Westport, CT March 2024

The Home Issue with Jenni Kayne

HOME + DESIGN

THIS YEAR’S MUST-SEE DESIGN TRENDS

INTERIOR INSPIRATION: INSIDE SOME OF WESTPORT’S MOST GORGEOUS HOMES

WE KNOW WHAT MATTERS TO YOU

With a wealth of expertise spanning two decades, we bring a profound understanding of the key elements that are of utmost importance to our clients. Our commitment is unwavering, placing your aspirations and objectives at the forefront.

• Confidentiality

• Complete Operational Oversight

• Warmth and Understanding

• Tailored Solutions

• Transparency and Integrity

• Guidance and Advice

Whether you are selling or purchasing, expect an exceptional experience from Cindy Raney & Team.

203-625-1025

CINDYRANEY.COM

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Home

Dear readers,

Welcome to our Home issue, a journey into the world of interiors and design. In this edition, we dive into conversation with Jenni Kayne, the visionary behind her eponymous clothing label as well as Jenni Kayne Home, a beautiful coastal-Californian design boutique with an outpost right here in Westport. Jenni shares the inspiration behind this decision and her special connection with our charming town.

Renowned architect Peter Cadoux discusses must-have 2024 home trends (some of which can be seen on display in one of his spectacular new properties) and the elements he is adding to his own new residence.

Designport highlights interiors that celebrate the coastal favorite color blue, while The Calendar Group provides valuable advice on assembling the perfect team for working in your home. And don't miss top Westport realtors sharing their favorite amusing real estate stories! Plus, tour a beautifully restored historic home, and explore the art of upcycling furniture.

Interested in do-it-yourself home projects? Discover Westport CT guides you to local businesses for engaging in some DIY refreshes of your own.

We shine a light on Abilis, a local nonprofit whose new residence in Westport will help build community for individuals with special needs.

Lastly, some exciting news: there's a new member of the Westport Lifestyle family! Our new editor, Sara Gaynes Levy, an alum of Glamour and SELF who has written for  The Wall Street Journal, Vogue, PEOPLE, and many other publications, will be sharing her insights later in this issue. Please join me in giving her a warm welcome.

I invite you to unwind in your favorite spot at home and explore this issue, where insightful perspectives, expert views, and local charm seamlessly blend to create an engaging experience for your living space.

Warm regards,

MARISA MACLEAN, PUBLISHER @WESTPORTLIFESTYLE

March 2024

Marisa MacLean | marisa.maclean@citylifestyle.com EDITOR

Sara Gaynes Levy | sara.gayneslevy@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jen Berniker, Meredith Guinness, Sara Gaynes Levy, Discover Westport CT CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Bliss Katherine, Lillie Fortino, Alexandra Szebenyik, John Videler, Angi Welsch, Michael Biondo, Julia D'Agostino

Corporate Team

Schowengerdt

DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

Klein

DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman

DESIGNER Eva Tucker

IT'S PLASMA, BABY!

with PLASMA PEN

by LOUISE WALSH INTERNATIONAL

Plasma pen delivers a brighter, more contoured youthful appearance to the skin. The results of the treatment are virtually immediate and incredibly long lasting without the need for fillers or surgical correction. Plasma pen technology is revolutionizing what is possible in skin revitalization, tone and texture. Dr. Gould strives to bring her clients the latest innovation and was the first physician in Connecticut to bring Plasma Pen to her practice.

TIME TO GET IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT WITH A NEW GARAGE

Rev-up

It’s time to rev-up your garage with a custom design by Closet Factory. Turn your ordinary garage into a man cave celebration. Call (203) 616-5847 for a free in-home or virtual design consultation and estimate. Visit us online at closetfactory.com.

Showroom 100 Wooster St., Bethel, CT 06801

Showroom 110 Post Road, Darien, CT 06820

©2024 Closet Factory. All right reserved.

GARAGE

city scene

1: Signs of Compassion: An Immersive Exhibit, by Miggs Burroughs and Mark Yurkiw, at the U.N. 2: Nina Bentley, Mark Yurkiw, Susan Fehlinger, Mary Himes, Miggs Burroughs, Jeanine Esposito, and Frederic Chiu. 3: A visually impaired guest touches the oversized Braille dots on Mark Yurkiw’s wheel. 4: Jim Marpe, Andrea Moore, Mark Yurkiw, Miggs Burroughs, Jen Tooker, and Andrew Colabella. 5: Stephanie Thomas, Dale Najarian, and Mary Himes chat at the U.N. 6: Westporters Bill Scheffler and Ann Sheffer surround a photo of Dan Woog from the exhibit. 7: Mark Yurkiw with his Braille Wheel, and images by Miggs Burroughs, at the United Nations.

JOHN VIDELER JOHN VIDELER

JOHN VIDELER

JOHN VIDELER

JOHN VIDELER

MIGGS BURROUGHS

MIGGS BURROUGHS

DR. MASHA KOGAN & DR. VIRGINIA ROMANO

city scene

1: [solidcore] x Zac Mathais celebrating Zac’s fitness favorites in the January issue of Westport Lifestyle. 2: The gift bags at the [solidcore] x Zac Mathais event. 3: Nina B. Clarke and Nicole Zusi celebrate after a tough workout. 4: Carly Ridloff and Zac Mathais pose for a pre-class selfie.

5: Nina B. Clarke and Megan Schinella before class. 6: The January Wellness issue of Westport Lifestyle and Gorgie energy drinks on display. 7: Zac during Andrea’s [solidcore] workout.

Photography by John Videler

RECENT SALE

Greenfield Hill, Fairfield

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS PERSONAL ASSISTANTS ESTATE AND HOUSEHOLD MANAGERS CHIEFS OF CHEFS PERSONAL DRIVERS HOUSEKEEPERS NANNIES / GOVERNESSES DOMESTIC ASSISTANTS BUTLERS FEURS DRIVERS ESTATE AND HOUSEHOLD MANAGERS MULTI-PROPERTY MANAGERS FAMILY ASSISTANTS ASSISTANTS PRIVATE CHEFS HOUSEHOLD MANAGERS HOUSEKEEPERS HOUSEMAN NANNIES / MANNIES ASSISTANTS PERSONAL SECURITY BODY GUARDS EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS PERSONAL ASSISTANTS HOUSEHOLD MANAGERS CHIEFS OF STAFF PERSONAL CHEFS PERSONAL DRIVERS HOUSEKEEPERS SISTANTS PERSONAL ASSISTANTS ESTATE AND HOUSEHOLD MANAGERS CHIEFS OF STAFF PERSONAL NIES EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS PERSONAL ASSISTANTS ESTATE AND HOUSEHOLD MANAGERS CHIEFS SONAL CHEFS PERSONAL DRIVERS HOUSEKEEPERS NANNIES / GOVERNESSES DOMESTIC ASSISTANTS CHAUFFEURS DRIVERS ESTATE AND HOUSEHOLD MANAGERS MULTI-PROPERTY MANAGERS FAMILY EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS PRIVATE CHEFS HOUSEHOLD MANAGERS HOUSEKEEPERS HOUSEMAN NANNIES PERSONAL ASSISTANTS PERSONAL SECURITY BODY GUARDS EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS PERSONAL ESTATE AND HOUSEHOLD MANAGERS CHIEFS OF STAFF PERSONAL CHEFS PERSONAL DRIVERS HOUSEKEEPERS EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS PERSONAL ASSISTANTS ESTATE AND HOUSEHOLD MANAGERS CHIEFS OF CHEFS NANNIESEXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS PERSONAL ASSISTANTS ESTATE AND HOUSEHOLD MANAGERS STAFF PERSONAL CHEFS PERSONAL DRIVERS HOUSEKEEPERS NANNIES / GOVERNESSES DOMESTIC BUTLERS CHAUFFEURS DRIVERS ESTATE AND HOUSEHOLD MANAGERS MULTI-PROPERTY MANAGERS TANTS EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS PRIVATE CHEFS HOUSEHOLD MANAGERS HOUSEKEEPERS HOUSEMAN MANNIES PERSONAL ASSISTANTS PERSONAL SECURITY BODY GUARDS EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS PERSONAL TANTS ESTATE AND HOUSEHOLD MANAGERS CHIEFS OF STAFF PERSONAL CHEFS PERSONAL DRIVERS ERS EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS PERSONAL ASSISTANTS ESTATE AND HOUSEHOLD MANAGERS CHIEFS

YOUR PREMIER DESTINATION FOR PRIVATE STAFFING & REAL ESTATE SOLUTIONS.

