Reflections in Design Magazine The Outdoor Living Issue 2026

IN DESIGN

reflections SPRING | 2026

ARCHITECTURE FRAMED BY TIME &

TERRAIN

WHEN FASHION AND INTERIORS SPEAK THE SAME LANGUAGE

Outdoor Living THE

FASHION DESIGN

TROPICAL

ISSUE

BLOOM SCULPTURE

A FAMILY LEGACY WRITTEN IN STONE FINE ART

ART IN NATURE

IN DESIGN

reflections SPRING | 2026

Rosemary Porto Editor-in-Chief EditorReflectionsMagazine@ifdane.net

John Trifone Managing Editor ifda.nec@gmail.com

Eunice Weckesser Publisher ifda.nec@gmail.com

Reflections in Design is a subscription magazine that is distributed at no charge to all IFDA-NE chapter members and subscribers.

ON THE COVER:

ARCHITECTURE FRAMED

BY TIME AND TERRAIN p. 40

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IN DESIGN

reflections WINTER | 2026

ART DIRECTION Jennifer Driscoll Megan Whipple

A FAMILY LEGACY WRITTEN IN STONE p. 23

CONTRIBUTORS

JACQUELINE BECKER Jacqui Becker is an art consultant and art journalist celebrating 44 years of her consultancy. It has been her honor to serve as IFDA NE Chapter president in 2011, and to hold numerous chapter and international board positions.

JULIE MATOS A fashion and style director and image consultant based in New York City, Los Angeles, and Boston, Julie crafts celebrity fashion, high-end style, and fashion editorial with bold creative vision.

KELLY GARCIA Kelly Garcia is the founder of Kelly & Co. Interiors, a Boston-based design studio focused on creating intentional, modern living spaces that are both functional and refined.

GEORGIA ZIKAS With two decades of expertise, Georgia has earned a celebrated reputation for her innate ability to design, renovate, and build family properties that are classically inspired yet personality-driven.

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ISSUE

in this

15

DESIGN CALENDAR Notable industry events from around the globe

20

OPENING DOORS TO DESIGN EXCELLENCE IFDA-Education Foundation Grants

23

A FAMILY LEGACY WRITTEN IN STONE A fourth generation sculptor’s history

29

ART IN NATURE Highly adventuresome, visionary clients

35

A SPIRITUAL WAY OF SHAPING HOME From the inside out

40

ARCHITECTURE FRAMED BY TIME And terrain in the Berkshires

FEIHC-NI-ROTIDE EHT MORF

During winter, while working on our April issue, I was transported to long days and sunny afternoons as I looked at the photos for our issue. The Victorian poet, Christina Rossetti, said it best: “Spring is when life’s alive in everything.” This time of year, filled with endless possibilities for creation, is the theme of our second issue, celebrating outdoor living for the easy-breezy months ahead.

When we step outside, new ways of entertaining our family and friends await us, as seen in “The New Great Room: Outdoors.” Be inspired by two award-winning design projects— “Architecture Framed by Time and Terrain,” a stunning residential home in the Berkshires, and “Lyrik—Beauty Bridging Communities,” a public installation in the heart of Boston.

Meet an artist, Ryan Ackerman, carrying on his family’s multi-generational stone cutting business by creating stone sculptures in his modern style. A kinetic sculpture from high above the California coast in “Art in Nature” illustrates the magical combination of Mother Nature and great design.

An interior designer from Nantucket shares her unique approach to design in “A Spiritual Way of Shaping the Home from the Inside Out.” Two IFDA members chronicle their travels to exciting design destinations, and a fresh young talent in the Boston design community shares her Five Fab Finds of outdoor furnishings.

We invite you to spring into our April issue and find motivation and creative ideas for the invigorating seasons ahead.

Wishing you a joyful Spring,

Rosemary Porto ROSEMARY PORTO

Sculptor, Ryan Ackerman with Editor-inChief, Rosemary Porto. Learn about Ackerman’s work and legacy on page 23.

ISSUE

in this

51

TROPICAL BLOOM Fashion design with intention

55

THE NEW GREAT ROOM Outdoors

59

LYRIK Beauty bridging community

63

BEHIND THE SCENES West Coast Market

66

FIVE FAB FINDS Designer Kelly Garcia shares her favorites

68

BEYOND THE BORDERS A design adventure in London

ROTIDE GNIGANAM EHT MORF

As we present the second issue of Reflections in Design, I’m delighted to explore a theme that continues to reshape the way we live: outdoor living.

What was once considered a separate, seasonal extension of the home has evolved into something far more intentional. Today, the most compelling outdoor spaces are no longer an afterthought; they are a seamless continuation of the interior experience. Designers and homeowners alike are embracing the idea that the same level of comfort, sophistication, and personal expression found indoors should carry effortlessly outside.

This shift is about more than just durable materials or weather-resistant fabrics.

It’s about creating environments that feel cohesive. Where scale, proportion, texture, and palette are thoughtfully aligned with the interior aesthetic. The result is a fluid dialogue between inside and out, where boundaries blur, and living expands.

