CTC&G (Connecticut Cottages & Gardens) January 2026

connecticut cottages & gardens | january 2026

COTTAGESGARDENS.COM | JANUARY 2026

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NEW KITCHEN VIBES

CONNECTICUT COTTAGES & GARDENS • JANUARY 2026 • COTTAGESGARDENS.COM

FEATURES

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Ramp Up the Fun Playful surprises add moments of delight at a new home

by David Masello photographs by Andrew Frasz, styling by Anthony Amiano

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Beyond a White Kitchen Layering in warmth, character and fine details

by Ann Loynd burton photographs by Tom Bryan, Tim Lee, Tressa Stevens

on the cover

“Beyond a White Kitchen” page 66. photograph by Tom Bryan

From “Beyond a White Kitchen” page 66.

Photograph by Tom Bryan

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Hartford Designer Show House CTC&G and the Junior League of Hartford present the 16th Designer Showhouse

by Catriona Branca photographs by Anastassios Mentis

START YOUR NEXT CHAPTER HAVE YOUR HOME DESIGNED

BY ETHAN ALLEN

STOP BY THE DESIGN CENTER OR MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO LEARN WHAT OUR COMPLIMENTARY INTERIOR DESIGN SERVICE IS ALL ABOUT CANTON CLINTON DANBURY MANCHESTER MILFORD STAMFORD WESTPORT ©2025 Ethan Allen Global, Inc.

CONNECTICUT COTTAGES & GARDENS • JANUARY 2026 • COTTAGESGARDENS.COM

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Editor’s Letter

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Letter from the CEO

Contributors

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Out of the Box Seat Yourself Browse our selection of designforward counter and bar stools

BY MARY FITZGERALD

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Design Notes Buzzworthy A peek inside the latest design news happening in the area

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BY MARY FITZGERALD

Marketplace Kitchen Inspiration The latest cabinetry, appliances, surfaces, fixtures and accessories to outfit your kitchen in style

BY MARY FITZGERALD

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Travel By Design An Artful Exploration Inside Rotterdam’s living museums

BY BARONESS SHERI DE BORCHGRAVE

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Parties & Benefits

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Resources

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Calendar

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Deeds and Don’ts Inside stories behind area real estate deals

Meet the Designer Caren Rideau Kitchen guru Caren Rideau shares her approach to designing the most important room in the house

BY DIANE DI COSTANZO

BY JACQUELYN SHANNON

CTC&G | COTTAGESGARDENS.COM | JANUARY 2026

TOP: DENNIS CARBO; BOTTOM: MEGHAN BEIERLE-O’BRIEN; RIGHT; COURTESY OF LOSTINE

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CALL , V IS IT A S H OWRO OM, OR FIND US O NLINE TO SCH E DULE YOUR COMPLIMENTARY D ES IGN CONS ULTATIO N

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Create Where You Belong

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CTC&G | COTTAGESGARDENS.COM | JANUARY 2026

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E DI TOR’S L E T T E R

Upping The Hue

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DJ Carey Editorial Director djcarey@candg.com Layered Look This kitchen by PCD Studios is one of three profiled in this month’s feature “Beyond the White Kitchen,” page 66.

CAREY: TIMOTHY BURKE MANNLE; BOTTOM: TOM BRYAN

he year was 1984 and I was a young editor lining up to get my own copy of the latest design book, White by Design by Bo Niles. It was the first book that really focused on the beauty and timelessness of white interiors. Bo, a design editor at Country Living magazine, had access to the top architects and designers around the world.

From a farmhouse in Denmark to a recycled factory in Paris, the images were beautiful and so chic. The book opened my eyes to the beauty and possibilities of white interiors. ■ More than 40 years later, white kitchens are still immensely popular. With the book in mind, I decided to take a look at white kitchens to see if they had evolved into something more interesting. Since taking this position 21 years ago, most of the white kitchens I have seen in houses were frankly boring. I know, I know. Yes, they looked fresh and light and made the space look larger, but there was something missing. For me, they lacked engagement; they lacked layers; most did not have architecture to save them; and many lacked depth: They seemed frozen in time and looked as if no one ever lived in them. But there is light on the horizon. ■ I am happy to report that the white kitchens I have seen recently seem more interesting to me. Designers seem to understand how to create a white kitchen that is appealing. They know that it is important to build on the white in the space. I saw what Bo talked about in her book in these kitchens. The white appeared more interesting because designers mixed a few tones of white within the space to create a deeper color. Or they added neutral tones to warm up the sterile white space. Some even go one step further, grounding the space with natural elements. Thoughtful addition of textures can add even more interest. A beautiful stone countertop, wood cabinets or beams, or open shelving all go a long way in adding interest while still working with white. ■ I will always seek out color in my kitchen (and throughout my house), but today’s white kitchens are more engaging, more sophisticated and, yes, I will admit, chic. Exactly what Bo preached all those years ago. La plus ça change…

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LETTER FROM THE CEO

Perfect Timing

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Marianne Howatson CEO/Publication Director mhowatson@candg.com

Fresh Palette Rich hues and textures fill a kitchen design by AMS Kitchens & Interiors that is highlighted in this issue’s feature article “Hartford Designer Show House,” page 74.

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CTC&G | COTTAGESGARDENS.COM | JANUARY 2026

HOWATSON: DOREEN BIRDSELL; BOTTOM: ANASTASSIOS MENTIS

very year, this kitchen issue arrives with the turn of the calendar—not by accident, but because January has a way of revealing the heart of the home. After the flurry of the holidays, we finally look around our homes with clear eyes and recognize what needs attention. A kitchen we’ve been meaning to rethink, a bath overdue for renewal—January brings the quiet that lets those wheels finally turn. ■ It’s in this calm that we take stock. We notice what could be reimagined, refreshed or finally redesigned. Ideas that have been circling for months suddenly find room to land. January offers both the pause and the permission to begin—making it the moment when homeowners and design professionals alike set plans in motion. ■ It also happens to align perfectly with the industry’s own rhythm. The colossal Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) kicks off the year, a perfect catalyst for inspiration. Designers and architects sign up for the C&G Insider ® Tour of KBIS (in Orlando this year) where they are led by DJ Carey, our Editorial Director, on a curated walk-through of what’s new and noteworthy. They return energized, inspired and ready to tackle the most ambitious renovations you can imagine. ■ And this year, the timing also aligns beautifully with the results of our just-released C&G Reader Survey, which show that kitchens and baths are at the very top of the list for remodeling in the next 12 months. Our readers are poised to take on transformative projects, and they’re turning to the design community for ideas, expertise and vision.

Bring your interiors to life with ‘Storybook Papers.’

A whimsical new wallpaper collection for children and grown-ups alike.

Visit our showroom: 9 East Putnam Avenue, Greenwich, CT 06830.

Tel: 1-888-516-6130 | getintouch@littlegreene.us littlegreene.us

Explore paints & wallpapers, request a free colourcard & find your nearest retailer on our website.

Scan the QR code for a full list of retailers

JANUARY 2026 CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER & PUBLICATION DIRECTOR MARIANNE HOWATSON EDITORIAL DIRECTOR DJ CAREY EXECUTIVE EDITOR CATRIONA BRANCA

ART DIRECTOR KRISTEN HOGE

SENIOR EDITOR MARY FITZGERALD

EDITOR AT LARGE SHARON KING HOGE

ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR SHELBY NINE-DURSO

ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR LYDIA MATTSON

PROOFREADER ANNETTE ROSE-SHAPIRO

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS SHERI DE BORCHGRAVE, ANN LOYND BURTON, DIANE DI COSTANZO, HELEN KLISSER DURING, EVA HAGBERG, ANN KAISER, JAMIE MARSHALL, TOVAH MARTIN, DAVID MASELLO, MINDY PANTIEL, HARRIET MAYS POWELL, ALEXA STEVENSON, SUSAN TAMULEVICH CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS JANE BEILES, JULIE BIDWELL, WILLIE COLE, TRIA GIOVAN, JOHN GRUEN, HULYA KOLABAS, NEIL LANDINO JR., TIM LENZ, ELLEN MCDERMOTT, READ MCKENDREE, ANASTASSIOS MENTIS, MARCO RICCA, EMILY SIDOTI, RIKKI SNYDER

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CTC&G | COTTAGESGARDENS.COM | JANUARY 2026

THE WORLD’S LEADING BRANDS WHERE LUXURY DESIGN DEFIES EXPECTATIONS

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CONTRIBUTORS

WHAT COLORS AND MATERIALS DO YOU LOVE IN YOUR KITCHEN?

DOUGLAS GRANETO

“Our house is currently under renovation, but I have embraced the natural elements of our home’s setting for the kitchen: white oak floors and cabinetry, warm metal tones and locally sourced Vermont marble. The breakfast table is natural oak with vintage leather chairs that have a beautiful patina.”

Interior designer, “Beyond a White Kitchen” (page 66), douglasgraneto.com

JANA GOUGH

Designs by: Coastal Kitchens, coastalkitchensri.com

RENEE JORDAN

“The walls are painted in Dimity by Farrow & Ball, a soft, milky taupe that does its job in the background. Then there’s walnut, which shows up everywhere I let it. While the unlacquered brass isn’t center stage, it’s my favorite detail to catch in passing, because it never fails to remind you that beauty lives in the details you almost miss.” Interior designer, “Beyond a White Kitchen” (page 66), pcdstudios.com.

—Mary Fitzgerald

GRANETO: CHICHI UBIÑA; GOUGH: CHRISTINE SARAH; JORDAN: STEPHANIE RUSSO

“In my kitchen, I have a variety of woods and finishes. The wood cabinets and flooring are stained in a medium tone. In contrast, the stone countertops are light, and my furniture is stained in a deeper brown to add richness and warmth. The fixtures and hardware are in mixed metals of black and brass.”

Interior designer, “Beyond a White Kitchen” (page 66), janagoughdesign.com.

lauramichaelsdesign.com | Follow us @athomewithlauramichaelsdesign | 203.461.3800

OUT OF THE BOX

Seat Yourself

BROWSE OUR SELECTION OF DESIGN-FORWARD COUNTER AND BAR STOOLS | BY MARY FITZGERALD

HICKORY CHAIR

The asymmetrical Split Klismos Bench from Hickory Chair’s Ray Booth upholstery collection accommodates one or more with its versatile stool/ bench design. $4,260, available through Schwartz Design Showroom, schwartzdesignshowroom.com, hickorychair.com.

ABNER HENRY

SOHO HOUSE

The Albany bar stool’s distinctive velvet clover-shaped seat rests on an oak burl veneer base, finished in a high gloss teal with a brass footrest. Price upon request, sohohome.com.

Fashioned in maple, the Jon barstool from the Sasha Bikoff Collection for Abner Henry combines Amish craftsmanship with Memphis Milano style. Custom finishes are available. $5,148, abnerhenry.com.

JANUARY 2026 | COTTAGESGARDENS.COM | CTC&G

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OUT OF THE BOX

FOUR HANDS

The Dane counter stool features a webbed seating structure for support. The upholstered back and strap details are softened with a loose cushion in an olive flax/linen blend. $999, available through Perigold, perigold.com, fourhands.com.

UNIVERSAL

ARTEMEST

Designed by Balutto Associati for Livoni 1895, the Burano 30-inch bar stool is handcrafted in Italy from ash wood with a double layer of leather and designed with a slightly inclined backrest for extra comfort. $1,225, artemest.com.

The rattan circles of the Pebble counter chair mimic the pattern of a pebble-strewn beach. An upholstered seat and kidney pillow add comfort and style. Available in natural rattan or a sea salt finish. $1,265, universalfurniture.com.

SERENA & LILY

The Wells counter stool is crafted from solid ash with a washed white finish and a handwoven rattan caning back.

The upholstered seat is wrapped in Perennials Basketweave Sky fabric. $998, serenaandlily.com.

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CTC&G | COTTAGESGARDENS.COM | JANUARY 2026

INSIDHERLAND

Designed and made in Portugal, the Figueroa bar stool is fully upholstered, from seat to legs, in a green velvet, accented with polished brass leg caps and footrest. Available through the trade, price upon request, insidherland.com.

