Garden Tales
“may
Xan Oku
AT THE INTERSECTION OF
DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE
ARCHITECTURE & INTERIOR DESIGN
Photography
Neil Landino
Kafelonia Collection w/Agora Firetable
James
Curated
Creative
IHeart + Hand
am often asked what my favorite piece of furniture in my home is, and the answer is always something that connects the heart and hand. I started collecting antique American quilts when I first began in this business. I have examples of yellowware, too. But perhaps my most treasured piece is a handmade side table that I made. ■ I was reminded of it when I read the news account that Thomas Moser had died at age 90. Back in 2012, I found myself working alongside master craftsmen at the Thos. Moser company in Maine. I had been invited to see how its handmade pieces were crafted and to try my hand at making something. The firm had developed a program called Customer in Residence and this intrigued me. For years, I had watched and helped my dad design and build many pieces of furniture. I saw the pleasure he took from creating a piece of furniture with his own hands. So there I stood surrounded by carpenters making works of art. ■ To be honest, my skill in carpentry is basic, so the challenge of making a piece of furniture was daunting until I was assigned Mike Beaumont, a very skilled carpenter who would work with me every step of the way. I cannot tell you how much work went into my side table with one drawer! It was an exhausting but thrilling week to be making something. Carpenters would come to my bench and look at my progress and offer tips. Who knew that I leaned too heavily on the right side when sanding, causing the surface not to be even? Certainly not me! ■ The day that stands out the most was my last day when the entire floor of carpenters came to see my piece, which—thanks largely to Mike—passed their inspection. After approval, Thomas Moser himself ran his hand over the piece, flipped it over and signed it. That was the ultimate seal of approval for me. ■ I will always remember my week in Maine with great fondness and Thomas Moser for his passion for American furniture design and the importance of the handmade. His signature style is rooted in Shaker design as well as the Arts and Crafts Movement. As Moser himself said, “Our furniture might take two months to make, but we want it to stay in the family and have it passed down from generation to generation.” We have lost an American legend.
DJ Carey Editorial Director djcarey@candg.com
Honoring The Handmade
DJ Carey’s square-end table (above)—made during a visit to the Thos. Moser workshop—features dovetail joints (left) on the drawer.
Our Well-Being
Ifirst heard about biophilic design in 2012 at CTC&G’s Designing Greenwich—a fabulous three days of art, style, designer booths and pop-up shops at the Loading Dock in Stamford. Quintessence Blog reported that a full line up of stellar speakers—including such luminaries as Tony Ingrao, Amanda Nisbet, Carolyne Roehm, Helen During, Clodagh, Alex Papachristidis, Janice Parker, Susanna Salk and Vicente Wolf—would be an all-encompassing style experience. ■ It was the incomparable Clodagh who talked about how biophilic design focuses on incorporating nature into our built environments to increase well-being. It’s a concept that has become an influential trend—not just about adding a few plants to a room. ■ This philosophy emphasizes the integration of natural elements such as wood, stone, water and abundant plant life into living spaces. Large windows that let in natural light, indoor green spaces like vertical gardens, and the use of earthy textures are just a few examples of how biophilic design can transform a home into a restorative retreat. The idea of a visual connection to nature can be achieved through expansive windows or glass doors that open to outdoor spaces, offering unobstructed views of gardens, landscapes or cityscapes. ■ One of the key principles of biophilic design is that a home is never completely cut off from nature, no matter how urban or suburban the setting. Incorporating natural light also plays a critical role, as sunlight not only enhances the home’s aesthetic but also has proven health benefits, such as improving mood and productivity. ■ It’s made me think of my own home. My first step has been to replace my dull and rotting decks with indestructible TimberTech made from recycled materials and designed to mimic natural wood. I plan to be in and out of there from now on! As technology and design continue to evolve, these concepts will remain integral to creating spaces that truly nurture both body and mind.
Marianne Howatson CEO/Publication Director mhowatson@candg.com
Outside Inspiration During Designing Greenwich at the Loading Dock (above) in Stamford, Clodagh talked about how biophilic design focuses on incorporating nature into our built environments to increase well-being.
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR MARIANNE HOWATSON
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR DJ CAREY
ART DIRECTOR KRISTEN HOGE
ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR SHELBY NINE-DURSO
ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR LYDIA MATTSON
CONTRIBUTING DESIGNER IVY TASHLIK
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
EXECUTIVE EDITOR CATRIONA BRANCA
SENIOR EDITOR MARY FITZGERALD
EDITOR AT LARGE SHARON KING HOGE
PROOFREADER
ANNETTE ROSE-SHAPIRO
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
C&G MEDIA GROUP
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
DJ CAREY
COTTAGESGARDENS.COM dailyDEEDS.COM
DIGITAL EDITOR DAILYDEEDS.COM EDITOR PRODUCER
DIGITAL INTERNS
PRODUCTION SERVICES
JACQUELYN SHANNON ANNE GIORDANO
MICHAEL EKSTRACT TALIA DONINGER, ANNIKA HOLMBERG
INTERNATIONAL COLOR SERVICES
MAY 2025 A celebration of contemporary design, entertaining and lifestyle
THURSDAY, MAY 15
11:00AM-2:00 PM
GREENWICH COUNTRY CLUB
AERIN LAUDER
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
MARIANNE HOWATSON
PUBLISHER, HC&G
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER, NYC&G
ACCOUNT DIRECTORS
PAMELA ELDRIDGE 917-535-8226
MELISSA GROHER ROSENBLUTH 860-906-7182
LISA HEISSAN | 917-294-1897 WENDY HORWITZ | 914-260-2738
JAMIE LEWIS | 917-744-8106
LAURA MEYER | 203-243-4057
ROBIN O’HARA | 646-245-8650
SALES ASSISTANT
PRODUCTION MANAGER
ESTELLE WIDMER
CARLA EVANS 203-520-6533
JENNIFER BARBARO
Legendary Style Icon and Founder of Aerin in conversation with STELLENE VOLANDES
Editor-In-Chief, Town & Country Magazine FEATURING
PRESENTING SPONSOR
SPONSORS MEDIA SPONSOR
GREENWICHHISTORY.ORG/SPRING-FETE
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING, EVENTS AND PR
MARKETING AND EVENTS ASSISTANT
CREATIVE SERVICES MANAGER
BUSINESS MANAGER/HR
FINANCE MANAGER
FINANCE ASSOCIATE
DISTRIBUTION
CONSUMER MARKETING
ALEXA FERRONE
SARAH RUSSO
CAROL ABRAMS
ROSEANN BROWN
JOY MARSHALL
DIRECT MARKETING DISTRIBUTION
NEXT STEPS MARKETING THEA SELBY AND KAREN L. CUNNINGHAM
FOLLOW #COTTAGESGARDENS
DIGITAL EDITION
Please visit cottagesgardens.com/digitaleditions
Sign up for Cottages & Gardens newsletters at cottagesgardens.com/newsletters WRITE TO US
We love hearing from you! Email us at advertising@candg.com
NEWSLETTERS
cottagesgardens.com/CTCGShop.
C&G Media Group
40 Richards Avenue, 5th Floor, Norwalk, CT 06854 Phone: 203-227-1400 Fax: 203-226-2824 cottagesgardens.com Dulce Domum, LLC.
Creating the Backdrop of Your Life
Every style of architecture, always unique, always functional, and always beautiful.
gardinerandlarsonhomes.com
judithlarsonassociates.com
For over 30 years, the design-build firm of Gardiner & Larson Homes has been designing and building extraordinary homes and renovations throughout lower Fairfield County as well as the Hamptons, Vermont, and Kiawah Island, SC.
In This Issue TOVAH MARTIN
“Spring rushes by so fast, blink your eyes and you’ve missed a moment. But what I savor most is the unique chorus of little wonders clad in clear sky blue popping up at my feet. When else do you have an ocean of lungworts, scillas, chionodoxa, bluebells, and grape hyacinths going berserk?” Writer, “Ripe for Exploration” (page 54), writer and photographer, “A Breath of Fresh Air” (page 68), tovahmartin.com.