Beautiful examples of this philosophy can be seen throughout this issue—from the work of designer Stephanie Pavlides, whose projects seamlessly extend interior elegance into exterior settings, to the Saki Outdoor Collection by Minotti, which brings a refined, architectural sensibility outdoors. Equally compelling are Palecek's outdoor collections, where natural materials and artisanal craftsmanship create spaces that feel both elevated and inviting. Together, these features illustrate how thoughtful design can transform outdoor living into a true extension of the home.

As you turn these pages, I encourage you to think about outdoor spaces not simply as destinations, but as integral parts of the home—spaces that deserve the same attention, creativity, and care as any interior room.

Thank you for continuing this journey with us.

John Trifone JOHN TRIFONE

Sam Kachamr Architects| Michael J. Lee Photography

REHSILBUP EHT MORF

We’re excited to introduce this issue and to be part of a magazine that continues to shape how we experience design in a more elevated, intentional way.

Spring is in the air, bringing a sense of renewal. A shift from the stillness of winter into something lighter, fresher, more alive. It’s the season that naturally draws us back outdoors.

After months inside, stepping outdoors just feels different: lighter, easier, more inspiring. There’s a new appreciation for open air, natural light, and spaces that allow you to slow down or gather without effort. This issue is rooted in that sensibility.

It’s about outdoor spaces that are thoughtfully designed, not just decorated, spaces that invite you to gather, unwind, and truly live in them.

From fashion to travel to sculptural art, everything comes into play here. It’s layered, it’s expressive, and it doesn’t try too hard. This is the time we look forward to the months ahead spent outside, where design and nature align effortlessly, creating spaces that feel as good as they look.

This is outdoor living, redefined.

XOXO

Eunice Weckesser EUNICE WECKESSER

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20 MILAN DESIGN WEEK / SALONE DEL MOBILE April 20-26 Fiera Milano, Rho, Italy Website The world’s most influential design week covers furniture, interiors, industrial design, materials, lighting, and crossovers with fashion and tech.

DESIGN CALENDAR

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29 SYDNEY BUILD EXPO April 29-30 Sydney, Australia Website Large-scale design-forward expo covering architecture, construction, interior systems, materials, and smart cities.

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14 NYCXDESIGN May 14-20 New York, New York Website City-wide festival celebrating multidisciplinary design with exhibitions, talks, and events throughout NYC.

DESIGN CALENDAR

THE CENTURY OF GEHRY May 29-31 Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art Porto, Portugal Website A retrospective that explores Gehry’s career, ranging from early projects like the in Santa Monica to the Guggenheim Bilbao.

JUNE/2026 01 SAN FRANCISCO DESIGN WEEK June 1-12 San Francisco, California Website

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10 3 DAYS OF DESIGN June 10-12 Copenhagen, Denmark Website

AUTOMOTIVE INNOVATION FORUM 2026 June 2-3 Darmstadt, Germany Website A focus on automotive design, digital surfacing, visualization, and EV workflows, this key design‑driven event uniting OEMs, studios, and mobility technologists.

AIA CONFERENCE ON ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN June 10-13 San Diego, California Website

24 08 NEOCON June 8-10 The Mart Chicago, Illinois Website

DESIGN CALENDAR

29TH ANNUAL ROSE GARDEN PARTY Boston, Massachusetts Website A fundraising event supporting free family programming in public parks throughout Boston.

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The Rose Garden Party raises funds to support ParkARTS and its free programming for over 33,000 children and families in neighborhood parks throughout Boston, including concerts, movies, arts-and-crafts workshops, and festivals. With your help, ParkARTS can continue to bloom all year long.

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OPENING DOORS TO

DESIGN EXCELLENCE CONTRIBUTOR IFDA EDUCATION FOUNDATION

ELIZABETH BROWN EDUCATION INSTITUTION GRANT

INA MAE KAPLAN HISTORIC PRESERVATION GRANT

The Interior Furnishings and Design Association Educational Foundation (IFDA EF) continues to invest in the future of the design industry through its annual scholarships and grants, supporting both emerging talent and established professionals.

This year, IFDA EF will award 10 scholarships totaling $27,500 to high-achieving design students. Awarded in the summer, these scholarships recognize academic excellence and creative promise, helping students pursue education and careers in interior design and related fields.

In addition, IFDA EF grant applications will be accepted from June 1 through June 30. These grants are open to professionals working in interior design or furnishings-related fields, as well as design educators and accredited design programs. Undergraduate students are not eligible. Grant recipients will be notified by August 31, or by a date specified for the individual grant. Application details are available at ifdaef.org.

VALERIE MORAN MEMORIAL GRANT FOR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

PROFESSIONAL AND EDUCATIONAL GRANTS IFDA EF grants support a wide range of initiatives. The Irma Dobkin Universal Design Grant ($2,000) aids individuals advancing inclusive design through products, projects, education, or marketing. The Ina Mae Kaplan Historic Preservation Grant ($2,000) supports efforts to restore or preserve historic sites related to design and furnishings.

Educational institutions may apply for the Elizabeth Brown Grant to Interior Design Programs ($2,500) to fund supplementary materials and resources, while professionals seeking advanced study can apply for the Tony Torrice Professional Development Grant ($1,500). The Valerie Moran Memorial Grant, offering up to $3,000, supports IFDA professional members pursuing travel, trade shows, and professional development opportunities.

For full details and application information, visit ifdaef.org.

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A Family Legacy Written in Stone

BY ROSEMARY PORTO / PHOTOGRAPHY BY JONATHAN MENDEZ

Picture a skinny twelve-year-old boy sweating under the scorching August sun, holding a giantsized sledgehammer, striking a massive granite boulder, while his buddies cannonballed into the nearby Quincy Quarries. That’s how Ryan Ackerman of Monti Ackerman Sculpture began his illustrious career as a stone sculptor.

Ryan is the fourth generation in an impressive line of stone artisans. The Monti name has been well known for over a century, dating back to Ryan’s great-grandfather, Angelo Monti, who immigrated from northern Italy to Boston at the turn of the twentieth century.

If you find yourself in front of the Custom House Tower in downtown Boston, look at the top of the tower and view the granite eagles framing the clock—Ryan’s greatgrandfather worked with the crew of sculptors who carved them in the early 1900s.

Ryan’s grandfather and mentor, Edward, followed his father and made a name for himself in the 1960s and 70s, designing and creating massive fountains from blocks of granite. His art can be seen in many public areas, such as the Boston University College of Communications and the Merrymount Park Fountain in Quincy. When Ryan took over the business, Ed never stopped working. Ryan combines his grandfather’s problem-solving method with his own. Sadly, Ed passed away at 89 a few years ago and is missed every day.

“There’s something very poetic and moving having my connection to the family’s sculpture legacy,” Ryan shared.

The education his grandfather gave Ryan went beyond teaching him to use a hammer and chisel; he taught him to enjoy the process. When you stay too long on a design, he said, walk away for a little while and return with fresh eyes.

We designers stand to learn from Monti’s sage advice.

Custom House Tower in Boston, Massachusetts, with four 22-ton, 25-foot-high granite eagles sculpted by Angelo Monti and his crew.

Fourth generation stone artisan, Ryan Ackerman of Monti Ackerman Sculpture

Function is the core of Ryan’s designs; the art side of his process is rooted in use and purpose. Each boulder is hand-selected in the quarry. Then he applies a mix of ancient techniques of stone cutting to modern technology.

Ryan blends textures to recreate natural transitions between elements. “I like to feature patina,” he said, “always being mindful of preserving the inherent grime and history of the granite.”

“There’s something very poetic and moving having my connection to the family’s sculpture legacy.”

-Ryan Ackerman.

The lessons and discipline gained through the Monti legacy of public work carried over into Ryan’s private practice. Collaborating with architects, landscape designers, and builders gives him the chance to work on large projects, both in the public and private sectors.

Public art is his first love, but Ryan enjoys working directly with private clients, designing and creating water features and fire pits. “It’s deeply satisfying to add my functional art to enhance a beautifully designed landscape.”

He believes water features best contribute to the plein-air atmosphere when they are heard rather than loudly announced. Fire pits, on the other hand, can be a dynamic focal point to gather family and friends. He relies heavily on reclaimed granite boulders for his designs, as well as using refined finishes such as highly polished and leather textures. “Adding contemporary lighting and quality electronics elevates the end result,” he said.

“Designing a stone accent feature that stands alongside the creative efforts of landscape architects, engineers, and installers who invested enormous care in the project carries a heavy responsibility that I take seriously,” Ryan said.

“Everyone involved needs to feel proud of the finished space. This is the strength and success of our shared efforts.”

IFDA celebrates Ryan and Monti Ackerman Sculpture for contributing unique art for exterior installations, leading the way with new technology in the field of modern stone sculpture.

ENDURING FORMS IN STONE Monti Ackerman Sculpture collaborates with individuals, municipalities, companies, universities, and landscape architects to create works ranging from custom granite waterscapes and fire pits to large scale installations and commissioned sculptures.

Blending tradition with innovation, Ackerman employs time-honored stoneworking practices alongside modern technologies, most notably his family’s proprietary 6,000-degree quarry torch to shape bold granite sculptures and functional works of art.

Through-out the process, he works closely with clients to select the stone, refine finishes, and develop an overall design that meets both aesthetic and functional goals, resulting in projects of lasting impact and distinction.

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Top Left: Fire Pit; Top Right: Water Fountain; Bottom Left: Chickataubut Memorial; Bottom Right: Fire Pit

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Art in NATURE Owl’s perch; wind gauge; and sundial.

On a bluff high above the Pacific Ocean south of San Francisco, the California Coastal Trail offers stunning panoramic views of the ocean below and the distant horizon. Primarily a parkland for walkers, bikers, birders, and all manner of wildlife, this carefully maintained sanctuary also serves as a front yard for homeowners blessed to live about the Trail. A chance encounter at an IFDA event introduced me to a couple building a new home here. Thus began a four year dream project to furnish art for highly adventuresome, visionary clients. Three works of art were commissioned for their enchanting outdoors.

BY JACQUELINE BECKER / PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF JACQUELINE BECKER FINE ARTS CONSULTING SERVICES

“VOLANTE MOON” BY SCULPTOR RICHARD ERDMAN

The selection of the perfect art often starts with falling in love. For these clients, a trip to the Louvre in Paris where they were enthralled by the dramatic movement of the 190 BC Hellenistic “Winged Victory of Samothrace” served to establish the airborne aesthetic they sought to find in a contemporary sculpture to adorn their expansive view of the coastal trail.

“Great art picks up where nature ends.”

-Marc Chagall

The Vermont sculptor Richard Erdman was commissioned to create “Volante Moon”.

Carved from a five-ton block of Carrara Bardiglio marble prized for its rich variegated gray and white patterning, it takes its name from the Italian word for flying, as its winged form captures the essence of both the Samothrace masterpiece and the flight of numerous bird species of the Coastal Trail.

The sculptor and I, together with the architects Walker / Warner and the landscape architects Lutsko Associates, determined the ideal site; poised between land and sea, as if about to take flight over the Pacific Ocean. Not only is the marble sculpture positioned in perfect harmony with the distant horizon, but it can also be seen upon entering the home, offering a thrilling focal point of the structure’s sight lines. The sculpture and its black granite base were dramatically airlifted into place via crane with the assistance of Ship/Art International. Lighting for evening viewing was embedded into the base as well as the surrounding plantings.

“AVIAN GEOMETRY” BY GEORGE SHERWOOD PHOTO BY RUSS SCHLEIPMAN

While “Volante Moon” was selected to engage an expansive vista, a more intimate sculpture site was created by a cloistered corridor of land nestled between the home’s three component structures. At seven feet tall, sculptor George Sherwood’s “Avian Geometry” commands the space.Its stainless steel kinetic arms, animated by the

ABOVE: “LUNA” BY PRICHARD DESIGN PHOTO BY MATTHEW MILLMAN BELOW: PORTER GARDEN TELESCOPE DESIGNED BY RUSSELL W. PORTER

wind, swoop high and low and round and round, catching flashes of California.

Lastly, the home’s roof deck was graced with a functional sculpture, a Porter Garden Telescope.

Despite its quant design based on an early 1920’s garden telescope, the Porter Telescope offers a powerful tool for celestial explorations, a passion of the homeowners.

Access to the roof deck is via a dramatic circular stairwell with illuminated beaded glass treads. We sought to create a thematic connection between this extraordinary rooftop access and the home's interior.

Prichard Design festooned the walls in the home’s adjacent stairwell with a site-specific wall relief of white porcelain entitled “Luna.” Evocative of the surface of the moon, Luna creates beautiful, soft, white-on-white patterns and shadows, and hints at the adventures to be had once you ascend the stairs to the roof deck.

All three sculptures’ mediums were selected in part for

their ability to withstand coastal winds and salt air. Each needs only light maintenance and is very much a part of the home’s rhythms. “Volante Moon” can be seen surrounded by grazing sheep brought to harvest the dry grasses that pose a seasonal fire risk, or as a perch for visiting owls. The kinetic “Avian Geometry” is an informal wind velocity gauge. The Porter Garden Telescope also serves as a sundial.

As the great Russian and French modernist artist Marc Chagall famously said, “Great art picks up where nature ends.”

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BY ROSEMARY PORTO / PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF DONNA ELLE

15

On a chilly February morning, interior designer Donna Elle sat on a deck under a cerulean sky, the ocean’s tide washed the shore, and she reflected on her practice of spiritual design.

After Donna moved to enchanted Nantucket Island in the early seventies as a teenager, she became an active member of the community, raising a family and honing her artistry over five decades while leading a thriving interior design firm. Her award-winning, frequently published projects lent credence to the birth of coastal design.

Recently, Elle’s vocal expression has deepened to songwriting, singing, and sharing space in conversational leadership salons. This is where she accepted an invitation to a path calling her into the unknown, to process how we come home to meet ourselves.

In the dark days of the 2008 banking collapse, Donna began an extensive design project. Though the construction work halted temporarily, both the client and Elle continued to move forward, developing the design.

TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

This was a turning point when divine timing provided the means to synthesize her client’s expression into the genre Elle frames as ‘spiritual design’.

When the project was completed, installed, and ready for their first celebratory soiree, her interior design received an overwhelming response. The client’s family and friends recognized the authentic portrayal of the client’s essence in every room and in each unique detail.

“Design is more than surface or status,” says Donna Elle, “It’s less about doing a project, and more about creating a space filled with presence.”

Elle believes the goal of portraying one’s decorative expression is not to achieve perfection, but rather an alignment between the client’s inner life and her home. Now, when she meets a new prospective client, Donna asks, “Tell me three elements that best describe how you want to feel in your home.” This begins the knowing, the deep dive into finding the client’s essence.

“The [principles] are heart-centered invocations for

transformative approach for women who quietly and intuitively sense their lives are asking for a deeper expression than what has taken form so far.”

Spiritual design bridges the artistry of a rich inner life, creating a pathway of being fully expressed in their home. It allows the home to reflect and create an individual personal narrative reflecting who they are at their heart center.

Elle is launching a book soon. She sees her role as an ‘adjunct professor,’ drawing from her experience teaching high school in the eighties, to share what she has learned. In the past, she has contributed to leader-

ship conferences and holistic retreats. Now she plans to contribute her talents as a guide at established retreats and events, creating a hands-on approach to inspire women to deepen their personal, soulful creative expression in their homes and lives.

“This work is a story of stewardship, sovereignty, and sacred space, written for a woman standing at the threshold of designing a new way of living.”

This seasoned professional’s approach to interior design offers thoughtful insights and practical advice.

Whether the project is personal or professional, it’s worth exploring the elements that draw the homeowner back home.

Available at Minotti by DDC, Boston, New York and Miami

ARCHITECTURE FRAMED BY TIME & TERRAIN INTERVIEW BY ROSEMARY PORTO / PHOTOGRAPHER BY NAT REA

Stephanie Pavlides, of Pavlides Studio, was the recipient of the International Furnishings and Design Award for New England Architect of the Year in 2022. This past year, her residential project in the Massachusetts Berkshires was recognized as Best Modern Architectural Project. I recently sat with Stephanie to discuss the strategy behind her stunning design during my interview.

Q&A W I T H

ST E P H A N I E

PAV L I D E S

Q What was your original vision, and how did the location in the Berkshires shape it?

When I heard that my client wanted to build in the Berkshires my first thoughts were of abstracted farmhouse or Greek revival architecture but visiting the site immediately changed that vision to wanting to respect the landscape and not perch on top of the hill but rather nestle into the hill.

Q How did you collaborate with the clients to achieve their dream home?

Many, many meetings, often on Saturdays, we first started with the initial groupings of spaces, and the project grew quickly from the original scope once we identified all the needs and wants. Meeting in their main home helped us check dimensions and function. Once we had the footprint and floorplans locked, we then focused on the interior designs with material selections at further function analysis at all rooms. Design heavy rooms like the kitchen required multiple iterations to ensure the best layout and intuitive use for owner and guests alike.

Q How did the topography and changing light inform your earliest decisions?

The property has a point that projects into the lake, it was a pretty strong feature that wanted the main living space to focus on, seeing the contours on the site plan really guided how the house would be able to follow the landscape. Because the house bends to follow the land I knew the house would be a benefactor of the changing light as you walked through different spaces, they take on their own character.

were the specific moments in the landscape you wanted Q What to frame or project?

For sure, the point of land that projects into the lake and the ridge that corresponds to it really set up the main focus and the panoramic layout of the house.

Q

How did you approach the four seasons’ changing? Did the weather influence your design and your material choices?

Natural materials became the palette, the warmth of wood, the stability of stone, and the charcoal-colored siding became a perfect backdrop to the changing landscape, whether it is the full green of summer, the warm colored leaves of fall, or the bare trees and snow in winter.

Q Outdoor living is very central to the project.

How did you make the choices for the locations of the pool and pool house in relationship to the main house?

The house was not only to function as the main house of the owners in retirement, but also as a destination house for friends and family to gather. The house sits on a hill with a small lake at the bottom of the hill, keeping the pool on the inner side of the house creates multiple zones and destinations to explore and allow the view to the lake from the house to be uninterrupted.

Q What strategies did you use to blur the boundaries between the inside and the outside?

We have large openings to the outside. In the kitchen, the doors that open to the lakeside create an opening of over 18’, which, with the side that faces the inner courtyard having an opening of 12’, you feel like you are in a covered porch. The breeze through the house is intoxicating. We also have spaces that you see through to the exterior and beyond to more interior spaces, further blurring inside and outside.

Q Are there details in this project that feel especially personal to you?

I had fun designing so many of the details, I am not sure any feels more personal.

Q

This spacious home includes a separate wing for family and guests, and I wonder how you approached the privacy versus connection challenge?

At the main entrance to the house one can go left into the guest house or right to the public spaces of the main house, that intersection is big enough to feel a true transition, the space is special with views both interior and exterior, there are large pocketed doors that can be closed should the need or message be made that privacy is required, in fact, the main house could be closed and locked while allowing a guest to use the guest wing totally independently of the main house.

The residence is filled with meticulously designed features, such as a wine cellar accessed through a concealed door in the home office floor.

The guest wing includes a bunk room with a skylight for grandchildren to sleep under the stars and wake at first light.

Q

What emotional experiences did the clients hope this house would provide?

For many years, the family would travel to some fabulous location over the Christmas holiday, rent a large house, and gather with extended family and friends. This house allows for those family traditions to continue in their own home. A big part of the story is that the house was designed for a couple to be the main residence upon the husband’s retirement. Early in the design process, the wife learned she had cancer, and while she was in remission and stable for a couple of years, she eventually died from the disease while the house was still under construction. Until the end, she was very much involved with design details and how the house should function for her family, and the house reflects that. While the husband has continued to work the grown children and now grandchildren keep the house very active on most weekends, holidays, and summer entertaining befitting their goals for the home.

Guest wing bathroom

Q

When we design, our job is to fulfill our clients’ dreams and develop a deep understanding of their desired outcome; often, a successful collaboration can change us in the process. What did this project and these clients teach you about yourself and your practice?

This project was an incredible project and certainly emotional, as I knew the prognosis of my client and her desire to keep that information private. What started as a design for a couple with big considerations for their grown children and friends became a house that we knew she would not live in, but would encourage the continuation of family traditions and the generosity of entertaining family and friends. The house reflects the family, but the family in the future. It feels like a reprieve from everyday life and a celebration of nature and gathering of people. I think that what we do in design is connect with people, and the most successful design comes from the most open conversations. Beyond the relationship with the clients, I had a wonderful experience with the builder and his subs. Collaborative and supportive, as we were doing things we hadn’t done before in a rural location. The building experience was truly the best of my career.

Fashion Designer: Sergio Hollender at New York Fashion Week presenting his collection, Tropical Bloom

TROPICAL

BLOOM

Design with Intention

BY J U LI E MATO S

Outdoor living is a mindset. It’s about fluidity, light, movement. It’s about bringing nature into how we live and how we dress.

For this collection, that connection feels especially relevant.

Boston-based designer and IFDA member Sergio Hollender captures it in Tropical Bloom, a collection rooted in heritage and shaped by the natural world.

Inspired by the lush landscape of Medellín, Colombia, Sergio builds from flora rather than simply referencing it. The Cattleya orchid, Colombia’s national flower, runs through the collection with purpose. It isn’t decorative. It carries meaning.

Strength and elegance, side by side. The florals feel intentional. They ground the collection in identity and reflect the spirit of outdoor living, organic, alive, evolving.

What stands out most is his restraint. The silhouettes move, but they’re disciplined. Draping feels soft, yet there’s structure holding it in place. Silk and mesh are layered thoughtfully. Embroidery adds dimension without competing with the line.

NY FW

NEW YORK FASHION WEEK NEW YORK FASHION WEEK NEW YORK FASHION WEEK NEW YORK FASHION WEEK NEW YORK FASHION WEEK

As a male designer interpreting femininity, Sergio approaches it with balance. He doesn’t over-romanticize softness; he shapes it.

Sculptural tailoring supports fluid curves.

Transparency is refined. Nothing feels exaggerated.

From an editorial perspective, the collection reads like a well-designed interior. Texture layered against texture. Light-catching surface.

Proportion doing the subtle work. It feels composed intentionally without feeling overworked.

Outdoor living isn’t about escaping indoors; it’s about integration. Women move between

environments with confidence.

There’s complexity in that strength with sensitivity, structure with ease.

Tropical Bloom understands that nuance.

As an emerging designer building his presence during New York’s Fashion Week, Sergio’s voice feels clear. There’s cultural pride in the details. Craftsmanship in the construction. A point of view behind every silhouette.

In a fashion landscape that often leans toward spectacle, this collection feels grounded. It doesn’t need to shout. It knows where it stands.

And like the orchid at its center, it blooms quietly but with presence.

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LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT: GREGORY LOMBARDI DESIGN BUILDER: THOUGHTFORMS CONTRACTOR: RP MARZILLI ARCHITECT: OMR STRUCTURAL: FOLEY BUHL ROBERTS PHOTOS: NEIL LANDINO

the new great room: OUTDOORS

BY ROSEMARY PORTO

When we look at history, we find the Ancient Romans entertaining their guests al fresco in the atrium, an outdoor garden in the center of their home. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the front porch became a living room for socializing in America. In the 40s and 50s, California architects Richard Neutra and Rudolph Schindler created a seamless visual connection with the great outdoors by introducing glass walls in their innovative residential designs.

Today, the lines continue to blur between interiors and exteriors. Homeowners look to design professionals for help to expand their living and entertaining footprint, using their backyards and roof decks for more than just grilling a burger or swinging on a hammock.

The American Institute of Architects listed outdoor kitchens at the top of their list for new projects. Furniture manufacturers continue to increase their outdoor furniture collections, and leading appliance companies and cabinet makers are introducing new lines for outdoor kitchens.

This trend isn’t limited to sprawling acres and oceanfront properties; with good design, a forgotten corner of the backyard or a city roof deck can be renovated and transformed into a room without walls.

We asked design experts for their advice, and we came up with a list of elements to create an outdoor great room.

Saki Outdoor Collection by Minotti

"A pergola can transform an outdoor space into a true extension of the home. It provides structure and defines a space where people can gather, relax, dine, and entertain. With modern motorized louvered roof systems, homeowners can control sunlight, shade, ventilation, and protection from the elements with the touch of a button. The result is a space that feels comfortable and intentional, adding both beauty and functionality while allowing families to enjoy their outdoor living more often.” - Kathy Egasti of Distinctive Pergolas by MKE Development Corp

Distinctive Pergolas by MKE Development Corp

“Outdoor living application areas are evaluated by a lighting designer, and the goal is not to overlight the experience. This is where the finesse happens. Highlight vertical surfaces – especially if textured stone or bricks- which creates a dramatic backdrop. Add outdoor outlets to dining and seating areas for the new large decorative floor and table lamps, which are now available and an excellent source of mood lighting.

More layers of lighting don’t require more fixtures, but the appropriate placement is key to capturing the feeling of relaxation or entertainment, with a simple way to control the different scenes.” -Lana Nathe of Light Insight Design Studio, Inc.

“I've worked with many top talented design professionals, and together we have tried many things for outdoor spaces (battle scars to prove it). Two-inch-thick Granite remains my number one pick for outdoor use and low maintenance. Removing highshine polish can help manage expectations with fastidious clients regarding surface wear and tear. I like a leathered finish, especially around BBQ and serving areas that stain easily.” Dawn Carroll, of Dawn Carroll Couture Stone

Lighting design by Lana Nathe of Light Insight Design Studio, Inc.

"Outdoor living is no longer secondary—it’s integral to how people design their homes. At Cabot House, we curate premium brands like Brown Jordan, Gloster, Dedon, and Palecek to create a layered, design-driven approach. The newest Brown Jordan collections arriving in our Framingham showroom, alongside the debut of Palecek, reflect the continued evolution of outdoor living.” - Austin Bendetson, Head of Sales & Trade, Cabot House Furniture & Design

Palecek available at Cabot House Furniture & Design

LYRIK

BEAUTY BRIDGING COMMUNITY

BY ROSEMARY PORTO

From a void of empty urban space, LeBlanc Jones Landscape Architects created a civic outdoor living room in the heart of Boston.

The vibrant landscape design connects the Back Bay and Fenway neighborhoods for friendly gatherings and quiet reflections.

Curving geometrical lines and lush plantings soften the city’s hard lines. Lounge chairs, tables, and wood-trimmed seating invite people to socialize or take a break from a busy day in the office.

Native shrubs, Witch Hazel, Ginkgo trees, and ground coverings create a tranquil ambiance while filtering the city’s energy and offering shade and texture. A grove of Parrotia trees define a quiet spot with seating pockets for a more intimate setting. At the park’s edge, bleachers face scenic views of Boston’s prized sunset and give people a place to enjoy a peaceful ending to their workday, or to begin an evening stroll.

As landscape architect Chris Shirazi notes, “Our goal was to leverage new urban infrastructure to create a verdant public landscape where none previously existed. From this new ground, the landscape opens long views to the city’s skyline and offers a quieter counterpoint to the pace of the surrounding streets.”

Lyrik uniquely serves as a restorative blend of nature and modern urban life, year-round comfort, and a sense of calm for a community longing for meaningful connection.

“Our goal was to leverage new urban infrastructure to create a verdant public landscape where none previously existed.”

“From this new ground, the landscape opens long views to the city’s skyline and offers a quieter counterpoint to the pace of the surrounding streets.”

-Chris Shirazi

BEHIND THE SCENES WEST COAST MARKET

BY LAURIE GORELICK

In February, when the weather was grey and bleak in New England, and it seemed that winter would never end, I decided to go to Los Angeles for Design LA — a design conference in the first week of March that, for the longest time, was known as Legends. Getting a dose of sunshine and 70-degree temperatures would be good for me, a long-time sufferer of seasonal affective disorder, not to mention four days of design inspiration from some of the industry's leading designers and makers.

Mulligans in Culver City

The theme of the conference was “Behind the Scenes,” with offerings of factory tours and talks by creators delving into their process and career progression. Among the factory tours I took was at Mulligans in Culver City. The sprawling nature and diversity of Los Angeles offer hideaways where creativity flourishes. In Mulligans alone — which makes wicker and painted furniture — artisans, who have passed their craft from generation to generation of family members, build heirloom pieces of wicker and wood furniture, weaving, tooling, and hand-sanding, and then hand-rubbing finishes, 110 options in all.

My favorite talk was led by Lulu Lytle, founder and creative director of Soane Britain, a London-based design showroom and furniture manufacturer, and Billy Cotton, leader of a New York-based design studio. Lulu and Billy discussed the importance of craft as an antidote to the proliferation of generic goods. They touched upon the importance of bringing something to life through handiwork.

Like artists, craftspeople understand their material and treat their work as art. The engineering of hand-crafted, artisanal work pushes creators to the limit, and their work is unique and difficult, if not impossible, to replicate.

While investing in handcrafted products may seem elitist, Lytle and Cotton stressed that the home is a vessel for its residents’ values: investing in craft for the home is aligning one’s values with making the production process transparent rather than anonymous, sustainable rather than wasteful. For Lulu, this endeavor meant seeking out the individuals in the British Isles, no matter how remote, who had the necessary skills to handcraft her furniture designs, thereby keeping craftsmanship and local economies alive.

Lulu Lytle and Billy Cotton for Soane Britain

A talk that blended the creative process with entrepreneurship was led by Serena Dugan, co-founder of Serena & Lily, and Blythe Harris, co-founder of Stella & Dot. Having each started their own successful businesses from creative endeavors, they discussed the importance of cultivating creativity without succumbing to the pressure to grow. Both felt that being creatives as well as problem solvers allowed them to think outside the box and channel inspiration into methodology. They recommended starting a business from a creative vision, but with a narrow focus on what is achievable, especially knowing when to outsource what is beyond one’s know-how.

Both visionaries asserted that collaboration is at the crossroads of art and commerce. As Serena reiterated multiple times in her talk, “It’s friction that polishes the diamond.” She commented that creatives often develop a bad reputation because they get stuck in their point of view. But by taking risks and collaborating with trusted business advisors, each was able to achieve more than the sum of its parts.

I found it enlightening what Serena and Blythe are doing and advocating after separating from their entrepreneurial ventures: Serena is focusing on textile design and painting, and Blythe is focusing on cultivating creativity in others.

Both feel that AI will lead companies to place a premium on human creativity. To that end, Blythe has started a platform called Daily Creative. She believes everyone has a creative spark and encourages people to spend 5 minutes daily on creative exercises. Science proves that engaging in creative pursuits boosts brain activity, sharpens problem-solving skills, and generates a positive dopamine hit. Both assert that nourishing creativity and letting go of perfectionism yield benefits that far outweigh the merit of what we put out.

Serena Dugan, co-founder of Serena & Lily

Blythe Harris, co-founder of Stella & Dot

5

FIVE FAB FINDS

KELLY GARCIA Founder of Kelly & Co. Interiors, Kelly Garcia brings a rare blend of design intuition, functional expertise, and lifestyle-driven sensibility. Her background as an educator uniquely informs her understanding of how environments influence behavior, comfort, and well‑ being, an especially critical lens when designing outdoor spaces meant for restoration, gathering, and ease. Kelly’s signature is restraint. Her selections prioritize quality over quantity, clarity over clutter, and pieces that elevate daily living. That curatorial instinct is exactly what makes her “Five Fab Finds” compelling. Each item earns its place through meaning, function, and lasting appeal.

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BEYOND THE

BORDERS

de Gournay’s Porcelain Odyssey

The Countess of Carnarvon, in discusses life at Highclere Castle with Veranda’s editor in chief.

AMERICANS IN

LONDON A Design Adventure

BY GEORGIA ZIKAS PHOTOGRAPHY BY DOM DON MARTIN

As an invited guest of Design Destination London—an exclusive, invitation-only industry event for American designers, I recently had the privilege of immersing myself in several extraordinary days of creativity, craftsmanship, and conversation in one of the world’s great design capitals.

Hosted at the iconic Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour, the program offered not only access to London’s most revered showrooms and studios, but also a rare opportunity to connect meaningfully with the people and stories shaping global design.

The experience began with an intimate, warm, and generous welcome dinner at The Pelican, hosted by Veranda Magazine, Samuel & Sons, Little Greene, and Vaughan. Set in one of London’s most charming dining rooms, the evening felt less like an industry gathering and more like a celebration among friends. The hosts’ hospitality was exceptional— thoughtful, elegant, and deeply reflective of their shared commitment to craftsmanship and heritage. Over beautifully prepared seasonal fare, conversations flowed easily between American designers and our British counterparts.

BEYOND THE BORDERS

Master painter at de Gournay

It was a reminder that while our projects may span different geographies, our shared passion for layered interiors, storytelling through materials, and enduring quality unites us.

The following morning at Chelsea Harbour, we gathered for a welcome breakfast reception before an extraordinary conversation with The Countess of Carnarvon, in dialogue with Veranda’s editor in chief. In a room filled with designers, she spoke with candor and warmth about life at Highclere Castle—the storied estate many recognize as the setting of Downton Abbey. Hearing her describe the layered evolution of the castle’s interiors, the balance between preservation and modern life, and the responsibility of stewarding such a historic property was both intimate and inspiring. The conversation felt colorful and personal, filled with anecdotes about family, history, and the rhythms of living within rooms that hold centuries of memory. It was a poignant reminder that great homes are never static; they are living narratives.

Centuries-old porcelain turning technique

Our itinerary then unfolded into a series of behind-thescenes experiences that brought artistry vividly to life.

At de Gournay’s showroom on Old Church Street, we stepped into what felt like a private atelier. Their “Porcelain Odyssey” offered an immersive look at centuries-old techniques—porcelain turning, handpainting, and delicate finishing processes rarely witnessed firsthand. Watching master artisans at work was mesmerizing, but even more meaningful was the opportunity to try our own hand at painting porcelain.

The precision, patience, and reverence required for each brushstroke deepened my appreciation for the artistry that defines truly bespoke interiors.

Another unforgettable day took us into the Surrey countryside for an intimate visit with Porta Romana.

Touring their studio was a masterclass in British craftsmanship. We observed sculpting, casting, decorative hand-painting, and lampshade-making, gaining insight into how subtle shifts in lining and finish can dramatically alter the warmth and atmosphere of light in a space. The highlight was participating in the gold-leafing process—applying luminous sheets of gold to a sculpted form with steady hands and focused intention. It was tactile, meditative, and deeply satisfying, reinforcing the human touch behind every exceptional piece.

Equally memorable was our time with Nina Campbell at her Pimlico Road showroom and design studio.

Welcomed with a light breakfast, we toured her inspiring archive and previewed upcoming collections before settling in for a candid conversation about design, family, brand evolution, and legacy. Listening to her reflect on decades in the industry—alongside her children and collaborators—felt both intimate and instructive. Her work has long embodied the quintessential English layering of pattern, color, and comfort, yet what struck me most was her enduring curiosity and warmth. The visit underscored the power of continuity in design: honoring tradition while continually evolving.

Gold-leafing in Porta Romana’s studio in Surrey’s countryside

Design Destination London was more than a curated itinerary; it was an experience of connection—to place, to process, and to people. From Chelsea Harbour to Pimlico Road and beyond, each encounter reinforced the enduring value of craftsmanship and conversation. I returned home not only inspired by the artistry I witnessed, but also reminded that at its best, design is a bridge—linking heritage and innovation, makers and designers, and homes across continents.

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