OUT OF THE BOX

ARHAUS

The softly curved back of the Aimee stool is reminiscent of both classic French antiques and iconic midcentury modern design.

Made from solid oak wood with a generously upholstered cushion, it is offered in counter and bar heights. $1,120, arhaus.com.

TOM DIXON

Tom Dixon’s beloved Fat silhouette is translated into a 30-inch bar stool, wearing a wool Kvadrat fabric, Melange Nap, with black steel legs. $1,595, tomdixon.net.

LAWSON-FENNING

Designed by Levi Christiansen for Lawson-Fenning, the El Cap bar stool is constructed with a hardwood walnut frame and upholstered in a channeltufted Butterscotch mohair. $3,625, lawsonfenning.com.

HIGHLAND HOUSE

Designed by the Highland House team, the Voss counter stool features a tight back and seat with a brass cross bar, offered in a choice of fabrics and finishes. $3,375, highlandhousefurniture.com.

INTERLUDE HOME

Evoking a global vibe, the Madeira counter stool is realized in a washed taupe Sungkai wood with leather detailing. $1,109, interludehome.com.

JANUARY 2026 | COTTAGESGARDENS.COM | CTC&G

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DESIGN NOTES

Buzzworthy

A P E E K I N S I D E T H E L AT E S T D E S I G N N E W S H A P P E N I N G I N T H E A R E A

DISTINGUISHED DESIGN

Creativity + Craft

THE ROYAL TREATMENT

MATERIAL EXPRESSION

Royal Copenhagen unveiled “Our Heritage Explored” to mark its 250th anniversary. The new collection celebrates past and present with rereleased archival treasures in addition to new glassware and textiles. Known for porcelain, Royal Copenhagen has expanded its repertoire with Aurora and Waves glassware and table linens to create a fully dressed ensemble for entertaining.

“Celebrating 250 years is a remarkable milestone and proud moment for Royal Copenhagen. With Our Heritage Explored collection, we honor our rich heritage while continuing to tell new stories of togetherness and beauty,” says Jasper Toron Nielsen, Creative Director, Royal Copenhagen. royalcopenhagen.com.

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CTC&G | COTTAGESGARDENS.COM | JANUARY 2026

The latest introduction from Ann Sacks and Kelly Wearstler, Made Billow, was inspired by the dimensionality of vintage puffy jackets. Wearstler explores pillowy shapes and horizontal fluted patterns and the unpredictable way glaze flows to create variations in color and texture. “The bulbous forms play tricks with light and shadow,” explains Wearstler. “The designs became an obsession with contradiction— how do you make something as hard as ceramic feel tactile and responsive. It’s about pushing materials beyond what they are supposed to do and finding beauty in that defiance.” annsacks. kohler.com.

MATERIAL EXPRESSION: BRITT SCHAEFFER

Hickory Chair’s collaboration with Liberty Fabrics was the talk of the fall High Point Furniture Market.

Celebrating Liberty’s 150-year anniversary, the British design house created 11 bespoke colorways of its iconic fabrics, designed specifically for Hickory Chair. Distinguished patterns, such as Lady Kristina, Floating Pavillion, Butterfield and Lotus Garden, were selected from the archives in velvets and linen to complement Hickory Chair’s benchmade furniture. “Seeing Liberty’s interior fabrics brought to life on beautifully crafted silhouettes has been an inspiring project,” shares Genevieve Bennett, Head of Design, Liberty Interiors. “Creating specifically for the American market, our design team worked to carefully reimagine beloved prints in exciting new colorways exclusively for Hickory Chair. This partnership honors Liberty’s 150 years of heritage, while celebrating the enduring synergy between timeless textiles and distinguished craftsmanship.” NYDC, hickorychair.com.

Soane Britain has teamed up with American designer Billy Cotton to create a wide-ranging assemblage of fabrics, wallpapers, furniture and lighting. Consisting of 23 fabrics and corresponding wallpapers plus 21 furniture and lighting designs, Cotton brings a fresh perspective to the British brand. Soane’s founder Lulu Lytle praised Cotton for his ability to make traditional designs feel current with materiality and craft. “Soane is one of the few companies in the world that is able to produce new, meaningful design at the highest level,” notes Cotton. “One of the most extraordinary things about working with Soane was its commitment to British craft. We worked with rattan weavers, saddlers, cabinet makers, metal engineers, fabric and wallpaper printers and every single piece was made in Britain.” The collection is available in the NYC showroom, 22 E. 65th St., NYC, soane.co.uk.

OFFERING DECORATIVE PLUMBING & LIGHTING, VANITIES, CABINET & DOOR HARDWARE. CONTACT US TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT. Since 1917 • www.TorrcoDesignCenter.com • 203.965.4980 STAMFORD • FAIRFIELD • DANBURY • NEW HAVEN • EAST WINDSOR • WATERBURY

French M A R K E T PL AC E

Farmhouse OLD-WORLD CHARM MEETS MODERN FUNCTIONALITY IN THE EFFORTLESS STYLE OF A FRENCH KITCHEN WITH PROFESSIONALGRADE APPLIANCES, A RICH MIX OF WOOD AND POLISHED FINISHES, PLAYFUL PATTERN AND UNEXPECTED LIGHTING B Y M A RY F I T Z G ERA LD

RUVATI

This DualTier 45-inch workstation farm sink is equipped with all the builtin accessories you’ll need to prep, serve and clean. $1,890, ruvati.com.

L’ATELIER PARIS

WOOD-MODE

Geneva cabinetry features a subtle molding around the center panel with a beaded profile, available as a full overlay or inset door. Shown here as an inset in Pale Spring.

Price upon request, available through Mohawk Kitchens, mohawkkitchens.com, wood-mode.com.

ART & FORGE

Defined by a stepped profile, the Wren rectangular backplate and knob bring elevated structure and symmetry to cabinetry hardware that suits both contemporary and classic interiors. $60, artandforge.com.

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CTC&G | COTTAGESGARDENS.COM | JANUARY 2026

LOSTINE

Designed and made in Philadelphia,the Sarah Cone chandelier shines with a soft, ambient glow. Three handstitched leather shades hang from the solid maple hub and satin brass canopy. $2,280, lostine.com.

The bespoke L’Atelier Paris 110-inch cooking range features six high-output gas burners, a griddle and two large convection ovens framed by side storage drawers.

Shown here finished in Noir gloss with burnished brass classic trim. As shown, $39,153, leatelierparis.com.

M A R K E T PL AC E MONOGRAM

Monogram’s 24inch undercounter wine reserve and 24-inch undercounter beverage center are tailor-made to fit any space with fully integrated, panel-ready exteriors and sleek black onyx interiors. The units ensure optimal, consistent temperaturecontrolled storage for bottles and cans. Pricing starts at $2,700, Available through Marsillios, marsillios.com, monogram.com.

Clean lines and balanced proportions impart a stately presence to the Meridian cabinetry collection, available in both full overlay and full inset door styles. Shown here, Bristle, a cerused walnut finish. Price upon request, bakesandkropp.com.

KOHLER

COULEUR NATURE

The deck mounted Billet two-hole bridge kitchen faucet with side sprayer fuses vintage industrial character with modern refinement. Shown here in Matte Black with Brushed Moderne Brass. $1,631, available at the Kohler Store by Plimpton & Hills, kohler.com.

Parisian artist Bruno Lamy designed the Granada napkins, capturing the botanical beauty of the Provençal countryside. Made from 100-percent cotton, the handprinted napkins are sold as a set of six. $105, couleurnature.com.

L’ATELIER PARIS: DESIGN: FOX GROUP; MONOGRAM: COURTESY OF MONOGRAM, DESIGN: RICHARD ANUSZKIEWICZ

BAKES & KROPP

FISHER & PAYKEL

Fisher & Paykel offers a 15-inch Series 9 gas burner on black glass that can be paired with its modular induction cooktops for the best of both worlds—gas and induction. $999, available through Aitoro, aitoro.com, fisherpaykel.com.

SERENA & LILY

Quintessentially French, the Riviera Etoile bistro-style counter stool is realized here in Natural and Olive rattan. $448, serenaandlily.com.

TILE CLUB

Crafted in Spain with a matte finish and intentional distressing, Ursa Black Star porcelain tiles appear aged to perfection. The celestial design can be used alone or paired with solid-colored tile for a checkboard installation. $12 per square foot, tileclub.com.

JANUARY 2026 | COTTAGESGARDENS.COM | CTC&G

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Morrocan M A R K E T PL AC E

Riad

CHANNEL GLOBAL STYLE IN A KITCHEN FILLED WITH VIBRANT SPICE TONES, TACTILE WOODS, WARM METALS, INTRICATE MOSAICS AND ARTISAN CRAFTSMANSHIP

BY MARY FITZGER ALD

JAYSON HOME

Made in the village of Tamegroute, Morocco, Zohra pottery is coveted for its distinctive green glaze. Each Zohra footed bowl is handcrafted by local artisans in small, familyowned workshops with clay dug from the Draa riverbed. No two pieces are exactly alike in shape, size or color. $138, jaysonhome.com.

CURREY & COMPANY

The Tangiers pendant will transport you to Marrakech. The metal form is pierced by hand and plated with copper and nickel finishes before a final coating of lacquer is applied.

Small amber beads add sparkle when the light hits them. $810, available through Chloe Winston Lighting Design, chloewinstonlighting.com, curreyandcompany.com.

BLUESTAR

The Normandy pro-style ventilation hood will be the star of the show in the kitchen. The fan features three exhaust settings, a boost mode and “whisper-quiet” operation. Shown here in Honey Yellow with Pewter trim, more than 1,000 custom color options are offered. Pricing starts at $6,295, available at County TV & Appliance, countytv.com, bluestarcooking.com.

LENOVA

NEW RAVENNA Hailing from New Ravenna’s San Marco collection,

Gaspara, a waterjet cut mosaic, is shown in honed Carrara, polished Persian Gold, Blue Macauba, Chartreuse, Maple, Verde Alpi and Aegean Brown. $376 per square foot, available through Karen Berkemeyer, karenberkemeyerhome.com. newravenna.com.

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CTC&G | COTTAGESGARDENS.COM | JANUARY 2026

Made from 14-gauge copper, Lenova’s handhammered Copper Sink wears a living finish that ages with use, developing a beautiful patina. $2,315, lenovagroup.com.

M A R K E T PL AC E SUR LA TABLE

The conical lid of the Emile Henry tagine locks in aromatic steam to continuously baste cooking foods.

Produced one at a time, each piece is formed and hand finished. 2.1 quart, $200; 3.7 quart, $260, surlatable.com.

HÄCKER KITCHENS

German manufacturer of modern kitchen cabinetry, Häcker Kitchens introduces the Rattan cabinet front, drawing inspiration from the timeless appeal of woven materials. Its multi-layer wood veneer is pressed to achieve a dimensional caning relief. Available in three finishes, Elegant Oak, Elegant Walnut and Black Oak. Price upon request, available through Häcker Greenwich, hackerkitchens.us.

MODERN MATTER

Modern Matter and Pure Salt teamed up on a collection of artisanal hardware. Each piece exhibits subtle variations of color and texture with a hand-rubbed patina for unique character. The Monterey Pull and backplate is shown here in burnished brass. $99, modern-matter.com.

ABC STONE

Bring on the drama with Breccia Viola, a bold Italian marble with violet, plum and burgundy fragments and creamy white veining, resembling precious stones suspended in alabaster. Price upon request, abcworldwidestone.com.

TRUE RESIDENTIAL

Walnut hardware featuring brass caps enhances True Residential’s new 24-inch columns in Olive—the three columns are united with a joining kit. Clients can customize finishes, colors and hardware. Price upon request, available through Powerhouse Kitchens & Appliances, powerhouseappliances.com, true-residential.com.