JUSTIN QUINN
“As a landscape architect, my favorite color often shifts with the seasons and sometimes my mood. Right now, if pressed, I’d have to say spring green.” Landscape architect, “California Dreaming” (page 60), jdda.com.
PATRICK MELE
“Spring brings to mind varying shades of light, happy, rich, vibrant greens, set against cerulean skies and cotton ball clouds—while dandelion rays dance upon an earth bursting with new life!” Interior designer, creative director, “In the Bag” (page 76), patrickmele.com.
May 2025
FROM GREENWICH TO LAKEVILLE
THE TICKING TENT 2 3 15
The Ticking Tent is the original brocante -style shopping market. Featuring more than 60 curated artisans, antique dealers and boutique brands for the home, the founders note, “We believe in the art of discovery and the finest craftsmanship.” Saturday, May 2, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Spring Hill Vineyards, 292 Bee Brook Rd., New Preston. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit thetickingtent.com.
VICTORIAN DARIEN
The nonprofit Histoury is excited to invite you to its special, one-timeonly tour of historic homes along Prospect Avenue, one of Darien’s most charming streets! Sponsored by CTC&G, visit historic homes, inside and out, and immerse yourself in culture and history. Saturday, May 3, 1 p.m. Corner of Prospect Ave. and Mansfield Ave., Darien. Space is limited. For more details and to register, visit histoury.org.
GREENWICH HISTORICAL SOCIETY SPRING FETE
CTC&G is the proud presenting media sponsor of the Greenwich Historical Society’s Spring Fete— celebrating contemporary design, entertaining and lifestyle. The event will take place at the Greenwich Country Club with a Designer Luncheon featuring legendary style icon Aerin Lauder in conversation with the EditorIn-Chief of Town & Country Magazine, Stellene Volandes, to discuss Lauder’s latest book, Living with Flowers Proceeds support Greenwich Historical Society programs in education, the arts and historic preservation. Thursday, May 15, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Greenwich Country Club, 19 Doubling Rd., Greenwich. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit greenwichhistory.org/spring-fete.
TRADE SECRETS 1718
Near & Far Aid
The 25th Anniversary of Trade Secrets, sponsored by CTC&G, is a two-day event that brings together garden enthusiasts, collectors, and design aficionados—all supporting Project SAGE’s mission to end relationship violence. This year’s tours showcase the gardens of Bunny Williams and John Rosselli, Twin Maples, Michael Trapp and more. Garden Tours: Saturday, May 17. Rare Plants & Garden Antiques Sale: Sunday, May 18. Lime Rock Park, 60 White Hollow Rd., Lakeville. For details and tickets, visit tradesecretsct.com.
Designer House Tour
The Near & Far Aid Designer House Tour is back again with media sponsor CTC&G. The tour will feature four exceptional homes from Fairfield to Westport. Ticket holders can “ooh” and “aah” as they explore top designer styles, trends and inspiration inside and outside each home. The day’s event will conclude with a separate ticketed event, “Sunset Cocktails,” at a chic estate guests can also tour.
Friday, May 30. House Tour: 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Sunset Cocktails: 6:30–9:30 p.m. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit nearandfaraid.org/events.
ARE YOU ASID YET?
If you’re a designer, you should also be ASID
ASID CT is an organization for designers and trade partners to connect, collaborate, and expand their industry expertise. Stay ahead of evolving products and standards while building relationships with the professionals who can help grow your business.
CEU’s
Meet other professionals in the industry including designers,architectscontractors, & more!
Stay up to date on your continuing education. Learn more about up and coming technology and trends. Networking
https://ct.asid.org/
Showroom Events
Visit local showrooms and get a behind-the- scenes look at how the products you source are created.
Social Gatherings
Hard work deserves a celebration!
Come out and toast to the design industry with friends old and new. @asidct
A Historic Weston Gem’s Stunning Kitchen Transformation
When the stylish homeowners of an 18th-century house in Weston sought to restore their kitchen’s original character, they turned to Nukitchens for a fresh vision.
Known for their custom designs and meticulous craftsmanship, the family-run business dating back to 1956 has a deep appreciation for each home's story and an unwavering commitment to delivering beauty. They brought all that, and more, to this special project.
With space at a premium and the antique architecture presenting unique challenges, the expert design and build team set out to revitalize the kitchen with a blend of timeless charm and modern convenience. Giving it a light, airy feel was important
by Kyle Norton Photography
Photos
to the clients, which Nukitchens accomplished with the right scaling, color choices, and materials.
It's a white kitchen at its heart, though honed natural granite countertops and artisanal woodwork add warmth and dimension. The thoughtfully designed island with a built-in bookcase and the custom banquette—complete with extra storage— position it as a true living area for the homeowners to relish in as well. From dawn until dusk, the windowclad breakfast nook is the perfect spot to enjoy the circa-1763 haven’s peaceful views, which include towering trees, a babbling creek, and a historic barn.
To see more of this sublime remodel by Nukitchens and read the full story, visit cottagesgardens.com/westonmakeover
Grow Your Collection
PICK FROM THIS FRESH CROP OF FLOWER AND GARDEN BOOKS
LIFE WITH
FLOWERS: INSPIRATION
AND
LESSONS
FROM THE GARDEN (Artisan Books, on sale May 13, 2025) is an invitation into both the garden and the creative mind of Frances Palmer, an insatiably curious, highly skilled and wildly generous talent. The renowned Connecticut–based potter has spent decades creating art that has enchanted designers, artists and writers around the world. But there is another vibrant side of her creative life that she’s equally passionate about and devoted to—flower gardening and arranging. This is a practical and gorgeous guide to growing and arranging flowers. hachettebookgroup.com/imprint/artisan/.
FLOWER COUTURE: FROM MY GARDEN TO MY HOUSE (Rizzoli New York, April 2025) offers insights into how Artistic Director of Dior Home and Dior Baby Cordelia de Castellane makes nature her muse, as she turns her eyes to the impressive garden of her own private residence in the French countryside. From delicate spring blossoms to vibrant summer bouquets starring on sun-kissed tables, autumnal herbariums and enchanting winter fetes, each chapter is about a color of her favorite flowers and includes informative tips for living and entertaining à la française. The tastemaker offers her recipes for bouquets and perfect tablescaping with examples from her own house. rizzoliusa.com.
GARDENING WITH NATURE AT THE NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDEN (Monacelli, April 2025) explores the New York Botanical Garden’s “nature first” approach to gardening through lush imagery and in-depth essays that best reflect its ethos. With photographs by Larry Lederman and text by Todd A. Forrest, the book is a lavish tribute to this iconic New York institution. phaidon.com.
NATURAL TEXTURES
Because they are made from plant materials themselves, I find that raffia, straw, wicker, and rattan vases, baskets, and containers all work particularly well with flowers. They provide a natural backdrop for any type of flower, particularly in summer, and are well-suited to outdoor and more informal settings. Woven baskets can’t hold water but can be fitted with watertight glass, metal, or plastic containers. Whether on a summer table, outdoor patio, or indoor sunroom, these planters and vases provide airy texture that works effortlessly with plants and blossoms, and are a worthy addition to your repertoire of containers.—Aerin Lauder
Excerpt from Aerin Lauder: Living With Flowers (Rizzoli, 2025). Reprinted with permission. rizzoliusa.com.
Wicker Wonderful (above) Lilacs come in such a pretty range of hues, from white to pale lavender to deep purple, and they mix beautifully with the fresh spring green of viburnum. Their effusive blossoms look especially pretty in woven wicker baskets and cachepots. Artisanal Touch (top right) In a special collection for Aerin, Frances Palmer handcrafted these shapely vases in white earthenware clay coated in a pale lavender slip and then a clear glaze tor a luminous hint of color. It picks up on the soft purple hues of the clematis beautifully. Tiny daisies offer a charming complement to the larger blossoms. Simply For Summer (bottom right) I find myself using these pretty woven raffia sleeves on glass cylinder vases all the time in summer, when their natural ease is a perfect match for simple garden blossoms. The airy pattern looks equally pretty holding a candle.
