DESIGN +DECOR
CONNECTICUT NEW JERSEY NEW YORK
CLASSIC ARCHITECTURE IN A MODERN WORLD 2023 ANNUAL ARCHITECTS ISSUE
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DESIGN +DECOR VOLUME 20 ISSUE 6 - 2023
Editor-in-Chief Matthew J. Kolk mattkolk@me.com 203-820-1092 Contributing Writers Deborah Brannon, Lisa Gant, Shehla Lucanera, Alder Grove, Hunter Powell, Meryl Siegman, Anna von Stelzer-Worth, Kait Shea, Heather Shoning, Anastasia Storer Contributing Photographers Jane Beiles, Michael Biondo, Phillip Ennis, Tria Giovan, John Gruen, John Hannon, Paul Johnson, Neil Landino, Mark La Rosa, Tim Lee, Daniel Milstein, Durston Saylor, Eric Striffler, Carl Vernlund, Jonathan Wallen, Woodruff/Brown Photography Copy Editor Elena Serocki Graphic & Web Design East Coast Home Publishing
Group Publisher Shelley E. McCormick sm@dd-mag.com 203-545-7091 Northeast Account Manager Janine Vairo jv@dd-mag.com Design + Decor 349 Forest Hills Boulevard Naples, Florida 34113
Design + Decor is published six issues per year. To subscribe: www.dd-mag.com; Back issues can be purchased at www.dd-mag.com. For editorial inquiries: Editor, Design + Decor, 349 Forest Hills Boulevard, Naples, Florida 34113 or e-mail: mattkolk@me.com. For advertising inquiries: Please call Shelley McCormick at 203-545-7091. Reproduction whole or in part without permission is prohibited. All projects described in this publication are for private, noncommercial use only. No rights for commercial use or exploitation are given or implied. The opinions expressed by writers for articles published by Design + Decor are not necessarily those of the magazine.
EAST COAST HOME PUBLISHING 349 Forest Hills Boulevard Naples, Florida 34113 DD-MAG.COM
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DESIGN +DECOR
CONNECTICUT NEW JERSEY NEW YORK
VOLUME 20 ISSUE 6 | 2023
38 A HOME FOR ART
A couple in Rhinebeck, NY, builds a tucked-away home. Story by Heather Shoning Photography by Michael Biondo and Kirt Washington
50 CLASSIC ARCHITECTURE IN A MODERN WORLD 2023 ANNUAL ARCHITECTS ISSUE Stories by Shehla Lucanera
84 ALLURING AMETHYST
Metaphysical crystals make a design statement in this new Long Island home. Story by Heather Shoning | Photography by Abby Cole
DEPARTMENTS 12 Editor’s Letter 18 Ask the Experts 92 Profile
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EDITOR’S LETTER
2023 Annual Architects + Builders Roundtable at Aitoro Appliance in Norwalk, Connecticut.
“As an architect, you design for the present, with an awareness of the past, for a future which is essentially unknown.” - Norman Foster
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he theme for this year’s Architects issue is “Classic architecture in a modern world,” and I believe that Norman Foster’s quote hits the nail right on the head with his quote pertaining to this very beautiful exercise.
Architecture is a living, breathing discipline. We can always look into the past and styles and methods that have been done throughout time, but we cannot look into the future. Hence the reason why Design + Decor decided to challenge our Architect partners with this task. We wanted them to explain how various classic styles of architecture stood the test of time, how they interpret them...how they interpret them, how they incorporate the principles into their own designs, and how they make modifications to create a modern-day home. They all did a wonderful job. Designer Lisa Davenport, fresh from the fall High Point Market, shares with us a few of her favorites in our Melange department themed “Made in America” where she searched out several stunning examples of American made products. Supporting American suppliers is very important to her, and we are more than pleased to share them with you. There are so many benefits to buying US-made products in our current environment, and as a champion for this cause, I’m pretty sure Lisa knows most of them! With the holidays at our doorstep, we would like to thank all of you for your continued support, and we wish you all a happy and healthy holiday season. Best, Matthew J. Kolk Editor-in-chief
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MELANGE
Made in America
Lisa Davenport of LDD Interiors shares with us a few of her favorites from this year’s High Point Market. Lisa Davenport lddinteriors.com
Tempaper & Co. - Forest Reserve Mural New Jersey & Florida In 2008, twin sisters Jennifer Matthews and Julia Biancella Au Co-Founders of Tempaper & Co. both natives of New Jersey, recognized a significant gap in the market. Homeowners and renters lacked creative ways to make a unique statement in their living spaces without the burdensome financial investment and long-term commitment typically associated with traditional wallpaper. Smart gals. As a response to this need, the sisters embarked on their journey by launching their proprietary peel-and-stick wallpaper from their 6th-floor walk-up apartment in New York City. tempaper.com
Crest Table Lamp Castleton, VT For a while now I have felt Hubbardton Forge (HF) was weak in their table lamp selections. But this Market the company put that feeling right out to pasture for me! Here they introduced an array of table lamps, with the Crest being one of my new favorites. Designed by Jason Hancock, it is available in eleven (11) HF finishes plus hundreds of RAL powder coat finishes. When Jason was asked about the inspiration for this unique and stunning lamp, his response was simple; “I was inspired by nature’s power of rolling waves that can evoke both strength and grace. Because I live right on the water, I often experience the dramatic personality that the water can exhibit.” Can you feel the energy and poise presented here? It’s hard not to. Well done, HF! hubbardtonforge.com
Charlie Chicago, IL Chicago is known as the windy city and the home of deep-dish pizza. In my opinion, we should add the home of luxury made textiles too. This Market it was hard to choose my favorite introductions from Eastern Accents – yet the Charlie bedding ensemble did shine brightly. Saturation of color, playful patterns, mixed with sophisticated textures such as velvets and chenilles made this a home run! easternaccents.com
Kravet It is often difficult to find case goods that are made in the USA. Kravet is committed to keeping their carbon footprint smaller and celebrating American craftsmanship. It is a little-known fact that much of Kravet’s case goods are made in the states! The North Haven Grasscloth Sideboard showcases how creative they are. With its mix of oak finishes and grasscloth, this is American craftsmanship at its finest. kravet.com
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ASK THE EXPERTS
WHY DOORS MATTER The president of Clearview Inc. discusses the ins and outs of interior and exterior doors. Story by Meryl Siegman
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or more than five decades, Clearview Inc. has been a trusted source in the window and door industry. Established in 1972, this thirdgeneration family business has consistently provided top-tier products and services to homeowners, business owners, builders and architects alike. With a professional staff dedicated to excellence, the company can furnish any home or place of business with high-quality, beautiful and energy-efficient wood, vinyl or fiberglass windows and exterior doors, as well as glass shower enclosures, skylights, storm doors and storm windows. We spoke with Rusty Sheppard, the president of Clearview Inc., to find out about the brands, materials and styles of doors available today. D+D: Please explain why you choose the brands of doors you carry. Rusty: We have our clients’ needs and requirements in mind, providing quality products that offer choices in style and material at different price points. We carry the top brands in the business, such as Simpson, Rogue Valley, Masonite, Upstate Door for wood doors, and JELD-WEN and Therma-Tru for fiberglass and steel. D+D: Why do interior and exterior doors matter? Rusty: They matter because they are a very important design element of the house. Interior doors provide the opportunity for different styles and designs that can enhance the home’s interior design. They can be used to make a statement about the inside of the home. While design is an important element in exterior doors, they also serve as protection. Simpson offers a water-barrier door, which is a great solution for areas that can’t have a large overhang. It uses state-of-the-art water-