HUDSON GRACE

Inspired by block prints and ikat patterns, Peter Dunham’s tabletop collection for Hudson Grace is designed to be layered—case in point­—the Jaali salad plate paired with a Spice Orange Sunburst dinner plate. $32–$38, hudsongracesf.com.

GROHE

OBAKKI

Carrying on Morocco’s centuries-old wood working traditions, a collective of artisans in Marrakech hand carves local woods—walnut, olive and lemon—into candle holders, Each piece honors both the material and the maker. $35–$94, obakki.com.

The Concetto single-handle, pull-down spray faucet is finished in Brushed Cool Sunrise with Grohe’s StarLight coating to maintain its original luster. $525, available through Torrco, torrco.com, grohe.us.

DACOR

Precise cooking and innovative design are hallmarks of Dacor’s Energy Star 30-inch Induction range with Pure Convection and two seven-inch burners that sync to accommodate large cookware. $6,899, available through Planet TV & Appliances, planettv.com, dacor.com.

JANUARY 2026 | COTTAGESGARDENS.COM | CTC&G

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T R AV E L B Y D E S I G N

An Artful Exploration R

I N S I D E R O T T E R D A M ’ S L I V I N G M U S E U M S | B Y B A R O N E S S S H E R I D E B O R C H G R AV E

otterdam is a city of reinvention. After the devastation of World War II— when much of its medieval center was destroyed—the busy port became a playground for experimental architecture. In recent years, bold ideas from some of the world’s biggest architects— including Dutch firms OMA and MVRDV— have transformed the skyline. I traveled to the city on a design pilgrimage last summer, part of a whirlwind tour through the Netherlands, catching up with an old friend with a real passion for art and architecture. Our destination: two of Rotterdam’s most buzzed-about buildings, the Fenix Museum of Migration and the shimmering Depot of the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen—each rewriting the rules of what a museum can be.

We arrived at the Fenix on a sun-drenched afternoon, following the curve of the harbor until the hulking former shipping warehouse came into view. Today light pours through a new indoor atrium, illuminating a vast double-helix staircase twisting upward through the space like a living sculpture. The stainless-steel structure—aptly named the Tornado—rises from the ground floor and unfurls all the way up to the roof, where it continues skyward. The gleaming 100-foot spiral, designed by Chinese architect Ma Yansong of MAD Architects, has become a new city icon.

The museum itself, devoted to global migration, tells stories of departure and arrival.

Once a Holland America Line warehouse, in the early 20th century, the building saw millions of immigrants boarding ships bound for the U.S. and Canada. Now, it honors that history with its marquee exhibit, “The Family of Migrants,” a photographic journey showcasing some 200 photos shot all over the world by some of the greatest photographers of the last century.

As I moved from one striking image to the next—families leaving Vietnam during the war in overstuffed boats, East Berliners crossing the Wall after it fell, dockworkers waving farewell to crammed steamships—I felt as though the building itself was breathing with the collective memory of humanity on the move.

From the Fenix, I crossed the River Maas toward the Museumpark in the city center, a cultural hub that’s home to a natural history

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THIS IMAGE: IWAN BAAN; RIGHT: OSSIP VAN DUIVENBODE

Shining Stars Two of Rotterdam’s most buzzed-about buildings: The Fenix Museum of Migration (this photo) designed by architect Ma Yansong of MAD Architects, and the Depot (right) of the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen designed by architect Winy Maas of MVRDV.

museum and the Kunsthal, a popular art center.

Among the low-slung buildings, a surreal mirrored form glinted between the trees. The Depot doesn’t look like a museum at all; it resembles an enormous silver bowl, its 7,000-square-foot mirrored façade reflecting the park, the clouds and passersby into an infinite collage. Designed

by Rotterdam’s own Winy Maas of MVRDV, it’s the world’s first fully accessible art storage facility—an open archive for the neighboring Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen’s 154,000 works spanning the full scope of art history, from the Middle Ages to the 21st century. The idea for the space, built entirely above ground, came after a severe flood in 2021 threatened the museum’s original basement storage facility. Maas covered the building with mirrors and topped it with plants so it would disappear into the landscape.

Peeking through glass windows, we watched restoration in action, including work on the 15th-century work Three Marys at the Tomb by Jan van Eyck; 17th-century portraits of Dutch explorers and wealthy merchants; 18th-century still lifes by Dutch Baroque painter Jan Weenix; and 19th-century works of Piet Mondrian. Inside, the space feels like a surreal dreamscape, with glass staircases, floating vitrines, and glimpses of restoration labs. We also viewed a wealth of art objects, such as utensils from the Middle Ages, small devotional items and religious representations in ivory and gold, and Mexican pottery. A sculpture by Maurizio Cattelan—of a man bursting through a glass ceiling—is a sly metaphor for the Depot’s own defiance of traditional boundaries.

JANUARY 2026 | COTTAGESGARDENS.COM | CTC&G

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#CGInsiderKBIS

CALLING ALL DESIGNERS! Join CTC&G’ s Editorial Director DJ Carey in Orlando, FL for the annual C&G Insider Tour at The 2026 Kitchen and Bath Show February 17 and 18

INTERIOR DESIGN BY KRISTIN FINE, PHOTO BY NICOLE FRANZEN

KBIS HIGHLIGHTS AND PROGRAMMING 2/17: 1pm-4pm, Part I of Tour (6-7 booth visits) 2/17: Private Dinner / Welcome Event TBD 2/18: 8:30am-12:30pm, Part II of Tour (6-7 booth visits)

REGISTER NOW! SPACE IS LIMITED. DESIGNERS ONLY.

C&G Insiders will receive FREE Exhibit Admission ROOMS AVAILABLE upon request FREE NKBA Bash Tickets For more info and to register, visit cottagesgardens.com/KBIS2026

A SPECIAL SECTION

WHAT'S TRENDING IN KITCHEN & BATH F E AT U R I N G BAKES & KROPP FINE CABINETRY B I LOT TA K I TC H E N & H O M E CLARKE - OFFICIAL SUB-ZERO, WOLF AND COVE SHOWROOM HOBBS, INC. ILVE USA M A J E ST I C K I TC H E N S A N D B AT H NEWPORT BRASS NUKITCHENS T H E R O YA L G R E E N A P P L I A N C E CO M PA N I E S YA N K E E C U S T O M B U I L D E R S

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BAKES & KROPP FINE CABINETRY

Whether collaborating with an architect, builder, interior designer, or homeowner, Bakes & Kropp embraces partnerships with those who share its passion for elevated living—joining forces to shape extraordinary spaces where thoughtful design and masterful craftsmanship converge.

Lead interior design by Santiago Tomas Interiors.

Kitchen design by Sabrina Antony, atelier bauherr.

Lighting design by Staci Ruiz. General contracting by Cornerstone Restoration. Stone by ABC Stone.

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akes & Kropp brings decades of expertise to the art of fine cabinetry, elevating distinguished homes nationwide with award-winning bespoke millwork. From classic to contemporary, its exquisitely designed and handcrafted cabinetry exemplifies unparalleled quality and understated elegance. Guided by a commitment to excellence, the brand’s team of expert designers and master craftspeople collaborates to create timeless spaces and trusted relationships.

With six showrooms across the country, Bakes & Kropp invites clients to experience its craftsmanship and design philosophy firsthand. The flagship location in New York City’s prestigious A&D Building sets the tone for its curated spaces that elevate and innovate.

From the vibrant pulse of Manhattan to the coastal sophistication of

West Palm Beach—each showroom reflects the brand’s belief that luxury should be both highly functional and deeply personal.

888.206.0015 bakesandkropp.com @bakesandkropp

BAKES & KROPP

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BILOTTA KITCHEN & HOME

Bilotta Kitchen & Home, renowned for exquisite craftsmanship and service, celebrated its 40th year in business throughout 2025. Their brand-new flagship showroom opened in Mamaroneck NY, followed by full renovations of their New York City, Mount Kisco, and Greenwich showrooms, all featuring a creative presentation of the latest industry trends.

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ilotta Kitchen & Home’s new showrooms brilliantly feature their own version of the latest trends, showcasing their proprietary Bilotta Cabinetry, handcrafted in the United States. Combined with their other custom lines, Bilotta will satisfy every design style from traditional to contemporary, at a variety of price points. The design team’s creativity is evident in their use of expressive wood grains, combined with a bold use of colors and finishes. See flat and rift cut oaks, natural and stained walnuts next to bold hues of deep greens, midnight blues, and black featured in both matte and high gloss enamels on both frameless and even inset cabinetry, practically unheard of in the industry. They also featured new finishes on metal doors, combined with fluted panels of stone and wood on cabinetry and hoods, as well as increasingly popular wood-like laminates. You’ll also see installations of beautiful

tile and stone slab backsplashes with dramatic veining in quartzite or marble, carried to full height from counter to ceiling to create a clean, luxurious look. To balance beauty with functionality, the showrooms feature open shelving for display items, alongside smart hiddenstorage solutions such as Le Mans pull-outs, spice columns and even drawers for coffee pods—everything hidden away for a clean look yet easy to access. Cozy eat-in banquettes with concealed storage are seen in the Mamaroneck and New York City showrooms, reflecting the growing demand for comfortable, spaceefficient dining areas.

866.245.6882 bilotta.com @bilottakitchens

BILOTTA

COME SEE OUR

A&D BUILDING, NYC MAMARONECK, NY MOUNT KISCO, NY GREENWICH, CT 866.245.6882 W W W. B I L O T TA .C O M

ALL NEW CONNECTICUT SHOWROOM

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CLARKE - OFFICIAL SUB-ZERO, WOLF AND COVE SHOWROOM

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lanning a new kitchen? Begin with appliance research. For many, a kitchen project begins with considering a layout and cabinet style, yet savvy designers say extraordinary kitchens start with appliance selection. When you think about it, this makes sense. Your kitchen layout may be very different if you select a 48” dual fuel range than if you envision an induction cooktop and wall ovens.

When it comes to researching today’s finest appliances, there is one place unlike any other: Clarke, New England’s Official Sub-Zero, Wolf and Cove Showroom and Test Kitchen. Clarke creates an unparalleled experience in three award-winning showrooms offering a singular opportunity to plan your extraordinary kitchen. One hour at a Clarke Showroom reveals all that Sub-Zero, Wolf and Cove have to offer in a relaxed environment.

You’ll see these appliances in

full-scale designer kitchens to help you envision how they might look in your home. Clarke consultants are not designers; they are the people designers call on for appliance recommendations. Clarke doesn’t sell anything, so all you will take away is knowledge and contact information for an authorized retail dealer.

Clarke’s culinary staff will help you taste what’s possible and even set up a Wolf test drive. Ask about the convection steam oven. It’s amazing.

800.842.5275 clarkeliving.com @clarke_showrooms

Without Marco, it wouldn’t be Clarke.

CLARKE

Spend an hour at a Clarke Showroom and one thing is clear: your time with a Clarke Consultant is the most valuable part of your kitchen journey. While they’re not designers, these are the people designers call on when it comes to appliance recommendations. You won’t buy anything at Clarke, so there’s simply no pressure. What you can do is compare more Sub-Zero, Wolf and Cove models than anywhere in New England. And explore a living portfolio of kitchens created by the region’s top designers. You’ll leave inspired with new knowledge to make your appliance selections with confidence.

New England’s Official Showroom and Test Kitchen

Boston & Milford, MA South Norwalk, CT 800-842-5275 clarkeliving.com

With a global luxury perspective informed by living in the Seychelles, Marco Barallon is perhaps the savviest appliance expert in the Northeast. For more than 20 years, architects, designers and homeowners have relied on his expertise.

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HOBBS, INC.

(photos on this page) Architecture: Apparatus Architecture Interior Design: Pimlico Interiors Photography: Amy Vischio Photography

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obbs, Inc. is a third-generation family run business that has been building distinctive custom homes for more than 65 years. The company was built on the core values of integrity, quality, and customer service which are still at the forefront of their business. Hobbs, Inc. works with renowned architects and discerning homeowners in Connecticut, Westchester County, New York City, the Hamptons, and New Jersey. Their employees constitute the most professional collection of knowledge and talent in the high-end residential construction business. Hobbs, Inc. is committed to transparency with their clients in every aspect of the planning and

building process in order to minimize your stress and maximize your peace of mind. Their goal is to exceed your expectations while making your dream home a reality.

