIECES
DÉCOR ACCENTS TO TAKE YOUR ROOM TO THE NEXT LEVEL
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1 SIMON PEARCE
Beachstone bowl; $260. Greenwich, Westport; simonpearce.com
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2 TOM DIXON
Swirl stem vase; $350. Medium vase; $710. tomdixon.net
3 HERMÈS
Horsecut paperweight; $560. Greenwich; hermes.com
4 GLAZE STUDIO U Candle; $120. glaze.studio
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5 JOHN DERIAN
Round constellation platter; $205. johnderian.com
6 LONGSHIP LUXURY
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Fireplace broom; starting at $1,750. Lance Woven Leather, East Norwalk, 203-852-6829
7 ARTERIORS
Amphora vase; $405. Safavieh, Norwalk, Stamford; safaviehhome.com
you’re never c ompletely dressed withou t ac cessories and jewelry. why should your home be any different? it is underdressed until properly ac cessorized with pill ows, l amps and all of the finishing t ouches.
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—george snead, wakefield design center athomefc.com
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Catchall round dish in Amazonite and sterling silver; $4,000. Greenwich, Westport; tiffany.com
ALL IMAGES COURTESY OF DESIGNERS/BRANDS
8 TIFFANY & CO.
S
E
VAN BREE ISH M LE
HOME
E L E I S H VA N B R E E M S H O M E FURNITURE • ANTIQUES • LIGHTING • PILLOWS • TABLETOP • ACCESSORIES
EVB HOME 99 FRANKLIN ST, WESTPORT, CT | 14 EASY ST, NANTUCKET, MA | EVBANTIQUES .COM
haute stuff / PILLOW TALK by megan gagnon
LISTEN UP: SMALL ACCENTS CAN MAKE A BIG IMPACT
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1 LOLOI P0824 pillow; starting at $109. laylagrace.com 2 CB2 18” Cora embroidered pillow; $39.95. cb2.com 3 PETER DUNHAM TEXTILES Rajmata pillow; $245 for 20” by 20”. hollywoodathome.com 4 BUNGALOW Vintage Suzani pillow; $595. Westport; bungalowdecor.com 5 LES OTTOMANS Silk ikat pillow; $116. amara.com 6 SHOPPE AMBER INTERIORS Red and blue parakeets pillow; $145. shoppe.amberinteriordesign.com
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ALL IMAGES COURTESY OF DESIGNERS/BRANDS
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M
ake your summertime dreams a reality.
We believe that great properties can transform an experience – creating new summer memories. And memories for every season. That’s why we have been serving the families of Connecticut and New York for over four generations. To find out what we can do for you, visit GlengateCompany.com or call 203.762.2000.
C O N N E C T I C U T & N E W YO R K
Landscape Architecture
Garden Design
Pool Design
Property & Pool Care
haute stuff
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“Never underestimate the power of a pillow . I have decorated entire rooms from a pillow inspiration.” —karen bow, karen bow interiors
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7 CHRISTIAN LACROIX Prete-Moi Ta Plume pillow; to the trade. Designers Guild, Stamford; designersguild.com 8 FERM LIVING Vista cushion; $99. garmentory.com 9 LACEFIELD DESIGNS D1469; $175. lacefielddesigns.com 10 EMMA J SHIPLEY Zambezi pillow; $195. emmajshipley.com 11 JOHN ROBSHAW Rava decorative pillow; $160. Fig Linens, Westport; figlinens.com 12 ESKAYEL Banda pinken pillow; starting at $165. eskayel.com athomefc.com
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Designer Screen Shades
RElove Your Home
RingsEnd.com DARIEN NEW MILFORD
BRANFORD NORWALK
DANBURY STAMFORD
FAIRFIELD LEWISBORO MADISON TRUMBULL WESTPORT WETHERSFIELD WILTON
shoptalk THE LATEST DESIGN NEWS
A Clear View
Catching up with the president of TISCHLER UND SOHN
What is trending in windows and doors today? Slim profiles, large openings of glass, motorized units in a pocket or retractable product that open up the house by bringing the outside in as part of the living space. Also trending are high-thermal performance, minimal-maintenance products that still maintain the aesthetics in the fenestration. What is something we may not know about what Tischler offers? We’re dedicated to providing high-quality
above: A set of French doors by Tischler invites the outdoors in; a modern home by Desai Chia Architecture is encased in sleek Tischler windows and doors. below and right: Stunning Tischler windows provide a beautiful interior and exterior view in a library by Mark P. Finlay Architects AIA.
above: Tim Carpenter
service from design development through handing over the keys to the house and thereafter. Our project management team stays with the project from technical support during the quoting stage through shop drawings, installation by Tischler and the extended maintenance program. We offer a unique variety of high-quality, high-performance durable products. Our fenestration products include custom manufactured mahogany, thermally broken laser-cut stainless steel, thermally broken hot-rolled steel, stainless steel and bronze. What is the most requested type of window and door in Fairfield County? Mahogany and thermally broken stainless steel for waterfront locations due to the performance rating of Tischler and its durability. Why is Tischler a standout in its field? Hands down, our service and quality during and after the sale. What is the most spectacular, elaborate, challenging or rewarding Tischler product designed to date? A motorized sliding retractable unit 40 feet wide by 10 feet high completed in 2019 for a residence in Bermuda. Tischler und Sohn, Six Suburban Avenue, Stamford; 203-674-0600; tischlerwindows.com
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PHOTOGRAPHY: MODERN HOME: DESAI CHIA ARCHITECTURE/PAUL WARCHOL PHOTOGRAPHY; LIBRARY INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR: MARK P. FINLAY ARCHITECTS AIA/WARREN JAGGER
T
ischler und Sohn is engaged in the design, development, engineering and manufacturing of custom wood window and door products manufactured in Germany. Providing unsurpassed quality and durability, the firm offers products in practically any size and shape and in a variety of factory finishes. We caught up with president Tim Carpenter to learn more.
R OBERTA S CHIL L ING
RENE C A Z A RE S
BLUEPRIN T
A N TONI A
SH A MSI A N
B A K ER
T H AY ER C O G G IN
LAZAR
V EREL L EN
EXCLUSIVELY TO THE TRADE SCHWART ZDE SIGNSHOWROOM.COM SHOW R O OM S LO C AT ED IN S TA MFORD, C T & ME T UCHEN, N J
shoptalk
Eclectic Endeavor
A new home DÉCOR AND DESIGN STORE opens in Greenwich above: Bedroom furnishings by Bernhardt up the wow factor.
STYLE CENTRAL SAFAVIEH OPENS ITS LATEST SHOWROOM IN SOUTH NORWALK
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above: Original resin-coated mixed media pop art by Jen Lewis is paired with a cleanlined white chair at Eclectic Home.
