EDITOR’S NOTE

editor’s note/HISTORY LESSONS

SCAN TO EXPLORE

HOW TO SCAN: OPEN, AIM & TAP Ilove old homes. What they lack in closet space and electrical outlets they make up for in big, beautiful charm; arched doorways, intricate carved wood, built-in bookcases and handsome hardware. That perfectly imperfect patina of an antique home is not easily—if ever—recreated.

But sometimes we’re faced with the reality of buildings that are on the losing end of their battle with time, as designer Bonnie Paige knows well. Her original plan for a cosmetic renovation quickly became a much more extensive project (p. 34). With creative thinking, she was able to turn out a house that fits right in with the Victorians and Federal façades on her flower-lined Southport street.

The challenge for homeowner Courtney McGinnis was grappling with the grand and formal architecture of her Greek Revival home (p. 44). With her business partner, Sam O’Brien, McGinnis runs Clover Design, and the two friends spend their days treasure hunting for home finds and furniture. There was no question that they could fill the house with their eclectic pieces, but they needed architect Kirtley Cameron to make those good bones work for a busy family. The finshed product is a visual treat; rooms layered with color and pattern and texture, but also lived-in and inviting.

After purchasing a home in Connecticut, New York designer Ryan Lawson began taking part in a New Canaan weekend tradition: lining up for brunch at Rosie. He learned quickly what the locals already knew—that the food is incredible, but the crowds returned faithfully to see owner Rosie Bonura, whose visits from the back kitchen—in between baking batches of giant cookies—are always warm and welcoming. The two became dear friends and eventually, designer and client, tackling Bonura’s 1730-built home (p. 56). Their working relationship sounds like an ideal one—plotting buying trips to faraway places and slowly filling the small rooms of her home with their finds. The end result, with a moody black kitchen at the center of the house, reflects Bonura’s personality and shows off all of her collected keepsakes in one well-designed space.

I’m saving the best for last, but you should really read it first. Readers have been voting for Best of the Gold Coast businesses since 2005, and this year, athome is getting in on the list (p. 24). Check out all the winners—your neighbors’ favorites for everything from paint to pools—in one definitive list.

A big thank you to everyone who entered our A-List Awards. I can’t wait to see you all at The Village on September 13th to celebrate our winners and show off all your hard work. Tickets are available at athomealistawards.com, and you’ll want to make sure to get them soon!

MEGAN GAGNON

Editor megan.gagnon@moffly.com