203.966.0726 hobbsinc.com @hobbs_inc

HOBBS

Architecture: Deborah Berke Partners Photography: Scott Frances

DISTINCTIVE HOMES ADDITIONS & RENOVATIONS

203.966.0726 www.hobbsinc.com CONNECTICUT • NEW YORK • NEW JERSEY

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ILVE USA

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nterior designer Rebecca McCullough believes a kitchen should feel personal, intentional, and crafted to last. In her own home’s modern luxury renovation, she chose an ILVE Nostalgie dual fuel range, an heirloomquality Italian piece that blends timeless craftsmanship, virtually limitless customization in design, and professional-grade performance.

With hundreds of bespoke colors, trims, and configurations, ILVE empowers homeowners to create a kitchen statement piece that truly feels their own.

Photos by Lily Pannella

“ILVE is a rare luxury appliance import that feels personal.

It's your centerpiece and defining element that elevates everything around it. And for our family, it’s designed for the way we live, cook, and love,” McCullough says (pictured here).

Built to last for generations, ILVE defines sustainable, modern luxury.

Want proof? Visit their Instagram @ILVEranges, a daily feast of kitchen design inspo showing exactly why ILVE has become America’s new "It" brand, a no-brainer favorite.

646.444.8054 us.ilve.com @ILVEranges

ILVE USA

Join the ILVE USA Trade Program Today Pictured: Christina Landsman and her ILVE Nostalgie II 40” Designed for architects, builders, and designers, the ILVE Trade Program offers exclusive access to preferred pricing, personalized support, and tailored project solutions. Partner with Italy’s most iconic luxury range brand and elevate every kitchen you design.

ILVE USA Apply today at us.ilve.com/trade-program

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Photos by Julie Leffell Photography

MAJESTIC KITCHENS AND BATH

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ajestic Kitchens & Bath is a legacy in extraordinary design for more than 60 years. They are a family-owned business offering design services for your kitchen and bathrooms. Since 1961, Majestic has been building quality kitchens and baths for customers in Westchester, Fairfield and Rockland Counties.

At Majestic Kitchens & Bath, you get personalized attention from

professional designers who cater to your individual needs.

Designs by Scott Weinlein, Majestic Kitchens & Bath and ND Interiors.

914.381.1302 majestickitchens.com @majestic_kitchens_and_baths

MAJESTIC KITCHENS

914-381-1302 I Mamaroneck, NY 10543 I www.majestickitchens.com

MAJESTIC KITCHENS AND BATH

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NEWPORT BRASS From solid-brass construction to hand-finished detail, Newport Brass fixtures bring enduring craftsmanship and architectural beauty to the kitchen and bath. They are modern heirlooms shaped to live beautifully for generations.

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well-designed kitchen balances beauty, utility, and enduring quality.

You feel it in the weight of the metal, the way light settles across a surface, the subtle confidence of a handle that moves with precision. These are the details that reveal how a space is made, and how it will live over time.

Provenance and craftsmanship carry particular resonance in the kitchen, where materials must be both expressive and resilient. Solid brass, hand-finished surfaces, and time-honored processes introduce a depth and warmth that enrich the surrounding palette of stone, wood, and hand-crafted cabinetry.

Newport Brass has been refining that balance of craftsmanship and elegance for decades in its

California facility, where each piece is forged, machined, and finished by hand. Architectural lines, generous proportions, and a spectrum of rich decorative finishes allow the fixture to either recede with quiet intention or become a defining focal point.

These are pieces with the makings of heirlooms. Objects that reveal their beauty slowly, through ritual and repeated use. In spaces designed for gathering, cooking, and conversation, the right fixture becomes more than a finishing touch; it becomes part of the home’s story, aging gracefully alongside the lives lived around it.

949.417.5207 newportbrass.com @newportbrass

LEGACY REFINED FOR MODERN LIVING N E W P O RT B R A S S . C O M

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At Nukitchens, expert designers and full-service remodeling come together to create kitchens that reflect your lifestyle.

Their family-owned, collaborative approach ensures every detail is managed with care, delivering a space that feels beautifully personal and truly functional.

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ukitchens’ talented design team specializes in transforming dream kitchens into reality. The company prides itself on cultivating an honest, open exchange of ideas, ensuring that every project benefits from thoughtful collaboration and clear communication. As a familyowned business, Nukitchens brings a uniquely supportive, team-oriented approach to each endeavor, creating an experience that feels both personal and highly professional.

Serving as a comprehensive, one-stop solution, Nukitchens offers full remodeling services alongside expert space planning, cabinetry, appliances, and accessories. Their dedicated team manages every stage of the process, eliminating the need for clients to coordinate multiple vendors and ensuring that each detail is handled with

precision and care. This streamlined approach allows homeowners to move through their renovation with confidence and ease.

The designers at Nukitchens work closely with one another and with their clients to deliver exceptional results. They are committed to maintaining high standards and encouraging fresh, innovative ideas that shape spaces tailored to each homeowner’s lifestyle. Through attentive guidance and creative expertise, Nukitchens helps clients design kitchens that look beautiful, function seamlessly, and truly feel like home.

203.831.9000 nukitchens.com @nukitchens

Photos by Kyle Norton Photography

NUKITCHENS

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THE ROYAL GREEN APPLIANCE COMPANIES

Viking Range: Viking introduces the all-new 48”W Induction Range. Clean energy, timeless taste.

Welcome to the future of fireless flavor available in 18 rich hues and brass accent options (this photo).

AGA Elise Induction Rangetop: The AGA Elise 5-zone Induction Rangetop can heat food precisely, 2-3 times faster than gas, while conserving energy.

Now available in 6 sophisticated finish options as well as 7 cruciform knob finishes (below).

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he Royal Green Appliance Companies has been a trusted destination for premium and luxury home appliances for more than 70 years, serving designers, builders, architects, and discerning homeowners with a legacy of expertise, trend insight, and industry evolution.

Looking further into 2026, Royal Green has identified a powerful shift: the rise of customizable induction luxury ranges. As consumers grow more aware of induction’s speed, precision, and superior functionality— as well as its cleaner indoor air benefits compared with gas—many are warming up to the idea of a fireless kitchen. With a number of cities and states moving toward allelectric homes, induction is no longer

simply a trend; it’s becoming a new standard for sustainability and safety.

From fully induction surfaces such as Viking’s new 48” Induction Range and AGA Elise’s latest induction rangetop, to dual-fuel configurations that blend induction and gas, such as La Cornue’s customizable Château offerings, today’s induction appliances offer more versatility than ever.

The aesthetics have evolved beyond sleek and modern to warm, ornate, and highly customizable designs in an array of sizes, colors, and finishes—bringing elevated style and cool-touch performance to every kitchen vision.

914.949.5999 royalgreenappliance.com @royalgreenappliance

La Cornue Château ranges offer uncompromising culinary performance in an unrivaled range of 8,000 configurations, colors, finishes, and measurements

With the latest in expertly curated brands, white-glove service, and a commitment to exceptional client experiences Royal Green Appliance Companies bring product knowledge, innovation, and partnership to every project.

INFO@ROYALGREENAPPLIANCE.COM | ROYALGREENAPPLIANCE.COM NEW YORK

NEW JERSEY

SOUTH FLORIDA

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Photos by Read McKendree (left top), Robert Benson Photography (left bottom)

YANKEE CUSTOM BUILDERS

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ankee Custom Builders is a custom homebuilder specializing in high-end custom homes. Started in 2015 by Justin Meneguzzo, YCB has quickly established itself as one of the premier homebuilders in Connecticut and New York.

Committed to maintaining each client’s vision while respecting budget and schedule requirements, YCB prioritizes clear communication and expertise to ensure a smooth and rewarding building experience.

Its focus on client satisfaction means that homeowners feel supported

and confident throughout every stage of the process. This dedication has earned YCB the trust and recommendations of architects and designers who feel confident in recommending YCB to their valued clients.

203.588.1556 yankeecustombuilders.com @yankeecustombuilders

YANKEE CUSTOM BUILDERS

YANKEECUSTO M BUIL DERS.CO M

DEEDS DON’TS Hot Stuff

D

uring the year’s coldest, darkest month, the kitchen is the place to be—whether around the island for a family dinner or when entertaining guests. Join us for a tour of our state’s hottest kitchens, from Greenwich to Lyme, with a side trip upstate to Woodbury, too.

GREENWICH TIME

The first of our two big-deal Greenwich listings is a $43 million property sited on nearly three acres directly on Long Island Sound. The stone-and-shingle main house has a mile-long list of amenities across its 11,500-square-foot interiors. But one lovely, small grace note is the glossy blue butler’s pantry adjoining the pretty kitchen with the formal dining room. The kitchen is at the heart of the main floor, which has been configured to take in views of the pool, back lawns and the water from

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Blue Note While this $43 million Greenwich listing has a long list of amazing amenities, the all-blue butler’s pantry is among its most appealing. TT Ranch Group of Sotheby’s International Realty has the listing. 214-396-9692.

MODERN ANGLES FOR SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY

I N S I D E S T O R I E S B E H I N D A R E A R E A L E S TAT E D E A L S

DEEDS & DON’ TS

DANIEL MILSTEIN PHOTOGRAPHY

Best Cellar An above-ground wine “cellar” is one of today’s much-coveted amenities and this Greenwich listing has a lovely one. The circa-1846 Colonial is listed for $13,750,000 with Amanda Bates Goodro of Houlihan Lawrence in Greenwich. 203-536-1195.

terraces and balconies built for outdoor dining and lounging. Upstairs, there are six ensuite bedrooms, including an expansive primary suite with a fireplace, balcony, office and spa-like bath. The lower level is practically a house party unto itself with a gym, wine cellar, game room, bunk-bed alcove and steps out to the pool. It’s offered by the TT Ranch Group of Sotheby’s International Realty.

Equally impressive is the $13,750,000 listing called Mead Farm on nearly six acres. Built in 1846, the 9,000-square-foot Colonial was thoroughly and thoughtfully renovated by designer Thom Filicia. The main floor is organized around a true heart-of-the-home kitchen that offers a space for casual dining as well as access to a formal dining room with a fireplace. One of the homes coolest features is the rebuilt—and now clapboard-clad—water tower, now housing a gym, wine room and double-height office space. There are six bedrooms and eight bathrooms in all, including a primary suite with another fireplace (there are seven in all). And the grounds and gardens, renovated by James Doyle, feature a pool, ornamental trees and hedges, and rolling lawns. It lists with Amanda Bates Goodro of Houlihan Lawrence.

JANUARY 2026 | COTTAGESGARDENS.COM | CTC&G

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DEEDS & DON’ TS

UPSTATE PLACES

Let’s continue along the shoreline for a trip up to Lyme— and a newly listed, nearly 10-acre compound called River Knoll, sited with

views over the Connecticut River. The kitchen in the circa-1750 main house shows off the property’s antique charm, with its rustic beamed ceilings and wide-plank floorboards. Across the home’s 5,015 square feet, there are five bedrooms and six bathrooms, including a lovely primary suite with a private terrace with river views. The list of additional standout features starts with the luxe pool and terrace with a spa and a domed pavilion. Also on the grounds: formal gardens, a fenced-in kitchen garden and a classic red barn.

It’s offered for $7.7 million by Jennifer Caulfield of William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty.

Finally, in Woodbury, a circa-1685 Colonial is listed for $1,995,000. The pristine, white clapboard home has retained its much-coveted antique fixtures and features. Visible on the outside: the wood-shingle roof, a

DENNIS CARBO

Connecticut River Classic Called River Knoll, this renovated Lyme antique lists for $7.7 million with Jennifer Caulfield of William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty in Essex. 860-388-7710.