S
ome children love playing with building blocks, but Kimberly Handler was always more interested in the real thing. From a young age, Handler was fascinated with architecture and design. This past January, the interior designer brought those two passions together with the opening of her new store, Eclectic Home. Handler’s view of design has always been to break the rules with something unexpected. She loves blending traditional East Coast looks with the relaxed, modern feel of the West Coast. Eclectic Home has
NEXT LEVEL
A NEW TILE COLLECTION FROM AKDO ADDS DRAMA TO ANY SPACE
to create an aesthetic punch. Optional stainless-steel and brass accents call to mind traditional terrazzo installations and add another level of striking visual impact. The Next Collection is available in three
AKDO introduces the Next Collection, a contemporary take on the age-old charm of terrazzo. With a color palette ranging from white to dramatic dark gray, this captivating tile can easily be added into any installation
left: The Next Collection’s Arrow Carrara Bella with gray terrazzo sparkles in a bathroom. athomefc.com
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patterns—Arrow, Diagonal and Hex—all of which can be arranged in different patterns and stone, terrazzo and metal combinations to convey a personalized design. AKDO, 800-811-2536; akdo.com
PHOTOGRAPHY: AKDO: MARCO RICCA
afavieh Home Furnishings has opened its newest retail site at 28 Washington Street in Norwalk. Located in the trendy SoNo area, the 40,000-square-foot showroom opened in January. “We’re pleased to announce our new South Norwalk home design showroom, which is organized around lifestyle galleries,” says Michael Yaraghi, president of Safavieh Home Furnishings. “The store includes a complete design center and an extensive selection of lighting products.” Safavieh SoNo has the best brands from Thayer Coggin, Bernhardt, Lee Industries, American Leather, Century, Vanguard, BDI, Phillips Collection, Hickory Chair, Visual Comfort, EJ Victor, Stone International, Chaddock, Giuseppe, Global Views, Shifman Mattresses and more. Safavieh SoNo offers a large selection of Safavieh rugs and Safavieh Couture, the exclusive 1,000-plus-piece fashion-forward line that includes furniture, upholstery, lighting and accessories. Safavieh SoNo’s experienced professional design staff can also provide complimentary interior design services. 28 Washington Street, South Norwalk; safaviehhome.com
that mix with vintage, modern and refurbished furniture, accessories and art—think classic wing chairs with colorful chinoiserie fabric or original artwork made from coco sticks mounted in Lucite. People who love to shop local will always find pieces they have never seen before. With her extensive design experience, Handler can help customers make these unique treasures work in their homes. “People tend to get stuck in a branded ‘style’ of design, but what makes a home interesting is mixing things up,” she says. “Your home should really represent your life experiences and not what’s popular in a catalog.” Handler, a Greenwich resident, graduated from Lehigh University. After attending the New York School of Interior Design and working for a Manhattan-based design firm, she launched Kimberly Handler Designs in 2003. She focuses on residential design, renovations and new construction. “I find it exciting to walk into an old home and imagine what once was and what could be,” says Handler. “Any structure can be amazing, and the challenge of bringing it back to life inspires me.” 1064 North Street, Greenwich; 203-340-9213; eclectichome.store
WESTPORT SHOWROOM
203.227.5181 BETHEL SHOWROOM
203.790.9023 Exceptional Products, Personal Service
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awards
the premier home design competition
Set your sights on a win in 2020! If you have a project or firm in CT, go to athomefc.com and find out how to get on the A-List!
Join us for the A-List Awards Gala! September 16, 2020 at the Palace Theatre in Stamford.
ENTER BEGINNING MARCH 1 ! athomefc.com
Sponsors >
TEN DESIGN PROS FIND ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENTS IN JUST ABOUT EVERY SPACE IN THE HOUSE
WORK A ROOM
Considering a whole-house redo but unsure where to begin? A single-space makeover can revitalize your home and inspire the design of your dreams. From master bath to bedroom to living space, ten design pros share how they took on a room and scored a winning look. MAR/APR 2020
25
athome
robert cardello + david lapierre // R O B E R T A . C A R D E L L O A R C H I T E C T S // Style of home: This waterfront Rowayton beach home has two distinct personalities. The front faรงade has sweeping rooflines and a classic Shingle-style look, allowing the house to fit nicely into the quaint neighborhood street. The waterside is in stark contrast, with expansive glass walls and windows that celebrate the outdoor spaces. Symmetry is prominent in both elevations. Describe the vision: This entryway bridges the gap between the traditional front exterior and the modern aesthetic of the waterside. It's a fun surprise for those coming through the door. In every client meeting, we discussed the importance of casual living and frequent gatherings. We enjoyed designing an entry that invites neighbors in and leads to fun and recreation in beautiful spaces. Why it works: The clean, transitional lines of the interior and the widely open floor plan are immediately apparent as you enter into the double-height foyer area. A clear vista to the water draws you into the main living space and out to the party decks. Employing a glass railing system and large glass hanging fixtures keeps the space open and airy yet adds to the dramatic entry. Resources: Architect: Robert A. Cardello PHOTOGRAPHY: JANE BEILES
Architects, Westport; 203-853-2524; cardelloarchitects.com Interior designer: Nightingale Design, Rowayton; 203-246-9235; julienightingaledesign.com Builder: J&J Custom Builders, Milford; 203-876-0051; jjcustombuilders.com athomefc.com
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diana byrne
// D B D E S I G N //
and the enamel-glazed, punchy blue terra-cotta shower tiles kickstarted the overall vibe, and the rest fell into place from there. Why it works: We took our time standing in the space to map out a plan. The (dream) client had very clear goals for what she hoped to achieve in rethinking this space: direct access from the yard for gardening and the dog’s needs, durable surfaces and endless storage. Everything is where it needs to be now. This is the backdrop for plants and pets, which always bring a space to life!
Style of home: This project was a renovation. The ultimate goal was
to seamlessly modernize and add lightness to a traditional home while retaining its original classic architecture. What this room looked like before: The layout was different. There was no dog shower, and there wasn’t a natural flow to handle the gardening needs from the yard. There were a lot of tall built-ins surrounding and blocking the light from the window. I wanted to gain more storage and showcase the glass Dutch door. Describe the vision: The vision for the layout was to create more built-ins for storage while opening up the space and taking advantage of the natural light from the door to the garden. The vision for the style was to be unique, fun and highly functional yet still relate to the rest of the house. I pulled the oak floor color from the floors in the rest of the house onto the cabinetry, which then enabled the floor and shower tiles here to shine. The first thing purchased: The patterned encaustic cement floor tiles
Resources: Interior designer: DB Design, Rye, NY; 646-246-2617; dbdesigninc.com Architect: Doug Patt AIA, Allentown, PA; 610-657-3244; architects.academy/courses Builder: Prutting & Co. Custom Builders, Stamford; 203-972-1028; prutting.com Project manager: Simon Stigsby, Studio Stigsby, Montclair, NJ; 973-752-4964;
PHOTOGRAPHY: JANE BEILES; PORTRAIT: ALIX MARTINEZ
danisharchitect.com
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MARCH/ARPIL 2020
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athome
// M C C O R Y I N T E R I O R S //
Style of home: The Dalton-Bell-
Cameron House is the earliest documented Craftsman-style home in High Point, North Carolina, originally built in 1913. What this room looked like before: When I first saw the space,
it had no walls, just studs. (It was being extensively remodeled!) Describe the vision: We wanted this room to tell a story, to explore the client’s personal style and to stimulate senses. We wanted to give a nod to tradition and classic charm while still honoring today’s contemporary lifestyle. Everyone has things they love and things they have collected over time. This room is a close-up of one’s personal life, with an opportunity to experience memories through objects, materials and the patterns that surround them. The first thing purchased: The Jenny Lind-style bed. With ties to Scandinavia, it evoked history and gave a little inside scoop to the person holding the room. Why it works: This room works because it feels incredibly personal. Set in a bold cocoon of graphic wallpaper I designed myself, the Dalton Square paper sets the backdrop to the beautiful textures and layers of calming and accented neutrals. Collections of books, art and objects bring this room to life, giving a sensibility of depth and soul.