Back to Nature
THE LEADING INTERNATIONAL CONSUMER GOODS TRADE FAIR AMBIENTE, HELD EACH YEAR IN FRANKFURT, GERMANY, SHOWCASES PRODUCTS FROM AROUND THE WORLD. WE DISCOVERED THESE HANDSOME TOOLS AND ACCESSORIES— JUST IN TIME FOR SPRING GARDENING. ambiente.messefrankfurt.com.
SWEDISH BOUQUET
Scandinavian maker Wikholmform cultivates sculptural forms borrowed from nature. The Violet vase in white porcelain is sold through florists and garden centers. wikholmform.se
GREEN THUMB
HYDRATED
In the small town of Gujo, Japan, Hachiman—a family-owned company— creates thoughtful household objects. The Garden Beetle watering can offers a sprinkler-like flow with a widened spout and grooved channels. $45; 5 liter, $55, available through Eleish Van Breems Home, evbantiques.com, chilewich.com.
Designed in Copenhagen, Denmark—and produced at small potteries in Italy and Portugal—Bergs Potter pots are made from premium clay with a highfiring process, ensuring the terra-cotta pots are strong, durable and porous. $26–$164, available through Terrain, shopterrain.com, bergspotter.com.
After visiting Japan’s gardens, Niwaki founder Jake Hobson began importing and selling Japanese tools back home in England. The Shokunin tool bag is fashioned from leather, easy to carry and perfect for keeping garden essentials organized. $259, niwaki.com.
Laid-Back Lounging
ENJOY THE RELAXING OUTDOORS WITH THESE INVITING SEATING OPTIONS | BY MARY FITZGERALD
SERENA & LILY
The striking Antigua lounge chair from Serena & Lily in an all-weather resin is offered in Light Dune or an Earth shade (shown here). $2,698, serenaandlily.com.
BAKER MCGUIRE
The Schooner Swivel lounge chair from the Baker Resort Collection, fashioned in natural teak with loose back and seat cushions, is a versatile solution for outdoor gatherings. Price upon request, available through Fletcher Wakefield Design Center, fletcherwakefield.com, bakerfurniture.com.
COMFORT PLUS!
SOAK UP THE SUMMER SEASON ON THE PATIO OR BY THE POOL. WE’VE CURATED A SELECTION OF CHIC CHAIRS, SOFAS AND LOUNGERS—HIGH ON STYLE AND COMFORT AND READY FOR WARM-WEATHER RELAXATION.
DEDON
Drawing inspiration from the shape of a seashell, designer Jean-Marie Massaud created the Seashell Grand collection. The enveloping shape of the wing chair is made from Dedon’s renewable EcoCycle fiber made from sugar cane. Pricing starting at $4,650, D&D. dedon.de.
Designed by Dougan Clark, Tuuci’s Luma Collection showcases the brand’s proprietary Aluma-Weave pattern, available in Aluma-Teak and premium powder coat finishes. $6,620, available through Patio.com, patio.com, tuuci.com.
Lounge chair,
TIMBERTECH
Made from durable, post-consumer recycled materials, TimberTech has updated the classic Adirondack chair. The Lounge rocker is shown here in Limeade. $795, available through GlenGate Company, glengatecompany.com, timbertech.com.
SANTA BARBARA
MCKINNON
AND HARRIS
Fusing McKinnon and Harris’ duVal and Alexander styles, the duVal-Alexander Sun Bed sports generous proportions, a stepped frame and treillage panels handcrafted from high-performance aluminum. Available in 25 finish colors. Price upon request, made to order, D&D, mckinnonharris.com.
Santa Barbara Design’s eight-foot Square Regency Paseo umbrella provides ample shade for lounging. The Anchor Blue canopy is edged with an Aruba Brush Fringe. $5,065, santabarbaradesigns.com.
BROWN JORDAN
FOUR HANDS
The Lavine outdoor sofa by Four Hands beckons with welcoming wide arms and loose back cushions. Settle into the high-performance upholstery on an FSCcertified teak frame. $5,699, available through Lumens, lumens.com, fourhands.com.
The Oscar II Daybed by Ann Marie Vering for Brown Jordan features flat woven straps over a handcrafted aluminum frame with plush, weather-resistant cushions. Pricing starts at $11,995, NYDC, available through Seasons Too, seasonstoo. com, brownjordan.com.
SUTHERLAND FURNITURE
Workshop/APD’s Drift sofa for Sutherland Furniture is contemporary in design with tailored upholstery and an angular teak base, reminiscent of a ship’s hull. Pricing upon request, NYDC,
MOLTENI&C
The sculptural Pantalica daybed by Elisa Ossino for Molteni&C is built with a sturdy aluminum base and woven with weatherproof polypropylene rattan. The cushions, in a cylindrical motif, provide ergonomic support. $9,980, NYC, molteni.it.
CENTURY
The classic Spanish-Mediterranean style of the Andalusia chaise by Century showcases architectural ironwork in sand-cast aluminum with a durable powder coat finish. Decorative balustrades and a canopy complement the design. $8,385, available through Safavieh, safavieh. com, centuryfurniture.com.
DESIGN WITHIN REACH
Designed by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec for HAY, the Palissade Cord Chaise Lounge is handwoven with recycled polyester cord over a powder-coated steel frame. The lounger is offered in four colors, shown here in olive. $1,395, exclusively sold through Design Within Reach, dwr.com.
BERNHARDT
Sweeping loops of stainless steel form the graceful Malibu outdoor chaise by Bernhardt. Plush seat and back cushions, along with a headrest pillow, provide a luxurious lounging experience. $5,525, available through Safavieh, safavieh.com, bernhardt.com.
Buzzworthy
A REMARKABLE TRANSFORMATION
The creative design team of Rhonda Eleish and Edie van Breems has been hard at work restoring an 18th-century sea captain’s trading post on Main Street in Westport. The historic building is now the flagship location for Eleish Van Breems Home, joining existing shops in Saugatuck, New Preston and Nantucket. The building has a storied history, once home of the Remarkable Book Shop, a favorite childhood haunt of Eleish and van Breems. In an effort to bring back “the jewel” of Main Street, the duo called on local and European artisans, architects, carpenters and contractors. Scandinavian-inspired interiors came to life with oak floors, plaster walls and Josef Frank wallcoverings, with surprises awaiting on every floor, including a Scandinavian-style Fika coffee bar and library on the lower level. Original character—such as hand-hewn chestnut beams discovered during renovation—was retained and restored wherever possible. “All of our Eleish Van Breems buildings have been historic restorations and with this wonderful property we carry on that tradition of honoring those who came before,” says Eleish, “Our aim is to preserve but always delight,” adds Van Breems. “Our hope is that this very special new Westport location promotes mindful and inspiring experiences for our guests and clients from which new design ideas can spring to life.”
177 Main St., Westport, 203-635-7774, evbantiques.com.
Local design friends are collaborating on a huge tag sale located at York Street Studio on Saturday, June 7. Fine furniture, accessories and art will be offered from York Street Studio, George Home, Privet House, Peter Lentz Design, Ostafin Design, Carol Bokuniewicz Design, Period to Mod and River Song Antiques. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to shop for great finds. 333 Litchfield Rd., New Milford, 860-350-2100.
GRAPHIC MOSAICS Connecticut Connection
Heritage brand Donghia and luxury tile and stone company Artistic Tile have collaborated on a series inspired by Donghia’s library of striking patterns. Previewed at KBIS in Las Vegas, Casino Royale and Decadence garnered attention with bold geometrics, flowing forms and tactile mosaics. “We’ve always admired Donghia and were incredibly excited to gain access to their famous design library,” says Zach Epstein, Chief Product Officer of Artistic Tile. “Picking Casino Royale and Decadence from thousands of incredible designs wasn’t as hard as it might seem: they’re such Donghia classics and they translate so well into mosaics, it felt like a completely natural fit.” Decadence reimagines Donghia’s Demilune pattern in honed natural stone in three colorways. Casino Royale translates Donghia’s signature textile in a striking multicolor mosaic and waterjet design. The asymmetrical arabesque is cut from different colors of natural stone surrounded by lines of tesserae mosaic, offered in three tonal variations. Showroom locations in White Plains and NYC, artistictile.com.