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CTC&G | COTTAGESGARDENS.COM | JANUARY 2026

DEEDS & DON’ TS

Picture Perfect This pristine Woodbury antique lists for $1,995,000 with Stacey Matthews and Pels Matthews of William Raveis Lifestyles Realty in Washington. 203-671-9067 and 203-671-5432.

handsome stone chimney and, on the 3.67-acre grounds, two red barns, one of which serves as the garage. Within the Colonial’s 3,324-square-foot interiors are hand-hewn beams, wide-board flooring, and a historic cooking fireplace. The all-white kitchen offers an easy flow to the wood-paneled

dining room and a deck for outdoor dining offering views over the rolling lawns. Also on the grounds: a pool and a pool house with a kitchenette, bathroom and sitting area. Stacey Matthews and Pels Matthews of William Raveis Lifestyles Realty have the listing. —Diane di Costanzo

ISLAND LIFE

Surrounded by water on all sides, this new listing on Westport’s Canfield Island offers a beach, a jetty and a private dock. The 2.5-acre property, part of a gated community, is also close to the Shorehaven Country Club and a quick kayak ride over to Compo Beach. And from the four-bedroom, 2,600-square-foot home, there are expansive views over Long Island Sound. It lists for $10,250,000 with Leslie Clarke of the Leslie Clarke Team with Compass in Westport. 203-984-1856.

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GARRETT WILSON BUILDERS

1599 POST ROAD EAST I WESTPORT, CT 06880 I 203-259-3333 I GARRETTWILSONBUILDERS.COM

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3/14/19 2:50 PM

JANUARY

TIM LEE

CON N ECT ICU T CO T TAGE S & GA R DE NS

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Fitting In (this photo) Tanner White, the architect of this house, says, “The residence was conceived as a contemporary interpretation of the classic architectural language found throughout the immediate area and town.” The foyer (below) is furnished with a Holly Hunt mirror, a chandelier by Il Pezzo Mancante and a coffee table by Opiary through 1stDibs. See Resources.

Fun

RAMP UP THE

PLAYFUL SURPRISES ADD MOMENTS OF DELIGHT AT A NEW FAMILY HOME

BY DAVID MASELLO | PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANDREW FRASZ | STYLING BY ANTHONY AMIANO

JANUARY 2026 | COTTAGESGARDENS.COM | CTC&G

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W hen Alice fell down the rabbit hole into a wonderland, she awoke eventually to find it was all a dream. But when the occupants of this new Fairfield County house take a ride down a sinuous slide, passing a wall of Cheshire cats and other animals right out of the fantasy tale, they reach a fun place that endures.

In keeping with the family-of-four’s request for a secretive speakeasy, combined with a play area featuring billiards tables and a video arcade, interior designer Karen Asprea created a memorable way to reach the spaces.

“From the upstairs level, when a hidden door

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CTC&G | COTTAGESGARDENS.COM | JANUARY 2026

Everyday Elegance Elements in the living room include a custom curved sofa upholstered in Dedar’s Vladimiro mohair with leather trim from Edelman Leather and a rug designed by Asprea Studio, while the custom chandelier is by Shakuff, and the fireplace is composed of Breccia Capria marble. See Resources.

Chic & Cheeky A custom curved banquette (this photo) upholstered in Zen Moment chenille by Kravet with a leather seat

by Edelman Leather and Lyz dining chairs from Cliff Young surround a custom table by Mark Jupiter; the chandelier over the table is by Larose Guyon; and the countertops are through BAS Stone. In the powder room (right) off the kitchen, Astek Home’s Drunken Monkey wallpaper lines the wall, the mirror is from Arhaus, and the wall sconce is by Lindsey Adelman. See Resources.

is opened, you can slide right down to the bar,” Asprea explains. But as she adds, “We had to put in a few bumpers along the way since people were flying down the chute too fast.” An adjacent staircase provides an alternative, albeit less daring, route down to the space.

The New York–based Asprea has difficulty exactly defining the scope of this project.

“I keep asking if this is a house or an estate, maybe it’s a compound,” she notes, outlining that in addition to the seven-bedroom residence, she also worked on the property’s

secondary building, sports court, and detached garage with an apartment. “Whatever this is, she’s a big and beautiful girl,” she says with the playfulness of an Alice in Wonderland.

Asprea, however, was undaunted by the scale of the house, the biggest residential project she has taken on to date, since she worked for years designing lobbies of gleaming Manhattan skyscrapers. “Because I know how to design spaces on that scale, I knew what to do here with some of the two-story-high spaces, notably the living room and the primary bedroom.”

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Tanner White, the architect for the house, acknowledges, too, the scale of the dwelling, saying, “At the core of the design is a doubleheight living room, anchored by a glass bridge linking the two wings of the house. Floorto-ceiling windows spanning two full stories frame elevated views of the surrounding grounds, creating a powerful indoor-outdoor connection.”

Among the most conspicuous elements that Asprea designed in response to the house’s scale are the lighting fixtures, each custommade and distinctive in the light they emit.

“The right lighting can create an evocative, romantic glow, which can make any space, of any scale, comfortable and intimate,” she emphasizes. For the living room, which melds with a dining area, Asprea commissioned a chandelier composed of a galaxy of handblown glass orbs. “The electrician was ready to kill me 62

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when he was installing it,” she recalls, “because I wanted each strand hung at a certain level to create an overall shape.”

For the two-story primary suite, Asprea added rift white oak beams to the ceiling as a way to visually lower the vaulting effect. Warm, creamy, tonal furnishings below, with two inviting seating areas, work to make the space feel, as she describes it, “like the most beautiful, inviting hotel room you’ve ever been in.”

The family is close and like to spend time playing and eating together. In the kitchen, Asprea designed a scalloped banquette able to enfold all of them at a meal. “They really wanted that space to be just for family.” The inviting nook is set off in the room not only by the novel seating, but also by the clear-glass lighting globes that hang above. Grayish-blue ceramic tiles and a bold brass stove hood imbue the room with added color and texture.

Bedroom Bliss (this page) A seating area in the vaulted primary suite is furnished with a pair of Coral armchairs by Paolo Castelli through the Invisible Collection and a Maddox coffee table from West Elm. The handwoven Snow Silk rug is from Landry & Arcari. Office Spaces (opposite, top to bottom) A glass wall provides privacy and transparency for his office furnished with a Fendi Casa armchair, a Polo floor lamp by CB2, a Delphi leather desk chair by Dania and a custom desk. A Lucien Parchment desk from RH is at the center of her office, and Asprea designed the area rug, which was fashioned by Edward Fields.

See Resources.

Fun House (left to right across spread) A custom slide by Evans and Paul that leads to the home’s lowerlevel bar is illuminated with a Tracer Loop chandelier from Luke Lamp Co., while wall-mounted metal animals from the Eric + Eloise Collection complement Creatures of the Night wallpaper from Zak + Fox. Bar stools from Jarrett Furniture provide seating at the bar, and hand-applied Venetian plaster walls are

by Omar Yacoub. Furnishings in the lower-level lounge include a modular sectional from Article, a Litho armchair through Pierre Frey, and pool and Ping Pong tables from Blatt Billiards. See Resources.

Because some rooms alternate between being one story or double height, Asprea was careful to establish a contrast in mood wherever needed. Situated near the entrance is the male client’s office, defined by a beveled glass wall, through which is visible a chic Fendi chair and handsome navy-hued millwork. The room stands out, too, because of Asprea’s addition of ceiling beams that reference coffering. “I wanted there to be a heavier architectural detailing, to introduce a linear language, as a way to lower that ceiling and make the room more intimate, especially since the tall twostory living room is just beyond.” Adds Tanner White, “The expansive open volumes allowed 64

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for a level of transparency and flow not typically seen in traditional construction.”

While Alice was wowed by the world she fell into, this family continues to revel in their new home. They were treated to a full design reveal only after Asprea’s work was complete.

“I like to emotionally curate a house,” the designer notes with philosophical gravity, “to have a room reflect the way a family wants to live in it.”

After staying away for weeks during the final installation of items, the clients were “allowed in” by Asprea. As she recalls, “With every door we opened, they experienced yet another emotional connection to their new home.” ✹

Beyond A White Kitchen

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DOUGLAS GRANETO DESIGN

JANA GOUGH

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PHOTOGRAPHS BY (LEFT TO RIGHT): TIM LEE, TRESSA STEVENS, TOM BRYAN

LAYERING IN WARMTH, CHARACTER AND FINE DETAILS

BY ANN LOYND BURTON | PHOTOGRAPHS BY TOM BRYAN, TIM LEE AND TRESSA STEVENS

For the past decade, the all-white kitchen has been the gold (or more aptly, marble) standard of luxury. But unlike fashion’s drastic swings between hemlines, this new phase of kitchen design is much more nuanced.

“There’s this quiet shift happening away from the ultraminimal, all-white kitchens that—let’s be honest—sometimes feel more like showrooms than places where life actually happens,” offers PCD Studios Founder Renee Jordan.

“Now it’s about bringing the soul back in—letting a space reflect who you are, where you’ve been and what matters to you.”

If these three kitchens are any indication, that character is coming in the form of natural elements and subtle dashes of color—warm woods, mixed metals, old-meets-new furniture collections, dramatic stone—combining to create a respite to cook, gather and highlight the family’s individual tastes.

PCD STUDIOS

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Brass Tacks (this photo) Brass accents—including sinks and faucets from Sun Valley Bronze, Lundy pendant lights

by Urban Electric and an Amuneal pot rack—shine against the homeowner’s collection of copperware. For a pop of color, Petra Counter stools by Thomas Hayes Studio are topped with leather from Edelman Leather. Oyster White polished slabs from NSI Stone Trading are neutral in hue but rich in movement. Top Chef (opposite page) The BlueStar 60-inch platinum rangetop and double oven were sourced from Albano Appliance. See Resources.

ROOM WITH A VIEW AN ALL-STAR ARCHITECT/DESIGNER TEAM OPENS A CHEF’S KITCHEN TO THE VIEW AND TRANSFORMS IT INTO A BRASS-ADORNED JEWEL BOX

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hile the kitchen is often considered the heart of the home, this chef ’s oasis was actually inspired by the exterior. The existing design was choppy, with limited views to the landscape, which had recently been reimagined by James Doyle Design Associates. The homeowners (a family with young children) tapped the architecture firm of Shope Reno Wharton and Douglas Graneto Design to renovate the space to include a sliding-glass window that would allow pass-through access to the pool area.

“From the outset, this particular client was really excited about the possibilities for the kitchen,” offers Shope Reno Wharton Principal Michael McClung. “They are serious cooking and entertaining enthusiasts, and some of their early ideas provided the inspiration that everything else evolved from.”

McClung set out to make the window as wide as possible to connect the space with the outdoors. When the homeowner proposed hanging glass shelving in front of the window, the design team jumped onto the opportunity to add a dynamic layer that would tie together the space’s brass elements.

Those elements include standout details like the custom exposed shelving and pot rack by Amuneal, as well as smaller accents along the cabinetry, cooktop and toe kick. Of course, the brass details offer a warm complement to the homeowner’s collection of vintage copper cookware.

“These aren’t decorative, they are used. You can see the scorch marks,” notes Douglas Graneto, principal of his eponymous Greenwich firm. “It was function and form, but this is what he actually cooks with, and he wanted them accessible.” (The same goes for the homeowner’s knife collection, which is on display at arm’s length from the countertop.)

For a splash of color, Graneto selected blue Thomas Hayes stools for the lengthy island, topped with Oyster White quartzite with dramatic veining. “The countertop stone has a neutral palette, but it has a lot of movement and activity in the veining,” he adds. Thanks to its length and seating for a crowd, the island is Graneto’s favorite part of the design.

“This is the homeowner’s haven, where he likes to spend his time and get his creative juices out,” he adds. “The family entertains in the kitchen a lot, as you can tell from the length of that island. It’s not only a space where the family can be, but cooking and entertaining is part of the process.”

PHOTOGRAPHS BY TIM LEE

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ORGANIC RECIPE

NATURAL MATERIALS ADD FLAVOR AND DEPTH IN THIS CHEF’S KITCHEN BUILT FOR BOTH COOKING AND ENTERTAINING

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or this Utah kitchen tucked within a cottage-style farmhouse, designer Jana Gough (of her eponymous Park City firm) was tasked with creating a multipurpose design for a family with young children. Among the asks were plenty of cooking and refrigerator space, ample storage and comfortable seating, but the aesthetics and execution were left to Gough’s expertise.

She opted for a neutral color palette with layered, woodsy tones: white oak cabinetry, brushed brass hardware and BlueStar appliances finished in Moss Grey for a subtle infusion of green. “My favorite part is how timeless it feels yet still retains a sense of warmth and personality,” Gough offers. “The layered textures—natural wood accents, soft finishes and subtle detailing—give it depth without feeling busy. It’s a space that feels equally elegant and comfortable, which to me is the perfect balance.”

Comfort comes in the form of an oversized island that stands in for prep and seating. A mix of open shelving and glass-front cabinetry offers both storage and 70

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showcase. At the heart of it all is the custom BlueStar 48-inch dual fuel range, paired with a plaster hood surround and quartz slab backsplash. Across the room, matching 36-inch BlueStar Pro refrigerator and freezer columns extend the earthy palette and anchor the space.

“I love that BlueStar appliances can be fully customized—from color and trim to configuration—which allows them to integrate seamlessly into a kitchen’s aesthetic,” Gough adds. “Plus, their craftsmanship and power make them a designer’s dream for serious home chefs.” Indeed, the design fuses the experience of cooking and entertaining together.

“This kitchen truly serves as the heart of the home,” Gough says. “The layout was intentionally designed to encourage connection—with a generous island for prep and conversation, and zones that make it easy for multiple people to cook or hang out comfortably.”

PHOTOGRAPHS BY TRESSA STEVENS

Going Green Designer Jana Gough finished white-oak cabinetry with Top Knobs brushed-brass hardware at this Utah kitchen (this photo and opposite), turning to BlueStar appliances for a pop of color. The 48-inch dual fuel range and 36-inch Pro built-in refrigerator enhance the natural theme in Moss Grey. The pendant lights above the island are through Shades of Light, and quartz countertops are from Arizona Tile.

See Resources.

FAMILY MATTERS

A MOTHER-SON TEAM CREATES A LAYERED DESIGN THAT HONORS BOTH HISTORIC ARCHITECTURE AND THE NEEDS OF DAILY LIFE

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t’s no surprise that for Renee Jordan, founder of bicoastal firm PCD Studios, and her son Jordan Ross, principal designer, creative energy is a family trait. It was a lifelong dream come true, then, when Covid slowed time down and provided an opportunity for the duo to work together on a special project—renovating the kitchen in their mid-century home, located in Sacramento’s Fab Forties neighborhood.

“We talked about this kitchen for years, sometimes casually, sometimes like it was a blueprint for the future we were working toward without even realizing it,” Renee explains. “I could feel how much Jordan wanted to do this for us, not just to make something beautiful, but to give us something that felt like home in a new way.”

With themselves as the client, this project became deeply personal, and the duo studied the nuances of their family rhythm for years before setting out to create a design. “My husband, Zeca, moves through the kitchen like it’s a language only he speaks,” Renee offers. “He doesn’t cook, he conducts. There’s a tempo to it. The way he reaches for the salt without looking. The exact step he takes to pivot from stove to sink.”

Taking all of these invisible factors into consideration, the team chose a neutral color palette that equally prioritized form and function. “On its own, white doesn’t say much. But when it’s treated with care, when it’s paired with warmth and contrast and depth, it becomes the thing that ties it all together,” the designer says. “In this kitchen, the white wasn’t the main character. It was the frame, the canvas, the pause between bold decisions. It allowed every texture, every tone, every shadow to have its moment.”

Those moments include a striking Calacatta Viola marble countertop and backsplash, reeded walnut cabinetry and matte black iron-framed doors on worktops. The main players were brought to life through vintage-inspired brass fixtures and faucets, which add patina and tone as well as an aged quality to soften the crisp whites. Glass-front cabinetry and open shelving display the family’s collection of china and glassware, which Renee says is “less about hiding and more about honoring.”

In its completion, the designer views this kitchen as a case study in tailoring a beautiful space to real, everyday life. “Just because a kitchen photographs well or looks polished doesn’t mean it shouldn’t also carry the wear of morning coffee routines, late-night conversations and impromptu dance parties,” she says. “This space was designed with intention, yes, but also with personality, warmth and humanity.”

PHOTOGRAPHS BY TOM BRYAN

Heart & Soul (clockwise from top left, opposite page) Appliances are sleekly concealed, including a Miele steam oven and warming drawer and Dacor stainless steel freezer and fridge. Calacatta Viola marble takes center stage on the island, while black Taj Mahal marble offers a rich counterpart around the perimeter. The custom island features reeded walnut cabinetry, a Dacor cooktop and custom iron doors. See Resources.

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HARTFORD DESIG CTC&G and the Junior League of Hartford present the 16th Designer Show House—the Junior League’s signature fundraising event. Last May, more than 20 designers united with Design Chair Matthew Patrick Smyth to transform the Tudor-style home. The show house highlights a successful blend of preservation and innovation, while also raising critical funds for local nonprofits. A big thanks to all who toured the home, participating designers and the generous design sponsors, including AKDO, Ethan Allen, Hudson Valley Lighting Group, JennAir, John Boyle Decorating Centers and Tile America. For more designer rooms, go to cottagesgardens.com/hartford2025.

BY CATRIONA BRANCA PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANASTASSIOS MENTIS

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NER SHOW HOUSE

For more information on furnishings and accessories, see Resources.

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McCORY INTERIORS LIVING ROOM

Inspired by the original architecture of the space—along with the leaded glass doors and windows—McCory Interiors’ goal was to lean into history, classic elements, rich texture and pattern to create a dynamic blend of eras.

“One of our favorite focal points in the room was the fireplace mantel, which included hand-painted plaster tortoise shells and obelisks by Floyd Paint and Paper, a vintage mirror from Anastasio Home, and the fireplace surround, which was marbleized by me, as I tapped into my history and knowledge of decorative painting,” says Kristen McCory.

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KATHRYN HUNT STUDIO DINING ROOM

The Tudor Revival style of the home was the inspiration for Kathryn Hunt’s dining room design. “We started with the curtain fabric, which was from Cowtan & Tout, Rose Hydrangea,” says Hunt. “We used our Rib box rug from the Kathryn Hunt Studio rug collection and our Kathryn Hunt Textiles’ After the Storm grasscloth in Meadow on the ceiling. The dining table was vintage as well as the chairs, which we re-covered in Fortuny and leather. We added a painted floor border, which was typical of this style of architecture, as well as a display fireplace to add a little ambiance to the room. The center chandelier was from Arteriors and the sconces from Hudson Valley Lighting Group with shades covered in Fortuny. The pottery and decorative wall plates are both antique from my personal collection.”

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A MATTER OF STYLE KITCHENS & INTERIORS KITCHEN and MUDROOM

In many houses, the hardworking mudroom entrance can be an afterthought. But Martha Gargano of AMS Kitchens & Interiors deftly turned this small space into an inviting area bathed in rich hues, textures and patterns. “I wanted to create a beautiful back entrance to the home with vibrancy and a comfortable cottagecore feel,” notes Gargano.

“Then, carrying these elements into the kitchen with inspiration from springtime in Hartford with Elizabeth Park right down the road.” Visible through a connecting door, the green and blue hues in the Thibaut wallpaper in the mudroom are echoed in the kitchen, while a mosaic tile backsplash and porcelainslab countertops through AKDO complement JennAir appliances.

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KATE SMITH INTERIORS LIBRARY/STUDY

For the library, Kate Smith wanted to design a space that sparks creativity. “The Brunschwig paper was the jumping off point for the entire design,” explains Smith. “I love how the blues/aquas, greens and pops of yellow feel so lively, while it has some calming neutrals in it to ground the print visually. Since it’s such a small footprint, I had to think about ways to incorporate multifunctional use in such a small space. The secretary desk is the perfect flex piece that can be used for work, but then also tucked away when it isn’t needed. Two custom swivel chairs create a cozy spot to curl up with a good book, or to relax in with a glass of wine.”

GRACE GALLOWAY DESIGN SUNROOM

“When I first walked through this space, it was being used as the children’s art room, which immediately sparked the design concept: The Artist’s Lounge,” says Grace Galloway Soong. “Bold works by local artists from Connecticut and Massachusetts (along with one of my own pieces and a contribution from my two-year-old daughter!) set the tone for the color palette. My favorite element is the wallpaper border that wraps around the room just below the ceiling—yes, it’s wallpaper, not tile! The graphic pattern adds architectural interest and draws the eye upward, giving the space a playful yet refined feeling.”

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ETHAN ALLEN BEDROOM

A large-scale photo of an elephant inspired the design of this bedroom by the Ethan Allen design team of Rondell Goorachan, Michael Curulla, Mark McIntyre and Kelly Hernsdorf. “We pictured the room’s inhabitant as an adventurer and photographer, with surroundings that would nod to a love for travel. The Cayman bed and night tables, with louvered and caned details, speak to a love for the islands, further realized in the verdant wall color and the bold, botanical wallpaper in the ensuite lavatory. We also pictured someone accustomed to life’s finer things. Rich wood finishes, chairs tailored in embossed leather, crisp black and white textiles, and a handcrafted bar cart befit a person of refined, impeccable tastes. The furniture in this space was custom-made by Ethan Allen craftspeople; other accents were made by a curated coterie of hand-selected artisans.”

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KAITLIN SMITH INTERIORS PRIMARY BEDROOM

The primary bedroom draws inspiration from the architecture of the home and pays homage to the English Cottage aesthetic made popular

by Nancy Lancaster and Mario Buatta. “Antique furnishings paired with country florals set a traditional tone, while more modern and natural elements like the Lucite bench and wicker lamps speak to my love of layered interiors,” notes designer Kaitlin Smith. “In collaboration with my workroom, Eileen and Taylor, I designed several custom pieces like the velvet sofa and upholstered cornice above the bed. The space feels both curated and cozy, capturing the spirit of a timeless English home.”

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ALISON V. CUMMINGS MURALS & INTERIORS HOME OFFICE

A colorful bespoke mural by decorative artist Alison V. Cummings lines the walls of the home office. “Inspired by the peaceful beauty of Elizabeth Park, I painted the landscape mural to bring the calm of nature indoors, creating a serene, art-filled workspace where tranquility meets an eclectic mix of color, pattern and creative energy,” notes Cummings, who pairs her passion for interior design with her talent for creating art. Cummings also painted the floor and the canvas artwork hanging in the room, which complement her furniture and furnishings selections. Paint was provided by John Boyle Decorating Centers.

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QUIVER SPIRITS BAR AND LOUNGE

The Hive Speakeasy & Lounge is the vision of Quiver Spirits cofounder Tomas Nenortas, a proponent of historic preservation with strong ties to Hartford, where his father’s family settled more than 75 years ago. Evocative of the year 1921—the year the Junior League of Hartford was founded—the walls of the Hive highlight the histories of independent and resilient women, and some of Nenortas own family. Their stories align with the mission of the Junior League of Hartford to empower women and positively impact the communities of Hartford. The lighting is from Hudson Valley Lighting Group, the bar tile is through Tile America, and the paint was provided by John Boyle Decorating Centers.

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ETHAN ALLEN TERRACE

This outdoor living space was designed by the Ethan Allen team of Aileen Kennedy, Oxana Sinigur and Marjorie Satell. In a soothing palette of rich blues and crisp whites, the furniture and accents from Ethan Allen transform a simple patio into a peaceful retreat.

Designed with both family and entertaining in mind, the space includes a graphite dining table surrounded by matching chairs and blue and white cushions. A grouping of Bridgewater teak lounge chairs create a destination for socializing or relaxing alongside a small pillar-shaped fire pit.

PA R T I E S & B E N E F I T S

Workshop Collection Exclusive Dinner Workshop Collection hosted an exclusive dinner at the Townhouse in Greenwich, along with CTC&G Editorial Director DJ Carey, to celebrate its newest furniture line, At Ease.

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1. Miniature models of the furnishings were on display while designers enjoyed dinner. 2. Orrick & Co’s Alicia Orrick, Anthony Baratta’s Erick J Espinoza and Sandra Morgan Interiors & Art Privé Gallery’s Sandra Morgan 3. An exclusive group of design professionals joined the celebration 4. Workshop/APD founding principal Matt Berman with Douglas Graneto Design principal Douglas Graneto 5. Workshop/ APD’s Ben Paciello welcoming guests and introducing Workshop Collection’s newest furniture line

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CARA GILBRIDE

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HAVE AN AWARD WORTHY PROJECT? ENTER THE IDAs TODAY! HAMPTONS DEADLINE: MARCH 1, 2026

2026 INNOVATOR

PROJECT BY: WORKSHOP/APD BUILDER: SHOSHI BUILDERS IDA ARCHITECTURE FINALIST

Photo by Read McKendree/JBSA

AERIN LAUDER

T R O P H Y S P O NS O R

S PO NS O RS

For sponsorship opportunities, contact ADVERTISING@CANDG.COM | To enter your project, visit CGIDAS.COM

RESOURCES

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H E R E ’ S W H E R E T O F I N D T H E D E S I G N P R O F E S S I O N A L S A N D P R O D U C T S F E AT U R E D I N T H I S I S S U E

from “Ramp Up the Fun”

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Pages 56–65: Architect, Tanner White Architects, tannerwhitearchitects. com. Interior design, Asprea Studio, aspreastudio.com. Landscape design, William Kenny Associates, wkassociates. net. Builder, Quest Builders Group, questbuildersgroup.com. Living room: Custom curved sofa, JP Custom Upholstery. Sofa fabric, Dedar. Sofa trim, Edelman Leather. Sofa, Dmitriy & Co. Sofa fabric, Kravet. Armchair, Mezzo Collection. Chair fabric, Jerry Pair Leather.

Cocktail table, Studio Van den Akker through 1stDibs. Bench, Modshop. Bench leather, Holland & Sherry. Rug, designed

by Asprea Studio, made by Edward Fields.

Dining table, The Bright Group. Dining chairs, A. Rudin. Chair fabric, Holly Hunt and Maharam leather. Credenza, Jiun Ho. Sconces flanking fireplace, Visual Comfort. Chandelier, Shakuff. Mirror, Merit Home UK. Accent table, Arteriors.

Venetian plaster, Omar Yacoub. Foyer: Mirror, Holly Hunt. Chandelier, Il Pezzo Mancante. Coffee table, Opiary through 1stDibs. Wood flooring, Listone Giordano.

Kitchen: Stools, Collector Group.

Banquette fabric, Kravet. Banquette leather, Edelman Leather. Dining chairs, Cliff Young. Table, Mark Jupiter.

Chandelier, Larose Guyon. Countertops, BAS Stone. Faucet, Newport Brass.

Powder room: Vanity, The Merci Design.

Wallpaper, Astek Home. Mirror, Arhaus.

Wall sconce, Lindsey Adelman. His office: Desk, Mark Jupiter. Armchair, Fendi Casa. Floor lamp, CB2. Desk chair, Dania Furniture. Sofa, Holly Hunt.

Sofa fabric, Dedar. Bench, Perigold.

Coffee table, Mingardo through 1stDibs.

Area rug, Edward Fields. Pendants over desk, Oluce through Lumens. Art light, Visual Comfort. Drinks table, Arhaus. Her office: Desk, RH. Custom rug, Edward Fields. Desk chair, Lagu through 1stDibs.

Table lamp, Visual Comfort. Lounge chair and ottoman, Forom. Floor lamp, Square in Circle through 1stDibs. Primary suite: Bed, JP Custom Upholstery. Bed fabric, Holland & Sherry. Mattress, Hästens. Nightstands, Olivya Stone.

Sofa, RH. Nesting tables, Eichholtz.

Armchairs, Paolo Castelli through the Invisible Collection. Bench, Kelly Wearstler.

Bench fabric, Holland & Sherry. Coffee table, West Elm. Rug, Landry & Arcari.

Pendant lights, Contain through 1stDibs.

Chandelier, Moooi. Venetian plaster walls, Omar Yacoub. Fireplace stone, BAS Stone. Slide area: Slide, Evans and Paul. Chandelier, Luke Lamp Co. Animal mounts, Eric + Eloise Collection.

Wallpaper, Zak + Fox. Bar: Stools, Jarrett Furniture. Venetian plaster walls, Omar Yacoub. Sconce, Allied Maker. Wall art, Mr Brainwash. Lower-level lounge:

ANDREW FRASZ

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RAMP UP THE FUN

Items pictured but not listed here are either from private collections or have no additional details.

CTC&G relies upon the providing party of the image to give accurate credit information.

RESOURCES

Sectional, Article. Coffee tables, RH. Armchair, Pierre Frey. Area rug, Edward Fields. Chandeliers, Avram Rusu. Game tables, Blatt Billiards.

BEYOND A WHITE KITCHEN

Pages 66–73:

ROOM WITH A VIEW

Pages 68–69: Architect, Shope Reno Wharton, shoperenowharton.com.

Interior design, Douglas Graneto Design, douglasgraneto.com. Landscape design, James Doyle Design Associates, jdda.com.

Cabinetry, Fairfield Wood Works, 203380-9842. Custom hood, Focal Metals.

Range top and oven, BlueStar through Albano Appliance. Shelving and pot rack, Amuneal. Stools, Thomas Hayes. Leather on stools, Edelman Leather. Countertop slabs, NSI Stone Trading. Sinks and faucets, Sun Valley Bronze. Pendant lights, The Urban Electric Co. ORGANIC RECIPE

Pages 70–71: Interior design, Jana Gough Design, janagoughdesign.com.

Builder, Harwood Homes, oakleyutah1886. com. All appliances, BlueStar. Hardware, Top Knobs. Lighting, Shades of Light.

Countertop, Arizona Tile. Flooring, Floor and Decor. Faucet, Build.com. Wall paint, Benjamin Moore.

FAMILY MATTERS

TOM BRYAN

Pages 72–73: Interior design, PCD Studios, pcdstudios.com. Steam oven and warming drawer, Miele. Freezer, refrigerator and cooktop, Dacor.

HARTFORD DESIGNER SHOW HOUSE

Pages 74–89 Pages 76–77: LIVING ROOM: Interior design, McCory Interiors, mccoryinteriors.com. Electric, West Hartford Electric, westhartfordelectric. com. Painting, Anderson Pro Painting, andersonpropaintingct.co. Window treatment fabrication, The Finishing Room, thefinishingroom.com. Carpentry, Christopher Dean Carpentry, 860-6936104. Obelisks, Floyd Paint and Paper.

Mirror, Anastasio Home. Paint, Benjamin Moore through John Boyle Decorating Centers. Light fixtures, Hudson Valley Lighting Group. Fabrics, Brunschwig & Fils, Fabricut, Holland & Sherry, Jim Thompson, Kravet, Scalamandré, Schumacher, Artee Fabrics & Home. Trim, Samuel & Sons. Rugs, Kebabian’s Rugs.

Antiques, Old Village Antiques. Window coverings, Porter Preston. Furnishings, Design Source CT. Pages 78–79: DINING ROOM: Interior design, Kathryn Hunt Studio, kathrynhuntstudio.com. Painting, Polaris Painting, 203-219-2947. Custom window treatments, John Paul Home Interiors, 860805-7609. Upholstery, Parlor Upholstery, parlorupholstery.com. Window treatment fabric, Cowtan & Tout. Rug and ceiling wallcovering, Kathryn Hunt Studio. Dining chair fabric, Fortuny. Dining chair leather, Lee Industries. Console, Connecticut Home Interiors. Paint, Benjamin Moore through John Boyle Decorating Centers.

Chandelier, Arteriors. Sconces, Hudson

Valley Lighting Group. Sconce shade fabric, Fortuny. Window treatment fabric, Colefax & Fowler. Trim, Samuel & Sons.

Settee fabric, Rogers & Goffigon.

Pages 80–81: KITCHEN AND MUDROOM: Interior design, A Matter of Style Kitchens & Interiors, amskitchens.com. Painted cabinetry, Martin Zaiser Painted Finishes, 203-2130415. Cabinetry installation, Robert DePino, 203-915-2073. Electrical, West Hartford Electric, westhartfordelectric. com. Upholstery work, Connecticut Upholstery, connecticutupholstery.com.

Wallpaper installation, Renaissance Man, 860-920-9644. Tile installation, Nelson Tile, 203-430-6588. Countertop fabrication and installation, Stone Valley Granite and Marble, stonevalleygranite. com. Organization, Neat Method Hartford, neatmethod.com. Fabric and wallpaper, Thibaut. Tile and slab countertops, AKDO. Appliances, JennAir. Cutting board, Grothouse. Cabinet lighting, Hafele. Island lighting and table lamp, Mitzi Lighting.

Flush mount light fixture, Corbett Lighting.

Hardware, Top Knobs. Paint, Benjamin Moore through John Boyle Decorating Centers. Trim, Country Lumber. Custom cabinetry in mudroom, Kountry Kraft.

Page 82: LIBRARY/STUDY: Interior design, Kate Smith Interiors. Wallpaper and skirted table fabric, Brunschwig & Fils. Mirror, Butler Specialty. Chair fabric, Elliston House. Roman shades, Loom Decor. Secretary desk, Oomph. Etagere,

Revival Home. Rug, Rush House. Bamboo chair and splatter vase, Sharland England. Paint, Benjamin Moore through John Boyle Decorating Centers. Lighting, Hudson Valley Lighting Group.

Page 82: SUNROOM: Interior design, Grace Galloway Design, gracegallowaydesign.com. Paint and electrical, Renaissance Man, 860-9209644. Custom window treatments and pillows, The Finishing Room, thefinishingroom.com. Fabric, Alex Conroy Textiles. Plants, CK Design & Style. Ottomans, Coley Home. Ottoman fabric, Rhinne. Window treatment fabric, Virginia Kraft Textiles. Pillows, Walter G. Area rug, J. Namnoun Rug Gallery. Original artwork, Jackie Fiorello.

Console, Jamie Young though Lynne Rucki Associates. Wallpaper border, Lee Jofa. Pillow fabrics, Maxwell Fabrics.

Paint, Benjamin Moore. Custom daybed, Signature Upholstery & Design. Daybed fabric, Quercus & Co. Pillows, Rebecca Atwood. Chandelier and lamps, Hudson Valley Lighting Group.

Page 83: BEDROOM: Interior design, Rondell Goorachan, Michael Curulla, Mark McIntyre and Kelly Hernsdorf of Ethan Allen, Canton, ethanallen.com. All furnishings and accents, Ethan Allen.

Page 84–85: PRIMARY BEDROOM: Kaitlin Smith Interiors, kaitlinsmithinteriors. com. Workroom: Eileen & Taylor, eileenandtaylor.com. Painting, Anderson

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Pro Painting, andersonpropaintingct. co. Drapery fabric, Alice Sergeant.

Headboard fabric, Lee Jofa. Bedding, Matouk. Shams, Lake August. Bench, Safavieh. Bench fabric, Quadrille. Sofa fabric, Latimer Alexander. Side tables, Pottery Barn. Dressing table fabric, Stout Textiles. Wallpaper, GP&J Baker.

Paint, Benjamin Moore through John Boyle Decorating Centers. Rugs, Annie Selke. Artwork, Garrett Davis. Lamps and sconces, Hudson Valley Lighting Group.

74

from “Hartford Designer Show House”

Pages 86–87: HOME OFFICE: Alison V. Cummings Murals & Interiors, alisonvcummings.com. Mural, artwork and decorative painting, Alison V Cummings. Paint services, Victor Seclen, 860-814-1544. Desk chair, bench, Ming console and armchair, Ethan Allen.

Carpet, J. Namnoun Rug Gallery. Paint, Benjamin Moore through John Boyle Decorating Centers.

Page 88: BAR AND LOUNGE: Quiver Spirits, quiverspirits.com. Lighting, Hudson Valley Lighting Group. Bar tile, Tile America. Paint, Benjamin Moore through John Boyle Decorating Centers.

Page 89: TERRACE: Design, Aileen Kennedy, Oxana Sinigur and Marjorie Satell, Ethan Allen, Manchester, ethanallen.com.

All furniture and accents, Ethan Allen.

Stone repair, Ironwood Landscaping.

SOURCE LIST 1stDibs, 1stdibs.com A.Rudin, arudin.com AKDO, akdo.com Albano Appliance, albanoappliance.com Alex Conroy Textiles, alexconroytextiles.com Alice Sergeant, alicesergeant.com Allied Maker, alliedmaker.com Amuneal, amuneal.com Anastasio Home, anastasiohome.com Annie Selke, annieselke.com Arhaus, arhaus.com Arizona Tile, arizonatile.com Arteriors, arteriorshome.com Article, article.com Asprea Studio, aspreastudio.com Astek Home, astekhome.com Avram Rusu Studio, avramrusu.com BAS Stone, basstonenyc.com Benjamin Moore, benjaminmoore.com Blatt Billiards, blattbilliards.com BlueStar, bluestarcooking.com Brunschwig & Fils, kravet.com Build.com (see Ferguson Home) Butler Specialty, butlerspecialty.net CB2, cb2.com CK Design & Style, ckdesignandstyle.com Cliff Young, cliffyoungltd.com Colefax & Fowler, cowtan.com Coley Home, coleyhome.com Collector Group, collectorgroup.pt Connecticut Home Interiors, cthomeinteriors.com Contain (see 1stDibs)

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Corbett Lighting, hvlgroup.com Country Lumber, countrylumber.com Cowtan & Tout, cowtan.com Dacor, dacor.com Dania Furniture, daniafurniture.com Dedar, dedarfabrics.com Design Source CT, designsourcect.com.

Dmitriy & Co., dmitriyco.com Edelman Leather, edelmannewyork.com Edward Fields, edwardfields.com Eichholtz, eichholtz.com Elliston House, ellistonhouse.com Eric + Eloise Collection, ericandeloise.com Ethan Allen, ethanallen.com Evans and Paul, evansandpaul.com Fabricut, fabricut.com Fairfield Wood Works, 203-380-9842 Fendi Casa, fendicasa.com Ferguson Home, fergusonhome.com Floor and Decor, flooranddecor.com Floyd Paint and Paper, floydpaintandpaper.com Focal Metals, focalmetals.com Forom, foromshop.com Fortuny, fortuny.com Garrett Davis, garrett-davis.com GP&J Baker, gpjbaker.com Grothouse, glumber.com Häfele, hafele.com Hästens, hastens.com Holland & Sherry, hollandandsherry.com Holly Hunt, hollyhunt.com

CTC&G | COTTAGESGARDENS.COM | JANUARY 2026

Hudson Valley Lighting Group, hvlgroup.com IL Pezzo Mancante, ilpezzomancante. com Invisible Collection, theinvisiblecollection.com Ironwood Landscaping, 860-721-1747 J. Namnoun Rug Gallery, jnamnoun.com JP Custom Upholstery, jpcustomupholstery.com Jackie Fiorello, jackiefiorello.com Jamie Young Co., jamieyoung.com Jarrett Furniture, jarrettfurniture.com JennAir, jennair.com Jerry Pair Leather, jerrypairleather.com Jim Thompson, jimthompsonfabrics.com Jiun Ho, jiunho.com John Boyle Decorating Centers, johnboyledecorating.com Kathryn Hunt Studio, kathrynhuntstudio.com Kebabian’s Rugs, kebabians.com Kelly Wearstler, kellywearstler.com Kountry Kraft, kountrykraft.com Kravet, kravet.com Lagu (see 1stDibs) Lake August, lakeaugust.com Landry & Arcari, landryandarcari.com Larose Guyon, laroseguyon.com Latimer Alexander, latimeralexander.com

Lee Industries, leeindustries.com Lee Jofa, kravet.com Lindsey Adelman, lindseyadelman.com Listone Giordano, listonegiordano.com Loom Decor, loomdecor.com Luke Lamp Co., lukelampco.com Lumens, lumens.com Lynne Rucki Associates, 774-454-8880 Maharam, maharam.com Mark Jupiter, markjupiter.com Matouk, matouk.com Maxwell Fabrics, maxwellfabrics.com Merit Home UK, merithome.co.uk Mezzo Collection, mezzocollection.com Miele, mieleusa.com Mingardo (see 1stDibs) Mitzi Lighting, mitzi.com Modshop, modshop1.com Moooi, moooi.com Mr. Brainwash, mrbrainwash.com Neat Method, neatmethod.com Newport Brass, newportbrassfaucets.com NSI Stone Trading, nsistonetrading.com Old Village Antiques, oldvillageantiques.com Olivya Stone, olivyastone.com Oluce (see Lumens) Omar Yacoub, 917-916-1045 Oomph, oomphhome.com Opiary (see 1stDibs) Paolo Castelli (see Invisible Collection) Perigold, perigold.com Pierre Frey, pierrefrey.com Porter Preston, porterpreston.com Pottery Barn, potterybarn.com Quadrille, quadrillefabrics.com Quercus & Co., quercusandco.com Rebecca Atwood, rebeccaatwood.com Revival Home, revivalhome.com RH, rh.com Rhinne, rhinne.us Rogers & Goffigon, rogersandgoffigon.com Rush House, shoprushhouse.com Safavieh, safaviehhome.com Samuel & Sons, samuelandsons.com Scalamandré, scalamandre.com Schumacher, schumacher.com Shades of Light, shadesoflight.com Shakuff, shakuff.com Sharland England, sharland-england.com Signature Upholstery & Design, 860-371-1780 Square in Circle (see 1stDibs) Stout Textiles, stouttextiles.com Studio Van den Akker, studiovandenakker.com Sun Valley Bronze, sunvalleybronze.com The Bright Group, thebrightgroup.com The Merci Design, themercidesign.com The Urban Electric Co., urbanelectric.com Thibaut, thibautdesign.com Thomas Hayes, thomashayesstudio.com Tile America, tileamerica.com Top Knobs, topknobs.com Virginia Kraft, virginiakraft.com Visual Comfort, visualcomfort.com Walter G., walter-g.com West Elm, westelm.com Zak + Fox, zakandfox.com

ANASTASSIOS MENTIS

RESOURCES

C A L E N DA R

January 2026 FROM NYC TO NEW CANAAN

THE WINTER SHOW

HUMANITY IN ARCHITECTURE FILM FESTIVAL

Join media partner NYC&G at The Winter Show, America’s premier art, antiques and design fair, at the Park Avenue Armory.

The 10-day event showcases works spanning 5,000 years—from antiquities to Old Masters to mid-century modern furniture, glass, ceramics and contemporary art. All ticket sale proceeds benefit East Side House. January 23–February 1. Park Avenue Armory, 643 Park Ave., NYC. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit thewintershow.org.

23-1 JAN

FEB

30-31

Join Grace Farms Foundation for the Humanity in Architecture Film Festival, hosted in collaboration with the Architecture & Design Film Festival. This inspiring weekend celebrates visionary architects and designers who are shaping a better world through creativity and compassion. Experience curated films, engaging discussions and immersive site experiences; from guided winter walks and yoga to design sessions and live music. Opening night on January 30 features a special film screening and conversation, followed by a day of films, Q&As and activities throughout Grace Farms’ River building and barns. January 30–31. Grace Farms, 365 Lukes Wood Rd., New Canaan. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit gracefarms.org.

DESIGNSTOPS MUST-HAVES FOR THE DESIGN-OBSESSED SHOPPER

AITORO APPLIANCE

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See the latest Quoldfusion at the award winning Aitoro Appliance showroom today.

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F O L LOW U S @ C OT TAG E S G A R D E N S | S P E C I A L P R O M OT I O N

MEET THE DESIGNER

Caren Rideau

With more than 30 years of experience, it’s safe to say Caren Rideau, founder of California-based Kitchen Design Group, is a kitchen-design guru. “Starting a business definitely picked me,” Rideau says. “I had no interest in starting my own business, nor did I think I had the experience or the capital necessary, but fate had its way and Kitchen Design Group emerged.” Rideau is also a book author (Caren Rideau: Kitchen Designer, Vintner, Entertaining at Home) and has a pottery collection in collaboration with Gorky Gonzalez Pottery. Last year, after her showroom of more than three decades burned down in the Palisades Fire, she reimagined her studio space, and recently opened a showroom in a new location in Santa Monica. Rideau spends her free time in the Santa Ynez Valley, where she is a vintner of Tierra y Vino wines. kitchendesigngroup.com, tierrayvino.net.

How do you approach designing a kitchen? My process starts the same for every client: listening to them and hearing how they operate and function in their kitchen. I always approach the design by function first and then build the aesthetics from that point.

Kitchen Cachet Rideau’s new showroom (left) recently opened in Santa Monica.

This colorful dish (above) is part of her collaboration with Gorky Gonzalez Pottery.

How does the kitchen’s aesthetic tie into the rest of the home? It definitely plays an important role.

I do not ignore the architecture of the house and the lifestyle that my clients are living. Upon one of the initial visits of walking into my client’s home, I can see how they live and, ultimately, their lifestyle.

Is entertaining a factor in your designs? I love entertaining, so I always incorporate countertop areas into the island or additional areas to set up for plating, buffet or wine bars. I want my clients to have options to entertain at home and they love the idea! If the kitchen is large enough, I also like to set up appliance centers, wine bars, and other specialized areas.

Did losing your original showroom change your design philosophy?

My design philosophy, especially after the loss of my showroom, has stayed true and, if anything, this experience has only strengthened my conviction in what truly matters in design. For me, intentional design decisions are at the core of every project—choices that authentically represent the homeowner. Our homes are more than just spaces: They are a reflection of our individual selves. Each element should speak to who you are and what you value.

What’s new in your Santa Monica showroom? In our new space, I’ve integrated a fully functional kitchen designed specifically for live demonstrations. This will enable me to collaborate with influential California figures and renowned chefs, bringing dynamic experiences directly into the showroom.

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How do you approach choosing a countertop material? I lean more toward natural materials, and durability is a big factor. There are so many beautiful stones to choose from, but not all of them are favored

CTC&G | COTTAGESGARDENS.COM | JANUARY 2026

for the kitchen. I like to choose the harder stones, such as quartzite. If a client insists on using marble, they must understand there is maintenance involved with cleaning and sealing the material on a regular basis.

Can you recommend a food/wine pairing for the winter months? I have to share my enthusiasm for a bold California Grenache. What sets this varietal apart is its remarkable balance—plenty of fruit on the front palate, followed by just enough tannins to create a truly satisfying finish. This makes it an outstanding companion for hearty dishes like pozole, coq au vin or a classic boeuf bourguignon. Savoring these winter favorites with a glass of Grenache warms my soul.

—Jacquelyn Shannon

PORTRAIT & STUDIO: MEGHAN BEIERLE-O’BRIEN; POTTERY: SAM COPELAND

How has kitchen design evolved over the past 30 years? It once used to be identified as a more utilitarian space, but it is now one of the most sought-after spaces in a home to be updated. Kitchens are a room for function but have created a reputation of being glamorous, and I love it!

Spring issue closes Jan 12th! For advertising opportunities, contact advertising@candg.com

MICHAEL SMITH ARCHITECTS J I M F U H R M A N N P H OTO G R A P H Y CHRISTINE MCGOVERN INTERIORS

HOBI

AWARD WINNER HOME BUILDING INDUSTRY AWARDS HBRA OF CONNECTICUT

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