PHOTOGRAPHY: BRIE WILLIAMS
kristen mccory
Resources: Interior designer: McCory Interiors, Burlington; 860-922-8727; mccoryinteriors.com Workroom: SBR Designs, Hartford; 860-951-7121; sbrdesigns.com Original art: Kelly O’Neal, koneal.com Rug: Kebabian's Rugs, New Haven; 203-865-0567; kebabians.com
MAR/APR 2020
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michelle morgan harrison Style of home: This center-hall Colonial was designed by architect Paul
Describe the vision: We wanted a blend of textures and materials as
Shainberg with interiors by Morgan Harrison Home. The elegant and classic home, with its roots in tradition, is a mix of clean lines and modern influences. The design is a balance of details with restraint—layered colors and textures through fabrics and finishes and a variety of art mediums. The owners, a young family from Chicago, are keen travelers and wanted their interest in culture, art and lifestyle to shine through the design. The design of the home is about considered layers of texture, color and the use of pattern in just the right places. Art is also special— layered and diverse in medium—elevating each space and creating opportunities to imagine.
well as a soft neutral palette with greiges (as I like to call them) mixed with shades of blue. I wanted it to be eclectic and mixed as if collected over time to reflect the clients’ travels. The art is collected as well and varied in medium. First thing purchased: We started with the large David Burdeny photograph. Next was the Tibetan rug. We wanted that to be the star of the space with its pattern play, and for the rest of the furnishings to be more neutral. The third most important element was the design of the fireplace. Why it works: The flow—the room is long and narrow, as it must be passed through to get to the library. To maximize the use of the space
PHOTOGRAPHY: JANE BEILES; PORTRAIT: NEIL LANDINO
// M O R G A N H A R R I S O N H O M E //
and open the flow for entertaining, we used an open-back chaise to open up the room for various seating areas. Resources: Interior designer: Morgan Harrison Home, New Canaan; 203-594-7875; morganharrisonhome.com Architect: Paul Shainberg Architects, Rye, NY; 914-967-3474; shainbergarchitects.com Builder: H&Y Construction, Brookfield; 203-775-2246; hyconstruction.com
charles hilton +amy andrews // C H A R L E S H I L T O N A R C H I T E C T S A N D A M Y A N D R E W S F O R H I L T O N I N T E R I O R S //
PHOTOGRAPHY: ROBERT BENSON PHOTOGRAPHY; PORTRAITS: HILTON: NICHOLAS ROTONDI; ANDREWS: NEIL LANDINO
Style of home: This magnificent master bath is just one of the
beautiful spaces in this shore Colonial-style home. The home was sited and built to embrace the outdoors and beauty of the coastal property. It was inspired by many of the classic waterfront homes along the East Coast. It was designed to feel as if the house had always been there, but with modern amenities and bright interiors. The inspiration for the room: The inspiration for the master bath interiors truly began from the ground up. The first interior element selected was the stone mosaic floor tile and border. The colors in the stone mosaic and its slight shimmer influenced the palette. From the floor, we researched stone slabs and found the exquisite marble used at the vanities, tub deck and shower walls. Describe the vision: The reflective quality of the mosaic and slabs, along with the elegant shape of the space, enhanced a vision of the inside of a jewel box or being seaside, inside of a shell. The homeowners had their own vision, which was to “capture as much natural light as possible.” With a beautiful architectural shell, stunning stones and firm marching orders, we had a fantastic foundation for this fresh, bright interior space. Why it works: We complemented the light and shine of the stone with a Venetian plaster finish on the ceiling and in the water closet. The stunning mother of pearl chandelier is the cherry on top! The light continues around all eight sides of the room with touches of polished nickel. Each is a subtle accent on its own, yet together the feeling of a jewel box embraces you in the space. However, the gem in this jewel box still may be the view!
Resources: Architect: Charles Hilton, Charles Hilton Architects, Greenwich; 203-489-3800; hiltonarchitects.com Interior designer: Amy Andrews for Hilton Interiors, Greenwich; 203-717-1005; hiltonarchitects.com Builder: Davenport Contracting, Stamford; 203-324-6308; davenportcontracting.com Stone slabs: Fordham Marble, Stamford; 203-348-5088; fordhammarble.com Floor tile/ceramic design: Karen Berkemeyer Home, Westport; 203-454-0032; karenberkemeyerhome.com Venetian plaster: Heidi Holzer Design and Decorative Work, Redding; 203-544-9471; heidiholzer.com Chandelier: Ironies at John Rosselli & Associates, New York City; 212-593-2060; johnrosselli.com Sconces: Lona Design, Toronto; lonadesign.com Window treatments: Interiors Haberdashery, Stamford; 203-969-7227; interiorshaberdashery.com Ottoman: O’Henry House at John Rosselli & Associates, New York City; 212-593-2060; johnrosselli.com
christina roughan
PHOTOGRAPHY: JANE BEILES
Style of home: This is a Georgian estate in New Canaan. What this room looked like before: It had a cherry floor and cherry case
// R O U G H A N I N T E R I O R S //
and inviting. The antique decanters lining the fireplace mantel, which happen to be the clients’ family collection, is always a topic of conversation, as is the curated selection of art and accessories.
linings...need I say more? Describe the vision: We wanted to create a dark, sophisticated room that would be used as a library or office or for cocktail hour. We wanted a space that, upon entering, creates memories and makes everyone feel special. The inspiration: It was an ode to the English Clubs in London, a cross between the Blue Bar at The Berkeley in Knightsbridge and the Reform Club. Why it works: The room draws people in, and they start discussing the elements that make it special. The black lacquered walls feel warm
Resources: Interior designer: Roughan Interiors, New York City and Greenwich; 203-769-1150; roughaninteriors.com; roughanhome.com Contractor: Silva Contracting, Rye Brook, NY; 914-439-4670 Accessories: Roughan Home, roughanhome.com Chairs: Wakefield Design Center, Stamford; 203-358-0818; wakefielddesigncenter.com Drapery: Classic Upholstery, Norwalk; 203-845-8776; classicupholsteryct.com
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melissa lindsay
// P I M L I C O I N T E R I O R S //
of a gut renovation in a 1930 historic home by architects Aldrich and Delano. Our goal was to create beautiful, time-honored interiors that reflect modern living. This space includes one-of-a-kind vintage pieces mixed with modern elements, such as the LED lit hanging rods and a custom metal/glass jewelry cabinet. When you’re in the space, you literally feel like you’re in Bergdorf Goodman! And to have the unique feature of an original fireplace in the room gives it an old-world elegance. Describe the vision: We worked with our client to customize the storage seamlessly with her wardrobe (down to the exact number of bags, shoes and even reading glasses!). Once we had the overall plan in place, we added elements that bring elegance and a wow factor to the room, such as the hand-painted gilt wallcovering on the ceiling and a vintage gilt mirror layered on top of a mirrored wall. It was important to give this room the character it deserves. In some ways, we wanted it to feel as if this room had always existed. The first thing purchased: Before the room was built and it only existed on paper, we found the antique crystal chandelier (which I knew was the perfect scale and look!) and the vintage gilded bamboo ottoman (which we reupholstered in a blush sateen fabric). Why it works: A successful interior honors the architecture of the home and uniquely reflects the client’s taste. I love when the room’s aesthetic blends seamlessly with the bones of the house and also feels “so my client.” Resources: Interior designer: Pimlico Interiors, Westport; 203-972-8166; pimlicointeriors.com Architect: Apparatus Architecture, San Francisco; 415-703-0904; apparatus.com Builder/contractor: Hobbs, Inc., New Canaan; 203-966-0726; hobbsinc.com athomefc.com
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PHOTOGRAPHY AND PORTRAIT: MIXIT, INC.
Style of home: This dressing room was part
meghan de maria +courtney yanni
powder rooms, the wallpaper was the first purchase and jumping-off point for the rest of the design. We love how the green foliage design plays off the adjacent monochromatic forest green living room, while turning up the dial on style for a “jewel box” moment. Why it works: This powder room achieved our goal of the “unexpected moment” for guests, but the design goes deeper than the statement wallpaper. The bold colors pop against the gray trim and sink, while the metallic glow of the mirror and sconces complement the paper (and also make you look gorgeous in the mirror). Freshly cut flowers complete this sophisticated and stylish space.
Style of home: The home is a center-hall Colonial located at the end of
a cul-de-sac in a beloved Fairfield neighborhood. What this powder room looked like before: This room was stuck in the '80s with a scalloped pedestal sink, yellow walls and shiny brass fixtures. It desperately needed a makeover, and we were happy to do it! Describe the vision: When approaching the design of a powder room, we always want to make a statement. This is one of those rooms that you can count on your guests seeing, so why not make a fabulous impression? The wow-factor element here is the gorgeous wallpaper that makes a guest’s jaw drop. From there, we played up the foliage with the sconces and freshly cut flowers. The first thing purchased: We love to design powder rooms and always want to make them memorable—a fabulous wallpaper offers an excellent way to create that impression. As is often the case in our
Resources: Interior designer: Moss Design, Southport; 917-292-6153; mdmossdesign.com Wallpaper installer: Jameson Wall Covering, Fairfield; 203-372-0770
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PHOTOGRAPHY: WILLIE COLE
// M O S S D E S I G N //
veronica campbell Style of home: This is a beach home in Nantucket. It’s light and airy, carefree and family-friendly. What this kitchen looked like before: It was unobjectionable but ordinary—all white but bland. Describe the vision: We wanted to create a blend of the modern feel the husband wanted with the comfortable feel the wife wanted. The materials drove the design: The beautiful white marble is clean and quiet, the white glass backsplash feels like sea glass, and the worn white oak belongs on a beach. The inspiration: The white oak. It has a driftwood feel, and it's very natural and organic. Why it works: The kitchen blends right into the gathering room, and
// D E A N E , I N C . //
as this is a family beach home, that means sandy feet, T-shirts and no shoes. It’s a special place to be comfortable and enjoy spending time with family and friends. Resources: Designer: Veronica Campbell, Deane, Inc., Stamford; 203-327-7008; deaneinc.com Project manager: Michael McCarthy, Deane, Inc.; deaneinc.com Field supervisor: John Carlucci, Deane, Inc.; deaneinc.com Builder: Chris Snell and Tommy Halford, TL Halford Construction, Nantucket; 508-221-6203; tlhalfordconstruction.com Marble: Everest Marble, Norwalk; 203-956-7428; everestmarble.com
PHOTOGRAPHY: KIT NOBLE; PORTRAIT: KAREN MORNEAU
Stone fabrication: Stonehenge Marble & Granite, Stratford; 203-377-1962; stonehengellc.com Appliances: Clarke Distribution for Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances; clarkeliving.com
Style of home: This home is a classic 8,000-square-foot, center-hall
Colonial in New Canaan, approximately twenty years old. What this room looked like before: With Sheetrock for walls and a concrete floor, this basement area was a catchall, disorganized “storage” space that was poorly lit and offered no appeal. Yet, it connected to the exterior pool area, and we all knew it could be transformed into an amazing indoor entertainment space. Describe the vision: This home has a lot of kids’ play areas, so the vision for this basement renovation was to create an adult getaway space for entertaining with friends. The design concept was a mountain retreat, with comfy seating, rustic elements and a casual, cool vibe complete with a bar and foosball table. The first thing purchased: Inspired by the location of the couple’s wedding in the mountains of Colorado, the space is evocative of the cabin-like feeling of that event. The first item purchased was the
// S T E P H A N I E R A P P I N T E R I O R S //
reclaimed wood wall for the bar area. This became the jumping-off point for the rustic, casual but cool aesthetic that also serves to remind the clients of their wedding day. Why it works: This space functions for hanging out and relaxing, with designated areas for drinks and foosball. The striking antler wallpaper sets the tone for a fun, lodge atmosphere while organic elements like the hemp rope lights and natural wood in the bar area continue the laidback vibe. It’s a great example of when design elements show how a space should be enjoyed. Resources: Interior design and project management: Stephanie Rapp Interiors, Westport; 203-216-5835; stephanierappinteriors.com General contractor: Tom Watson, Home Renovation and Design, Trumbull; 203-650-2945
PHOTOGRAPHY: NEIL LANDINO; PORTRAIT: WILLIE COLE
stephanie rapp
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interview with d ougl as vanderhorn, d ougl as vanderhorn architects & amy aidinis hirsch, amy aidinis hirsch interior design | phot o gr apher james merrell
FRESH TRADITION Two prizewinning design professionals unite classic features with contemporary style
above: The Classical Revival form with Shingle-style elements comes together in a plan designed with a butterfly shape so that both wings and the home’s main section capture the expansive water views. opposite: A first-floor guest room opens to one of the home’s outdoor living spaces. MAR/APR 2020
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below: On the second-floor landing is a settee repurposed from the clients’ previous residence. Hirsch had the frame refinished from its original dark mahogany and upholstered it in a faux fur throw. The distinctively arranged stairwell pendants are from Vaughan Designs; the team also brought in an artisan to finish the walls in plaster raffia. opposite: A Factory light from Schoolhouse Electric and Tangier cement tile provide the wow factor for a utilitarian space; classic and detailed woodwork mingles with contemporary elements that include a vinepatterned wallpaper and plaster chandelier in the dining room.
Tell us about the origins of this project. Douglas VanderHorn: A friend in real estate introduced me to the property. There was an older house there that had had several unappealing renovations over the years and for a number of reasons would have to be removed by new owners. The real estate agent asked me to make some sketches of possible designs for the site, which was challenging in its own right. The property has many constraints—there’s a wetland, a portion of it is in the flood zone, and it slopes twenty-five feet from the water to its highest point, which is also rocky. So, I made a sketch for the real estate agent that became my introduction to the clients. It was clearly a positive meeting! DV: When we met, I visited their
previous home, in backcountry Greenwich. It was a very large, very grand house, but also quite dark and traditional inside. With their new home, they wanted to avoid grandeur. I recommended they
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“The home’s design is true to the tradition of the coastal Shingle style in a Classical Revival form, but the overall effect is lighter . It’s a subtle difference.” —douglas vanderhorn
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above: The palette for select details and furnishings reflects the spectacular water views; expertly lacquered cabinets in the butler’s pantry were finished in Farrow & Ball’s Stiffkey Blue. opposite: Hirsch designed the custom fixture over the kitchen’s concrete countertop. Luke Lamp Co. supplied the custom rope and connection to hand-blown glass from John Pomp.
consult with Amy about the interiors; I had a sense that her approach to design was what they might be looking for. Amy Aidinis Hirsch: We clicked. The new house is traditional in its form, but we followed their wish for a different vision in its design and furnishings. While their previous home was ornate—swags, jabots, layers of fabric in jewel tones—they were ready for something lighter.
blended these components with more modern materials. The countertop of the oversized kitchen island was too large for a single piece of stone, so the clients opted for a concrete top. Amy really got the lighting right, with very modern custom fixtures; they’re a little bit edgy and work perfectly for these interrelated areas. For example, the pendants over the island can be adjusted depending on whether the island is being used for cooking or as a gathering spot for conversation and entertaining. AH: In my design process, the first place I developed was the dining room because it is central to the plan and one of the first spaces you see when entering the house. Two elements I recommended for this room were the vine-patterned Trove wallpaper and a plaster chandelier by Stephen Antonson.
In terms of the design, was there one area or room in the new home that set the tone? DV: For this home, I think the signature space would
be the area that encompasses an arrangement of rooms that are open to each other—the kitchen, breakfast room, family room and porch. The homeowners love Vermont, and they wanted some rustic elements that reflected that in this new home. So, we used reclaimed oak planks and timbers, as well as antique stone for the family room mantel. Then we
Those are some outside-the-box choices. AH: Yes, but this was a key
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“I think a key word is livable . There’s a warmth to the interiors and furnishings in this home.” —amy aidinis hirsch
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left: Hirsch created a solution to defining interconnected spaces with distinctive and well-placed fixtures; the breakfast area cone pendant is from Mattaliano, and a Roark Modular ring chandelier is in the family room. right bottom: A smooth and simple newel post reflects the lighter, clean detail that VanderHorn applied to traditional architectural elements.
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“trusting moment”—something that comes up in every project—that allows me to develop an idea with the homeowners. They could make the leap to see how these elements enhance the space in a way that reflects their style and their vision for the interiors. Speaking of the vision, how would you describe the feeling that you and your clients wanted to generate in the design of this home?
DV: I’d say that the home’s design is true to the tradition of the coastal Shingle style in a Classical Revival form, but the overall effect is lighter. It’s a subtle difference. One small example is the newel post on an interior stair, rendered in cherry wood. It almost looks like a chess piece; there’s a freshness to it, a lighter feeling. Amy did many fun things to add to this feeling; on the enclosed porch next to the kitchen is a hanging sofa, a porch swing that’s completely right for the space. AH: I think a key word is livable. There’s a warmth to the interiors and furnishings in this home. In some areas, there’s a bit of the whimsical as well—the swinging porch sofa that Doug mentions—and many of the
this page: Hirsch’s light hand in the mudroom and enclosed porch speaks to the informality of these spaces. opposite: Known for his attention to traditional motifs and a formal approach to paneling in clients’ libraries and dens, VanderHorn finished this den with a slightly less formal but still meticulous treatment of horizontal wall paneling. [Note: The pair’s designs for the home’s interior and exterior won 2019 A-List Awards for Traditional Architecture and Dining Room.]
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lighting fixtures. While the finished house is very beautiful in all its elements and furnishings, it’s also designed to be a workhorse. The homeowners have an active household, with children, friends and pets, so the choices we made were durable, too.
DV: The windows are all oversized—typically three and a half feet wide and six feet tall. In the evening, with the interiors illuminated, the beauty of these extra-large openings becomes even more apparent. Even though this is a new house, it looks like it has been here awhile.
DV: Using native Connecticut fieldstone for interior and exterior elements was important here. In many cases, the exterior walls are very tall because of the sloping site. But the native stone makes the home sit very comfortably; it feels grounded.
The effect of the window patterns in this house adds something very special to the home’s overall appearance. Tell us about these openings.
DV: The house is based on a certain architectural precedent, but while an old house will have a single light pattern, this house has four or five. We maintained the double-hung tradition, but in this case the lower, clear sash is larger, providing an unobstructed view from the inside. You can see this in the breakfast area, where there is a broad prospect to the water when seated there. The patterning adds visual interest, inside and out, but doesn’t obstruct the view. AH: The clients are very tall (the husband is six-foot-eight), so paying attention to scale and to their point of view were constant considerations, not only with the windows but also with lighting. We needed to keep the sightlines open to the incredible views from almost every angle in this house.
There are a few surprises in the interior spaces—the blue-lacquered cabinetry in the butler’s pantry is a showstopper. AH: That little room is just so sexy and fun, and the execution is incredible; the builders did a great job. One often understated component of a successful design is the craft of a house. People may not see the hand-scraped floors or the multiple layers of color that create a perfect lacquer finish. Private spaces and the more functional areas have a level of detail that makes them well out of the ordinary. AH: Even the laundry room of this
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opposite: In the master bedroom, an oversized arched window provides unobstructed views to the Sound. In addition to the coziness of a bedroom hearth, the walls are covered in a soft gray shagreen pattern from Surfaces by David Bonk. In the evening, the room is illuminated by a custom chandelier from Ochre. below: Hirsch designed the ottoman in the bathroom, upholstered in a Perennials outdoor fabric.
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opposite: Hirsch calls the oldest daughter’s bedroom a “purple haze.” The designer custom upholstered the tufted bed; the glittering Verbier crystal chandelier is from Vaughan Designs. above left: A son’s bathroom is clad with ink blue stacked tile and a terrazzo stone floor, with fixtures by Watermark finished in platinum. above right: The first-floor guest bathroom vanity is from Restoration Hardware; the floor is faux wood and thassos mosaic from Greenwich Tile.
“One often understated component of a successful design is the craft of a house . People may not see the hand-scraped floors or the multiple layers of colors that create a perfect lacquer finish.” —amy aidinis hirsch
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house—with its hand-painted cement floor tile and distinctive lighting— feels special. Because the homeowners were open to this kind of attention to craft, and the building professionals had the talent to make it happen, we could get the results we wanted. It’s almost sad when you finish a project like this, with really great, supportive clients.
Interior designer: Amy Aidinis Hirsch Interior Design, Greenwich; 203-661-1266; amyhirsch.com Builder/contractor: Significant Homes, New Canaan; 203-966-5700; significanthomesllc.com Landscape designer: Glengate Company, Wilton; 203-762-2000; glengatecompany.com
Do the clients have a favorite space? DV: I’m not sure of each family
Lighting consultant: Patdo Light Studio, Port Chester, NY;
member’s favorite, but it was gratifying to read an email from the wife after they moved in—“We are just loving this house.” –interviews by judy ostrow
914-937-6707; patdolight.com A/V consultant: InnerSpace Electronics, Mt. Kisco, NY; 914-937-9700; innerspaceelectronics.com
Resources: Architect: Douglas VanderHorn Architects, Greenwich; 203-622-7000; vanderhornarchitects.com athomefc.com
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opposite: Oversized openings and a dramatic lighting design show off the beauty of the interior rooms and exterior landscape features, even after dark. below: The pool area with its latticed pavilion is one of several outdoor living spaces that face the waterside in a terraced arrangement made possible by the sloping site.
“It was gratifying to read an email from the wife after they moved in—‘We are just loving this house.’” —douglas vanderhorn
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interview with elena phillips, elena phillips interiors | phot o gr apher jane beiles
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Great Addition
A seamless extension and an elegant aesthetic create a family’s forever home
This home is beautiful—what can you tell me about it? The house is
an English country Tudor in Fairfield County, and I believe it was built in 1910. Previous owners had done some work on it, and the owners prior to my clients had renovated the kitchen, but nothing else had been revamped. On this project, we renovated, added onto or refreshed almost every space in the house.
left: The home’s new addition offers a separate entrance through a small inner courtyard. above: The addition (on the left) blends seamlessly with the original part of the century-old home (on the right).
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“For the addition, we matched the hipped gable rooflines and materials of the original house. Casement windows were installed throughout and painted to match the original color.” —james schettino architects
opposite: The airy screened porch is furnished with a settee, chairs and bar from Palecek. A Clarence House fabric covers the cushions, a Crosby Street Studio rug covers the floor, and The Urban Electric Co.’s Stamp pendants and a ceiling fan from Ann-Morris are above. The fern is from Diane James. below: The rear of the new pool house can be glimpsed across the property. right: In the addition’s inner courtyard, a cafe table and chairs from Munder Skiles are set up for breakfast or a cocktail.
How did your clients find you? I had completed a project for previous clients, and that house was later for sale. These clients went to go see the house, and while they didn’t end up buying it, they loved the design of it. The broker told them who I was, and they then contacted me. They found out about me from a listing, which was great! What were your clients looking to do? The project was completed
in several stages over five years. The first stage was doing the entire master suite, which included renovating the master bath and sitting room. They really wanted to do an addition to gain more space and to create a generous mudroom, a three-car garage and a workshop for the MAR/APR 2020
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opposite: In the main entry, a custom hand-tufted stair runner from J.D. Staron adds a touch of green to the space, and the round Art Deco mirror and Art Deco console are from Karl Kemp Antiques. Accessories include a green ceramic Christopher Spitzmiller lamp and a 19th-century ebonized chinoiserie box from 1stdibs, and a walnut hexagonal-top table from Bernd Goeckler Antiques displays books. A custom Chisholm Clean pendant from The Urban Electric Co. crowns the space, and artwork by Shahzia Sikander from the Sean Kelly Gallery is an arresting focal point. left: The dining room is clad in hand-painted custom Chatsworth silk panels by de Gournay, and a Stark bamboo silk area rug is underfoot. The New Traditionalists dining chairs are covered in a Schumacher velvet and pulled up to a Keith Fritz dining table. The modernist sideboard is from Karl Kemp Antiques, and the neoclassical crystal-and-bronze chandelier is from Avery & Dash. Curtains fashioned from a Schumacher silk taffeta with Samuel & Sons tape trim were made by Classic Upholstery. below left: Sconces from Circa Lighting frame a straw marquetry mirror from Karl Kemp Antiques. The table is dressed with table linens from Leontine Linens, wine and water glasses from Baccarat, china from Marie Daage and candlesticks from Remains. below right: While traveling up the stairs, a large photograph by Candida Hรถfer from the Sean Kelly Gallery captures the view. The modernist bronze bench is from Karl Kemp Antiques.
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below: The living room’s primary seating area features a green Loro Piana silk fabric and a blue Nobilis velvet fabric on the sofas. A Lawton Mull coffee table from 1stdibs sits in between, and a J.D. Staron handtufted rug grounds the space. Above the étagères from Paul Ferrante are a painting by Wolf Kahn (left) from the Miles McEnery Gallery and a photograph by Candida Höfer (right) from the Sean Kelly Gallery. The glazed strie walls are by Uriu Nuance. right: A cabinet from BK Antiques, set up as a bar in the living room, displays a bronze tray from Lucca Antiques. A painting by Nicky Broekhuysen from the Davidson Gallery completes the vignette.
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this page: The steel-and-bronze Constellation screen from Liz O’Brien fronts the fireplace, and two Swedish birchwood stools from Evergreen Antiques are cozy perches. Sconces from Circa Lighting flank a painting by Jacob Collins from Adelson Galleries.
this spread: A pair of Paul Frankl-designed modernist side tables from Karl Kemp Antiques bookend the sofa, and Avery & Dash rock crystal lamps rest on top. The striped pillows on the blue sofa are covered in a Jasper silk, and the 19th-century Chinese vases are from Newel.
opposite: An antique brass-and-bronze Globus pendant from The Urban Electric Co. crowns the mudroom. Two walnut “X” benches from Paul Ferrante sit on either side of a chest of drawers with painted faces from The New Traditionalists, and a round “gear” mirror from Paul Marra Design hangs above. A console, also from The New Traditionalists, leads into the addition. above left: In the library, a Malbec sofa from Hickory Chair is covered in Rose Tarlow’s Dark Chocolate mohair and topped with pillows in Claremont’s Alhambra fabric. Two Perlin bergères from David Iatesta sit on the other side of the James Duncan lacquered coffee table. Lighting includes CHP pendants and Allen sconces from The Urban Electric Co., and the hand-tufted area rug is from J.D. Staron. above right: In the powder room, a 22K gold frame custom mirror from Charles Michael Gallery is set against lacquered walls by Uriu Nuance. Urban Archaeology’s antique brass Paris sconce is paired with a brass faucet from D&D Homes.
husband, and a proper guest wing upstairs with two en suite bedrooms and a small sitting area. To do so, we reworked the kitchen area and created access to the left of the house, so there is a continual flow. This expansion also created a nice outdoor area with ample seating, which was a great addition to the property, and a courtyard with a water fountain, where the clients can have breakfast. The architect was James Schettino Architects, and what they did so beautifully was make the addition look like it’s been there forever—it really ties into the main house in such a seamless way, both inside and out. It bridged the old with the new very successfully.
project, as the clients love books and needed space to house their collection. We did cosmetic work in the dining room, and in the living room, the bones of the room are relatively the same, but the entire fireplace elevation is new. We refreshed the outdoor porch to make it a livable space—it was just collecting dust before—and now family and friends can actually spend time out there. The octagonal family room was existing, but it was dark and heavy. The fireplace elevation in that room is new, as is the bookcase elevation to the left of it. We also renovated and added bathrooms. Was the pool house part of this project? Yes—there was a pool but no pool house, so we built the pool house and redid the pool. We worked together to make sure the pool house looks like it has been there forever since it sits within the property. The sightline isn’t jarring to the eye at all; it’s integrated so nicely.
What updates did you make to the original part of the house? The
wood-paneled library was a ’90s mahogany room, and we completely changed it with a custom walnut. Clerestory lights are hidden up high, and we did the light fixtures and wood trusses. This room was a big
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above: The Urban Electric Co.’s polished nickel Altamont pendants hang above the island in the kitchen. The cabinetry is by Deane, Inc., and the window treatments by Classic Upholstery were crafted from an Amanda Nisbet fabric from Holland & Sherry. opposite top: In the eating area, Eames wire chairs from Design Within Reach are pulled up to a Dakota table from Julian Chichester. The Elias polished nickel chandelier is from Remains, and the curtains by Classic Upholstery are made in an Amanda Nisbet fabric from Holland & Sherry. opposite bottom: The family room fireplace is adorned with tiles from the Rookwood Pottery Company. On top of a hand-knotted area rug from J.D. Staron, the sofas and custom swivel chairs, all from The New Traditionalists, are gathered around a custom walnut two-level coffee table from Beam Custom.
there was some Art Deco inspiration from all of the antiques we purchased for the living and dining rooms. They really liked the feel of a sophisticated space where they could entertain. The house is grand—the ceilings are high, the rooms are gracious—but it’s also welcoming, so we were playing up that idea with the mix of antiques with the upholstery and the warmth of the colors within the palette. Blue is my client’s favorite color, so a vein of blue runs throughout the entire house, and we worked in other colors like pale green, soft cream and, in some instances, a little coral. In the dining room, for example, the chairs are deep, deep blue, but the walls are a soft green, and the grays and browns in the space provide a bit of richness. We added a little pattern in rugs and in the fabrics on pillows and chairs. We also worked extensively with a wonderful art consultant, so it was a collaborative effort with the art as well. The clients are drawn to landscapes and seascapes. The yellow painting in the living room is by Wolf Kahn, and that was balanced by contemporary photography on the other side. The palette of the rooms drove the art, but the clients also knew exactly what they wanted.
The last stage was the third-floor renovation—what did that entail?
There was an existing office, conference room, screening room, guest bedroom and a really bad kitchen up there, and the whole floor was dark mahogany. We changed the entire floor and updated the office and conference room, turned the screening room into a family-friendly puzzle, game and TV room, and refreshed the guest bedroom. There are two bathrooms up there as well, and we redid the kitchen and workspace for the employees who work for the clients. Did you work with a design team from the beginning? It was a collaborative
project from day one. The clients are lovely and very hands-on, and the architect, contractor, landscape architect and I sat down every month in the dining room. It was a great project to work on in that regard. With all of these changes, what design aesthetic was the driving force?
The clients wanted their home to feel very elegant yet comfortable, and
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“There was no detail left untended making this home perfect for them.” —elena phillips
“While they have other properties, this is their ‘home’ home , and we made sure it fit the bill for everything they wanted .” —elena phillips
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opposite left: A Holland & Sherry wool fabric wraps the walls in the master bedroom. A Hwang Bishop blue ceramic ginger lamp sits on a walnut bedside table from The New Traditionalists. The bed linens are from Leontine Linens. opposite right: An Avery Boardman daybed, a Danish mahogany armchair from Evergreen Antiques and a twotier linen coffee table from Matthews & Parker furnish the master sitting room. Holland & Sherry’s Huron is on the walls, and a flat-weave area rug from L&M Custom Carpets is on the floor. The chevron bouclé throw is from Rosemary Hallgarten, and the print is by Sze Tsung Nicolás Leong from the Yossi Milo Gallery. above left: In one of the new guest bedrooms, a woven rattan table from Made Goods is seated next to a bed from Redford House. The celadon ceramic lamp is from Hwang Bishop, and the natural grasscloth wallcovering is from Sonia’s Place. above center: The en suite shower is clad in geometric and mosaic tiles from D&D Homes. A teak bench from Horne offers a perch, and the wallpaper is from Stark. above right: The view from the guest bedroom is framed by a Roman shade valance by Classic Upholstery in a Michael Devine fabric from Studio Four. The green-and-white area rug is from J.D. Staron. right: The other guest bedroom features twin beds, with Tudor House Furniture headboards covered in Sister Parish’s Chou Chou fabric. A table from Bungalow 5 sits in between them.
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Did you have a particular launching point? The master suite was the first
was custom or antique. It was all sourced from the States and a little from Europe, and we made a lot of furniture when we couldn’t find what we wanted. Much of the lighting is Urban Electric; the wallpaper in the dining room is de Gournay; much of the outdoor furniture is Janus et Cie. We bought the bar in the living room on a shopping trip last spring, and I love the cool piece of art above it—it looks like a painting, but it’s actually composed of fine zeros and ones, and we found that in Chelsea. It was about finding little treasures like that. There was no detail left untended making this home perfect for them.
part of the renovation, and we started from that bedroom with the blues and pale greens, which set the tone for the rest of the palette throughout the house. One example where we strayed from blue is the library— it has various shades of green, brown and cream. The main stair runner is a green pattern, and there is a bench in the entry with a fabulous green mohair on it. Those are the only three spots in the house where we don’t have blue. The house has green trim, there are so many windows, and nature is all around you on the property—it was nice to pull from nature with the green. Where did you begin with furniture? We started fresh, and as this was a five-year project, we had plenty of time to accumulate pieces. Everything
The living room looks fairly large—how did you approach this space?
There are three seating areas. I wanted to have symmetry with the
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left: The new pool house features outdoor furniture from Brown Jordan. above left: A sisal wallcovering from Thibaut surrounds the pool house’s main living space. A dining table and chairs from Kingsley Bate is set up for entertaining, and a moss planter from Mecox and topiaries from Diane James add touches of green. Pendants from Circa Lighting brighten the space when needed, and the blue-and-white area rugs are from Serena & Lily. below: The changing room beckons with Lucky Dive In wallpaper by Mitchell Black. Rustic wood starburst mirrors from Dovecote hang above a small bench from Made Goods.
“The design was inspired by the english arts & crafts
architects, specifically C.F.A. Voysey, of the period.” —james schettino architects
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fireplace, so we centered the primary seating area on that elevation. When you’re standing at the fireplace looking toward the dining room, you have a view all the way through the dining room to the French doors that lead to the family room—that was an important focal line to capture. Another seating area, where the bar is, mimics the primary seating area. We wanted people to have the ability to look at the person playing the piano that is in the room, to see the fire and to see the front door, while still engaging with the people around them. For a large space, we needed ample seating. You have seating for at least nine people with the sofas, and with the chairs, the rooms seats fifteen, so it’s generous in that sense.
that and created that small inner courtyard with the addition, and we put a table in that interior sitting space. The clients wanted a working island without any stool seating, and the kitchen is open to a butler’s pantry and a bar, which connects to the family room. We also added a huge walk-in pantry with the addition. Heading outside, how did you ensure the pool house fit into the scheme?
We wanted to maintain the feeling of the main house by using blues and greens and accenting with turquoise. The clients entertain a lot here with birthday parties and gatherings with friends, so we put a grasscloth on the walls and used practical fabric that can easily handle wet swimsuits, so it’s user- and kid-friendly. There is a series of four doors that lead to a bathroom, a shower, a changing room and a laundry room, and we included an entire kitchen elevation with drink drawers and a dishwasher.
How did you rework the kitchen? This is definitely the home base of the
house. The clients are in here all the time, and they do cook. The kitchen originally had an enclosed banquette where the table is now. We removed
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opposite: The pool house kitchen is primed for pool parties and family gatherings. The color blue was carried over from the main house in several elements, including the dining chairs covered in a DeLany & Long fabric. above left: The shower is covered in navy blue penny floor tile and gray ceramic wall tile, both from D&D Homes. above right: A fiberglass-and-stained-glass mirror from Serena & Lily, lit by a horizontal sconce from Circa Lighting, is glimpsed in the bathroom. In the living space, a woven wicker resin chair from Serena & Lily, with cushions in a blue DeLany & Long fabric, is topped with a pillow in Schumacher’s Jelly Bean fabric. The pieces of art on the wall are by Matthew Shlian from the Maxwell Davidson Gallery.
With such a big project, what pieces stand out to you the most? I love
always a positive and wonderful feeling when they’re happy with it. Over the course of the project, having those installation days and seeing the clients’ reaction was so rewarding. —interview by lauren fetterman
so many of the antiques we purchased; we bought some fabulous pieces for this project. I love the bar in the living room; I love the six-sided table in the entry; I love the geometry of the foyer—there’s a lot going on yet it still feels calm. And in the dining room, who doesn’t love a de Gournay wallpaper? It’s so elegant and pretty. The client doesn’t like birds, so we added butterflies and dragonflies to the design. Then the husband said he wanted a squirrel, so on one of the walls, there’s one small squirrel sitting there. It’s so fun what you can customize!
Resources: Interior designer: Elena Phillips Interiors, 203-295-8554; elenaphillipsinteriors.com Architect: James Schettino Architects, New Canaan; 203-966-5552; schettinoarchitects.com Contractor: Country Club Homes, Wilton; 203-762-0550; countryclubhomesinc.com Contractor: Hobbs Care, New Canaan; 203-966-0726; hobbs-care.com
What is your favorite memory from this project? This is my clients’
Landscape architect/designer: Highland Design Gardens, Pound Ridge, NY;
forever home. While they have other properties, this is their “home” home, and we made sure it fit the bill for everything they wanted. Having a room installed is the best feeling, and then seeing your clients walk in for the first time afterward is amazing—it sounds cliché, but it’s so true. It’s
914-764-5480; highlanddesigngardens.com Art advisor: Annabelle J. Verhoye, 917-685-7550; artadvisory.com
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T H E A L Z H E I M E R ’ S A S S O C I AT I O N CO N N EC T I C U T C H A P T E R
Celebrating Hope 2020 T H E Eighth A N N U A L
K AT E A N D J I M C L A R K
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renowned flutist and former CBS news correspondent, eugenia zukerman, will share personal remarks about her journey living with alzheimer’s disease from her new memoir l i k e fa l l i n g t h r o u g h a c lo u d fo l lo w e d by a p e r fo r m a n c e o f d e b u s sy ’ s “ sy r i n x ” o n t h e f l u t e .
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I N V I T E S YO U TO AT T E N D
advertisers index BUILDING & HOME IMPROVEMENT California Closets californiaclosets.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Gault Family Companies gaultstone.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Glen Gate glengatecompany.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Hilton Architecture & Interiors hiltonarchitects.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Re-Bath rebath.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Ring’s End ringsend.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Tischler und Sohn tischlerwindows.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cover 4 DECORATING & HOME FURNISHINGS Amy Aidinis Hirsch amyhirsch.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cover 2, 1 Eleish Van Breems evbantiques.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Safavieh Home Furnishings safaviehhome.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Schwartz Design Showroom schwartzdesignshowroom.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Serena & Lily serenaandlily.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cover 3 EVENTS A-list Awards, athomefc.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 The Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter/Eighth Annual Celebrating Hope celebratinghope.givesmart.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 HEALTH & BEAUTY Stamford Health Medical Group stamfordhealth.org/primarycare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 LANDSCAPING, NURSERY + FLORIST James Doyle Design Associates jdda.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Kathryn Herman Design kathrynhermandesign.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 athomefc.com
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last word/SPACE MAKERS
PROS REVEAL WHAT ELEMENTS BRING A ROOM TO LIFE
CHARLOTTE BARNES
KIMBERLY HANDLER
MELISSA LINDSAY
LISA FRIEDMAN
GEORGIA ZIKAS
CHARLOTTE BARNES INTERIOR DESIGN & DECORATION
KIMBERLY HANDLER DESIGNS
PIMLICO INTERIORS
LISA FRIEDMAN DESIGN
GEORGIA ZIKAS DESIGN
charlottebarnes.com
kimberlyhandlerdesigns.com
pimlicointeriors.com
lisafriedmandesign.com
georgiazikasdesign.com
To me, to be pleasing, a room is all about the mix. I don’t think it should have one single thing that takes over. Instead, it should be an interesting mélange of things that reflect its owner that all combine to create good design. I like our clients or guests to enter rooms and spaces that we have designed and feel at home. I also want our rooms to be places where anywhere one looks, there is a little interesting, often subtle, surprise that captures their attention. A fantastic paint job, great hardware and lighting are the bones one must get right. Then comes comfortable furniture and a thoughtful mixture of art, antiques, modern and contemporary furnishings and decorative objects.
Character. Every room should reflect the person who uses it. There should be a mix of old and new as well as a pop of color. There is no “right and wrong” in design, but with that being said, there needs to be balance to make it work. Your room should be filled with things you love, things that speak to you and reflect who you are, because it is, after all, your home. Your room should not look like you purchased everything
We renovate and redecorate a lot of antique homes. I’ve found that whether we’re working in a space that has “old bones” or a newly built space with modern details, mixing in vintage pieces makes a room. The unique lines and one-of-a-kind patinas often found in an antique piece add depth and soul to the room. There’s also a great design tension that takes place when juxtaposing styles. For example, a vintage daybed paired with contemporary artwork and a sleek, modern coffee table achieves just that.
A room is a transformed space with an intention. My design process involves impeccable planning, which creates an easy and seamless flow throughout. Dimension, placement, palette and selections are all integral elements. I constantly edit so that each piece chosen feels as if it was always intended to be there. It is a delicate balance of incorporating specific textures and layers only to lose others. I select
tones rather than colors that enhance without distracting from the design form’s natural beauty. When you enter the space and you feel a sense of serenity, calm and comfort, it has then become a room. A space becomes a room when it has a soul.
from one store, so mix it up! You can put your grandmother’s lamp with a bold print chair and a modern piece of pop art, and it can all work. Have fun with design!
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Well, a richly lived life, of course! When I think about designing a room or an entire home for a family, I always consider the person or people who live there and what kind of life they live. A colorful and richly lived life informs an entire lifestyle, and that’s what makes a room uniquely home. You could have the fanciest furnishings or the finest art, but if it doesn’t connect with the person who lives there or doesn’t mean anything to them, the room can feel forced or flatlined. In this little girl’s room (above) for example, the little girl absolutely loves art and animals. She loves to make her own art, and we loved showcasing it. The room is playfully collected and refined!
CHARLOTTE BARNES: BRUCE ROGOVIN (PORTRAIT); NOA GRIFFEL (PROJECT); KIMBERLY HANDLER: KRISTEN JENSEN (PORTRAIT); JANE BEILES (PROJECT); MELISSA LINDSAY: MIXIT, INC. (PORTRAIT AND PROJECT); LISA FRIEDMAN: MARCO RICCA (PROJECT); GEORGIA ZIKAS: JANE BEILES (PORTRAIT AND PROJECT)
What makes a room?
35 elm street westport | serenaandlily.com
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 www.tischlerwindows.com