Your home is your sanctuary. As your trusted partner in staffing and real estate, we take care of every detail so you can focus on what you do best.

NATHALIE LAITMON

Tel: (917) 714-9951

Nathalie@TheCalendarGroup.com

STEVEN LAITMON

Tel: (646) 645-4971

Steven.Laitmon@Compass.com

SONAL CHEFS NANNIES EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS PERSONAL ASSISTANTS ESTATE AND HOUSEHOLD CHIEFS OF STAFF PERSONAL CHEFS PERSONAL DRIVERS HOUSEKEEPERS NANNIES / GOVERNESSES ASSISTANTS BUTLERS CHAUFFEURS DRIVERS ESTATE AND HOUSEHOLD MANAGERS MULTI-PROPERTY FAMILY ASSISTANTS EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS PRIVATE CHEFS HOUSEHOLD MANAGERS HOUSEKEEPERS NANNIES / MANNIES PERSONAL ASSISTANTS PERSONAL SECURITY BODY GUARDS EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS AL ASSISTANTS ESTATE AND HOUSEHOLD MANAGERS CHIEFS OF STAFF PERSONAL CHEFS PERSONAL HOUSEKEEPERS EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS PERSONAL ASSISTANTS ESTATE AND HOUSEHOLD MANAGERS STAFF PERSONAL CHEFS NANNIES EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS PERSONAL ASSISTANTS ESTATE AND AGERS CHIEFS OF STAFF PERSONAL CHEFS PERSONAL DRIVERS HOUSEKEEPERS NANNIES / GOVERNESSES TIC ASSISTANTS BUTLERS CHAUFFEURS DRIVERS ESTATE AND HOUSEHOLD MANAGERS MULTI-PROPERTY ERS FAMILY ASSISTANTS EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS PRIVATE CHEFS HOUSEHOLD MANAGERS HOUSEKEEPERS MAN NANNIES / MANNIES PERSONAL ASSISTANTS PERSONAL SECURITY BODY GUARDS EXECUTIVE PERSONAL ASSISTANTS ESTATE AND HOUSEHOLD MANAGERS CHIEFS OF STAFF PERSONAL CHEFS ERS HOUSEKEEPERS EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS PERSONAL ASSISTANTS ESTATE AND HOUSEHOLD OF STAFF PERSONAL CHEFS NANNIESEXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS PERSONAL ASSISTANTS ESTATE AND MANAGERS CHIEFS OF STAFF PERSONAL CHEFS PERSONAL DRIVERS HOUSEKEEPERS NANNIES / DOMESTIC ASSISTANTS BUTLERS CHAUFFEURS DRIVERS ESTATE AND HOUSEHOLD MANAGERS MULTI-PROPERTY MANAGERS FAMILY ASSISTANTS EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS PRIVATE CHEFS HOUSEHOLD MANAGERS HOUSEMAN NANNIES / MANNIES PERSONAL ASSISTANTS PERSONAL SECURITY BODY GUARDS EXECUTIVE TANTS PERSONAL ASSISTANTS ESTATE AND HOUSEHOLD MANAGERS CHIEFS OF STAFF PERSONAL AL DRIVERS HOUSEKEEPERS EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS PERSONAL ASSISTANTS ESTATE AND HOUSEHOLD CHIEFS OF STAFF PERSONAL CHEFS NANNIES EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS PERSONAL ASSISTANTS ESTATE HOLD MANAGERS CHIEFS OF STAFF PERSONAL CHEFS PERSONAL DRIVERS HOUSEKEEPERS NANNIES ESSES DOMESTIC ASSISTANTS BUTLERS CHAUFFEURS DRIVERS ESTATE AND HOUSEHOLD MANAGERS ERTY MANAGERS FAMILY ASSISTANTS EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS PRIVATE CHEFS HOUSEHOLD MANAGERS KEEPERS HOUSEMAN NANNIES / MANNIES PERSONAL ASSISTANTS PERSONAL SECURITY BODY GUARDS ASSISTANTS PERSONAL ASSISTANTS ESTATE AND HOUSEHOLD MANAGERS CHIEFS OF STAFF PERSONAL PERSONAL DRIVERS HOUSEKEEPERS EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS PERSONAL ASSISTANTS ESTATE AND MANAGERS CHIEFS OF STAFF PERSONAL CHEFS NANNIES EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS PERSONAL ASSISTANTS AND HOUSEHOLD MANAGERS CHIEFS OF STAFF PERSONAL CHEFS PERSONAL DRIVERS HOUSEKEEPERS GOVERNESSES DOMESTIC ASSISTANTS BUTLERS CHAUFFEURS DRIVERS ESTATE AND HOUSEHOLD MULTI-PROPERTY MANAGERS FAMILY ASSISTANTS EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS PRIVATE CHEFS HOUSEHOLD HOUSEKEEPERS HOUSEMAN NANNIES / MANNIES PERSONAL ASSISTANTS PERSONAL SECURITY EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS PERSONAL ASSISTANTS ESTATE AND HOUSEHOLD MANAGERS CHIEFS OF CHEFS PERSONAL DRIVERS HOUSEKEEPERS EXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS PERSONAL ASSISTANTS ESTATE HOLD MANAGERS CHIEFS OF STAFF PERSONAL CHEFS NANNIESEXECUTIVE ASSISTANTS PERSONAL ESTATE AND HOUSEHOLD MANAGERS CHIEFS OF STAFF PERSONAL CHEFS PERSONAL DRIVERS HOUSEKEEPERS

Exceptional sta ng and real estate solutions. Tel: (203) 454-5404 | THECALENDARGROUP.COM

city scene

1: Laura Sabia, owner of Pure Barre, with her pup celebrating 10 years in business. 2: Nicole and Riley Buyskes. 3: Mason and Damon Ventrice.

4: Molly Cournoyer, Dr. Cece Reeder, Athena Carusone, and Nicole Buyskes. 5: Rita and Jessica Gisondi. 6: Laura Sabia and Marisa MacLean. 7: Partygoers at Pure Barre Westport’s 10th anniversary celebration.

JOIN US IN THE MISSION TO END HOMELESSNESS IN FAIRFIELD COUNTY

THURSDAY,

MARCH 28

The 4th Annual Fashionably Westport Event

The Westport Library 20 Jesup Road Westport, CT

8: Libby Katz and Lauren Memoli. 9: Sal Sabia, Laura Sabia, Frank Sabia, and Elizabeth Sabia. 10: Jen of The Vintage Horse Mobile Bar. 11: Kimberly Borosage, Lauren Memoli, Laura Sabia, Jessica Gisondi, Athena Carusone, and Dr. Cece Reeder. 12: Cristina Lemma, Liz Khachacoorian, and Kaitlyn Khachacoorian. 13: Pure Pup Harvey. 14: Anna Barnes and Britta Mulderrig.

6 Elmwood Road

Discover the charm of this sprawling contemporary farmhouse with 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and 5 fireplaces, situated on a level acre in a prestigious cul-de-sac in Long Lots. The home features gorgeous bathrooms, a front porch, two home offices, a guest or in-law suite, an updated kitchen with stunning quartz countertops, a pool, and beautiful landscaping. Only 2.3 miles from Greens Farm Metro North Station. Explore more through our digital brochure – scan the QR code now.

Veronica ranks in the top 1.5% of 1.6 million Realtors® nationwide and is a member of Coldwell Banker’s prestigious International President’s Elite. She is included in the 2023 Real Trends America’s Best Real Estate Professionals rankings based on her high sales volume and and is a top ranked agent at Coldwell Banker Realty – the #1 top-selling office in Westport. No one lists or sells more homes in Westport than Coldwell Banker.

YOUR FAIRFIELD COUNTY

LUXURY PROPERTY SPECIALIST

C. 203.520.1568

VeronicaBarryMonahan@gmail.com

355 Riverside Avenue | Westport, CT @VeronicaMonahanCTRealtor

The 4th Annual Fashionably Westport

The Westport Downtown Association presents the fourth annual Fashionably Westport event on Thursday, March 28 from 7-10 p.m., benefitting the nonprofit Homes with Hope’s Project Return. This stylish event has become a staple in the town, selling out the past three years. The ticketed event will be held at Westport Library Forum with a raised runway. The ticket price includes food, open bar, music, and a gift bag. Tickets start at $135.23. Register at eventbrite.com

The new on-site spa at the Delamar Southport is now welcoming guests

Photography by John Videler

for luxurious treatments including facials, massages, and body wraps. “Our aspiration is for you to depart with luminous, healthier skin, rejuvenated peace of mind, and a thoroughly relaxed and refreshed body,” says Georgette Mallory, who oversees all the Delamar Spas. After your treatment, enjoy access to the relaxation room, sauna, and steam shower. Book services at delamar.com

Scan to read more

Westport Dances Into Kenya

David Fernandez, a beloved choreographer and ballet instructor at Westport’s Academy of Dance, has joined the Ghetto Classics, an arts education organization based in Korogocho, Kenya, as their new ballet master and resident choreographer. Westport’s Academy of Dance is supporting David on his trip to Kenya to bring valuable dance arts education to this community. To contribute to David’s fundraising efforts, which go towards equipment and maintaining safe dance conditions, visit gofundme.com/f/support-ghettoclassic-dance-education.

Photography by Delamar Hotels

Photography by Alberto Vassari

The Granola Bar Takes the Upper West Side

Our beloved TGB hits NYC! Eleven years after the original Westport eatery opened its doors, cofounders and Westporters Julie Mountain and Dana Noorily (aka the Granoly Girls) have landed on New York City’s Upper West Side. The UWS outpost, now open, has all the coffee, salads, sandwiches, and granola-based goodies we love at their grab-and-go café, as well as a full-service restaurant (including cocktails!) and a private event space. 551 Amsterdam Ave. (at 87th St.)

Photography by Liz Clayman

Pure Barre Unveils New Weight-Based Barre Class

Pure Barre has unveiled a new weight-based class called Pure Barre Define™. Pure Barre Define combines the best elements of Pure Barre's technique with weight-based strength training, delivering a dynamic workout that pushes boundaries and

maximizes results. Building on the brand's commitment to empowering members through its music-driven, low-impact workout, this new class innovation will create a barre class experience to help clients achieve their strength-training goals at the barre. Book a class at purebarre.com

Earth Animal Raises $65,000 for Connecticut Food Share

Earth Animal's 16th annual "Mitten Project," where customers can donate to Connecticut Food Share by purchasing "mittens" in-store and at select partner shops, raised more than $65,000 to combat food insecurity in Connecticut. The money raised in this year's fundraiser will support purchasing more than 130,000 meals all over the state.

Photography by Earth Animal

ARTICLE BY MEREDITH GUINNESS

Adventures in Real Estate

WESTPORT’S TOP AGENTS SHARE SOME OF THEIR MOST MEMORABLE PAST LISTINGS.

Every realtor has one— a story from a house they can’t think of without smiling. We asked seven of Westport’s top realtors to share some of the most amusing listings from their careers here in town.

Michelle Genovesi

Principal of Michelle & Team at William Raveis Real Estate

“Early in my career, I brought a client to a property and we spent a great deal of time touring the beautiful home. As we were leaving the owners arrived, looking perplexed. It turns out I had mistakenly entered the wrong house! Despite my embarrassment, I joked that, if they ever wished to sell, I had their buyer and gave them my card. Fortunately, both my client and the owners were good sports about it: My client bought a home with me and, years later, I ended up listing and selling that beautiful home, too!”

Danna Rogers

Of the Danna Rogers & Jen Kass Team

“Crazy things happen when sellers go out of town. Upon opening the door to this home, we noticed the house was ‘steamy,’ despite it being about ten degrees outside. We couldn’t figure out the cause until the buyer stepped into four inches of hot water on the basement floor! Steam was pouring under the utility room door. The buyer, whose glasses were fogging up, helped us turn off the water—and asked when offers were due!”

Richard Higgins

COO and Associate Broker at Higgins Group Private Brokerage

“One of the more interesting listings I can remember is one that involved a 2,000-square-foot primary closet. Yes, you read that right, a 2,000-square-foot closet! We knew that we had something unique when it came to this property feature so we were able to get several publications willing to write about the giant Connecticut Closet, generating amazing publicity for the listing.”

Barbara Bross, Alexander Chingas & Doug Bross

Of the Bross Chingas Bross Team

“Every opportunity we have to help a client is memorable, but one particularly rewarding instance was helping a buyer who wanted to return to Westport, where he grew up. In an exciting turn of events, the owners of the home he was raised in (who bought it from our client’s parents!) decided to sell, just as he was about to choose another house. Orchestrating his purchase of that home, which meant so much to him, was a highlight we will never forget.”

“My client was away and asked me to check on something in the home. Opening the front door, there was a bad smell and I had a strange feeling that all was not right. The living room couches were in disarray with pillows everywhere, stained fabric and walls, and animal droppings that I soon realized belonged to raccoons! They must have snuck in through the chimney and proceeded to party away. The wreckage continued in other rooms and the garage. After breaking the bad news to my clients, we hired experts to restore the home and animal-proof the chimney. It sold right away!”

Jillian Klaff

Luxury Property Specialist at Coldwell Banker Realty

Erica Acheychek Of EA Homes, LLC

“In the midst of house hunting, my clients and I stumbled upon a hidden gem: a lower-level room transformed into an apocalypse-ready safe haven! Stocked with powdered food and milk, it was quirky, yet intriguing. Despite the strangeness, my clients fell in love with the home and decided to buy it, embracing their inner doomsday heroes.”

“I scheduled a home showing for my clients, expecting the owners to be absent. The specified time arrived, and I rang the bell as a precaution. With no response, I used the key box. As I was about to enter, the owner, clad in a towel, opened the door, clearly aware of the showing and finding it amusing. I turned to my clients, commenting that, given my past nursing career, his attire didn’t faze me. This, of course, was said loud enough for the owner to hear!”

Marilyn Heffers

Luxury Property Specialist, International President’s Elite

Nominate a Woman of Westport!

DO YOU KNOW AN IMPRESSIVE LOCAL WOMAN WHO DESERVES TO BE RECOGNIZED AS A ‘WOMAN OF WESTPORT’ IN WESTPORT LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE?

TELL US ABOUT HER! ALL NOMINATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY MARCH 1ST, 2024. THE 2024 WOMEN OF WESTPORT WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN OUR MAY 2024 ISSUE.

*Note: Winners must not have previously won this title.

Scan here to nominate @WestportLifestyle

Bookshelfdetaildesignedby

The Rath Project. PhotobyErinKestenbaum .

The Bold and the Bluetiful

Moody blues make a powerful accent color in these chic Westport homes.

We all want our homes to evoke a sense of calmness and serenity. This year, paint companies agreed, choosing blue hues as their color of the year. Valspar chose Renew Blue, Minwax announced a Bay Blue stain, and Benjamin Moore is winning accolades for its new shade, Blue Nova, a mid-tone with violet notes. Here in our seaside enclave, of course, blue shades are always on trend.  As the creator and editor of the local home design enthusiast’s platform Designport, I’ve visited blue-hued rooms that have made me positively green with home envy.  From the revered tones of Benjamin Moore’s Hale Navy to the pleasing, paler Water’s Edge, blue works well in modern or traditional spaces.

While it’s true that blue’s association with the sea and sky is calming, the best blue rooms infuse our lives with palpable energy. “Blue is an excellent hue if you are afraid to use color because its presence makes a statement, but its versatility makes it a neutral choice,” says Westonbased color expert Debra Spindler Pinals

of Spinpin Creative. “Mix any shade of blue with warm wood tones and shiny metallic decor for an instant update."

It’s fun to see how it’s being used in local homes, too. These spaces are all created by designers who we have (or will soon) feature on Designport for their fresh use of color, and because they represent different ways you can embrace blue in your decor.

COLOR DRENCH

One option is to paint the entire room—trim included.  Local designer Merrin Jones is a devotee of Benjamin Moore's Nocturnal Grey, which is actually a blue. She recently used it to make a statement in a home office and says it’s the same color used in the new restaurant at Bergdorf’s. Delicious, no? If you’re searching for a moody blue, Jones also recommends checking out Gray’s Harbor, Van Deusen Blue, or Midnight Blue.

In Kate and Russ Pfeffer’s Westport home, designers Lauren Stark and Amy Howard painted the den walls and trim in a glossy pale blue, Borrowed Light by

ARTICLE BY JEN BERNIKER

“It’s a natural backdrop and a timeless color especially when surrounded by materials that patina over time.”

-Lauren Stark

A butler's pantry by Caroline Kopp. Photo by Laura Moss.

A rich blue kitchen designed by Stark & Howard. Photo by Julia D'Agostino.

More blue cabinets in the kitchen by Stark & Howard. Photo by Julia D'Agostino.

A striking piano room by Lauren Stark and AJ Howard. Photo by Julia D’Agostino.

A den designed by Stark & Howard.

Photo by Julia D’Agostino.

A living room with a blue motif designed by D2 Interieurs. Photo by Ellen McDermott.

A powder room designed by Denise Davies of D2 Interieurs. Photo by Jane Beiles.

A girls' vanity design by Stark & Howard. Photo by Julia D'Agostino.

An office designed by Merrin Jones Interiors. Photo by Julia D'Agostino.

An accent wall in a living room designed by Diane Rath. Photo by Erin Kestenbaum.

A custom sconce in a powder room designed by Stark & Howard.

Photo by Julia D'Agostino.

A bar designed by MZ Interiors.

Photo by Designport.

Benjamin Moore's 2024 color of the year: Blue Nova. Photo courtesy Benjamin Moore.

A blue island by Westport Design Projects.

Photo by Tomira Wilcox Photography.

Farrow & Ball. There’s a whisper of blue in the wallpapered ceiling, too.

Designer Caroline Kopp created a stunning look in her butler’s pantry using high-gloss Benjamin Moore Hidden Sapphire trim with a coordinating wallpaper. The adjacent dining room is also bathed in the color. Kopp advises shifting the paint sheen on the trim and walls to create contrast in the color and bring out the architectural details in a room.

And all hail Hale Navy: To see the color in command of a room, check out a bar and lounge room designed by Megan Zwick. Cool and classic.

ACCENT COLOR

Another way to add blue to your home is as an accent. Blues are a strong choice for kitchen cabinetry (or just the island), bathroom vanities, accent walls, or built-ins.

“A blue island creates instant visual impact,” says Janet Zev of Westport Design Projects. She painted an island Stiffkey Blue by Farrow & Ball, a bold, deep blue with a hint of teal. Her other go-to blues are Hale Navy and the subtle but strong Benjamin Moore Boothbay Gray.

Diane Rath of The Rath Project painted the bookcases and fireplace in a client’s living space a jewel-toned blue, Benjamin Moore’s New York State of Mind. She used high gloss on the mantel and cabinetry but diluted to 25 percent on the cabinetry to create depth and a dynamic feel. “The yellow sofa and wall of blue built-ins beautifully illustrate an important aspect of interior design: color theory,” Rath explains. "As these tones are directly opposite one another on the color wheel, they feel perfectly at peace together, one of the truest examples of how opposites attract.”

Back at the Pfeffer’s, Stark & Howard chose Benjamin Moore’s Gentleman’s Gray for the kitchen’s Shaker cabinetry with brass hardware. Continuing the blue color story upstairs, green

and blue wallpaper by Christopher Farr is punctuated by Blue Daisy on their girls’ vanity. Is it possible to have any more fun in a bathroom? Well, maybe in the powder room, where Stark & Howard added sconces in a custom color, Benjamin Moore Surf Blue, over black walls.

WALLPAPER

Wallpaper is another great way to get a pop of blue. A well-chosen blue-and-white print will never get old. Designer Denise Davies of D2 Interieurs used a beautiful print by L'Aviva Home in a client’s powder room, creating a sensational impact. And in a piano room, also by Stark & Howard, Schumacher’s "Exotic Butterfly" wallpaper in the color Marine creates a masterpiece-worthy backdrop.

FURNISHINGS

It’s a bold move, but a monochrome blue palette for furnishings featuring an array of complimentary shades can electrify your room. In a living room by Davies, a harmonious combination of a blue sofa, rug, accessories, and lighting feels so fresh and fun!

To round out this rhapsody on blue, we asked color expert Pinals what her current blue paint color crushes are: “Night Creatures by Curator Paints and Blue Note by Benjamin Moore, both beautiful deep navy blues with hefty grey undertones” she says. She also loves Skylight by Farrow & Ball and Good Jeans by Clare Paints for excellent medium-toned blues, “with just enough grey to make them a neutral backdrop.”

Are you singing the blues?  If you want more home design inspiration and information, follow Designport on Instagram @my_designport and learn more about these designers and others on our new directory pages at mydesignport. com/portfolio. You can also chat with friends and neighbors about design on our Facebook group facebook.com/groups/designport.

At Home with

Jenni Kayne

ARTICLE BY SARA GAYNES LEVY

A cozy family room in the Westport store. Photo by Michael Biondo.

You’d be hard-pressed to find a brand more reflective of its founder than Jenni Kayne’s. Both her eponymous clothing line and her home extension, Jenni Kayne Home, which opened in Westport in late 2022, reflect the mom-of-three’s signature coastal California style: gorgeous knits, dreamy neutrals, and relaxed classics all are hallmarks. The aesthetics from Jenni Kayne’s clothes— which count Meghan Markle, Kate Hudson, and Hailey Bieber among her many celebrity fans— transfer over beautifully to her home line. Like the interiors in her own house outside Los Angeles, the collections focus on rich textures—think linen, bouclé, and shearling—in sumptuous tones like caramel, ivory, charcoal, and oatmeal.  You can shop all the luxe offerings at the showroom in Sconset Square, which also offers candles and room scents pinned to some of Jenni’s favorite spots, like Montecito and the Hamptons. Westport Lifestyle spoke to Jenni about her decision to come to Westport, her design philosophy, and more.

Neutrals beckon in the Westport store. Photo by Michael Biondo.

A dreamy bedroom in the Westport store. Photo by Michael Biondo.

WESTPORT LIFESTYLE: WESTPORT IS HOME TO ONE OF THE EARLIEST BRICKAND-MORTAR STANDALONE JENNI KAYNE HOME LOCATIONS. HOW DID YOU DECIDE ON OPENING IN HERE?

Jenni Kayne:  We have such an incredible customer base on the East Coast and we are always looking for ways to bring the Jenni Kayne and Jenni Kayne Home experience to them. With its coastal energy and refined sensibilities, Westport felt like the perfect fit.

WL: ONE THING WE LOVE ABOUT YOUR RETAIL LOCATIONS IS HOW THEY BRING THE JENNI KAYNE WORLD TO LIFE. WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT A JENNI KAYNE HOME STORE?

JK:  I love how every detail is curated with care. We design our stores with the intention to allow our customers to really see and feel the impact of living with our home pieces. From the sofa that’s accessorized with cozy accents to the wood floors that bring warmth to the space, creating a home you love comes down to celebrating the small things that make a big difference—and our stores do just that.

Kitchenwares in the Westport store.

Photo by Michael Biondo.

Jenni Kayne Home in Westport.

Photo by Michael Biondo.

ARTIST’S PALETTE | STYLE + BEAUTY

WL: WHAT DO YOU HOPE PEOPLE FEEL WHEN THEY'RE IN THE STORE?

JK:  I want our customers to be able to envision their dream space and to feel inspired by the world we’ve created. Even if you’re just browsing or purchasing something like a candle, there’s an element of everyday aspiration that I hope comes through.

WL: WHAT IS EXCITING COMING UP FOR JENNI KAYNE HOME?

JK:  This year, Jenni Kayne Home is leaning into textures and tones that add dimension and luxe comfort. I’m excited for our customers to see more silk and linen rugs, boucle and sherpa furnishings, and new neutrals that feel dynamic.

WL: WHAT'S YOUR BEST ADVICE FOR CREATING A BEAUTIFUL, WELLLOVED HOME?

JK:  I think the secret to designing a well-loved home is to allow your personality to come through. Don’t let trends lead the way—instead, focus on what brings you joy and how you hope to live within the space. I also think adding in details like vintage accessories, comfortable textiles, signature scents, and other personal touches always tie a space together effortlessly.

WL: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ROOM IN YOUR OWN HOME? WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT IT?

JK:  I can’t choose! Designing our home was such a labor of love and every detail really speaks to how we live as a family.

For more of Jenni's designs, visit jennikayne.com.

Jenni Kayne at home in California. Photo by Bliss Katherine

Help, Wanted

STAFF YOUR DREAM TEAM—AT HOME OR AT WORK

ARTICLE BY JEN BERNIKER

“A great fit between client and candidate evolves into a lasting relationship if boundaries, communications, and expectations are established early on.” - Nathalie

Nathalie and Stephen Laitmon.

Rosenthal Photography

Photo by Scott

As busy Westporters know, one of the most valuable commodities we have is our time. Sometimes it feels like to stay afloat, we need to duplicate ourselves! Finding the right support to help you manage your home or business can be a game-changer. That's where The Calendar Group comes in. They’re a Westport-based household and corporate staffing firm and real estate service, spearheaded by dynamic husband-and-wife team Nathalie and Steven Laitmon. Specializing in providing top-tier household staff—ranging from housekeepers to executive assistants to private chefs—the company's name reflects its mission to free up your time (even if they can't add days to the month).

We sat down with the couple to find out more about how they got started and what they've learned.

WESTPORT LIFESTYLE: THE CALENDAR GROUP IS A MARRIAGE OF YOUR TALENTS. HOW DID IT ORIGINATE?

Steven Laitmon: We were living in New York City. I was an entertainment attorney in the music business and Nathalie had been working as a human resources consultant. We had a friend who was a full-time gift buyer for a high-net-worth family in Beverly Hills. We started helping out with requests like: Do you know a personal shopper at Bergdorf? Can you plan a dinner party for his niece? My principal wants to buy a Picasso. As time progressed, we found Nathalie and I had complementary skill sets. Long story short, we realized there was a Ritz-Carlton client base being serviced with a Motel 6 mentality within the private service industry. The Calendar Group was born.

Nathalie Laitmon: The Calendar Group was our first baby, and we’ve since raised three amazing kids and five dogs together. Helping other families grow is truly our mission.

WL: WHAT ARE YOUR MOST FREQUENT REQUESTS?

SL:  On the staffing front, the most common request we get is “family assistant,” a hybrid role that is part housekeeper, part child-care, part assistant, part cook. We also place a lot of “C-level” executive personal assistants, as well as chefs, housekeepers, and nannies. When company executives are looking for an important

Image of a Sasco Hill estate recently sold by Steven.

"Start with looking at how you are spending your time. It’s not sustainable to think you can fire on all cylinders and still have quality downtime." - Steven

role, they often come to us. We had a Goldman Sachs partner who we found a nanny for, and then were tasked with finding his chief of staff.

WL: WHAT'S THE MAIN HURDLE PEOPLE FACE WHEN TRYING TO FIND STAFFING?

SL:  The biggest challenge is finding a person who meshes well with their family or business, not just from a skill set perspective, but someone who is a personality and cultural fit.

WL: WHAT SHOULD READERS THINK ABOUT WHEN HIRING STAFF TO WORK IN THEIR HOMES?

NL: Your home is your sanctuary. Accountability and training are okay. Micromanaging or avoiding communication with your staff is not. We have found that a great fit between client and candidate can only evolve into a long-lasting relationship if boundaries, communications, and expectations are all established early on. That’s probably true of most relationships!

WL: IN 2021, STEVEN JOINED COMPASS AS A LICENSED REAL ESTATE AGENT. HOW DOES THIS WORK WITH RUNNING A STAFFING AGENCY?

SL:  This past summer, I had the opportunity to work with the buyer of a historic Sasco Hill estate. Being involved with such an important purchase for a family is incredibly rewarding.

NL:  When your clients are comfortable calling you in the middle of the night and discussing their most personal details, you realize the amount of discretion and compassion involved in being a trusted advisor is symbiotic with real estate.

WL: WHAT DO YOU BOTH LIKE TO DO FOR FUN AROUND TOWN?

NL: Road trips along the coast, concerts, Compo Beach, walking our large, comical dogs around town, and popping into new shops. I write women’s contemporary fiction and am represented by literary agency The Book Group. Getting my novel published would be a dream, but I’ve learned to write for myself first. Westport is endlessly creative and filled with people who move and inspire me.

SL:  Free time? Our kids span from 17 to 11, so there’s always someone around who needs their Daddy Uber or their Mommy time. Nathalie and I like to joke that we are their personal assistants and butlers.

For more information on The Calendar Group’s services, visit thecalendargroup.com.

Image of a Sasco Hill estate recently sold by Steven.

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NONPROFIT ABILIS MOVES IN ON RIVERSIDE AVENUE

Westport’s New Neighbors

ARTICLE BY SARA GAYNES LEVY

LOCAL

Abilis’ property in Darien.

Abilis helps people find competitive employment.

Abilis’ “Together We Shine” dance for local high schoolers.

“Abilis is all about everything that encompasses a person’s life: friendship, fun, work, family, friends.

For more than 70 years, the nonprofit Abilis has been helping folks of all ages with special needs in lower Fairfield County, by offering customized services and support. (You may have seen their groups around town, even!) In addition to providing therapies, offering early intervention services, organizing volunteering and events, and doing advocacy work, Abilis also operates 73 residential communities in the area, including in Darien and Stamford. And now, there’s one in Westport, too.

Our new community, located at 136 Riverside Avenue next to Saugatuck Elementary School, boasts five apartments and is housing two Westport natives (residents began moving in in mid-January). “Abilis is all about everything that encompasses a person's life: friendship, fun, work, family, friends—and [a residence in Westport] was the thing that was missing,” says Amy Montimurro, the CEO of Abilis. Having this property gives residents the opportunity to experience independent living while offering access to Abilis’ services and support, including things like managing their finances, transportation, and job searching. There is even one staff person who lives on-site, explains Amy.

“They will be there to provide the natural support that each person may need, getting them accustomed to living a more

independent life.” And you can’t beat the plumb location, with walkability to downtown and gorgeous riverfront views!

It’s a super exciting addition to town. “One thing we learned when we opened in Darien is that it really became a community,” says Amy. “The individuals that live there support each other, mentor each other, and create the natural support that people need, beyond just our staff.” And beyond the community Abilis residents and program participants build with each other, the housing complex opening presents another opportunity for the larger Westport community to strengthen its ties with Abilis’ mission. One example: “We’re always looking for employers,” Amy says. “Sometimes people with disabilities get overlooked, but for community members in Westport who have businesses with staffing needs, we have potential employees for them that are skilled, dedicated, reliable, and would really be an asset.”

And Westporters can support Abilis by volunteering— there are tons of opportunities to get involved locally— or attending their upcoming spring gala on April 27th in Greenwich. “Westport really has been welcoming and wonderful,” says Amy.

Visit abilis.us for more information on supporting this great organization and to support our newest neighbors.

Abilis' new property at 136 Riverside in Westport. It will be converted into five apartments.

“ ”

A program participant in her Darien apartment.

54

Trusted Tesla vehicle maintenance and service is now available in Fairfield County.

We built our reputation on European auto service and repair. Yet, many of our clients have been asking us to work on their Teslas as well. Servicing Teslas was a logical evolution for us as we’ve already been servicing EVs from Porsche, Audi and Mini. Our shop foreman has completed extensive EV training and leads our Tesla service department.

We’ve invested in EV specific tools and safety equipment, including Tesla factory scan tools and Tesla software support. SST Auto is registered with Tesla, affording us the ability to purchase and sell Tesla parts directly from the factory. We’re also registered to access all of Tesla’s model specific repair information. We’ve even installed Tesla charging stations in our parking lot!

You can trust SST Auto for all of your Tesla maintenance needs. Our Tesla specific services include:

• Brake Fluid Check

• Brake Fluid Flush

• A/C Desiccant Bag Replacement

• Cabin Air Filter Replacement

• Tire Rotation

• Wheel Alignment and/or Check

• Remove and Clean Belly Pans of Road Debris

• Hepa Filter Replacement

ARTICLE BY MEREDITH GUINNESS PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALEXANDRA SZEBENYIK PHOTOGRAPHY

THE “IT” HOUSE

ONE OF PETER CADOUX’S LATEST HOMES FEATURES SOME OF 2024'S TOP HOME TRENDS.

Architect Peter Cadoux in one of his latest homes.

“We’re creating smaller homes that live large. I love it when people come into one of my homes and they find it bigger and more grand than what they thought it looked like.”

Top Westport architect Peter Cadoux is a firm believer in leaving some things to the imagination. “We’re creating smaller homes that live large,” says the winner of Westport Lifestyle’s 2023 Readers’ Choice Award for Best Architect. “I love it when people come into one of my homes and they find it bigger and more grand than what they thought it looked like on the street.”

Don’t misunderstand, of course. Peter’s designs—which are nationally and internationally recognized—are brimming over with curb appeal. But he would argue it’s best to conceive a home for the unique needs of the family who will inhabit it, and the way we live in 2024. “We want modern, but we don’t want trendy,” he says. “It’s important to make it beautiful from the front, but we want to think about how we live day-to-day.”

With that in mind, Peter, who is putting the finishing touches on his own new Westport home, took a few moments to tell us about the exciting trends he sees for the year ahead.

First off, homeowners are looking at ways to do more at home. While open floor plans are still popular for, say, the kitchen and family room area, clients are also looking for welcoming, task-specific spaces. He’s created dual offices for couples, as well as dedicated yoga, meditation, and dance rooms.

He predicts the 2024 home will also emphasize indoor/outdoor living. With floor-to-ceiling glass walls and specialty windows available, clients are interested in "opening" to the back of a property,

offering the chance for covered porches and multi-season, winterized rooms. “It might be a covered patio, and you press a button and a screen comes down and now you have a screened-in room,” he says.

Again, this speaks to the idea of the scale of a home, he says. While the size of any home is always relative to each individual client's needs, Peter Cadoux Architects offers thoughtful design to encourage smaller scale, better use of space, and intentional integration with the property’s environment. As the son of a builder—and who also holds fine arts and architecture degrees from Rhode Island School of Design—Peter loves nothing more than combining a deep understanding of form, function, fit, and finish.

When it comes to building things—the nuts and bolts, literally—clients are thoroughly modern. More and more are embracing durable, alternative materials that protect against the elements, especially in a waterfront community like Westport. His own home is no exception. “There is not one piece of wood on the exterior,” says Peter, who added the practice saves trees. “People are willing to invest in what they want, and that extends to materials that don’t need the maintenance you would have to have.”

In addition, clients are prioritizing climate health, looking for up-to-date heating and cooling options and filtration systems that address allergies and guard against stagnant indoor air. Even antique restoration, which he is also seeing

glass sections allow for unobstructed views.

Designed for the way we live, day-to-day.

Specialty windows offer myriad possibilities.

Levels provide intimate spaces without sacrificing views.

Outdoor kitchens and seating extend gathering spaces.

Architect Peter Cadoux outside one of his homes.

Bunk rooms: not just for kids!

Curved,

an interest in, comes with an eye for helpful technology. “We had a 100-year-old farmhouse and we were able to put in all the technology, but then cover it over and it’s back to a beautiful 100-year-old farmhouse,” he says. He also notes wallcovering is making a comeback, though mostly in durable, textured designs.

Not ready for a new home, but looking for a few new features or re-imagined spaces? Peter says oversized showers are still strong, as are elongated kitchen prep sinks—sometimes six feet long with multiple faucets and designated areas for cutting boards and strainers!

Have a little more space to play with? Bunk rooms are all the rage, Peter says. And we’re not talking about Sweet-16sleepover-style: Peter has designed spaces with full-sized beds, specialized storage, and custom lighting. “They’re great if you have a lot of family coming to visit,” he says. “They’re quite luxurious. Think Orient Express.”

With an emphasis on indoor/outdoor living, the outdoor kitchen space is also very popular, he says. A backyard pool in 2024 might not be as large as it would have been in past years, but it will come with fun features like specialized jets, colored lights, or waterfalls.

Faced with so many inspiring choices, it’s no wonder Peter and his family have moved more than once in Westport. “I really feel lucky. I love what I do,” he says, chuckling. “But living with an architect is not always the easiest thing! The creative juices are always flowing.”

For more information on Peter Cadoux Architects, visit cadouxaia.com

Clean,

Relaxing

ARTICLE BY SARA GAYNES LEVY PHOTOGRAPHY BY LILLIE FORTINO

HISTORY LESSON

Tour one of Westport’s most historic—and storied— homes.

Lillie's living room is in the former dining room, complete with original wood-burning stove.

When famed artists Naiad and Walter Einsel moved into their historic Westport home back in 1965, Walter left a note for a future owner embedded in the wall while renovating a bedroom. “If you think this work is shoddy, you should have seen what it was like before!” he scrawled on a piece of wood. Fifty-six years later, the home’s new owner, Lillie Fortino, found Walter’s cheeky message. “I cut it out, and I saved it,” she says.

If the Einsels could have dreamed up the perfect future owners to find that message, it would have been Lillie, her husband George, and their two children. The Einsels were well-known artists. Walter was a sculptor and Naiad was an illustrator, and together they were the first husband-and-wife team to create stamp designs for the U.S. Postal Service. Their breathtakingly constructed and romantic Valentines for one another were enshrined in a 2008 book, Art from the Heart . Lillie, a Westport native, is a classically trained artist, as well as a renowned event photographer. She’s a history buff, too, volunteering from a young age at the Westport Historical Society. It was a cosmic aligning of interests that led Lillie to work so tirelessly to preserve the story, beauty, and legacy of the historic home, known in the town’s historic registry as the Charles B. Sherwood House (yes, he’s

The mixed materials in the kitchen pay homage to the "unfitted" tradition.

Lillie's primary bedroom was the Einsel's art studio.

Lillie's children share what was the Einsel's primary bedroom.

a second cousin of Sherwood Island’s Daniel Sherwood!). “We were always incredibly passionate about wanting to maintain the historical integrity of the home,” she says. Still, the house needed some serious TLC when her family moved in three years ago. “Maybe three lightbulbs worked in the place,” Lillie recalls. “The goal was just to make it liveable.” She has done not only that, but turned it into a warm, inviting space for her young family, all while paying homage to the 200 year history of the classic colonial-turned-Italianate home. “I've always been in love with older homes, I think because they've outlived all the families that were here before and the stories that they hold,” Lillie says. “I really feel that homes have a soul. Being able to cherish and try to restore that soul is important.”

Take the kitchen. It was built in 1938, more than 85 years after the home itself. (Lillie has had historical architects view the

home, and believes it may actually date back to the early 1800s, or even before). The present-day layout combines the main kitchen with what was the butler’s kitchen, creating an eclectic feel. “Old kitchens were unfitted—it was just a bunch of furniture thrown together,” Lillie explains. “I wanted to make sure we stayed true to the house.” So she sourced a gorgeous burgundy French Lacanche stove from a second-hand vendor in Hartford, combining it with charcoal cabinetry and black-and-gray marble on one side and pine-colored glass cabinets, fridge, and wine fridge on another. A vintage wood piece serving as an island and intricate black-and-white tilework on the backsplash complete the “unfitted” look. “I find a lot of things at antique sales, monger’s markets, tag sales, Westport Gift Economy, and heirlooms,” she says. Together, these items nod to the home’s soul Lillie speaks about. You can feel it in every room.

The exterior of the home, at the time Lillie bought it.

Her eye for design and nods to history are just part of what makes the home so special, though. The history of the owners— not just the visionary Einsels, who used what is now Lillie’s primary bedroom as their art studio; but also turn-ofthe-20th-century radio star Elizabeth Lennox Hughes, who, along with her husband, used the home as a summer getaway after they bought it in 1925— is palpable as you walk through the quirky floorplan, a product of the many disparate eras the home has lived through. (Just one example: a dramatically steep staircase with “200 years of footprints” worn in rises off the former dining room, now the living room. It leads to what was once the servant's quarters—separated from the rest of the bedrooms, naturally—but now serves as the guest room.) When Lillie and her family moved in, a local archeology buff asked if he could dig through the grounds of the property. He found incredible relics of all of these eras: a Victorian shoe buckle, a vintage musket ball, and a New York City taxi medallion dated to the 1920s.

“I can just imagine Elizabeth Lennox Hughes and her husband coming to their summer home from the city, and the driver losing this!” Lillie says. And Lillie is still finding treasures. Wrapping paper from one of the legendary Valentines the Einsels made for each other is preserved in Lillie’s office.

Each corner of Lillie’s house is an incredible reminder of the rich history of the arts community in Westport— for more than 100 years. And the beautiful design choices Lillie has made— from the rich turquoise butterfly curtains in the dining room to the vintage-y soaking tub in the primary bath to the abstract-patterned carpet runners adorning those 200-year-old staircases– only further cement this home’s legacy as one of the most charming in town.

Lillie's dining room, once the home's great room.

ARTICLE BY SARA GAYNES LEVY

Life A New

UPCYCLING YOUR FURNITURE IS A UNIQUE WAY TO REINVENT AND MODERNIZE OLDER PIECES.

Home design trends come and go, like any other styles do. But if you’ve got a piece that’s looking a little out-of-date, you don’t have to replace it to get a more modern, updated look. At Top of the Line Upholstery in Stamford, Jehad Badr and her team of reinvention craftspeople breathe new life into old pieces for clients in Westport and all over Fairfield County, by upcycling them into creative new versions of themselves. Whether it’s a family heirloom piece that you can’t bear to part with (but can’t make work in your home), or a fabulous antique find that needs a refresh, Top of the Line can make furniture magic happen. “It really just has to have good bones,” says

Jehad. “There's so much good furniture out there that just gets ignored because it has ugly fabric!” Vintage furniture, especially, was extremely well-made, and reinventing an old piece can net you a much sturdier, long-lasting item than ordering a new one from one of the low-cost home sites would. For example, one client brought Jehad and her frequent collaborator, Weston-based interior designer Kendal Gaillard, a set of living room sofas from the mid-1990s in a dated pale-yellow fabric and dressmaker skirt. The team at Top of the Line recovered them in a gray-blue mohair, removed the skirt, and took out a little of the curve in the arms. “It was a subtle change, but it just looked

The dark red paint and fabric and wrought-iron seat backs felt dated. Bright white paint with faux-granite inlay, plus fabric-backed stools with vegan leather seats gave the setup new life.

With lucite legs, a fresh fabric, and an angular shape these chairs are almost unrecognizable.

After Before Before After After Before

The rounded back and duster skirt, along with the floral fabric, seemed old-fashioned.

Small-scale tufting, a rounded border, and a fringe skirt were fussy.

Vegan leather, squared-off edges and spreadout tufting give a modern feel.

After Before Before After After Before

The nailhead trim and curved headboard was ready for a refresh. Light, channeled headboards look airy and beachy.

The colors and textures on these beds were too heavy for the room.

Squaring off and simplifying the headboard looks brand new.

An exquisitely made—but decidedly old-fashioned—sofa.

Slight changes— fabric, arm shape, bolster pillows— make this sofa a knockout.

“We're here to make what you want. It's custom to the inch.”

lightyears different,” says Kendal. “You can go out and buy a new sofa [that looks like that] for $500. But it probably cost $1,500 to reupholster, and what she got was the equivalent of a sofa that would cost $20,000 today.” Kendal herself had Jehad and her team redo a pair of 1930s chairs she inherited from her grandmother! The duo shared with Westport Lifestyle some of their favorite reinventions from past clients here.

If you’ve got a piece that you’d be interested in giving a second life to, the first step is to have it assessed by someone like Jehad. “Get an expert to see if it's a salvageable piece—a lot of times when you investigate, it might be plywood construction,” says Kendal. If it’s a good piece, you can start working on the vision. “Any width can change, any arm can change, any foot can change. You just have to have the right imagination to make it happen,” says Jehad. “We're here to make what you want. It's custom to the inch. Whatever vision that you have in your mind, or a decorator has in their mind, we're here to bring it to life.”

Top of the Line is located at 90 Lincoln Avenue, Stamford, CT. You can reach them at 203-348-0000 or topoftheline90@ gmail.com.

THE 10 BEST PLACES F OR Do-It-Yourself Projects

Shops to inspire or equip you for your next DIY.

Ready to take on a home renovation project on your own? If you've got the DIY itch, these local shops will get you the materials you need— no matter the project.

1 | CALICO

Calico offers more than 5,000 fabrics, trims, and wallpaper from designer names like Ralph Lauren and Kate Spade—all at discount prices. Make an appointment for a personal design experience, or just walk in and explore! 224 Post Road East, calicocorners.com

2 | INTERSTATE + LAKELAND LUMBER

For the more handy craftsmen and women, Interstate and Lakeland Lumber is committed to providing quality services and materials at extremely competitive pricing.  760 Post Road East, interstatelumber.com

3 | WESTPORT HARDWARE

A family-owned local business, Westport Hardware is a resource for information and an excellent choice for home improvement products, hardware and tools, paint supplies, and anything you may need for the job.  606 Post Road East, westporthardwarestore.com

4 | RING’S END

As a Connecticut-based, third-generation, family-run business, Ring's End is the largest retailer of both Marvin windows and doors and Benjamin Moore paint in the Northeast. It’s a great opportunity to discover inspiration for your project! 877 Post Road East, r ingsend.com/westport-ct-store

5

| GAULT STONE

Prepare for springtime BBQs and nighttime s'mores. Gault Family Companies is here to accessorize your patio with its very own fire pit or grill station. The specialists at Gault will utilize stones that accent your patio’s style or the veneer on your house. 11 Ferry Lane West, gaultstone.com

6 | MICHAELS

Michaels has all the tools and accessories you need to complete so many at-home projects. Organize your belongings with their extensive collection of bins and shelves, or create your own decor with items found in the crafts section.  1850 Post Road East, michaels.com

7 | TERRAIN

As winter comes to an end, Terrain will be your one-stop shop for all things grow-it-yourself home decor. Whether you need plants or flowers, earthly-inspired furniture, or an outdoor fireplace, your guests will be astonished by your seasonal decor and your impeccable taste.  561 Post Road East, shopterrain.com

8 | KOHLER SIGNATURE STORE

If a home upgrade is in your future, stop by the Kohler Signature Store and interact with functioning fixtures. Let their design experts assist you in finding the right products and turn your design into action with a wide range of products in a variety of styles and finishes.  1320 Post Road East, kohler.com

9 | HOMEGOODS

Their endlessly changing selection means finding something exciting and useful for your project is virtually guaranteed. You’ll be inspired to begin, invent, or reinvent. Find the perfect pieces to your DIY puzzle. The fun is in the exploration!  1850 Post Road East, homegoods.com

10 | NEW ENGLAND ANTIQUE LUMBER

The recovered lumber available at New England Antique Lumber provides a unique and personalized way to satisfy the tastes of builders and expert DIYers alike! From historical to agricultural buildings, you’re sure to find stunning pieces, from beams to siding.  238 Post Road East, newenglandantiquelumber.com

ARTICLE BY DISCOVER WESTPORT CT

1 2 3

Handmade Soap

Add a spa-like feel to your home with this refreshing soap recipe that's simple to make at home.

ARTICLE BY ANGI HOCKETT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

lavender honey lemon soap

ingredients

• 2 lb. goat’s milk melt-and-pour soap

• 1 lemon rind, zested

• 3 tablespoons of dried lavender buds

• 2 tablespoons of honey

• 15 drops of lavender essential oil

• 6 drops of lemon essential oil

• jar or bowl for melting soap base

• Silicone mold

directions

Chop soap into smaller pieces. It will melt faster this way. Place in bowl and microwave (or double boil). Be careful to watch soap and not let it burn.  If you are using microwave, heat in 30 second increments, stirring frequently. Once soap is melted add your essential oils first. Once essential oils have been added and mixed thoroughly, add the lavender buds, lemon zest and honey. Have your mold ready to go, on a flat, even surface. You’ll want to move quickly before the soap cools too much. Mix everything thoroughly again, and pour mixture into mold. Let the soap cool for 2-3 hours until bars are completely solid. Wrap or package however you like.

Recipe from Sisoo.com

MOVE BETTER FEEL BETTER LIVE BETTER

MARCH 5TH

Verso University Presents: The Films of Alfred Hitchcock

Wesport Library | 1:30 PM

Sid Gottlieb, a professor of communication and media arts at Sacred Heart University, offers a chance for in-depth analysis of Hitchcock’s famous film, Psycho. Screen the film before class to follow along as Professor Gottlieb leads a discussion about the legacy of one of cinema’s most influential directors and works. Limited spots available for $25. Register at eventbrite.com

MARCH 16TH

Westport Writers' Workshop Pitch & Publish Conference

Westport Library | 10:00 AM

Aspiring authors mingle at the third annual Pitch & Publish conference, where writers can meet literary agents, listen to lively panel discussions, and hear from keynote speaker Leigh Stein, an author of fiction, memoir, and poetry. Registration includes a Friday night welcome event and wrap party after the conference. $350. Register and more info at westportwriters.org.

MARCH 19TH

Shakespeare’s Sisters

Westport Library | 7:00 PM

Ramie Targoff visits the Westport Library to discuss her new book, Shakespeare's Sisters: How Women Wrote the Renaissance with Professor Shannon Kelly of Fairfield University. The book offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives and works of four female writers living in the era. Free. Register at eventbrite.com.

MARCH 22ND

Spring Equinox Family Campfire

Earthplace | 5:30 PM

Celebrate the spring equinox with a night around the campfire—s’mores ingredients provided! (Though the event is BYOS—bring your own sticks.) An animal visitor and a guided activity are also part of the festivities. $30 for member families, $40 for non-member families while space allows. Register at earthplace.org

MARCH 23RD

Murder Mystery Dinner

Westport Woman's Club | 6:00 PM

Step back in time to the roaring 1920s at this film-noir-inspired evening, where guests will solve a murder mystery while sipping on Prohibition-era cocktails and enjoying a delicious meal. Dress to impress— there are prizes for best costume. $150. Reservations required, please call 203-227-4240.

MARCH 28TH

Fashionably Westport

The Westport Library | 7:00 PM

The Westport Downtown Association presents the fourth annual Fashionably Westport event on Thursday, March 28 from 7-10 p.m., benefitting the nonprofit Homes with Hope’s Project Return.  The ticketed event will be held at Westport Library Forum with a raised runway. The ticket price includes food, open bar, music, and a gift bag. Tickets start at $135.23. Register at eventbrite.com.

SARA GAYNES LEVY sara.gayneslevy@citylifestyle.com

Letter from the Editor

Introducing Sara Gaynes Levy, the new editor of Westport Lifestyle.

ARTICLE BY SARA GAYNES LEVY

The first time I visited Westport was almost exactly 14 years ago, to meet the family of my now-husband, a Westport native. We had lunch at Tavern on Main (gone, sadly!) and I was instantly charmed by Main Street and the sweeping river views, a far cry from my own upbringing in the nondescript suburbs of Atlanta. I never would have guessed that ten years after that lunch, we’d be moving our family into our very own Westport home.

Moving to Westport in 2020, as I’m sure many of you experienced, was an unusual way to get to know a new town. But over the last four years, I’ve never doubted that we chose the absolute best place to raise our three kids, and it’s been a joy to explore treasures new and old around town together. Beyond my role as a mom, I am a freelance writer with more than 15 years of experience working in the magazine industry, and I couldn’t be more excited to marry my love for Westport and my journalism background as the new editor of Westport Lifestyle. Westport Lifestyle is all about celebrating what is so special about this area, and luckily, from where I sit, there’s no shortage of amazing things to write about. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to dig in and tell more of our town’s stories to all of you. And if you’ve got one to share with me, please don’t hesitate to reach out! My inbox is always open.