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barrier technology, which is based on a medium-density overlay on a wood door. Likewise, Masonite has a torrefied door that serves the same purpose, made with a heating process to eliminate the tendency for the wood to rot. Both are guaranteed for 20 years. D+D: Which materials are good for the exterior doors of homes—and why? Rusty: Wood doors protected with a water barrier or torrefication process are optimal. But if the door is located in an exposed area and the clients don’t want to spend the extra money, they can opt for a fiberglass alternative, which isn’t affected by weather. Fiberglass doors can be made with a wood-like grain that can be stained, but there are not as many style and design choices as there are with wood. There are only so many skin styles available in fiberglass. D+D: What type of door do you recommended for homeowners who are concerned about security? Rusty: All doors are secure—it’s the frame along with the lock that makes the door secure, because they go hand in hand. But a good lock is useless in a lousy frame. Most frames in residential homes are made of wood or a composite, with a security plate on the back of the frame. Clients don’t have to worry about glass, whether it’s plain, decorative or triple glazed, because it’s tempered, making it very hard to break. Glass also lets in light and allows homeowners to see who’s outside. 20
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D+D: What styles are you seeing lately in exterior and interior doors? Rusty: The current styles are very contemporary and rectangular. We are seeing a lot of glass and doors that are oversized in both width and height to let in more light. D+D: The “barn” door has been a trend for a while. What are some design ideas to update the traditional barn door in a home? Rusty: Any door can be used as a barn door, so now clients can choose barn doors that are more aligned with their interior decor, rather than the typical wooden batten style. Barn doors are wider and taller than traditional doors because they overlap, so homeowners have to make sure they have a clear wall with enough space for the doors to open. Resource: Clearview Inc. 3363 Fairfield Avenue Bridgeport, CT 06605 203.334.5503 clearviewinc.net
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ASK THE EXPERTS
What’s New in Kitchen Design Bergen Brick Offers Advice on Kitchen Backsplashes Story by Meryl Seigman
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ergen Brick Stone & Tile in Wyckoff, NJ, has been the go-to destination for local homeowners’ brick, stone and tile needs for over 40 years. Its extensive selection of materials and products includes indoor and outdoor tiles, natural stone veneers and fabricated stones. The company ’s interiors department sets itself apart by offering a hands-on approach, with the design team spending time with customers, getting to know their tastes and budgets, and learning about their project and what makes it unique. Clients who walk into the tile showroom feeling overwhelmed usually end up having a fun, positive experience, and leave with a feeling of reassurance. We spoke with Suzanne Neill, a designer at Bergen Brick, to learn about the latest in kitchen backsplashes. D+D: Why are backsplashes important in kitchen design? Suzanne: A backsplash puts the finishing touch on the kitchen, providing an opportunity to create that wow factor. It’s the detail that pulls together all the kitchen elements, if it’s done correctly. As a specialist in interior tiles of every kind, I help clients achieve that cohesive look. D&D: What trends are you noticing in kitchen backsplashes? Suzanne: People are gravitating towards a clean overall look. We can help them accomplish this by using only one type of tile material for the
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In the Fie
backsplash and the structures and by taking are safe it all overthethe way cold to the months. ceiling—not “We have just a winter as high maintenance as the cabinets. program Zellige where tiles, we handmade come out once from aunrefined month and clay, check are on trending the pools,” right now says because John. “Then, they come in the in many spring,shapes we usually and sizes, tell and clients have a few a rich, weeksundulating before they surface want to with go subtle swimshading. ming to set We’re that also date seeing for opening a lot of waterjet the pool.marble We’ll patterns. come out,We’ll take use off the the whole cover, pattern take outonthe an plugs, entire backsplash. reconnect the equipment, turn everything back on and balance the water chemically and sanitize it. D&D: We’ll also Whatvacuum backsplashes any winter do you debris thinkthat are might going out haveofgotten style?under the cover.” Suzanne: We’re not seeing much of the multicolored Wagner Pools small has mosaic beentiles—the going strong multimedia for more than type made a century, with giving stone and customers glass. We’re pools also they not can doing share frames with their behind families the and stove, friends or details for many suchyears. as borders. Resource: D+D: Please share your expert advice on using aWagner light Pools or dark backsplash to play off the countertop. John C. Gedney III, Vice President Suzanne: 101 Noroton Contrast Avenue is a great dynamic in kitchens, but Darien, it doesn’t CT 06820 have to be created by the countertop 203.904.2429 and backsplash. Cabinetry is a good way to incorporate wagnerpools.com it. But every job is unique, so I try not to buy into trends. Our goal is to select the best materials for what is going on in the kitchen and the rest of the home. D+D: “Everything old is new again.” What old
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styles of kitchen backsplashes do you see coming back into play? Suzanne: Square tiles, particularly four-inch by four-inch, are making a comeback. We are installing them not straight, but in offset patterns, which makes them more interesting. The subway tile has always been a classic, but these days we’re seeing them in a larger format. They ’re being used not just in neutral, whites and grays, but also in more bold and vibrant colors. Resource: Bergen Brick Stone & Tile 685 Wyckoff Avenue Wyckoff, NJ 07481 201.891.3500 bergenbrick.com
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ASK THE EXPERTS
Choosing a Wood Stove for Your Home A hearth specialist explains the beauty of the products her company offers. Story by Meryl Siegman
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ittus—Fire by Design brings 40 years of warmth to high-end interior and exterior decor, as a premier supplier of hearth products such as fireplaces, stoves and accessories. Wittus is the only stove company that focuses exclusively on European collections, which are prized for maintaining the tradition of efficient alternative stoves, while combining modern styling with state-of-the-art technology. Design + Decor spoke with Alyce Wittus, owner of Wittus—Fire by Design, to learn more about the benefits of wood-burning stoves. D+D: When sourcing your products, what characteristics do you look for to appeal your market? Alyce Wittus: We import our lines from Europe, primarily Denmark, and offer more than 30 different products. Our selection is based on the following criteria: artistry and award-winning design; differentiation, not cost; technology that incorporates quality and sophisticated state-of-the-art systems; and the environmental factor: stoves that burn cleanly, are highly efficient, offer sustainable heating and are easy to use. D+D: Why would a homeowner choose a wood-burning stove? Alyce: Most homeowners are looking for products that fit with their surroundings. Our products are mostly contemporary European design, which complement and enhance most types of decor. They also want ease of use, low maintenance, good heat capability and efficiency. D+D: What are some benefits of using a wood-burning stove
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Ask the E
their delivery times and inventory. I’ve also sourced more things indence yourinhome? locally We thanconsider I did before. example, “I warm will often have a chair made locally Alyce: ourFor products furniture” because they or ask a hygge—defined local vendor makeascabinets instead ofritual sourcing from life’s other provide the Danish of them enjoying locations. Using local allowsThey for more the process, the simple pleasures andvendors coziness. alsocontrol offerover backup for elecfinal products always of reduce a higherthe quality, and supporting local is always tricity outagesareand help overall cost of utilities. good to do! D+D: Are wood-burning stoves safe to use in the home? D+D:Wood What stoves advice would you give homeowners whotreated are interested in Alyce: are safe, provided they are like any redesigning their Homeowners homes and would like the assistance of an interior deother product. should read the manual and take signer? care. Jeanne: The first step is to start finding images of things you like, whether it be onWhat Pinterest, in magazines on Google images. It doesn’t have to D+D: are the dos and or don’ts of wood-burning stoves? be the Homeowners room as you want it designed, as that is the designer’s job. Alyce: should use dry wood, notinterior overload the fireFocusand on clean imagesthe youchimney like for whatever reason you years. like them. couldthe be box, every one to two WeItoffer that you like a piece artwork, the floors, the room colors, the lighting, following guide onofour website: https://wittus.com/category/ the sofa or the overall vibe the space gives off. Then ask friends for recomwood-burning-help/ mendations of designers—even if your friends have a different design style than you do! While designers have styles they prefer, they are all trained to Resource: design in many styles, and often have projects not shown on their websites that could be good match for your needs. Wittus-Fire by aDesign Niels and Alyce Wittus Resource: 40 Westchester Avenue Pound Ridge, NY 10576 Jeanne Collins 914.764.5679 JerMar Designs wittus.com 163 Pocconock Trail New Canaan, CT 06840 203.253.0649 jermardesigns.com
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IN THE FIELD
In the Field with Wagner Pools How the firm produces breathtaking 3D designs. Story by Hunter Powell
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ver the years, technological advancements have dramatically improved the capabilities of designers and builders. Wagner Pools of Darien, CT, which has been creating topquality swimming pools for its customers for more than a century, is a superb example of how a firm uses the latest available technology to give its clients a cutting-edge experience. One way it achieves this is through the use of 3D-rendered designs, which offer clients a complete view of how a pool will look on their property while it is still in the planning stages. Design + Decor spoke with John Gedney III, vice president of the company, to find out about Wagner’s 3D-rendered designs, its visualization of a project, and how it works with clients through the process. Wagner Pools adopted the use of computer imagery to make the Design + Decor
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design and build process easier for clients. The firm uses a combination of different software to produce 2D and 3D drawings of its designs, picking the best way to help clients visualize a plan that will suit their specific needs. Wagner crafts each design in-house for its clients using its own proprietary software. “3D modeling has been around for many years, but was a difficult and expensive process for the client,” says John. “Modern computers, better software, better cameras, etc., have 32
made the 3D tools much more user-friendly.” While 3D renders are an excellent way to translate more complicated designs into a visual before the project is built, they aren’t necessarily the right choice for every client. The Wagner team works closely with clients during the earliest stages of a pool design to make sure their needs are met through either traditional design methods or computer imagery. John explains:
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“After the initial meeting where we go over the client’s wants and needs, if the client agrees to go ahead with a design, at that point we decide whether a 3D drawing is necessary to provide a clear understanding of the project. Some clients do not need the 3D level. If the job is complicated and difficult to translate the design via 2D, then 3D is a good option.” Three-dimensional drawings assist not only the client, but also the team creating the pool. Using 3D renders can “help the designer identify any design issues that might arise from viewing only a 2D drawing,” says John. This starts with a visit from the designer, who surveys the property on which the pool will be built. Then the team develops the design concept and presents the plan at its first meeting with the client. “3D is a fantastic tool to communicate your design,” says John, and it is especially valuable at presentation meetings, where it can help visualize a more complicated concept for a property owner. As with every tool used for communication between designer and client, computer imagery is another means of getting everyone on the same page more effectively. When the situation and property call for it, the software is immensely helpful in illustrating a design in a visually complete way. “Clients who are looking for this extra visualization really love the 3D renderings because they help them imagine what the project will look like,” says John. While visualization starts and ends with a good designer, Wagner’s tools for communicating those visuals ensure that the final result fulfills all the expectations of their clients. Resource: Wagner Pools John C. Gedney III, Vice President 101 Noroton Avenue Darien, CT 06820 203.904.2429 wagnerpools.com Design + Decor
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A HOME FOR ART A couple in Rhinebeck, NY, builds a tucked-away home to foster and showcase art in many forms. Story by Heather Shoning | Photography by Michael Biondo and Kirt Washington
An aerial view of the home draws attention to the pavilions, with their spines and the cross-rooms at the intersections of the spaces, as highlighted by the skylights. The lower-level garage is accessed by a separate drive.
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musician and a painter sought a space to practice their respective crafts and showcase artworks they have collected throughout the years. When they met with Ira Grandberg, principal designer of Grandberg and Associates Architects, they found a partner who understood the importance of creating open spaces to allow their art collection to shine as it would in a gallery. Ira, who graduated with a master’s degree from Columbia University School of Architecture, had his business based in New York City for 23 years. He opened his current firm in Westchester County, NY, nearly 20 years ago, specializing in unique custom residences. The firm also does hospitality, restaurants, renovations, new homes, institutional work and historic preservation projects. “I lead the design on all the projects,” says Ira. “I have a wonderful supporting staff of architects who help me produce these projects.” At this residence, the wife is well versed in art and design, so she made many of the interior selections, working closely with Ira throughout the process. “She’s a prolific artist and art lover who’s collected a lot over the years,” Ira says. “The home is a constantly changing gallery, and it was a unique situation to design a house with someone who wanted the environment designed specifically for art.” Another critical aspect of the project is that the homeowners wanted the residence to be secluded and situated away from the road on a 20-acre parcel of wooded land. It needed to include spaces for her art studio and his music studio on opposite ends of the home, so they would not disturb one another Design + Decor
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As you approach the front of the house, you experience it as a single-story, low-profile home that blends into the natural spaces surrounding it. “I wanted to arrive at a forecourt where the entrance of the house was just an arrival point, not complicated by garage doors in the front,” Ira says, “and you sweep down to the lower level, where the garage is at the southern end of the house.”
Wide-plank, unstained ash flooring by Carlisle lends to the gallery feel of the home, along with the white walls and minimal architectural ornamentation, creating a light, airy space perfect for showcasing artwork. “Southwest Symphony”, a triptych by artist Vera Kaplan, is on prominent display, floating above the stairs.
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Sofas by Ligne Roset and assorted traditional Persian wool rugs introduce lively colors selected to complement the works of art throughout the home, since many are seen from various vantage points, thanks to the pavilion design.
A special reading nook features two chairs previously owned by the homeowners. The antique teak set designed for the British Raj in Nepal was repurposed for their new home with a fresh coat of lacquer by The Finisher’s Touch in Wappingers Falls, NY. The space is finished with a collage and acrylic piece titled “Blue Rhapsody” by Vera Kaplan.
while practicing their crafts. They wanted the residence to have room for their grown children to visit and, because they both love to swim, to include an indoor pool. Moreover, the clients wanted all these features wrapped up in a very contemporary structure. “The house needed to be divided so that both private spaces and workspaces could be linked by a common gallery,” Ira says. “This way, they could constantly connect to all the different spaces in the house, as opposed to going from one room to another down a hallway.” To achieve these goals, Ira created what he calls “pavilion living areas,” essentially galleries connected by portals instead of hallways and doors. “There is a north-south spine that runs through the house and, at selected points, that spine is bifurcated into cross-rooms where you have views looking left and right or east and west,” he explains. “And at each cross-point on that gallery, there are skylights to define and modulate the plan experience.” For instance, on the left is the kitchen, and on the right is the dining room with sliding doors, so all those spaces open to one another. The east and west exposures have a strong level of transparency. The gallery displays multiple works of art, and it culminates on the north end of the home with a very large skylit art studio and office for the wife. On the south end of the house is the primary bedroom suite with a library. “The library, living room and kitchen all visually connect to one another,” Ira says. “Through the connecting portals, the house is a very open space with precise sight lines that you can see throughout the Design + Decor
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home, resulting in structured exposures.” In the evening, the library can be closed off, becoming a sitting room for the primary bedroom suite. The kitchen and living areas introduce color into the otherwise white, gallery-style spaces. The German company Leicht provided cabinetry in solid, custom colors. The wife worked closely with Ira and his team to select complementary colors that she felt would create an interaction or a connection between the bold colors of the kitchen and the colors seen in the artwork throughout the gallery spaces. Wanting her home to feel alive with these colors, the wife worked closely with the architects to select some new furnishings that would complement some the couple already owned, creating a cohesive look with the colorways of the interior. “She wanted the furniture to be, in effect, sculptural components similar to the kitchen,” Ira says. The entire design of the 8,000-square-foot, four-bedroom, four-bathroom house was not developed with respect only to the artwork and individual spaces. “Instead, each space within was selected to be responsive to the site, to vistas, to prevailing winds, to natural Design + Decor
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Colorful custom cabinetry by Leicht was an essential element in creating the color palette that would complement the many works of art throughout the home. The look is complete with a sleek table from Room & Board, Ligne Roset chairs and a Heriz wool rug.
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light, and each one was selected by the team to optimize the experience they wanted on the homesite,” Ira explains. “As per an established protocol, I go to the site after I get input from the client, and give serious consideration to where on the site I might want certain rooms,” Ira says. He likens the process to doing an oil painting. “The first thing is to broad brush the painting and establish a background, and then I start refining from the macro to the micro until I get the spaces properly
organized.” When family comes to visit, the clients wanted a home that enabled them to be at one end of the house and talk to someone at the other, but also provide privacy as needed. The main central stairs connect directly to the lower-level gallery pool area beyond. Although it’s internal, the pool has open views into a gallery space where art is on display, with the pool facing south past a Jacuzzi into the woodlands. Even though it’s a lower-level location, the exposure provided by excavating Design + Decor
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The essence of this space is the connection to nature and the spa-like atmosphere of the primary bathroom. The Fantasy Brown Quartzite from Caliber Granite in Kingston, NY, introduces a striking natural element mined in India. The Sonoma Forge fixtures, while luxurious, fade into the background of the views into the woodlands.
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There’s no space in the home that is not a canvas for art. On one end, a polyptych, “Water Music”, by Vera Kaplan, is fitting, of course, for the pool room. Another wall features Flying Carpets I, II, and III, by Austrian-Iranian artist Sheida Samyi.
the back of the site creates a beautifully sunlit space. The lower level also includes the husband’s music studio, a spa area with a weight room, a workshop, an office, bedrooms and more. The primary bedroom suite pavilion—specifically the bathroom—fosters the homeowners’ love of water and a spa experience. It’s an ample skylit space with a central tub and large windows opening the room to the surrounding woodlands. Ira employed a glass wall to hold the shower fixture without impeding the 270-degree views.
posed to feeling you’re part of an enormous box with dormers, windows and a two-dimensional skin,” he says. “It creates a very nice human scale.” In addition to the pavilions, the home features many connections to outdoor living spaces, the idea being that it’s not patio doors that open to the outside—the whole house opens onto different levels of patios. The primary bedroom includes a private patio, while the main living areas connect to an outdoor dining space, and the kitchen connects to a breakfast patio. The whole design creates an interconnectivity between pavilions and nature.
Ira’s use of pavilions helps scale the home, as each is an entirely different experience. “You feel very comfortable in it, as op-
By working with the site, Ira sculpted the house into the land facing west and south, where the sun and prevailing winds come Design + Decor
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from. Approaching the home, you are met with what appears to be a single-story, low-scaled home and a forecourt, as opposed to a looming, oversized structure. Ira didn’t design the house with a “style” in mind—instead, he focused on the clients’ needs and wants. “It’s specifically well tailored to suit these two people, and they love the house,” Ira says. “We were able to interpret both how spaces organized themselves and how the house relates to the site, and to give them a living environment where they ’re not subject to it— they are part of it. A lot of architecture is theatrical; it’s a stage set. I don’t believe in doing stage sets. In this case, that meant creating an environment where the spaces were very personal to the homeowners and could be exhibited and enjoyed.” Resource: Grandberg and Associates Architects Ira Grandberg, Principal Designer 117 Main Street Mt. Kisco, NY 10549 914.242.0033 grandbergarchitects.com
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CLASSIC ARCHITECTURE IN A MODERN WORLD 2023 ANNUAL ARCHITECTS ISSUE Stories by Shehla Lucanera
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MICHAEL SMITH
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rchitect Michael Smith has more than 25 years of experience in luxury residential and complex commercial design. He got an early start in the profession thanks to his father, an industrial designer, who taught Michael technical design when he was very young. Years later Michael graduated with a bachelor’s degree in architecture from the University of Cincinnati. Today he is president of his own firm, Michael Smith Architects, which expertly handles all aspects of a project, from inception to plan completion. The firm also offers the latest in computer modeling technology for optimal sharing of ideas and architectural proposals with clients. Michael Smith Architects is grounded in the theory that careful application of the design principles of simplicity, consistency and authenticity will produce a timeless work of architecture, regardDesign + Decor
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less of the style. Here, Michael discusses a residence he recently designed in historic Scarsdale, NY: a classic Georgian Colonial home. The iconic traditional colonial is one of the oldest home designs in New England and remains a deeply admired home style today across New England and out towards the Midwest. The early-American colonists, with their diverse mix of European heritage, strived to emulate the home styles from the Old World, including Georgian, French and Dutch and others, with each style featuring its own distinctions. What key properties distinguish a traditional colonial home? “The main body of the house is very symmetrical, and wings for additional space are attached,” says Michael. “You can see the main section with the three dormers and two chimneys, and little sections attached to that. That’s really the Golden Rule of the colonial: the main mass organizes the house, and other sections flow off that.” This majestic home is considered a Georgian Colonial because of its adherence to the exact principles of symmetry. How has Michael seen the traditional Georgian Colonial change during his many years of working in the field? “It’s been repeated so many times,” he says. “It’s been built by developers and spec builders and at times replicated poorly, with the proportions being distorted over the years. Yet there are still many great architects who can produce a nice colonial home in step with the proportions 52
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expected.” Have the materials used to build the traditional colonial changed over the years? “Not really,” he says. “It’s very classic, with shingle or siding or stone. You could produce a stucco colonial, but it’s very rare.” Michael and his specialized team at Michael Smith Architects welcome a wide range of architectural projects, from high-end residential to commercial, and specialize in all styles. The firm is also a member of the U.S Green Building Council, striving to incorporate more sustainable options in the most seamless, natural way possible. Resource: Michael Smith Architects Michael Smith 41 North Main Street, Suite 101 Norwalk, CT 203.563.0553 michaelsmitharchitects.com
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he Connecticut firm Cardello Architects specializes in designing picturesque homes in a wide range of architectural styles. Respected firm partner and sought-after architect David La Pierre brings years of valuable hands-on experience with his substantial knowledge of the entire building process. David earned an associate’s degree in engineering degree and a bachelor’s in architecture from the Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston, and his firm has won numerous awards for its exceptional work. David shares with us a grand home he designed in 2018 that showcases his expertise. Striking a balance between evocative beauty and timeless simplic-
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ity, this grand Georgian Colonial home in New York was built completely from the ground up. The property originally featured a rugged Adirondack-style house with small windows and lowslung rooflines, which the clients wished to replace with a more classically styled home. David and his team listened closely to what the homeowners wanted: a spacious residence in a stately Georgian Colonial style. The clients loved the design proposed by David, and soon afterwards his team demolished the original structure to make way for their dream house. The attractive Georgian style originated in Britain under the House of Hanover, and is named after its first four British mon-
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DAVID LA PIERRE CARDELLOARCHITECTS.COM
archs, all named George. The style brought back into favor the classicism that Italian architect Andrea Palladio had made fashionable in England. Eventually, this style crossed the sea to the U.S. and was adapted by New England colonists around the time of the Industrial Revolution. New railroads and a boom in home building materials made construction supplies more accessible than ever. As with all Georgian Colonial homes, this luxurious example exhibits the symmetry that defines the style. “There is a bit of a formula for developing a Georgian Colonial like this,” says David. “You are stacking windows, and the windows on the second floor
are smaller than the windows below. The proportions of the light cuts are ‘talking’ to each other. As you can see, the main body of the house is flanked by two wings: that’s an add-on that’s possible to achieve more space, while maintaining symmetry.” How has the Georgian Colonial changed over time? “People put a twist on this style, but there is a method for designing this type of a house,” says David. “If an architect pays attention, looking back at the history of these houses as a guide, you can end up with good results. If you go just by memory, it’s very easy to get the proportions wrong.”
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Design expertise and firsthand familiarity of how things come together on a building site have served to streamline the process for Cardello’s clients. From the initial architectural drawing stage to the final finishing touches on a luxury estate, David knows exactly how a project will be built, resulting in seamless and highly efficient collaboration with the construction team. Indeed, David and Cardello Architects have an impressive portfolio of homes designed in a variety of classic styles that would impress the most sophisticated of clientele.
Resource: Architect Cardello Architects David La Pierre 60 Post Road West Westport, CT 06880 203.853.2524 cardelloarchitects.com Design + Decor
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DANIEL CONLON DCONLONARCHITECTS.COM
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ward-winning architect Daniel Conlon has built an impressive portfolio of thoughtfully designed projects in a variety of styles, surging with incredibly rich details that exude the warmth and charm of a masterfully designed home. Daniel’s architecture career may have technically started at age five, when his father unpacked a truckload of bricks in the driveway, sparking creativity and kindling the young builder’s imagination. Daniel went on to study architecture at Cornell University, and has extensive experience in construction as well as fine architecture. The classic style of architecture that Daniel discussed with us is a remarkable contemporary interpretation of a Shingle-style home on a New England coastal site, complete with a private rocky beach. This architectural project was a collaboration with the homeowners to strike the perfect balance of meeting essential family needs with uncompromising design, while taking every precaution regarding the home’s coastal location in a flood zone. The house is elevated seamlessly to be mindful of the flood zone, yet retains all the attraction of a groundlevel home, without the use of stilts. Design + Decor
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Also impressive was the speed at which this residence was drawn up and built— in just one-and-a-half years, this complex design was move-in ready. Daniel credits his responsive clients and his highly professional team members for their rapid yet precise execution of work that created this luxurious waterfront masterpiece. Daniel leads us through the details of his contemporary interpretation of a classic Shingle style. “The idea was to come up with a building that had a tie to the past vernacular New England architecture, especially along the coastline,” he says. “Some of the things we incorporated were gambrel rooflines, which you can see are prominent in the front elevation.” The classic gambrel roof was popular with turn-of-the-century design in many coastal New England homes. Here, the goal was to create a building that looked timeless. “The main objective of the design was that it look like it had been there for a long time, as opposed to a new build,” he says. 60
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Elements this home shares with the classic Shingle style include the definitive wood-shingle roof, wood-shingle siding, the dividing light windows, and a patio to take in the outdoors. Inside, the home has large NanaWall folding doors, blurring the distinction between inside and out and allowing an uninterrupted flow and sight line to the water. While classic on the outside, the interior is more traditional, with all the comforts and features to be expected in a luxury waterfront home. How does Daniel see the Shingle-style home as having changed over the years? “A lot of the elements have been simplified, with more contemporary planning ideas in terms of how the spaces flow,” he says. “The Shingle-style house of 100 years ago would have a series of discrete rooms connected by hallways. In this particular house, the spaces flow one into the other. We like to have scenarios where you are sitting in one room, can see through another and have a glimpse of a third space.” Though interiors have evolved and changed, Daniel explains, the exteriors of the Shingle- style home have largely remained classic looking, but have been improved with building science. The spectacular colors of this house were thoroughly researched to find the best selections, aiming for a neutral background. “This is the anti-black-andwhite house,” Daniel notes on what differentiates this home from those built during the COVID era, which saw a surge of white houses with black windows. Daniel Conlon Architects has extensive experience in construction as well as architecture. “That’s really important to me, for my firm to have high technical competency,” says Daniel. “We truly understand processes, budget management and timelines, and know how to streamline projects for our clients.” The professionals at Daniel Conlon Architects often travel for their choice clients, and are licensed in Connecticut, New York, Tennessee and Florida, building dream homes that their clients can enjoy for generations. Resource: Architect Daniel Conlon Architects Daniel Conlon 84 Danbury Road Wilton, CT 06897 203.544.7988 dconlonarchitects.com
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CHRISTOPHER PAGLIARO CHRISTOPHERPAGLIAROARCHITECTS.COM
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masterfully designed home is a triumph of architectural talent that evokes emotion and can be fully experienced with all the senses. As the basic foundation of a home’s beauty, architecture defines the style of a home with identifying features and details, including history, color, texture and proportion. Award-winning architect Christopher Pagliaro, principal of Christopher Pagliaro Architects, talked with Design + Decor about four spectacular residences he thoughtfully 62
designed with immaculate precision. Three of the homes represent a classic style of architecture, while the fourth doesn’t fit neatly into any classification, yet is an architectural sensation in its own right. A graduate of Catholic University in Washington, DC, and a member of its Board of Architecture, Christopher has been “designing lifestyles” for choice clients for more than 35 years. His firm’s extensive experience with large-budget wa-
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terfront gems in a variety of architectural styles makes him much in demand for those looking to create their dream luxury coastal property. The first house Christopher shares with us is a graceful, modern, classic Shingle-style home that he built in New England. Popularized during the late 19th century, the classic Shingle style is still a beloved favorite today for its use of natural materials, such as stone or wood shingles. Its other features include detailed attention to roof structure, distinctive gables, visually asymmetrical design, porches to enjoy the outside, and generous natural light, thanks to plentiful windows. Elegantly elevated from the ground with satisfyingly fluid visual movement, a wraparound porch allows guests to savor the views from all sides. “ The Shingle style was created by opportunity,” Christopher explains. “It bent plans and curved walls in a manner that broke the formality of the main house and urban living in order to best capture views, breezes and light. It had porches and visual eye movement that tied planning together.” Christopher notes that he often designs under those same principles—his “modern” interpretation of the classic Shingle style
is to not overly adorn with carpentry and trim, preferring to highlight simple and clean, yet sophisticated, details. The second New England home Christopher features is “a combination of Shingle style with some Modernism.” Modernism in architecture features airy floor plans with minimum barriers, and generously large rectangular windows with wide open façades. The shape of this house was designed solely around the arch of the sun to illuminate the family room. It permits form to follow function, with many windows lacking grills to openly frame picturesque views while inviting in ample sunshine. “It’s taking the openness of Modernism and embracing it to achieve what I think is the subconscious comfort level of residential architecture,” says Christopher. How does Christopher see Modernism as having evolved over the years? “I don’t think that modern architecture has changed at all,” he says, “but I do think that traditional architecture can lean toward Modernism. Modern architecture is a pure form that I experiment with while following ‘rules of Modernism.’ Modern farmhouses and the modernization of Shingle style—or ‘transitional’ architecture—have become the trend. While not what I consider ‘modern,’ the trend feels more Design + Decor
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modern because it is stripped of the barnacles that had been cladding architecture for decades. Door casing is the perfect example: it is merely a utilitarian solution that closed the gap between a door jamb and drywall, yet it became ornate and thick, thus becoming ‘design.’ Why would a piece of utility become so important? Today we are reverting back to not celebrating it, so it feels cleaner, sleeker and thus more modern.” Beautifully simple visual design highlighting clean lines, with an unmistakably comfortable, yet modern and chic aesthetic, are the hallmarks of the third house Christopher discussed with us, which is modern farmhouse style. While the image of a white home with dark shutters may come to mind, Christopher explains that the modern farmhouse is so much more than an exterior dressing of color. “A ‘look’ does not equate to a successful design,” he says. His stunningly designed modern farmhouse teaches us that to master such a design, “One needs to understand that proportion, scale and the relationships of elements are all vitally important,” he points out. “Both ‘modern’ and ‘farmhouse’ must therefore translate to ‘simplicity, slenderness, ratio and proportion.’” Over the years, the modern farmhouse style has evolved into many variations, and is enthusiastically imitated across American cities. “It’s really just a modern skin on a very classical Georgian or Colonial house. The window above must be directly on top of the window below it—it’s a little restricting,” Christopher says, explaining the function-follows-form blueprint that dictates this style. While the true modern farmhouse style is painstakingly difficult to execute well, Christopher ’s modern farmhouse seen here offers a perfect balance of visually pleasing and chic simplicity.
describes as “Pagliaro Signature Style”—boldly resists being placed neatly into a classic style of architecture. Yet its fluid, elegant form seems to have risen organically from the rocky landscape, similar to France’s famed Mont-Saint-Michele. Unbelievably, this spectacular Connecticut house location also had a very special and personal connection with the architect: His grandmother once camped on that very spot, many years before. Indeed, Christopher shared the remarkable pictures with the new homeowners, providing them with an intriguing piece of personal history. With Christopher ’s extensive creative experience, has his own personal architectural style evolved over the years? “I think that any creative art should evolve—so I hope I am evolving—and would like to say, absolutely, yes!” he replies. “ The interesting thing about architecture is that we have history as a reference. I’m not sure there is such a thing as ‘new ’ in the art form, but there is a plethora of historical solutions, and I believe that deep history should serve as a guideline. For example, this Connecticut house had some limited inspiration to Mont-Saint-Michele, growing from a rock out in the sea. We use those references to inspire, the inspiration creates growth, and the growth generates evolution.” Rosource Architect Christopher Pagliaro Architects Christopher Pagliaro 320 Post Road, Suite 160 Darien, CT 06820 203.838.5517 christopherpagliaroarchitects.com
The fourth house that Christopher discussed—which he Design + Decor
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DINYAR WADIA WADIAASSOCIATES.COM
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he architecture firm Wadia Associates specializes in all types of classically styled homes featuring essential modern luxuries to create elegant, timeless family estates. Architect Dinyar Wadia, the firm’s principal, attended Columbia University and graduated a William Kinney Fellow, topping off his extensive architecture and arts curriculum from the University of Baroda in his native India. Keenly observant and appreciative of the vast European influences flourishing in India from colonial times, Dinyar has a sincere passion for architecture, leading him to open Wadia Associates in 1975. While his firm’s portfolio bursts with spectacular, fairy-tale-worthy homes, Dinyar spoke with us about two of them: a Palm Beach renovation built in the style of architect Addison Mizner, and a Connecticut family dream home in the Classic Design + Decor
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Georgian style. While visiting Palm Beach, FL, Dinyar strolled past an aging house from the early 1900s and was captivated by it. Observing it carefully, he noted that its overall features and details—even in its dilapidated condition seemed to indicate that the residence resembled those built by famed 1920s architect Addison Mizner. One of the most legendary architects in the U.S., Mizner is credited for introducing the Mediterranean-Spanish Revival style that is now so recognizable in South Florida—indeed, Mizner designed more than 50 mansions and villas in the state. Could this Palm Beach gem have been an original Mizner design? “People are attributing this house to Mizner, and I’m not saying no,” Dinyar says with a smile. “Who wouldn’t want to work on an internationally renowned architect’s house?” Though there is no record confirming that the house was once an original Mizner design, the finished house today is a stunning, Mizner-inspired wonder and the pride of Palm Beach. To bring the Mizner house from the 18th into the 21st century, Dinyar was guided by a key treasure: an old, faded black-and-white photo from when the home was originally built. This Mizner-style Spanish Revival evokes inspiration from old Spanish architecture. Dinyar explains that classic Addison Mizner style can be identified by “the color of the stucco and type of plasterwork that’s employed around the doors and windows, the type of metal work, the proportions of the house to include different roof heights, different textures—all of these combined to create a beautiful painting,” With bright tiles against creamy stucco, this Addison Mizner-style house is the quintessential South Florida luxury home thanks to Dinyar and his team, who breathed life back into a crumbling old house. Enchanting secret passageways between children’s rooms sound every bit as delightful as this fairy-tale Georgian Style home looks. Beginning with a plot of land in Greenwich, CT, Dinyar and his team of experts collaborated with the clients to create the ideal residence for the homeowners. “A Georgian home can be more or less formal, depending on the exterior details,” Dinyar
explains. “If you look at the front gable on a Colonial house, it would be less pronounced. The columns, the oval windows, the texture of the roof—all those elements make it a Georgian home.” Popularized in the early 1700s during King George’s reign, the traditional Georgian style upholds balance and symmetry with square or rectangle bases beautified by arches or columns—reminiscent of ancient Greek and Roman styles. This contemporary version in Greenwich is gracefully elegant with a light, fresh feel on the outside, while interior luxury amenities—such as a squash court and a home theater space—make this a family’s dream come true. The estate has a timeless quality, with all the comforts you’d expect from a modern home and more, including those charming secret passageways between children’s rooms. How have Georgian-style houses changed over time? “They have become more relaxed and less heavy,” says Dinyar. “Even the stone that we used on the exterior is light and airy, instead of the normal traditional dark red brick that would probably go with a Georgian house.” Turning dream lifestyles into a reality is a specialty of the Connecticut- and Florida-based Wadia Associates. Its full-service team, experienced in all architectural styles and challenges, have expertise in both delicate historic restorations and new luxury builds of the finest quality. Resource: Architect Wadia Associates Dinyar Wadia 134 Main Street New Canaan, CT 06840 203.966.0048 wadiaassociates.com Design + Decor
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JUDITH LARSON
GARDINERLARSONHOMES.COM
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udith Larson’s career blossomed at 12 years old, when she drafted and designed her own customized tree house. Judith’s father was an engineer, and he had patiently taught her how to draw and draft projects. Years later she graduated from Smith College in Northampton, MA, where she’d immersed herself in period architecture from the mid-1800s to the present. Her sincere appreciation for architectural history combined with the valuable education she received from her father and her natural eye for design helped Judith grow her business as an architectural designer with Gardiner & Larson Homes. Judith shares with us a classic, less-imitated style that she designed, a delicate Folk Victorian house in Greenwich, CT. The Folk Victorian style spread from the late 1800s to the early 1900s. It is characterized by symmetrical shapes, attractive style accompanied by simplicity, typically two stories, and a porch. The basic design is adorned with gables facing the front of the home, fine ornate trim, uncomplicated door or window crowns, porch spindles and fretwork. Folk Victorian homes were built by affluent families during its popularity. Thanks to the development of railroad transportation and increased access to building materials, builders could import supplies from farther away as well as utilize local materials. “Since COVID, I am noticing a trend back to more detail, and a desire for more charm and historic-like character of more traditional homes,” Judith observes. This cheerful, inviting yellow Design + Decor
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Folk Victorian-style home has a symmetrical façade with an added wing, a front porch with curved brackets, exaggerated window pediments with brackets, and bracketed eaves and soffits. This home was a completely new build by Gardiner and Larson Homes, yet the results are timelessly elegant. Where does Judith find inspiration when drawing up a classically styled home? “One of my go-to books on historic architecture is A Field Guide to American Houses, by Virginia Savage McAlester,” she says. “ This house is based on what McAlester describes as Folk Victorian—circa 1870–1910—a simplified version of a Queen Anne style, and based upon a symmetrical Georgian Colonial style with an added front porch, gable and eave brackets, playful window pediments and other Victorian details. I love that these Victorian-era designers and architects felt the design freedom to experiment with detail that was less Georgian or Palladian classic and more playful. If done with care and a bit of restraint, these details on a well-proportioned house add character and charm. For me, the nostalgic and historic feeling of these homes is lovely and heartwarming.” How has Judith seen these classic home styles, such as the Folk Victorian, evolve over the years? “ There are many modern-leaning homes I am designing lately that reference the
massing of a former style, such as a Colonial or Shingle style, but have even less ornamentation.” Judith says she sincerely enjoys creating beautiful homes for her clients. “I feel extremely blessed to have been able to turn what was originally more or less a hobby into a career,” she says. “I’ve always had a passion for home design of all styles. I still draw my plans primarily by hand, and have a wonderful team of designers and architects with whom I work on projects ranging from small additions and renovations to very large, high-end homes.” Welcoming project challenges of all sizes, her team delivers design excellence for each unique client. Resource: Judith Larson & Associates/Gardiner & Larson Homes Judith Larson, Architectural Designer 97 Dan’s Highway New Canaan, CT 06840 203.972.1409 gardinerlarsonhomes.com Photographer: Nancy Elizabeth Hill Design + Decor
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HILAND HALL TURNER HHTA.COM
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graduate of Cornell University and a third-generation architect, Hiland Hall Turner is trusted by his clients to deliver the finest aesthetic results for their projects. His firm’s philosophy is to design structures that integrate into their surroundings, meet and surpass the client’s lifestyle needs, and offer functional beauty that engages the onlooker on all levels. Deeply familiar with classical architecture, he shares with us four examples of his magnificent work: a 17th-century barn structure combined with a modern addition; a majestic spiral staircase; a sprawling Mediterranean-style residence; and an avian-inspired modern home in Nova Scotia that is both invigorated by the landscape and made using elements of it. “All architects are storytellers to some degree,” Hiland says in describing the first house, a modern addition to a historic 17th-century barn that is built partially in stucco, partially in stone—and is entirely intriguing. The first time he arrived at the site and saw the barn, Hiland knew instantly how to execute the design. He took apart the old stone barn inside and used the original timber to increase the height of the barn. The modern addition is a steel-and-glass structure, with a terrace that serves as a plinth or base, and a narrow rectangular window that both bonds and marks a separation between the 17th-century barn style and the modern-style structure. The modern style emphasizes form while minimizing ornamentation. Hiland discusses the union of the Design + Decor
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two different buildings. “The two styles are blended together to create a wholistic composition,” he says. “It’s a complete juxtaposition between the modern style, with windows from floor to ceiling with a simple exterior, and the historic barn-like structure.” The current homeowner who was born on the property represents the modern side, while the client’s ancestors represent the historic barn side, thus combining the stories of generations. Architectural evidence suggests that homes dating back more than 4,000 years featured archaic stairs. Still a primary feature in homes today, of course, stairs provide the essential pathway to another plane of living. This sumptuous spiral staircase Hiland showcases is from a home his firm designed in Spring Lake, NJ. “The expression of the detail is so simple,” Hiland explains. “It has an oval handrail that’s just one continuous flow.” The awe-inspiring stairs are an example of how a seemingly simple form can be difficult to execute to perfection.
very well, while others’ reproductions don’t look quite as elegant.” What else makes this home a delight for the senses? The music of the water fountain downstairs has been thoughtfully conducted to the upstairs by the use of master building engineering, inviting visitors to follow the temptation of sensual water sounds. The third home Hiland features is far inland in Nova Scotia, nestled on a lake. This modern home was inspired by the shape of birds in flight above the picturesque northern wilderness they inhabit. “This ergonomic effect represents the beautiful herons and waterfowl—Anseriformes—that live on the lake all year round,” Hiland says of the wing-like structures that draw one’s eyes to the side and upwards. “It’s done with a unique handling of the timbers and struts placed onto a steel platform,” he explains. To complete the incredible form, he also employed cedar trees that were on the property, and a stone plinth to base the home. The final result is a piece of art that’s integrated with the environment.
The second home Hiland shares with us is “principally a classic Mediterranean villa, with Italianicity overtones, as opposed to Spanish Mediterranean,” he says. “We were attempting to use the language of earlier Mediterranean Italian villas, which I was fortunate to experience while living in Italy.” This beautifully designed, timeless home was built on a complex site, with Hiland and his team expertly managing challenges along the way. “There is a curved balcony for a breakfast nook made of limestone,” he notes, “and there are some very classical features, such as the Doric pilasters holding up the handrailing.”
Award-winning architect Hiland Hall Turner’s body of work spans an impressive spectrum, and includes residential work, churches, commercial projects and even complex equestrian compounds. His vast experience and artistic expertise make him the go-to architect for restoring delicately conserved historic buildings. A member of the National Green Council, the National Historic Trust and other professional organizations, Hiland and his firm are often entrusted with visionary projects.
What are some important elements of Mediterranean Italian style? “Rusticated stone, with limestone generally used, as in our example here,” he says. “Some of the detailing you see with the windows are a combination of a square and a circle shape, plus clay roofs made with natural materials, and the highest quality of wood trimmings.” Has this style changed over the years? Hiland explains that adherence to artistic detail and quality can vary greatly. “Like anything else, it runs the gamut stylistically,” he says. “Some architects do it
Architect Hiland Hall Turner Architects Hiland Hall Turner 126 Oldwick Road Whitehouse Station, NJ 08889 908.696.0072 hhta.com
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PETER COFFIN
DOYLECOFFINARCHITECTURE.COM
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oyle Coffin Architects, based in Ridgefield, CT, is managed by award-winning partners, Peter Coffin and John Doyle. Peter’s talented father, the late architect David Coffin, founded the firm more than 50 years ago on the principles of client-centered design. The firm is committed to architectural excellence, with John Doyle spearheading its many commercial ventures, and Peter focusing on its high-end residential projects. Growing up in an artistic family, Peter often visited preserved architectural sites during vacations, which sparked his design curiosity and enthusiasm. He went on to study architecture at the University of Pennsylvania and Miami University, and currently serves on numerous architecture boards. He shares with us a cozy yet modern Connecticut cottage that he designed in iconic Shingle style. Clients desiring a lakeside retreat came to Peter with conflicting style requests: one spouse favored a modern minimalistic style, while the other preferred a more natural, rustic aesthetic. The family wanted the lakeside property to serve as both a leisurely getaway location and a forever home for when the couple retired. This presented Peter with the challenge of designing for a special vacation setting and the needs of everyday life. He hit upon the perfect balance with this spectacular 6,500-squarefoot Shingle-style cottage, nestled into the hillside with sweeping panoramic views of the lake. What are some fundamental characteristics of the Shingle-style home? The shingles can be brick, wood or stone, while the homes themselves can take on a variety of asymmetrical forms. The monochrome Shingle style typically comes to mind when thinking of the quintessential New England home. The style became fashionable in the 1880s, when the U.S. was experiencing economic growth, and railroads were connecting people and building materials faster than ever. Some Shingle-style homes echo the Queen Anne style, but with more reserved ornamentation. Shingle-style homes often feature multi-gabled roofs with divided windows and picturesque wrapping porches. The interior floor plan is usually unobstructed and open, reminiscent of the Arts and Crafts movement. Has the Shingle-style home been modified over the years? Looks have changed slightly, but the biggest gains might be in design and building proficiency. Peter tells us that home construction has improved as people have learned which materials are more durable and long-lasting. (For instance, wood shingles are popular, but woodpeckers—if they live in an area—can cause significant damage.) For the lakeside Shingle style cottage, Peter chose durable materials for the exterior to ensure maximum longevity. Doyle Coffin Architecture strives to meet and exceed all expectations for its luxury residential and commercial clients. Peter is licensed as an architect in Vermont, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Connecticut and New York. He is also a licensed interior designer, Design + Decor
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delivering the best in design aesthetics at every stage of a residential project. Doyle Coffin Architecture’s broad experience, construction expertise and use of technology help reduce challenges and expedite results. The firm is committed to architectural brilliance, genuinely connecting with clients to deliver perfection on every project, regardless of the style. Resource: Architect Doyle Coffin Architecture Peter Coffin 158 Danbury Road, Suite 9 Ridgefield CT 06877 203.431.6001 doylecoffinarchitecture.com
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ALLURING AMETHYST Metaphysical crystals make a design statement in this new Long Island home. Story by Heather Shoning | Photography by Abby Cole
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methyst governs our connection to the universe and is known to bring peace, relaxation and spiritual awareness,” says Ray Martin, principal of Ray Martin Interiors. “And I think that’s what my clients needed at this point in their lives.” The homeowners had suffered a devastating loss when their 1920s Tudor home caught fire, which destroyed the entire main level. Choosing to turn the loss into something positive, they took the opportunity to shed the dark house with its heavy wood paneling and build a new home. “The client specifically wanted to go in the opposite direction,” Ray says. “She was tired of the dark woods and wanted something brighter, lighter, a little more refined—and obviously more contemporary.”
Taking the lead on many of the interior architectural details, Ray designed the geometric stair rail motif.
The couple had a working relationship with Ray for many years, and they selected Alan Cooper as their architect for the project. The two worked closely to create the design for the new 6,800-square-foot, six-bedroom, eight-bathroom home on the North Shore of Long Island, NY. For his part, Alan brought museum-inspired qualities to the design, such as the grand foyer with two niches specially designed for gallery-style displays of two of the client’s large crystals. The wife’s love of crystals, particularly amethyst, and Ray ’s passion for 1940s French Moderne interiors shaped the rest of the design. “I call this Moderne luxe, which relates specifically to French interior design from the 1920s through the 1940s. I’m very influenced by that period, and by the French decorative arts Design + Decor
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in general,” Ray says. “This is more of a French ’20s through ’40s expression, and it fits in very well with contemporary interiors today.” As you enter the stately home and stand in the grand foyer, you look straight through the family room and into the rear patio and pool area. While the trim and ceiling details in the foyer, as in the rest of the house, are elegantly understated, the floor shines quite literally. Honed beige marble accentuates white glass insets, furthering that museum design aesthetic. Mirror inset into panels in the east/west vestibules visually expand the space and reflect the pedestals showcasing mounted amethyst specimens. To the left and right, respectively, are the living and dining rooms. “The dining room is very large for this family because they have lots of family gatherings,” Ray says, “and even though the kids have their own homes, they converge here for family dinners.” Here, the floor is a white-stained rift-cut oak in an oversized chevron pattern. Ray specified this design element for several of the main living areas. Because the clients needed a dining table to seat up to 16 people, Ray designed a custom table in cerused oak as well as custom dining chairs manufactured by Artistic Frame Co. “My inspiration for the dining furniture is one of my favorite designers of the 1940s, André Arbus,” he says. A transparent acrylic console table wrapped in purple leather sits below an abstract painting by Michelle Y Williams. Faceted bars of quartz crystal and nickel fittings make up the striking chandelier and matching sconces from Wired Designs.
Ray’s Moderne luxe design aesthetic is on full display in the living room, which mixes and matches contemporary pieces with the French 1940s-era-inspired sofa. Refined trim and millwork add a touch of elegance without the excess of more traditional profiles.
“Another feature I used in both the living and dining rooms is the wallcovering, which has a very subtle shimmer,” