athome in Fairfield County - March/April 2025 by Moffly Media

Create Where

You Belong

contents MAR/APR 2025

28 A PLAN FOR ALL SEASONS

A passion for gardening keeps this Greenwich landscape thriving

36 BETTER TOGETHER A collaborative vision brings a contemporary home to life

46 BALANCING ACT Form meets function in this family-friendly design

58 FINE TUNED Elizbabeth Bolognino composes a new vision for a traditional home

10 GETAWAY Naviva, A Four Seasons Resort, Punta Mita, Mexico

20 HOUSE PARTIES Gold & Home Showroom

22 SHOP TALK Local design news, the latest collections, haute happenings and more

136 ATHOME WITH Chef Brian Lewis

Hydrangeas climb the walls of Pat Caffray’s Greenwich home.

Color: Olive Green; Block Print Florals; House Dressing

vol. 20 | no. 1 | march/april 2025

editorial editor Megan Gagnon megan.gagnon@moffly.com

advisory editor Donna Moffly donna@moffly.com

contributing editors

editorial director Cristin Marandino cristin.marandino@moffly.com

editor, custom publishing Elizabeth Hole elizabeth.hole@moffly.com

editor, new canaan•darien Eileen Murphy eileen.murphy@moffly.com

editor, stamford Melinda Anderson melinda.anderson@moffly.com

editor, westport•weston•wilton Samantha Yanks samantha.yanks@moffly.com art senior art director Garvin Burke garvin.burke@moffly.com

production director Tim Carr tim.carr@moffly.com

assistant art director Lisa Servidio lisa.servidio@moffly.com

digital

digital marketing manager Rachel MacDonald rachel.macdonald@moffly.com

digital assistant Lloyd Gabi lloyd.gabi@moffly.com

digital assistant Jeffrey Garay jeffrey.garay@moffly.com

marketing executive marketing director Kristina Herman kristina.herman@moffly.com

sales & marketing publisher, greenwich, athome, stamford, ocean house Jonathan W. Moffly jonathan@moffly.com

publisher, westport•weston•wilton Gabriella Mays gabriella.mays@moffly.com

publisher, new canaan•darien Gina Fusco gina.fusco@moffly.com

account executive

Hilary Hotchkiss hilary.hotchkiss@moffly.com

account executive

Morgan Howell morgan.howell@moffly.com

account executive

Liz Norfleet liz.norfleet@moffly.com

partnership and big picture manager

Kathleen Dyke kathleen.godbold@moffly.com

sales assistant Lemuel Bandala lemuel.bandala@moffly.com

business assistant Eillenn Bandala eillenn.bandala@moffly.com

business president

Jonathan W. Moffly

editorial director

Cristin Marandino

business manager

Elena V. Moffly elena@moffly.com

cofounders

John W. Moffly IV & Donna C. Moffly

founding creative director Amy Vischio

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editor’s note / THE DREAM WORK

Great design is rarely the work of just one person—it’s a conversation (or 50, over email and text), a shared vision and the result of countless hands coming together in pursuit of that magical transformation from dream to reality, from house to home, from planted bulbs to flourishing garden. This issue is a celebration of the architects, designers, builders and homeowners who collaborate to bring inspired spaces to life, a testament to the power of both passion and partnership.

The volunteers who keep Mill River Park Collaborative’s community garden thriving (p. 26) know this power of collective effort—something Pat Caffray has also embraced on her own Greenwich grounds. She got her earliest help from mentor Marsha Kaufman but has spent decades digging, planting and watching her flowers grow, year after year (p. 29). Photographer Stacy Bass captured her stunning property across the seasons, offering a glimpse into its ever-changing beauty. In Westport, Michael Greenberg called on fellow architect Marybeth Woods to help bring an airy post-and-beam build to life for a couple embracing a new chapter (p.36). From there, designers Meghan De Maria and Courtney Yanni of Moss Design stepped in, expertly blending existing furniture and art with fresh additions to create a polished minimalist retreat. Kylie K. Bass credits her young children as her silent design partners. Drawing from her own experience as a mother, she crafted a Westport home that seamlessly balances clean, contemporary style with practical, childfriendly living (p. 46). And in Greenwich, a dream team united to reimagine a traditional Georgian home for an art and music loving family (p. 58). Designer Elizabeth Bolognino, alongside with Brooks & Falotico and Yankee Custom Builders, created a refined yet contemporary space that honors the home’s history while infusing it with fresh, modern elegance.

Whether you’re a solo act or part of a larger firm, I hope you’ll enter our A-List Awards this year (details at athomealistawards.com). Last year’s recordbreaking entries fueled a fierce competition and an unforgettable event. We hope to build on that momentum and showcase even more new faces on our 2025 A-List stage!

MEGAN GAGNON Editor megan.gagnon@moffly.com

REGINA ANDREW

Polly chandelier; $1,150. Chloe

Winston Lighting Design, Norwalk; chloewinstonlighting.com

SUNPAN

Jeno dining chair; $398. France & Son, New York; franceandson.com 2

JOHN ROBSHAW

Atulya moss duvet set; starting at $545. Fig Linens and Home, Westport; figlinensandhome.com

BREVILLE Barista Express ® Impress espresso machine in olive tapenade; $799.95. Crate & Barrel, Westport; crateandbarrel.com

JOON LOLOI Rosamund sofa in luster olive velvet; $3,299. joonloloi.com

“our kelp green is one of our most popular colors and the crisp shapes of the campina desk— made in our rhode island factory—are a perfect canvas.”

—jonathan glatt, ceo & creative director, o&g studio

WORLDS AWAY Fortune three drawer side table; $2,280. Beehive, Fairfield; thebeehive fairfield.com

goods/HOUSE DRESSING

“the front door is the focal point of your home. adding the right door handle, knocker, or even a mail slot can be like jewelry, giving your door that wow factor.”

—daniel rappaport, architectural hardware manager, interstate design center

1 ROCKY MOUNTAIN HARDWARE

Rectangular entry set with Baker door knob; $1,370. Interstate Design Center, Greenwich, Westport; interstatelumber.com

2 LUXELLO Round touch brass doorbell; $94. luxello.com

3 GARDEN GLORY Pearl ribbon door knocker; $129. gardenglory.com

4 THE URBAN ELECTRIC CO. Arcade light; starting at $1,681. urbanelectric.com

5 STUDIO ANANSI Doormat; $24.95. CB2; cb2.com

6 DESU DESIGN Pendulum door knocker in brass; $725. desudesign.com

4 2 8 6 9 7 1 5 3

7 SCHOOLHOUSE Post-mounted mailbox; $498. schoolhouse.com

8 CLAY IMPORTS House numbers; $11 each. clayimports.com

9 GOOGLE

Nest doorbell in Ivy; $179.99. The Home Depot, Fairfield; homedepot.com

We offer an innovative approach to property management based on excellent customer service, personal client relationships and attention to detail.

In our 30 years of building and maintaining luxury homes we’ve developed strong connections with the area’s most respected trades. Our team cares for homes only in Greenwich, CT. This allows us to respond quickly. We supervise all subcontractor work to ensure the highest quality.

Whether your property is an investment, second home, or you are planning extended absences, our team of certified, trusted Home Watch experts will consistently monitor your home and handle any issues in your absence. We’re backed by Duffy Home Solutions, with over 30 years of Greenwich, CT construction, renovation and home maintenance experience. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that trained professionals are providing comprehensive Home Checks on a regularly scheduled basis.

WILD AT HEART

Welcome to the jungle, where a new four seasons concept has captured the spirit of magical Mexico

by megan gagnon

this photo: Naviva from above, with a glimpse at the three-level Selva Pool

T“ent-living” and “all-inclusive” aren’t ordinarily the first things that come to mind when planning for an ultra-luxury getaway. But there’s nothing ordinary about Naviva. Spanning 48 acres on the edge of a private Punta Mita peninsula, Four Seasons has reimagined the resort experience with an immersive escape that celebrates Mexico’s natural beauty.

A quick five-minute ride from its larger sister property, Naviva feels a world apart. A cocoon-like lattice bamboo bridge forms the connection to this new world, where guests emerge into an environment left mostly untouched. Architecture bows to nature, with curved rooflines and winding pathways that follow the contours of the land, while open-air structures allow for uninterrupted views of the surrounding flora and fauna. Greet your guide, who will give

this photo: Naviva’s luxury tents are hybrid structures that take glamping to the next level.

this photo: Risco Terrace is the perfect spot for both sunrise yoga and an intimate sunset dinner for two. left, above: Capullo Landing anchors the entrance into Naviva. left, below: From Copal’s dining space, guests can view the copperclad bamboo lounge.

a tour of the walkable grounds and explain the ethos of Naviva’s mission. Here, everyone is on a first-name basis, and the team is eager to deliver an unforgettable stay.

Available to adults only, there are just 15 bungalows nestled into the lush landscape, blurring the line between indoor and outdoor living. Each nightly rate includes all meals, drinks and experiences plus two spa treatments per trip, eliminating any transactions during your time away. There are no menus, no front desk and no room keys (replaced with discreet corded bracelets), and most of the time, no other guests in sight, making it feel like your own personal paradise.

Days unwind at your own pace and leisure, free from rigid schedules. A pre-arrival consultation ensures every activity is tailored to your getaway goals, from spiritual renewal in a temazcal ceremony to invigorating hikes or

paddleboarding. Everything is flexible, casual, but without sacrificing any of the service expected from five-star hosts.

In between your morning yoga or training session at the Flinstones-style outdoor gym, get acquainted with your new friends at Copal Cucina, more of a gathering place than traditional restaurant. Choose from daily specials—which range from sushi to molcajete tacos—or simply ask them to prepare whatever you’re craving that day. Take the chef up on an invitation into the open kitchen to see ceviche prepared with freshly caught fish and vegetables grown nearby. Or, pull up a seat at the bar for a masterclass in margarita making and sample some locally crafted raicilla (a tequilaadjacent agave spirit).

All of these excursions assume you’ll venture out of your private oasis overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Designed by Luxury Frontiers—the creators of Amangiri’s Camp Sarika pavilions—each tent embraces Naviva’s biophilic design principles. But calling them “tents” hardly does them justice; they feel more like grand treehouse villas. A centrally positioned king bedroom is flanked on either side by a safaristyled living room and generous bathroom, with the option to open all the canvas walls for unobstructed views. Outside, a large patio awaits with a hammock, chaise lounges, a fire pit, a plunge pool and an outdoor shower. From sunrise to sunset, you’re enveloped by the sights and sounds of the jungle.

And if after all that enlightenment, you feel like emerging from your Naviva sanctuary and escaping into the fantasyland that is Four Seasons Punta Mita, you’re free to do that as well. Because sometimes, a visit to the churro cart and a day on the lazy river are good for the soul, too.

fourseasons.com/naviva

this photo: A dedicated curandero guides guests through a temazcal ceremony in the house of heat.

this photo: The design for the spa pods was inspired by flowers from local ceiba trees.

this photo: The soaking tub is positioned to capture the Pacific coastal view. above: Welcome the day with open walls, embracing the beauty of Naviva’s serene setting.

house parties

OUT AND ABOUT

1 A floor sample from Arbol Gallery Milano 2 Daniel Cores, Eugene Glouzgal

3 Marianna Galburt, Natalia Goldamsky, Elena McRae

4 Alexander Goldansky, Megan Gagnon, Vlad Sapoznikiov, Gabriella Mays 5 Alexander Goldansky, Deborah Aulfinger, Sofia Campagnolo, Mariano Campagnolo, Vlad Sapoznikiov

6 Custom closets 7 Sampling the stylish storage 8 Visitors around the L’Ottocento kitchen setup 9 Deborah Aulfinger, Sofia Campagnolo

DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF WINDHAM MOUNTAIN CLUB

Nestled in the heart of the Catskills and just a short drive from New York City, Windham Mountain Club (WMC) is a sanctuary for year-round adventurers of all ages that bring families closer in every season. Standing as the preeminent destination for thoughtfully elevated and intentionally uncrowded mountain living, this premiere, publicprivate mountain community seamlessly blends world-class skiing with exclusive luxury amenities, offering an unparalleled experience for winter weekend guests and private club members.

“Our goal is to provide the best overall skiing and riding experience in the Northeast,” says President Chip Seamans. “With uncrowded slopes for the public and our members, our ski racing and development programs, and extraordinary culinary offerings, we aim to create a remarkable end-to-end experience at Windham Mountain Club.”

HONORING TRADITIONS, BUILDING LEGACY

Windham Mountain Club stands on a foundation rich in history, originating in the early 1960s with the establishment of Cave Mountain Ski Area. In 2024, the experienced luxury hospitality families of Sandy Beall and Kemmons Wilson (KWC Management) came on board as new majority owners. With over 100 years of combined industry experience, this experienced team placed emphasis on reshaping the resort into a four-season luxury destination and provided a historic investment of $70 million. Sandy Beall is Founder of Land Hospitality, a company that brings premier four-season private communities to life for unparalleled experiences, and best known as Chairman and Co-Founder of Blackberry Farm, a Relais and Chateux and Wine Spectator Grand Award property, and Blackberry Mountain, listed for Vogue’s 2024 Top 10 Best Spa Resorts in the United States.

“Our focus is creating memorable experiences, from a day on the mountain to an afternoon on the water or fairway, to summer mornings spent in holistic fitness and total rejuvenation. Windham Mountain Club will offer truly special experiences that guests will look forward to year after year,”

Sandy Beall Chairman and Co-Founder of Blackberry Farm and Blackberry Mountain

CELEBRATING LUXURY AND LIFE

Windham Mountain Club is a haven for those who appreciate luxury in every detail and value quality family time. Savvy skiers, diners, and outdoor enthusiasts will take note of improved, automated snowmaking and grooming, six different restaurants to choose from across the mountain (with more concepts on the way), and next up in the development pipeline, year-round luxury residences just steps away from the slopes. At the heart of Windham Mountain Club is a close-knit community that values connection, camaraderie, and shared experiences. Premiere events, social gatherings, annual mountain traditions, and members-only experiences foster a sense of belonging, making WMC not just a destination, but a second home. Whether you’re sharing stories over dinner or participating in a group hike, the spirit of community is ever-present. Children at Windham Mountain Club can embark on their own journeys of discovery, from exhilarating downhill skiing adventures to exploring forested trails and marveling at starlit skies. It’s

clear that here, young adventurers will create deep connections with nature and forge lasting friendships.

The recent developmental changes have catapulted Windham Mountain Club towards becoming a destination that is worth more than just a visit. Members and guests can embark on extraordinary journeys filled with unexpected delights–whether it’s a personalized wine or token of appreciation, every moment is curated to surprise and enchant. What will be obvious to anyone visiting Windham Mountain Club for the first time is that membership provides more than just access, it’s an investment in a lifestyle rich with memorable experiences. The transformation from charming local favorite to an elevated, world-class destination is well underway, and those in the know are eager to be a part of Windham’s storied evolution.

LEARN MORE

shoptalk

HISTORY REPEATS

A CHILDHOOD LANDMARK BECOMES A DESIGN DESTINATION

It all started at Greens Farm Academy. As students, Rhonda Eleish and Edie Van Breems became fast friends who often visited The Remarkable Bookstore on Westport’s Main Street. Now, the creative duo has transformed the beloved building to house their Eleish Van Breems Home flagship store. Since debuting their first antiques gallery in 1997, Eleish and Van Breems have cultivated a devoted following of designers and homeowners, expanding their business with additional locations (Nantucket, New Preston and Westport) and a focus on Swedish furniture and

Scandinavian accessories. With each store opening, the pair has reinforced their passion for honoring the history of each site, and their latest project is no different.

Visitors enter a courtyard, restored with a stone fence sourced from Van Breems’ Revolutionary-era farmhouse and pass through a 1930s floral iron gate. Inside, French oak floors by The Hudson Company, Italian windows from Astec Bronze and Josef Frank’s mid-century wallcoverings all come together beautifully with the original 18th-century hand-hewn beams, revealed untouched when the

team stripped the building back to the lath. Louis Poulsen fixtures light the collected treasures displayed on Amuneal-crafted brass shelving, and a lower-level coffee bar and library embraces the Scandinavian FIKA ritual, a reminder to pause and recharge. Skylights illuminate the Verellen furniture on the top floor, creating a perfect seating area with views of the Saugatuck River. Each intentional detail highlights the EVB ethos that has shaped their brand. According to them, “design is more than just how things look, but should evoke emotion and inspire joy.”

PHOTOS: STORE BY NEIL LANDINO; PORTRAIT BY JILL JOHNSON MANN

left: The interior staircase was designed by Brooklyn-based architect Robert Marino. right: Josef Frank florals wrap the upstairs level.

above: Rhonda Eleish (left) and Edie Van Breems (right) in their new store.

Double VISION

Studio DB’s blueprint for a better-designed life

With their book debut, former A-List judges Britt and Damian Zunino of Studio DB prove the power of partnership. The husband-and-wife design team, and parents of four, bring personality to every project, creating polished and playful homes for families of all sizes. From over 17 years of work, see how they’ve transformed spaces with their signature style to elevate everyday living.

Drawn Together: Studio DB: Architecture and Interiors by Britt Zunino and Damian Zunino, with Tim McKeough, Foreword by Jimmy Chin and Chai Vasarhelyi

this photo: The light fixtures feature draped glass sheets, giving the illusion of weightlessness. The bath is inspired by Arsham’s chiseled stone tub in his former Long Island residence.

SHIFTING SHAPES

For his second collaboration with Kohler, visionary artist Daniel Arsham began his creative process with water droplets, chiseled stone and amorphous shapes, translating organic elements into a striking bathroom collection. Landshapes includes a freestanding Lithocast bathtub, pendant lighting, sconces, a vessel sink, faucet handles, a toilet, decorative hardware, WasteLAB tiles and a mirror framed in carved birch. Every piece is a statement of innovation and artistry, turning everyday moments into extraordinary experiences.

KOHLER Greenwich, Westport; kohler.com

Organic Materials

FRETTE goes all natural for spring 2025

Frette has been making beds better for over 160 years. With its latest release, the brand pays tribute to the raw beauty of nature, with organic textures and a palette pulled straight from the earth: stone, wood, sand and water. Rework your bedding with layers of desert neutrals or overhaul your outdoor space with cushions striped in garnet red from the Oasis collection.

Fig Linens and Home Westport; figlinensandhome.com

this photo: Luxury Reed bedding is made with matte linen and lustrous silk.

above: Damian and Britt Zunino

Opening Night Party Restaurant

Tuesday, April 1

6:00-8:30PM

Tony’s at the J House

Tickets: $95 Early Bird Sale (Limited tickets available. $125 regular price)

Mon, March 31 – Sun, April 6

around town

UNCOMMON GROUNDS

THE COMMUNITY GARDEN IN MILL RIVER PARK LOVINGLY TENDED TO BY DEDICATED LOCALS— IS A GEM HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT

by elizabeth keyser

Neighbors call it their “secret garden.”

But this busy downtown Stamford “secret,” a 12-year-testament to hard work and volunteerism in the pursuit of horticultural beauty, is actually a public garden—a space with a collection of plants established and maintained for the enjoyment and education of the public. All are welcome.

“The Main Street Garden is truly a gem within Mill River Park—a mini-botanical garden that overflows with love and care,” says Nette Compton, President and CEO of Mill River Park, “It offers a moment of beauty and discovery for visitors of all ages, drawing people in with its vibrant colors, unique plantings and peaceful atmosphere.”

Fronting Main Street and backing Mill River Park, the half-acre was part tree nursery, part storage during the development of Mill River Park. Then volunteer gardener Laura Godown was asked to help clean it up and create a public garden. So began the process of Godown and a team of volunteers clearing, digging, transplanting, prepping soil, building beds, and planting trees, shrubs and perennials, to create what Main Street Garden Founder and selfproclaimed “longest-living volunteer” Laura Godown modestly describes as “a strong threeseason public garden, a seasonal progression of beautiful moments.”

Tending to the garden is never complete. “Planting is the easy part; it’s the maintenance that takes work.” For real—part of a public garden’s mandate is upkeep. Godown works with a dedicated team of five volunteers, all retired, who gather once a week. Within two and a half hours, they weed all the beds.

“None of this would be possible without Laura and her incredible volunteers,” says Compton, “Their diligence, passion, and care are evident in every corner of the garden. They’ve created a space that not only enhances the park but also fosters a sense of community. The world could use more people like them—dedicated individuals who make a difference through their hard work and care.”

Main Street Garden is open from daybreak to sunset, April through November. To book an event, contact parties@millriverpark.org

top: In spring, cherry trees grown from the originals gifted to the city in 1957 blossom above a bed of daffodils, iris and columbine. bottom: Variegated hostas contrast with ferns in the shade garden.

A PLAN FOR ALL SEASONS

How one homeowner cultivates year-round beauty in her Greenwich garden

interview with homeowner patricia caffray photography by stacy bass

this photo: An earlymorning view of spring bloom in one of the four boxwood beds. Grape hyacinth bulbs add a pop of color amidst 2,000 pink Angelique tulips.

Tell me about your background with gardening.

I had worked until just before my kids were born. I was traveling, and I had an international design consulting business. When I got pregnant, I decided I couldn’t travel like that anymore.

I wanted to stay home, and I was living in New Canaan. I decided, “Oh, gardening would be kind of fun.” I met Marsha Kaufman, who had a company called Gardenscapes. I had hired her to help with horticulture work, and then she kind of tutored me. I followed her around and learned from her. She was so patient, and we would go to the nurseries together, and we would plan things together. I really got the bug.

How long have you been in this house?

We bought it in 2009 but then did a renovation.

The grounds were completely different. There was landscaping between the house and the pool, and that’s about it. We renovated some of the pool house, removing a double jacuzzi and a waterfall. Then we landscaped around the pool area. I used Debbie Nevins for the hardscape. I worked with Rosedale Nurseries, and we did the planting inside.

What was your inspiration?

I like perennial gardens. When I was in New Canaan, I was Russell Page [famed British gardener] crazy. I probably had half the boxwoods in the world [laughs].

We owned the crabapples that are in this garden now, but they were on the other side of the house. We decided to move them, which really helped. They were craggy enough that they kind of married the house with the pool house, with all the stone and everything. We thought if something was more formal, it would be too much.

this photo: In early spring, the bed at the pool house becomes a cutting garden. above: Large egg cup lead pots from Bulbeck Foundry, UK are planted with daffodils, pansies and primrose. Mature American boxwoods anchor the front entrance while Hedera helix (ivy) fills the center of the façade.

this photo: This view of the parterre looks north towards the boxwood apse and a bench. above: Showy Japanese crabapple bloom amidst beds of tulips and hyacinth. Chinese wisteria caps the pool house pergola.

A lot of the proposals were for the beds to be lower maintenance, more shrubs and stuff. But I just wanted to continue gardening. I went from a property where I gardened almost five acres, but this is a very different property. It’s big, and it’s spacious, and it’s harder to make intimate rooms. So, I kind of used that as a basis for fooling around.

How long would you say it took to get to the finished product?

How many years was that in the making?

Oh, a couple. It evolved and it matured. And now I really do have the formula. I used to like to fool around with the pots, and now I know what works; I know how to order it. And then I’ll just enhance it rather than reinvent the wheel.

What are your favorite areas?

I like the crabapple garden the most, because I see it from my office, and it just evolves.

That was the other thing that I learned through Marsha—how to start a garden at the beginning of the season and try to take it to the to the end so that it didn’t really go dormant. And that’s fun for me. I like that about the garden.

this photo: Looking to the south in May, at a mix of salvias, nepeta and Russian sage. below: A canopy of wisteria blooms forms a lush green roof above the poolside pergola.

this photo: In late spring, a carpet of violet shades emerges in one of the four parterres. Purple Japanese iris bloom in the background left: Annabelle hydrangeas are planted en masse along the family terrace.

this photo: The homeowner follows her dog, Chance, after clipping dahlias and hydrangeas.

this photo: In midsummer, a pair of mature topiary trees flank the home’s entry. By late June, the climbing hydrangeas are in full bloom.

above: Autumn hues transform the parterre, where white Japanese anemone stand out against a tapestry of pink Incrediball and Quick Fire hydrangeas. below, left: With their silvery hues and ample scale, ornamental cabbages anchor fall planters, while Redbor kale in deep burgundy provides dramatic height. The wreath is made from white and gray mini pumpkins. below, right: Japanese anemone get a closeup.

I start out with minor bulbs and tulips, and the whole garden is a bed of that. And then you get into your salvias, and it all turns purple. And then, by fall, there’s a lot of the landscape around it. I purposely picked Quick Fire hydrangeas that would turn red later and try to keep the garden going.

How do you approach your plan from season to season?

I try to keep it from being seasonal, making it as perennial as I can.

And then it depends. Last year, we had perfect weather, so I really didn’t need to purchase many annuals. My salvias were good for such a long time. If the purples die down, then the white ones come up. I will add annuals to fill in gaps.

Do you have a favorite season to be on the grounds?

I think late spring. I love when the crabapples are in bloom and the tulips are out. I think that’s spectacular. I like when all of the salvias and sages are in bloom. It reminds me of the British landscape, where it’s all just this massive color.

What’s your favorite flower at the moment?

Oh, I don’t know. I’ll tell you what I’m mad at [laughs]. My dahlias were an epic failure this year. And I tested out some new ones, too.

I think, for me, the sages and the salvias, they pay the rent. You plant them after tulips, and they really do last.

Peonies I love, but they’re ephemeral, right? They tease you, really.

RESOURCES:

Landscape Design: Deborah Nevins & Associates, New York; dnalandscape.com

Nursery: Dan Taylor, Rosedale Nurseries, Hawthorne, NY; rosedalenurseries.com

Landscaping: Heins Landscaping; 203-751-0837

Horticulturist/Garden Designer: Marsha Kaufman

this photo: As the sun rises, it floods the west terrace and the Bloodgood London Planetree with radiant light. above: Morning rays illuminate the horse farm adjacent to the pool house, where a sinuous path separates the parterre from the hillside garden.

BETTER TOGETHER

Design pros unite to deliver a contemporary haven for a couple’s next chapter

above: A view of the completed home by architect Michael Greenberg. opposite page: A Cuff Studio pendant hangs over a custom pedestal table, styled with the clients’ copper vessels.

interview with meghan de maria and courtney yanni, moss design

michael greenberg, michael greenberg & associates and marybeth woods, marybeth woods architect photography by amy vischio // styling by kathleen friedler

Who lives here?

MEGHAN DE MARIA: They’re an older couple that lived in Westport and were looking to downsize. Michael Greenberg was the architect leading this project, and he worked on their previous home, where they raised their kids. As grandparents, they wanted something different. Mike was working with Marybeth Woods and called us for all the interior spaces. It really was a collaboration. We all worked beautifully as a team.

What was your overall goal with the design plan?

MICHAEL GREENBERG: Our goal with any project is to combine beauty and function. As a design build firm, one of our signature aesthetics has been the introduction of post-and-beam construction. It not only helps define program, but also adds warmth to the overall architecture. In this house, it’s emphasized in the front porch and pergola to create outdoor spaces, as well as in the interiors to bring scale to an open layout and frame out key elements such as the stairs and other double-height areas. Collaborating with Marybeth, we used new white oak as a medium, to complement the clean and bright cabinetry and create a layered backdrop for Moss’ furniture selections.

With a limited palette and more contemporary feel, this feels like a departure from the bolder color that Moss is known for. Would you agree?

MDM: Yes. Mike is known for his use of wood, and we really leaned into his architectural design and did a deep dive into that. It was very enjoyable, because it’s something completely different from the aesthetic that we’ve been known for. Ultimately, I think it shows that we’re very diversified in what we’re able to put forth as designers and as a firm.

COURTNEY YANNI: The clients also have a very extensive art collection that we really wanted to lead the story. We were pulling back on pattern and color, and letting the art have the stronger moments. Placing the art was an art in itself. They have such a vast collection, and we had to make sense of it in this new backdrop. But it’s a beautiful, very interesting collection. It was really an honor to work with what they had.

What directives did they give you for these living spaces?

CY: There were a lot of their own pieces—not just art—but furniture that they had collected through the years that they wanted us to incorporate. They were beautiful pieces, but again, it was about making sense in the

this photo: Oak beams add warmth and frame the spaces in the open-concept plan. top, right: The stairs ascend behind a wall of glass, allowing natural light to flood the unobstructed downstairs space. bottom, right: The inlaid vertical stripe that runs up the island echoes the blackened steel hood.

above: The Moss team was able to use the clients’ dining table, lit by an Apparatus fixture.

below: Pillows covered in Pierre Frey fabric pull in blue shades from the owners’ art.

this photo: A sectional and swivel chairs by Dune provide seating in the living room. The Papillons pendant features whimsical shapes floating in suspension, creating a mobile effect.

“Our goal with any project is to combine beauty and function . As a design build firm, one of our signature aesthetics has been the introduction of post-and-beam construction. It not only helps define program, but also adds warmth to the overall architecture . ”

—michael greenberg, michael greenberg & associates

new context, which is a big part of our job. What we love to do is mix periods. So, it was a fun challenge, and it wasn’t that out of our comfort zone, because that is normally what we like to do. We were just starting with the clients’ pieces instead of sourcing our own antiques and vintage pieces.

Tell us about this kitchen.

MARYBETH WOODS: They are big cooks. And like most projects, it was a marriage of two distinct aesthetics. One wanted more minimalistic, and the other wanted the warmth of wood and stone and a mix of materials.

So, we mixed in the oak with the white painted cabinets, darkened steel and bookmatched Lincoln Calacatta. The Galley sink and workstation in the island is sort of the big centerpiece. Then we pulled in the satin nickel, just to lighten it. We mixed that with the blackened steel custom hood and inlay on the back of the island. That picks up across the way in the custom

“The clients also have a very extensive art collection that we really wanted to lead the story . We were pulling back on pattern and color, and letting the art have the stronger moments .”

—courtney yanni, moss design

this photo: The bouclé bed by Verellen includes integrated shelves, finished with a lamp from Eleish Van Breems. above: Benjamin Moore’s Simply White provides a clean backdrop for the extensive art collection.

this photo: Textured tile adds depth to the oversize primary shower room. bottom, left: A Japanese soaking tub was a musthave for the owners, inspired by their travels. bottom, right: The clean lines on the riff white oak vanity enforce the minimalist design.

right: Cole & Son wallpaper adds a graphic touch to the powder room. below: Pierre Frey’s abstract paper finds a perfect match in the bold design of the stone sink.

this photo: For this reading nook, the Moss duo were delighted to repurpose the owners’ armchair, newly covered in Pollack fabric. opposite page: Harbour outdoor seating creates a gathering spot in front of the fireplace.

steel bar shelf, the stair railing verticals and the black windows and doors. It was a mandate to keep everything open. So, the oak then carries from the kitchen cabinets, down to the post and beam, the ceiling of the hallway and the base of the bar cabinets.

What did they want for their primary bath?

MW: They wanted a very spa-like restorative place. From their travels, they knew they wanted a Japanese soaking tub. We combined that with the shower to create a wet room with glass walls within the bath. Some of the touches that kind of warm it up are the satin nickel hardware and the very textured gray tiles. Everything has a unified, soothing palette.

Was it challenging to work with this open plan?

MDM: I think it’s actually enjoyable. There’s a real rhythm to it, right? Going from one space to the next, visually, and then seeing how they all connect.

CY: We’re always considering flows, so this really wasn’t a stretch.

MDM: Because Mike uses so much wood, it became about, incorporating other wood tones in a way that made sense in the space. We wanted to make sure it wasn’t overly saturated with the white oak, so we brought in that beautiful walnut table with the brass feet for the kitchen, and we also focused on not adding too much color.

Do you have a favorite room?

MDM: The primary bedroom. That Verellen bed was made for that house. It’s always hard to gain the trust of the client in the beginning, but they really dove in and came with us.

RESOURCES:

Architect: Michael Greenberg & Associates, Westport; michaelgreenberg-assoc.com

Interior Architecture/Cabinetry: Marybeth Woods Architect, Norwalk; marybethwoodsarchitect.com

Interior Design: Moss Design, Southport; mossdesignct.com

Greenery: Outdoor Design & Living Fairfield; outdoordesign.com

this photo: This sleek, modern kitchen strikes a balance between style and functionality. The bold Arabescato Corchia marble backsplash serves as an unexpected statement piece, complemented by white quartz countertops. A reeded island adds texture and visual interest, tying together the contemporary design with thoughtful details.

A designer marries contemporary style with comfortable living for a young family

BALANCING ACT

interview with kylie k. bass, kkb interiors

photography by kirsten francis

styling by brittany albert

Who lives here?

They’re a young family with two kids. We had gotten connected through mutual friends, and this was a new build.

I’ve done a couple of modern farmhouses in the past and I feel like the reason that people come to me is because they really like the way that I can make it still feel comfortable, still feel like a family lives there. Even though the general aesthetic has more clean lines and expansive windows, it’s more of a clean minimalist look. For a lot of areas, they brought me in to give that elevated non-spec feeling with more custom details.

What were their asks for this home?

They would send me the inspiration images of more transitional, cozy homes.

There weren’t all just white walls, they had details. So, I had to find that blend of staying true to the architecture of the house—because that’s always what I try to do—and make it cozy and make it livable, especially for a family with really young kids.

For instance, they really wanted high-end, quality furniture, but also didn’t want to be petrified to touch anything in the main family room

this photo: In the openconcept area integrating the dining space, wet bar, and kitchen, Bass aimed for a design that kept the furniture minimal and unintrusive. top, right: Bass sourced the backsplash marble from BAS Stone. bottom, right: Custom reeded cabinetry in the wet bar mirrors the detailing on the island.

of their open-concept house. We focused a lot on really good quality materials, but also durable materials.

This is why so many young families hire me. That’s my bread and butter—durable materials that still look really pretty.

What was the starting point for your design plan?

As far as starting with fabrics and shapes and things like that, I really would put myself—our kids are the same age—in her shoes, and I imagined my kids running around this family room. I thought about, “What is going to

this photo: The designer’s favorite corner showcases a harmonious mix of vintage and modern pieces.

make me calm if I’m standing in the kitchen, and I can’t get over to them in time?” In addition to the durable fabrics, I included shapes that didn’t have any crazy corners. I wanted to make sure that everything felt organic, but not in a way that looked like it was baby-proofed.

The perfect example is their family room where we made a custom sofa for them because they had this very specific vision of a shape that they wanted with an elongated chaise. Then they wanted a coffee table that their kids could run in circles around, or they could have orange juice and not say, “You can’t go in this room.”

I made sure that the tones were warm—nothing was too white—and used a solution-dyed acrylic for the sofa. All of the colors just work really well together.

Tell us about the kitchen.

They cook a lot, so they were turned on very early to quartz. I am personally a lover of natural stone, but I design in a way that is true to the

clients, in a way that I really love.

The way that the architecture of the kitchen worked out—which was really cool—was that they had the stove sitting in front of this large window and a hidden hood, and then the sink in the island. It all set the stage for this really sleek, minimal kitchen.

We tried to lean into that, knowing that we had this minimal range aesthetic, and she really wanted white quartz countertops and a white kitchen, but then asking, “How can we make this space also feel designed?”

It came with selecting the backsplash slab, which was this beautiful Arabescato Corchia that was veiny and beautiful, and then adding the paneling underneath the island.

Pendant-wise, she just wanted something minimal, substantial, really good quality, and I immediately thought of these Allied Maker pendants. They’re stunning, even better quality in person. On the counter stools, we did a Perennials back and then a vinyl seat cushion, so that she wasn’t nervous for her kids to sit on them.

this photo: Bass created a comfortable family room with ample family seating against a calming neutral color palette.

“We

were finding that balance of doing something that was fun and a statement , but that the client also wouldn’t get sick of in five years.”

—kylie k. bass, kkb interiors

above, left: A striking Gabriel Scott chandelier suspended above the staircase serves as a focal point of the home. above, right: Natural light and organic, understated yet impactful design elements set the tone for the home’s interior. left; this

photo: The chic powder room is wrapped in textural grasscloth wallpaper.

It looks like you had fun with the lighting choices. Talk about those.

Okay, so I love lighting, and the lighting in this house is definitely a mix. We were finding that balance of doing something that was fun and a statement, but that the client also wouldn’t get sick of in five years.

In the stairwell, we used this unbelievable Gabriel Scott piece, and this was definitely a journey. We knew from the second that this house was built and saw this very large window right in front of the stairwell that we were going to need something that looked incredible from the outside— when it’s dark—like a really stunning piece of jewelry.

this photo: The serene primary bedroom is a tranquil retreat for the homeowners.

top, right: Layers of cozy textures make for inviting moments. bottom, right: Despite challenging rooflines, Bass crafted an office space designed for productivity.

this photo: A hit with both the daughter and her mother, the pink bedroom was a sweet success.

this photo: The personalized bedroom was designed with a youthful energy that their son would not tire of.

“The kids are old enough that they have their own personalities, and they know what they want. It was about creating little personal spaces for them that they could grow into.”

—kylie k. bass, kkb interiors

In other parts of the house, it was a mix between the entry—which has a custom piece that we found on 1st Dibs, the Allied Maker pendants, a couple things from Visual Comfort & Co., and In Common With. We tried to find a mix of high-low, making sure that it really blended well with the rooms.

Tell us about the kids’ spaces.

They were moving from the city, so this was their original furniture. It was great because, honestly, I love them anyway, and I would have picked them. The kids are old enough that they have their own personalities, and they know what they want, but the mom was also thinking, “I don’t

want to redo wallpaper and get new rugs in a couple years.” It was about creating little personal spaces for them that they could grow into.

Do you have a favorite room?

I don’t know if I could pick a favorite room, but what I love about the office is that it’s on the third floor of the house, and the roof lines were interesting. That’s my favorite kind of challenge. I love when a room is not a rectangle.

They wanted to incorporate built-ins, which we added to follow the roof lines, and it has a window in it. It’s beautiful.

And then, I love that one angle of the family room where you can see a

this spread: The outdoor area was thoughtfully designed with family in mind. The clients wanted dining furniture that could withstand the elements, ensuring it remains worry-free, even when exposed to rain.

little bit of the outside. You have these beautiful vintage chairs mixed with the contemporary coffee table.

We have very subtle drapery window panels that add a bit of softness to these really expansive windows. It so perfectly depicts what she was going for.

RESOURCES:

Interior Design: Kylie K. Bass, KKB Interiors, New York; kkbinteriors.com

“I

had to find that blend of staying true to the architecture of the house —because that’s always what I try to do—and make it cozy and make it livable , especially for a family with really young kids.”

—kylie k. bass, kkb interiors

FINE TUNED

interview with elizabeth bolognino, elizabeth bolognino interiors

photography by read m c kendree/jbsa

styling by katja greeff

An expert team orchestrates the perfect home for a music-loving family

left: An Urban Electric Co. pendant hangs over Maison Gerard chairs, sofas by Egg collective and Withers Studio side tables in the living room. The family dog poses on a bench from Espasso.

What’s the history with this house?

The house was built in 1928. It was previously owned by a very famous tennis player and coach, Ivan Lendl. Architecturally, it felt like a hodgepodge of styles.

The current owners called me after they purchased it. We got to work right in the middle of COVID, and it was a complete restoration project. Brooks & Falotico took the existing home and flawlessly added to it. They fixed it architecturally, so it made more sense and was more cohesive, and added an addition that just looks like it’s always been there. They did an amazing job.

How would describe the clients’ style?

They definitely subscribe to layered minimalism. They don’t like stuff for the sake of stuff.

And they are art collectors. Everything that we purchased has a story to it and some sort of meaning. They are furniture collectors as well, and it was so fun, because they appreciate furniture like they do art, and they see furniture as being collectible art pieces. It was so freeing, and they listened to me. They didn’t push back a lot. I feel like I had free rein. I really appreciate their point of view, from an artistic perspective, and I think they appreciate mine. It was just a fun project to work on, because I don’t get that kind of freedom that often.

Tell us about some of these living spaces.

The wife is a professional violinist, and music is a really important part of this house. She has a practice room on the upper level, and there’s a performance room on the lower level. They have a lot of fellow musicians come into the home and play, and they host a lot of events. I think something that’s important with this house is that there’s a definitive line between public and private spaces. The home is really laid out for entertaining.

There’s a room that used to be an office, and it stepped down to a pool room. That is a wing of the house that returns and looks out onto the back terrace with all that glass. We turned it into a bar and a club room, so they’d have a place to have cocktails. There’s a beautiful fireplace in there, and we found this tête-à-tête and covered it with this beautiful Fortuny fabric. I specifically chose the lantern in that room— which is from Urban Electric Co.—because in the summertime, you have the windows and doors open, and it’s this indoor-outdoor space.

this photo: The formal living room’s polished Venetian plaster walls create a muted backdrop for the family’s extensive art collection. opposite page: Bolognino’s thoughtfully selected lighting choices—a Lobmeyr chandelier in the foyer and a Josef Hoffmann pendant in the hallway—add purpose and personality to each space.

above: The Jaime Hayon chaise, perched on an Eskayel rug, offers an artful invitation to lounge.

top, right: Bolognino sourced pieces from Brazilian designers, including cane chairs by Joaquim Tenreiro. bottom, right: A vintage rosewood sideboard from France provides stylish storage.

“I think it was about honoring minimalism and placing contemporary furniture into a traditional home .”

—elizabeth bolognino, elizabeth bolognino interiors

this photo: An Atra dining table makes a handsome statement in the dining room. Jeff Zimmerman created the ethereal branch-like chandelier.

“We realize that the house is in a beach town, but they didn’t want it to feel beachy .”

—elizabeth bolognino, elizabeth bolognino interiors

Did you have a jumping-off point for the whole design, like a color palette or fabric?

When we originally approached the idea of the house, I think our team thought it was going to be a little bit more on the traditional side. But then we saw that their love for historic, unique furniture pieces would take us into a different direction.

I think the starting point really was the formal living room in that house. They have an extensive art collection, and we wanted it to have this muted, warm but almost cloud-like outlet. We ended up doing this beautiful, polished Venetian plaster in a color that was neither cold nor super yellow, as a backdrop for their art. Once we saw the plaster and the simple color of the limestone and the color of the walls—which is complemented by those fixtures that we hung down that hallway—it was so beautiful and such a statement of minimalism that we didn’t want to put any art up at all. It’s really the opposite of what I normally do.

Tell us about this gorgeous kitchen. We realize that the house is in a beach town, but they didn’t want it to feel beachy. The kitchen started when I presented the idea of doing an Officine Gullo range, which was a brand they didn’t know much about. But the clients are very much into clean cooking, and Officine Gullo allowed me to customize the burners with induction plates and some traditional gas plates. We picked a custom color and made this beautiful professional range, and they loved it. For the stone, they really wanted quartzite, because they didn’t want to deal with the stains in the marble. We found this stone called Ijen Blue and I had never seen a quartzite that had that kind of painterly effect to it. I proposed that we run it up the wall and build the zinc hood so that it would not feel like another design element, but really form on the wall.

above: A mix of metals and materials balance warm and cool tones in the kitchen. opposite page: The star of the kitchen is its custom Officine Gullo range, which complements the Ijen Blue quartzite.

A Moooi pendant lights the room painted in Benjamin Moore’s Natural Cream.

this photo: This color-drenched room is often used for entertaining, especially in warm weather when the doors open to the yard and pool. opposite page: Guests can visit the Amuneal-crafted brass bar and enjoy drinks in front of the Chesneys’ fireplace. A Fortunycovered tête-à-tête offers a chic seat.

this photo: Recognizing the owners’ appreciation for furniture as art, Bolognino incorporated pieces like this striking bench by Bae Se Hwa. top, left: Calico wallpaper makes for a dreamy backdrop in this bedroom. top, right and lower, left: Both powder rooms show off the design team’s mastery of combining carved stone and grasscloth wallpaper. opposite page: A sculptural Elsa Foulon pendant hangs in the minimalist bedroom.

“It was about finding the fine line of traditional and contemporary and just walking straight down the line without falling off the tightrope.”

—elizabeth bolognino, elizabeth bolognino interiors

above: The freestanding tub sits on wooden flooring, amidst a sea of gray stone in the wife’s spa-like bathroom. bottom, left: The vanity’s placement takes advantage of abundant natural light. bottom, center: Ogee edging adds graceful curvature to the stone in the more feminine bathroom space. bottom, right: More rounded corners make an appearance in her dressing room.

left: The idea behind both his and her closets is that the form is the same, but Bolognino changed the color and inset wallpaper on the doors. right: Handsome slabs of Tundra Gray marble create the uniform look in his bathroom.

Tell us about the primary bath spaces. There are two primary bathrooms in this house—a his and hers. Her primary bathroom has that blue slab. That part of the house gets amazing light, and we thought it would be the most beautiful place for a luxurious bathroom. I thought that it would be great to put the shower and the tub behind a glass wall. The wood that you see in there is called Hinoki wood, and it comes from Japan. It has this amazing smell to it. It was really hard to get it, but we got it. I think his bathroom is my favorite bathroom that we’ve ever done, really.

RESOURCES:

Interior Design: Elizbabeth Bolognino Interiors, Westport; elizabethbolognino.com

Architect: Brooks & Falotico, New Canaan; brooksandfalotico.com

Builder: Yankee Custom Builders, Greenwich; yankeecustombuilders.com

Landscape Design: Kathryn Herman Design, New Canaan; kathrynhermandesign.com

Paint: Shoreline Painting & Drywall, Inc., Norwalk; shorelinepaintingct.com

above: A view of the rear exterior shows the scale of this restoration project. top, right: The grand entrance to this Georgian home was revitalized by en expert team of architects and builders. bottom, right: Sunlight shines on the rich stonework of the home.

BRIAN LEWIS

FAMILIAR FACES SHARE THEIR LOCAL FAVORITES

Chef Brian Lewis has earned critical acclaim, beat Bobby Flay and built a loyal following at his award-winning restaurants, OKO and The Cottage. But beyond his culinary genius lies a devoted dad—who swaps his apron for a Jets jersey on weekends and is always planning the next family adventure.

The one thing that always makes me feel at home is… playing backyard football with my twin 11-year-old boys, Jude and Jax.

My guilty pleasure is… ridiculous amounts of ice cream.

My favorite place in the world is… St. Barths.

My favorite thing about living here is… the ability to have a wonderfully balanced work life, being fully present and involved in my two boys’ lives, coaching their sports and having a tremendous love and connection with them, while also being able to cook my heart out on a stage with a clientele who truly appreciates and connects with my cuisine.

Five favorite things in my house are…

1. my cookbooks

2. morning coffee

3. framed family photos

4. my boys’ artwork

5. a framed world map of all the places we have been and plan to see together.

My dream kitchen looks like… a modern farmhouse style with tons of light, lots of storage and fully loaded with an AGA stove, Subzero refrigeration, Binchotan grill, ice cream and pasta makers and a large marble center island to host lots of cooking parties for the boys’ friends and, of course, mine, too. I’d also want a banquette for our morning breakfast and of course, a fully loaded barista station.