Expanding its reach, ABC Carpet & Home has brought its selection of one-of-a-kind rugs, furniture, artisan-made décor and vintage jewelry to Greenwich. Opened in March, the 12,500-square-foot space is filled with ethically sourced goods, from handcrafted furniture. decorative accents and, of course, rugs from around the world. Curated products focus on quality, craftsmanship, uniqueness and the ability to inspire customers with a handmade story. ABC Carpet & Home has been a staple in NYC for more than 125 years. Adding a new location in Greenwich was key according to ABC’s VP of Marketing Geri Moran, “Physical retail is especially important for ABC as customers can truly experience the texture and craftsmanship of our products in person.” 181 Greenwich Ave., Greenwich, 646-602-3500, abchome.com.
DEEDS DON’TS
EPIC ESTATES
Now that grounds are greening and gardens are in bloom, homes with exceptional outdoor spaces can finally put their goods on full display. In our state, the “great outdoors” can mean many things—from private islands to a 37-acre country compound and so much more. Featured here this month are six spectacular estates, just in time for the warm weather ahead.
ISLANDS & INLETS
New to the spring market are not one but two island listings off the coast of Darien, both of them historic estates. The first one—on Contentment Island—was once part of the summertime property frequented by artist John Frederick Kensett of the Hudson River School, who painted the island’s rugged and rocky coastline. The circa-1912 main house has been thoroughly—and beautifully—renovated. Its 6,586-square-foot interiors now
Island Time On Contentment Island off the coast of Darien, this circa-1912 Colonial and its two-acre grounds list for $6,495,000 with Patricia Schram of William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty in Darien. 203-219-2084.
1. 7 Dairy Road,
$14,750,000
2.
$25,500,000
3. 1131 Sasco Hill, Fairfield
$25,000,000
offer six bedrooms, including a primary suite with a fireplace, a sitting room and a private balcony. On the main floor, standout spaces include the formal dining room with a beamed ceiling and another fireplace (there are seven in all), the adjoining open-plan kitchen, and a wood-paneled library. There’s more to love across the two-acre grounds, which feature a one-bedroom, one-bath guest house and a dock and moorings. The property is listed for $6,495,000 with Patricia Schram of William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty.
Next up is Hay Island—technically, a peninsula—a property that’s a mix of old and new. The private, 18-acre island has been owned for more than a century by the same family—the Zieglers, who made their mint manufacturing baking soda. But its classic Colonial main house was built in 2010, designed by architect Mac Patterson of Austin Patterson Disston to take in Long Island Sound views from virtually every window. The main floor of the 8,684-squarefoot home has spectacular, open-plan spaces, starting with the front-to-back foyer, which leads to a waterfront veranda spanning the back of the house. There’s a wood-paneled library, also with veranda access, featuring custom bookshelves, window seats, a wet bar and a fireplace. And the handsome kitchen and breakfast space connect to a terrace equipped with an outdoor fireplace and built-in barbecue. Additional amenities across the island include two sandy beaches, a dock, an infinity-edge pool, a pool house and a twobedroom guest house. Hay Island lists for $35 million with Leslie McElwreath of Sotheby’s International Realty.
Tucked away along the Fairfield waterfront is Pine Creek, a tidal inlet that’s much more peaceful than neighboring Fairfield Beach. Many of the creek-side homes have private docks for vessels to carry them the few minutes’ ride to Long Island Sound waters, providing quick access with none of the crowds. And number 320 Pine Creek Avenue is no exception, featuring a dock and a
waterfront terrace, perfect for taking in sunsets. The immaculately renovated main house is also appealing, with its classic Colonial styling and wraparound patio. At nearly 4,000 square feet, it offers four bedrooms, including a spa-like primary suite with a gas fireplace and a wall of glass with floor-to-ceiling views over the water. There’s also a two-bedroom, one-bathroom guest cottage with a full kitchen, currently a rental property. Deirdre Andreoli of Compass lists the property for $3,649,000.
Hay Day Hay Island is a private, 18-acre property in Darien, listed for $35 million with Leslie McElwreath of Sotheby’s International Realty in Greenwich. 917-539-3654.
Creekside Sanctuary This Fairfield waterfront Colonial is listed for $3,649,000 with Deirdre Andreoli of Compass in Fairfield. 203-856-7479.
Bonnie, with her insightful perspective and extensive experience in the luxury real estate and housing market, possesses the ability to discern a property’s distinctive character and untapped potential while simultaneously ensuring its sound financial viability.
Beyond her expertise in Real Estate, Bonnie leads a thriving Design-Build firm and has been named Founding Member at Brown Harris Stevens, Southport, for the newly established Design-Build and Development Group.
GROUNDS & GARDENS
In Westport, the Hunt Club neighborhood offers both a peaceful, green setting as well as the ultimate in convenience—it’s close to town, shopping, schools and the Greens’ Farm Metro-North train station. Brand new to the market is a renovated Hunt Club Colonial, listed for $4.3 million with the Leslie Clarke Team at Compass CT. The tidy, one-plus-acre grounds offer some lovely amenities, including a pool with a spa and sunny deck, an outdoor dining terrace and a wide, flat gated lawn. The nearly 8,800-square-foot interiors are similarly amenitypacked, starting with a heart-of-the-home kitchen that flows to a butler’s pantry, breakfast area, family room, formal dining room and the outdoor terrace. The walk-out lower level offers a media room, rec room and gym, as well as a bedroom with a full bathroom. There are six bedrooms
While Connecticut’s real estate market has experienced some wild weather of late, the demand for rentals remains relatively solid—and there’s an unusually rich array of properties on offer as buyers and sellers wait out the turbulence. One especially luxe “port in the storm” is a spread in the Greenfield Hill section of Fairfield. The nearly 37-acre property was once owned by the composer Richard Rodgers (of Rodgers and Hammerstein fame) and his wife Dorothy, who was an entrepreneur and inventor in her own right—before marrying song-man Rodgers, she invented a toilet-bowl brush she called the Jonny Mop. The couple, who were lavish hosts, built the now-9,000-square-foot modern in 1965, a process that was chronicled by Dorothy in the book The House in My Head. Some of its pleasures and treasures include a hidden theater, a Moroccanthemed lounge space with a bar, an expansive gym and a separate building housing an office. On the stonewalled acreage, find a pool and terrace, a barn-style pool house, a heated platform-tennis court and an apple orchard. It’s offered for $39,000 per month by Leslie Razook and Cyd Hamer of William Pitt Sotheby’s International in Greenwich and Westport, respectively. 203-918-4452 and 917-744-5089.
(and eight bathrooms) in all, including a primary suite with a private terrace and three walk-in closets. Finally, a chic, countryside contemporary has hit the Washington market, listed for $1,995,000. The main-floor, glass-walled spaces were designed with the airy efficiency typical of the era: There’s an open-plan great room with a rustic stone hearth and access to a slate terrace with an outdoor fireplace. That outdoor space wraps around to the expansive deck off the kitchen, which uses the same rugged stones on one wall and features beamed ceilings and an easy flow to dining and living spaces. There are three bedrooms in all, including a main-floor primary suite with more glass walls and exposed beams. Stacey and Pels Matthews of William Raveis Lifestyle Realty have the listing. — Diane di Costanzo
A WELL-COMPOSED HOME
cottagesgardens.com/news
GREENFIELD
HILL: ALAN BARRY
Modern Life This circa-1960 modern in Washington is offered for $1,995,000 by Stacey and Pels Matthews of William Raveis Lifestyle Realty in Washington. 203-671-9067.
Join The Club In the Hunt Club neighborhood in Westport, this renovated Colonial is listed for $4.3 million with the Leslie Clarke Team with Compass CT in Westport. 203-984-1856.
Empower yourself with both our medical aesthetics and women’s health offerings. Our approach to aesthetics brings subtle, yet transformative refinement to your natural look. We have over 10 years of experience and are one of Connecticut’s top 10 fastest growing practices of 2024. We look forward to welcoming you in!
| refinect.com
MAY
CONNECTICUT COTTAGES & GARDENS
DESIGN IN BLOOM
Green Light (this page)
A weeping crabapple signals the gateway where the woodland transitions to meadow.
Pretty Pops (opposite page) Chrysogonum virginianum, geum and native maidenhair fern carpet the ground in the front garden. See Resources
Ripe for Exploration
TRAILS CURVE THROUGH THIS NATURALISTIC PROPERTY, HIDING AND REVEALING MOMENTS OF WONDER
BY TOVAH MARTIN | PHOTOGRAPHS BY LARRY WEANER AND MARK WEANER
The dream was always a wildflower garden.
When Amy Jedlicka bought a Litchfield County lakeside cabin, she had a vision for the land. Her mother is an avid gardener. Her father was a naturalist. Her childhood summers were spent roaming the family’s 300 acres in Vermont, collecting elderberries, etc. Foraging was the language they spoke. So, in 2013, Jedlicka dove into landscaping her newly acquired land. “It was really the first order of
business,” she says. Although lawn prevailed, the oneacre parcel came with some endearing elements— like the smoke tree, flowering quince, hydrangea, pear and rose of Sharon. Erasing those mature treasures was not her plan, but intentionally tying it all together felt right…and necessary. For help with the project, she aimed high. Nationally famed for naturalistic plantings, Larry Weaner is like a wildflower
whisperer. After reading about his feats in the Wall Street Journal, Weaner was contacted.
Weaner saw opportunity galore. The fact that Jedlicka wanted an edible element in homage to her youthful foraging plus a mini-meadow, macroorchard, pint-sized berry patch and all salvageable trees left standing was the sort of challenge that Weaner loves. To expand the experience, he carved
Walk On The Wild Side (this page, clockwise from above left) The relatively slow-growing native Pachysandra procumbens features buff leaves. The colorful groundhugging weave includes geum, chrysogonum and polemonium. A green-on-green edging along the path is created as chrysogonum spreads between tufts of native sedge Carex pensylvanica. A mature purple smoke tree came with the property and now eases the pathway’s curve through Erigeron pulchellus ‘Lynnhaven Carpet’ dappled with zizia. Magic Carpet (opposite page) The low-growing intermingled tapestry of knitted plants forms a solid weed barrier. See Resources
Good Enough To Eat (this page, clockwise from above left) The flowering raspberry, Rubus odoratus, enhances the property line serving as a screen. A pawpaw tree was added for its summer fruits. Rhubarb does double duty as an ornamental feature along the woodland edge. European toadflax and grasses form a shaggy carpet below the mini-orchard. Windows Into Wonderland (opposite page) Mature trees surrounded by blue mistflower (Conoclinium coelestinum), echinacea and brown-eyed Susan frame glimpses into the further meadow. See Resources
a circuitous and adventuresome journey into the property. Pathways curve through, hiding and revealing moments throughout, harnessing the mature shrubs as transitions to conceal or frame further vignettes, underscoring something wonderful as you round a bend. With foraging in mind, he added elderberry, pawpaw and blueberry bushes. But the real fancy footwork came with the layering.
Not only do you need to know the territory when working wild, but intimacy with the plant players is essential—starting with the roots. “Plants have shallow, mid-level or deep roots,” Weaner explains. When the goal is dissuading weeds—and weeds
opportunistically love to infiltrate a wild scene—he creates a weave so dense that seeds literally cannot make inroads. By layering a handpicked army of aggressive “good guys” below and above ground, nothing nefarious can easily sneak in. Additionally, Weaner knows the longevity of plants in a scene where some elements will start small but eventually expand while others with a briefer lifespan serve as space holders. Some plants are meant to disappear, that’s all part of the plan. Other plants eventually fill out the picture. And the ever-changing performance is thrilling. Clients who prefer an instant and absolutely stable scene might not understand this sort of
landscape. But adventuresome clients love it. And even those who thought they wanted an instamatic and predictable picture almost invariably learn to love the dynamic process.
Amy Jedlicka was definitely in for the ride. She loves everything about her landscape, especially its unpredictability. On a daily basis, stewarding wildlife is fascinating, eventful and fulfilling. The garden is not maintenance free—in addition to ongoing consultations with Weaner’s team, Henry Quezada of Inspiration Landscaping serves as her “boots on the ground” liaison. The result is a garden of vibrant beauty framing one of the area’s most scenic lakes. ✹
CALIFORNIA DREAMING
JAMES DOYLE DESIGN ASSOCIATES FILLS A QUARTER-ACRE LOT WITH MULTIGENERATIONAL APPEAL
BY SUSAN TAMULEVICH PHOTOGRAPHS BY NEIL LANDINO, JR.
Open & Shut Indoor and outdoor areas merge poolside. Inside, the custom sofa is from Kathy Taslitz Studio. Outside, teak chaise lounges from Gloster are paired with custom side tables. See Resources.
Peaceful Place Hundreds of polished leaves take the form of Buddha (this page) in Kathy Taslitz’s polished stainless steel sculpture Let It Go. Veils of glass, metal lattice and bougainvillea shroud the indoor tea garden (
Los Angeles is the place where dreams really do come true—in this case, with a touch of design magic from James Doyle Design Associates (JDDA), an award-winning landscape firm based in Greenwich, Connecticut. The dream? To fit a pool, an outdoor fireplace, ample seating, multiple sculpture settings, a place for roses and veg, a balcony, an outdoor shower, a spot for bougainvillea, and even a climbing wall for the grandchildren—all within a compact, sub-quarter-acre plot. “It was a lot to fit into a very small space,” admits James Doyle.
In California, according to Doyle, a strong indoor-outdoor connection is a given. Every view must be considered. Privacy is paramount, even in a densely built L.A. suburb like this one. He admits that at first, “It did take a while for me to get my bearings.” The blank slate he encountered on his first visit would be the smallest plot the firm had ever tackled. The program for living spaces, on the other hand, had all the requirements of any other multigenerational fantasy. As the owner put it: “If we build it, they will come.”
True to the firm’s ethos, JDDA principal designers James Doyle and Justin Quinn collaborated fully with the clients, and with architect Howard Backen, artist/designer Kathy Taslitz and builder Matt Grode, right from the start. That great collaboration, according to Quinn, was fundamental to their success and is something that distinguishes this project, especially as much of the designing was done from afar through Covid. “That’s when we needed to rely on the builder,” says Quinn. JDDA has a long relationship with Grode, whom Quinn characterizes as a master craftsman with a can-do attitude, who gently eased all parts of this puzzle into a comfortable fit.
Integral to the design were the lyrical sculptures and furnishings of Santa Monica-based artist and designer Kathy Taslitz. Her polished stainless-steel sculpture, Let It Go —described as hundreds of shimmering leaves momentarily forming the image of Buddha—exudes a serene vibe outside a window along the main entry hall. Opposite the hallway entrance, the far end culminates in a glazed grid wall, beyond which a potted tree forms the focal point. The pot appears to be at ground level, but is, in fact, another JDDA sleight of hand. The
Layered Labyrinth (left) Sliding shutters enclose an upstairs terrace. All furniture on the
is from
Studio. Clean Lines (opposite page, top to bottom) California pools tend to be a lighter color, due to the intense heat. The garden sculpture is by
lower terrace
Kathy Taslitz
Kathy Taslitz. The rocker on the balcony is through Blackman Cruz. See Resources.
Inner Sanctum (this page, clockwise from left) An outdoor shower from Jee-O gains privacy from high hedges. A single variety of pink Bougainvillea glabra softens the edges of a custom pergola and swing. Sutherland Furniture sofa and lounge chairs provide seating alongside a custom fire feature by MG Partners. Entry Point (opposite page) A sauna beckons at the entrance to the downstairs gym. See Resources
planter is sitting on a platform over the excavated landing of the lower-level gym. Taslitz’s interior furnishings further reinforce the home’s architectural language, echoing the strong geometry of the blackened-metal grid framing the glass walls, windows and trellis.
Throughout the home, entire walls are glazed, some sliding open to dissolve the boundaries between indoors and out. “A large part of our job was finding creative ways to screen off the neighbors,” explains Doyle. Solutions range from lush vines and towering hedges to rolling shutters on the upper balcony. By the outdoor fireplace, a striking 12-foot-tall hedge ensures privacy without sacrificing openness.
JDDA’s disciplined planting scheme—which is dominated by evergreens— complements the neutral tones of the cedar and poured-form concrete exterior.
Blasts of vibrant pink bougainvillea and the shimmering turquoise of the pool add contrast, but otherwise, the palette remains restrained. Greens and silvers intermingle through structured plantings of ligustrum, boxwood and pittosporum, silvery olive trees, herbs and carex grasses. “L.A. has incredible sources for plant material,” says Quinn. On the other hand, Doyle is particularly pleased that they were able to restore existing hedges through rigorous pruning. “No one believed it would work!” he recalls.
“To make the spaces feel better, we broke up areas of paving with floats set within gravel,” Quinn says. This subtle intervention creates an illusion of depth, particularly in smaller areas like the below-grade entry to the gym. Now, five years on, the landscape has matured. The dream has been realized. And, as hoped, the family continues to gather. ✹
CURATED HUES AND CLASSIC TOUCHES SURROUND AN ICONIC LITCHFIELD HOME
STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY TOVAH MARTIN
Quiet Color Framed in boxwood, clematis climbs tuteurs, while a necklace of Nepeta ‘Walker’s Low’ skirts a row of Hydrangea ‘Limelight’ in the distance. See Resources
Fresh A BREATH OF Air
Sunny Delight Surrounded by a sea of ‘Blue Billow’ hydrangeas, chaises from Westminster Teak are shaded by umbrellas from Frontgate. See Resources.
Elizabeth Garber Daniels just couldn’t relate to the Hamptons. She tried, for her partner’s sake. But she kept edging toward Litchfield instead. Forman School made such a major impact on her as a former student, whenever she thought about buying a home, Litchfield slipped into her line of vision. Meanwhile, her mother was rooting for a historic home, and Litchfield also came to mind. The 1886 Frederick Barnard house (built for the tenth president of Columbia College and the namesake of Barnard College for women) was the first property Daniels was shown. It was perfect. “I’m from Cincinnati, Ohio, so owning a historic New England home was very special,” says Daniels.
Although the home’s history and architecture spoke to Daniels, it needed a fresh eye. An interior designer, Daniels— who used to oversee the flagship Williams-Sonoma Home store in New York City—is all about emboldened color. She plugged that insight into the iconic Colonial Revival, resulting in plum-colored walls in the living room, a red-orange guest room and a midnight blue office. That brilliant daring ultimately spilled outdoors.
Daniels was on the verge of tackling the foundation planting when her mother saw a magazine article featuring a local landscape designer. What began as a birthday gift given from mother to daughter turned into an ongoing collaboration. Designer/ plant connoisseur Glenn Hillman lives and gardens intensively only a few doors down. Not only does he know which way the wind is blowing in Litchfield, but he shares a respect for classicism with an artist’s eye for color.
Meanwhile, Daniels was expanding the floorplan outside because the partner who abandoned Long Island for Litchfield became Daniels’ husband, bringing some of his beachside affinities to the property. The fact that he can sunbathe for hours warranted a patio. The fact that Elizabeth would rather lounge under an umbrella required an expanded outdoor space. The raised brick deck that accommodates both inclinations looks meant to be, but also steps out to combine elegance with eye-riveting
(
To brighten the alcove behind the garage, Daniels found a finial through Pennoyer Newman, then Hillman enhanced the tableau with Miscanthus ‘Rigoletto’, Hosta elegans, Alchemilla mollis and Salvia ‘Caradonna.’ A pair of lead swans came via nearby Montage Antiques. Custom pillows made of ikat fabric provide pops of blue on Pottery Barn wicker furniture, which was spray-painted white to stand out beside the pipevine screen that came with the house. A stone wall was built and paired with a classic Lutyens bench, then backed with Hydrangea ‘Limelight.’ See Resources
color. On the patio, sunny yellow contrasts sailor blue with plenty of patterned ikat pillows and ginger jars repeated throughout the seating area. A massive planter spills with herbs footsteps from the kitchen. And it’s all framed in a froth of ‘Blue Billow’ hydrangeas—as per Hillman’s recommendation for replacing the ‘Endless Summer’ hydrangeas that endlessly failed to flower.
That tag-team formula for design is a template Daniels and Hillman repeat continually. What started in 2012 became a tradition. They both like drama-with-roots. She leans toward brightly colored clematis and hunts down favorites, he enhances them with plants he knows will work. Together, they’re working around the entire space. Rather than your typical open lawn, Hillman punctuated the backyard with an allée of ‘Mandarin Jewel’ Kousa dogwoods selected for their orange fruit. Each dogwood is given its own smart square bed, framed in a froth of variegated hakonechloa grass—again to bring out the fruit color. “We tie it all together,” Hillman explains.
Around the periphery, Hillman ran borders planted with pollinator-pleasing perennials and shrubs. Practicing ecological design, he keeps a finger on the pulse of newest research developments globally. Daniels also adds to the brew, staging spring bulb extravaganzas that she selects personally—like tulips, daffodils, ‘Mount Everest’ alliums and Spanish bluebells. The bulbs are indicative of a trend. Initially, when Daniels was a weekender, dividing her time between Litchfield and the city, she requested low-maintenance solutions. Now that Litchfield is her base, Daniels can shoulder additional plantings and the maintenance they entail. In the most colorful and tasteful terms, more magic is coming to Litchfield. ✹
Greenery On Parade (above and right) By punctuating the backyard with ‘Mandarin Jewel’ Kousa dogwoods, recreation is possible, while the lawn is given year-round drama. To create a collar around each dogwood, Hillman chose Hakonechloa macro ‘Aureola’ for all-season performance. See Resources
IN THEBag
READY FOR THE RED CARPET, COUTURE FABRICS ARE REIMAGINED AS HANDBAGS
CREATIVE DIRECTOR PATRICK MELE BY MARY FITZGERALD PHOTOGRAPHS BY ELLEN MCDERMOTT
By The Yard (opposite page) The lineup of designer fabrics. Ravishing Radishes (this page, clockwise from left) A fanciful grocery bag is fashioned from Schumacher’s My Little Radish cotton print and accented with red faux leather handles. Fancy That A bejeweled pomegranate patch adds colorful bling. Get your Greens The coordinating coin purse in Sasha, also by Schumacher, is a high-performance fabric suitable for indoors or outdoors, featuring a textural weave with a strié effect. schumacher.com. See Resources
We asked interior designer Patrick Mele to choose avantgarde fabrics to be presented as this season’s fashionforward handbags. With tenures at Ralph Lauren, Kate Spade and his eponymous design firm, Mele is always ahead of the trend in both fashion and design. His curated selection features iconic textile houses Brunschwig & Fils, Fromental, Jim Thompson, Osborne & Little, Perennials, Pierre Frey, Rogers & Goffigon, Schumacher, Zoffany and passementerie from Samuel & Sons. Mele’s cultured aesthetic is evident in the artful compositions on display in his newly opened Westport studio. These exclusive Cliff + Soph handbags will be sold during May and June at Mele’s Greenwich shop, with a portion of the proceeds going to charity. patrickmele.com.
Stephanie Errickson, the creative force behind Cliff + Soph Design handbags is an accountant by trade and has worked as a bookkeeper for interior designers
for years, but she discovered her artistic calling in handbags. Founded in 2020, her first creations were upcycled from clients’ workroom scraps. Today, all the Cliff + Soph handbags are made in Connecticut with designer fabrics. Errickson creates the hardshell pieces herself and relies on her talented sewing director, Sue Fow, to fabricate the soft clutches, totes and market bags. Errickson’s favorite part of the process is dreaming up new designs and finding adornments to make extra special or one-of-a-kind pieces. “I am a big accessory girl,” admits Errickson. She is always on the hunt for unique items like vintage jewelry, including earrings and necklaces, as well as newer items like Swarovski crystals and unusual hardware pulls. This is truly a passion project for Errickson—she named the company after her cats, and, as a huge animal lover, she donates a portion of each sale to charities benefitting animal welfare. The Sophie Top Handle bag is her bag of choice, but she admits they are like children, and it is often hard to say goodbye to her original creations. cliffandsophdesign.com.✹
Graphic Lines (opposite page, top) A front-flap clutch flaunts Ladder, a chevron weave from Zinc Textile—shown on the wall in Hunting and as the liner fabric in Tobacco (this page, below). The chair cushion is also covered in Ladder. Perennials’ Shadow Stripe (opposite page, bottom) in Chartreuse on the clutch and fabric roll is a micro chenille in an easy-to-maintain 100-percent solution-dyed acrylic. Vintage Jewels (above, left and right) Cliff + Soph’s front-flap clutch bags are embellished with vintage jewelry by designer Piscitelli. Grid Work (above, middle) The Perennials bag is lined with Common Ground in Cypress, a reversible multicolor grid from the brand’s spring Down to Earth collection. zinctextile.com, perennialsfabrics.com.
Modern Art (above) The Sophie bag with bamboo handles wears Pierre Frey’s Farrah Sprinkles with rope and ribbon embroidery. Bold Strokes (above, on table) The OG front-flap clutch in Fromental’s Ukiyo-E Block in Blossom is hand-painted and gilded on Italian velvet, inspired by the delicate colors and bold graphics of Japanese woodblock prints. Topping off the bag, a vintage enamel leopard brooch. Seeing Stripes (top left) Pierre Frey’s Shoji (used as an inside liner) is a ciselé velvet in a contemporary stripe. Lion Tamer (middle left) A gold Lion brooch adds extra dimension. Color Blocks (bottom left) Rogers & Goffigon’s Landscape in Glade lines the front-flap clutch. pierrefrey.com, fromental.co.uk, rogersandgoffigon.com. See Resources.
A Bird In The Hand (below) The pouch in the Birdcage bag is stitched from Jim Thompson’s Prima Vera cotton and silk in Lilibeth and accented with Samuel & Sons’ Trianon Key Tassel in Marzipan. Snake Eyes (top right) A green eyed Cobra protects Fromental’s Ukiyo-E Block velvet. Samuel & Sons’ Trianon Key Tassel in Marzipan dangles from the cage. Purse Strings (middle right) The lining and pedals of the pouch are fabricated from Jim Thompson’s Nuance, a Coral silk and linen vertical strip with an ombre effect. Good Luck Charm (bottom right) A dragon brooch adds intrique. jimthompsonfabrics.com, fromental.co.uk, samuelandsons.com.
Green
from left) A Top Knot Minaudière clutch in
The alligator evening bag is fabricated in Osborne & Little’s Monteverde linen in the
The acrylic clear
holds a
De Louis in Printemps. See You Later (this page, clockwise from above) An alligator necklace serves as the handle of the evening
an
coin purse in
Osborne &
is
as a liner and sports a classic toile pattern. The “door knocker” horse drawer pull adds a decorative accent to the
Pale Olive. zoffany.sandersondesigngroup.com, osborneandlittle.com, schumacher.com.
Seeing
(opposite page, clockwise
Zoffany’s Artisan Palampor fabric in Primrose is embellished with
embroidered lemon patch.
Leaf colorway.
clutch
zippered
Schumacher’s Jardin
bag.
Little’s Karuna linen
used
acrylic clutch. Lining the Top Knot clutch, Zoffany’s Dabu strip in
Evening Out (left, top to bottom) The Top Knot clutch from Cliff + Soph’s Minaudière Collection is wrapped in Zoffany’s Papaver Stripe in Indigo/Madder and lined with Zoffany’s Dabu Stripe in Wedgwood Blue. Swarovski crystals outline the leaf design. An ornamental Lion drawer pull resembles a door knocker. Brunschwig & Fils Les Cigales in Indigo lines the totes. Blue Notes (below) The Frankie totes are crafted in Brunschwig & Fils indoor/outdoor Le Spritz Weave in Indigo and lined with Brunschwig & Fils Les Cigales print in Indigo. The large tote features Samuel & Sons’ Aspen Cable Holdback handles. zoffany.sandersondesigngroup.com, kravet.com, samuelandsons.com.
and the
pierrefrey.com.
Market Watch (above) Cliff + Soph’s Harry market bags are sewn in ZigZag, a Gert Voorjans for Jim Thompson flame-stitched, ikat-inspired jacquard weave. The large bag wears ZigZag in Sapphire,
small market bag is ZigZag in Emerald paired with painted wood bead handles. The large Cliff tote (on the stool) with bamboo handles is fashioned from Pierre Frey’s Patti in Sérénité. Outdoor Vibes (right, top to bottom) Gert Voorjans for Jim Thompson’s Turban outdoor Trevira fabric in Lemon; Pierre Frey’s Blason outdoor fabric in Acajou; Gert Voorjans for Jim Thompson Turban in Lilac Trevira. jimthompsonfabrics.com,
LANDSCAPE DESIGNERS YOU SHOULD KNOW
Landscape design is not simply about planting trees. It’s a multidisciplinary field that combines art, ecology, engineering, and human psychology. In an era increasingly marked by climate change and environmental degradation, the role of landscape designers is becoming even more crucial. Projects often involve the incorporation of native flora to promote biodiversity, water-sensitive urban designs to manage stormwater, and the use of sustainable materials in construction whether it is residential or for entire communities.
BROOK CLARK LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
Brook Clark Landscape Architects is an award-winning firm specializing in high-end residential landscape design, along with select institutional and commercial projects. The firm collaborates closely with clients throughout New England to craft outdoor spaces that reflect their unique vision. By blending sustainable practices with innovative design, Brook Clark Landscape Architects transforms properties into beautiful, functional spaces, from tranquil garden retreats to dynamic outdoor living areas.
203.275.9255
BROOKCLARK.COM
@BROOKCLARK_LANDSCAPEARCHITECTS
GAULT STONE & LANDSCAPE SUPPLIES
For more than 160 years, Gault has provided a personalized end-to-end resource for every project with one of the largest selections of natural stone in New England. Old-world craftsmanship meets modern day technology at their state-of-the-art fabrication facility to bring any project to life. Recently introduced, The Gault Collection features custom-designed exterior porcelain pavers with oneof-a-kind finishes, pairing the versatility of porcelain with the beauty of natural stone for a variety of needs.
203.227.5181
GAULTSTONE.COM
@GAULTSTONE
THRESHOLD LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
Threshold Landscape Architecture brings an artistic balance of vision and technical expertise to projects of all scales. TLA draws inspiration from the natural elements and architecture of each site to create detailed, comprehensive designs. An award-winning firm, TLA listens attentively to the client’s desires, needs, and budget from design conception through construction. The firm’s distinctive solutions respond sensitively to the environment, while creating transformative and sustainable landscapes that celebrate the connection of people to place.
917.566.0612
THRESHOLDLANDSCAPE.COM
@THRESHOLDLANDSCAPEARCHITECTURE
WATER STREET DESIGN ASSOCIATES
Water Street Design Associates is a landscape design firm with offices in Connecticut, New York and Kentucky specializing in estate and garden design for custom residential projects throughout New England and the East Coast. Their projects vary from coastal homes to large rural farm properties. Their classically inspired designs balance the natural essence of each site while incorporating current trends as appropriate, creating unique spaces for each owner.
860.415.9913
WATERSTREETDESIGNASSOCIATES.COM @WATERSTREETDESIGN
PHOTO BY DAVID HEALD
Beyond The Blueprint
1. Designer Antonio Vergara and Elaine Lanzillotti of Peace of Home 2. Panelists Garrett Wilson of Garrett Wilson Builders, Melissa Fitter P.E. of Cuono Engineering, Cheryl Russ of Glengate Company, Lauren Vallario of Lauren Vallario Designs, and moderator Geoffrey Knapp of Tooher-Ferraris Insurance Group 3. Michelle Hughes of Tile America, Mindy Gerhardt of Cornerstone Contracting, and Marianne Johansson of MJF Home Management 4. HBRA Executive Officer Kerry Brunn and designer Tori McBrien 5. A full house at the Stamford Museum & Nature Center 6. Noel Farrell of Guiltec Development, Brian Kurtz of Interstate + Lakeland Lumber, Tarra Del Chiaro of Accurate Lock and Hardware and Ramon Alvarado of Guiltec Development 7. Edward Mortimer of Sotheby’s International Realty, DeLaurentis Development’s Eric and Jennifer DeLaurentis, and Chris Shea of Domus Constructors
8. Moderator Geoffrey Knapp of Tooher-Ferraris Insurance Group
Coming this spring A GRAND TUDOR IN THE HEART OF HISTORIC HARTFORD, THE JUNIOR LEAGUE OF HARTFORD 2025 DESIGNER SHOWHOUSE PRESENTED BY CTC&G (CONNECTICUT COTTAGES & GARDENS)
The 16th Junior League of Hartford Designer Show House presented by CTC&G (Connecticut Cottages & Gardens) , is the signature event-based fundraiser for the Junior League of Hartford, and has raised nearly $2 million for its charitable projects and programs. This highly-anticipated Show House is hosted every three years, and is the only event of its kind in Central Connecticut.
Honorary Design Chair: MATTHEW PATRICK SMYTH
Open to the Public: MAY 2 2 3
For sponsorship opportunities: advertising@candg.com
For more information: cottagesgardens.com/hartford2025
Image by: Amy Archambault
PHOTO BY ELLEN MCDERMOTT, INTERIOR DESIGNER DOMINICK ROTONDI, PALM BEACH
DESIGNSTOPS
MUST-HAVES FOR THE DESIGN-OBSESSED SHOPPER
SANTA BARBARA UMBRELLA ®
This Double Decker® with Scalloped Valance sporting Black Bullion Fringe will provide a restful respite from the sun. Available in over 100 colors. Crafted in CA. 800.919.9464 / santabarbaradesigns.com @sbumbrella
KENNETH LYNCH & SONS
The Star and Dolphin Grand Chair is an elegant and timeless piece for the garden, penthouse, or veranda. Available in a range of finishes and styles. 203.264.2831 klynchandsons.com @klynchandsons
RESOURCES MORE
RIPE FOR EXPLORATION
Pages 54–59: Garden design, Larry Weaner, Larry Weaner Landscape Associates, lwladesign.com. Landscape maintenance, Henry Quezada, Inspiration Landscaping, inspirationlandct.com.
CALIFORNIA DREAMING
Pages 60–67: Landscape design, James Doyle and Justin Quinn, James Doyle Design Associates, jdda.com. Architect, Howard Backen, Backen & Backen, backenarch.com. Builder, Matt Grode, MG Partners, Inc., mgpartnersinc. com. Artist/designer, Kathy Taslitz, Kathy Taslitz Studio, kathytaslitz.com.
Great room: Sofa, Kathy Taslitz Studio. Pool patio: Chaise lounges, Gloster. Gardens: Sculpture and artwork, Kathy Taslitz. Lower balcony: Rocker, Blackman Cruz. Outdoor shower, Jee-O. Fire pit area: Sofa and lounge chairs, Sutherland Furniture. Fire feature, MG Partners, Inc.
A BREATH OF FRESH AIR
Pages 68–75: Garden design, Glenn Hillman, 860-567-0324. Patio: Chaises, Westminster Teak. Umbrella, Frontgate. Wicker furniture, Pottery Barn. Lead swans, Montage Antiques. Alcove: Finial, Pennoyer Newman.
IN THE BAG
Pages 76–85: Creative Director, Patrick Mele, patrickmele.com. Handbag designer, Stephanie Errickson, Cliff & Soph Design, cliffandsophdesign. com. Sewing director, Susan Fow, cliffandshophdesign.com. Green chair, Tommi Parzinger through Glen Leroux Antiques. Cartoon Collection table, Dana Scinto through Patrick Mele. Oil on canvas, Janet Maya.
SOURCE LIST
Blackman Cruz, blackmancruz.com Frontgate, frontgate.com
Glen Leroux Antiques, 203-227-8030
Gloster, gloster.com
Janet Maya, janetmaya.com
Jee-O, jee-o.com
Kathy Taslitz Studio, kathytaslitz.com
MG Partners, Inc., mgpartnersinc.com
Montage Antiques, montageantiques.com
Pennoyer Newman, pennoyernewman.com
Pottery Barn, potterybarn.com
Sutherland Furniture, sutherlandfurniture.com
Westminster Teak, westminsterteak.com
Wambui Ippolito
Wambui Ippolito is known for elegant, curative designs that embrace the exuberance of nature, which she considers “the greatest healer.” Deeply instilled are her memories of gardening with her family, and the animals, wide sky and neverending landscape of Kenya where she grew up. After a career in international development and a move to the U.S., she transitioned back to her love of the outdoors, attending the prestigious School of Professional Horticultural at the New York Botanical Garden and establishing her firm Wambui Design, known for delivering innovative, imaginative gardens for humans and pets with follow-up maintenance. Her colorful floriferous garden at the 2021 Philadelphia Flower Show won Best-in-Show and Gold Awards. She lectures widely around the world and served as a judge for the 2024 CTC&G Innovation in Design Awards. Currently living in Staten Island with her husband and daughter, Ippolito enjoys reading, watching films and cooking. wambuidesign.com.
What memories of Kenya linger with you? Growing up in nature, the landscape, and the freedom of being in the country and not regulated in any way. Your identity is tied to the family, land, village, clan. All Kenyans own their own land. There is nothing better than knowing where you come from, somewhere that no one’s going to take away from you. When I am in Kenya, it is still home.
Your early career was international development. Why did you leave that? Working for multinational organizations, I was pushing paper, pretending what I was doing was important. I didn’t feel I was evolving, I was stuck.
What brought about the return to gardening? When my daughter was born, I was home and had time to think and plan. I wanted to be outside and happy. There’s nothing like having a child to make you rethink your life.
What is your ideal garden space?
A place where there’s no fear and worry, you’re calm, you can get ideas, be creative. It all goes back to peace. When it’s peaceful and beautiful, it’s inspiring. So many are places are to look and walk through. I want a place that embraces me, where I can sit down and feel safe as long as I want. A place for rest, relaxation, peace. If you can achieve peace, you have achieved joy, laughter, good health.
what you can bring to the table. You can tell when people ae copying as opposed to doing something new.
What gives you inspiration? I love art books, literature and film from other countries. And I love fashion. I’m doing a garden based on a fashion collection—the colors, the way the dresses flowed.
How do you create that? By designing a place that’s lush, filled with texture and colors that complement each other and aren’t glaring. I don’t like red and orange in a garden. I love quiet, muted shades and textures.
Why do you maintain that less is more? If you can create with very few plants, that’s innovation. A lot of people use too many. I’m always amazed to see what you can do with the least amount of plants. lt’s like an artist using only three colors. Less is more.
Why is it important to acknowledge the indigenous background of the locale? Local people have the strongest ties to that landscape. You don’t go into someone’s house and just start rearranging the furniture without asking what they want. You have to take into account their feel for the land.
Why do repeated palette schemes irk you? I don’t like to see the same garden over and over. People see things on social media and get inspired. It works for somebody else, but it stops you from thinking
Which other gardeners do you admire? My mother always had an instinct and it was always right. And I love the gardens of Madison Cox— how he arranges the garden, his plant palette—they are refined in the best sense.
What is a garden you’d like to design? I’d like to do a children’s garden in a school somewhere. Children need that beauty and nature around them and to feel a part of something beautiful.
—Sharon King Hoge
Happy Places (clockwise from above) This rooftop garden by Wambui Design mimics the city skyline. A lush, layered design surrounds a home in the tropics. Ippolito enjoys creating textured spaces in complementary colors.
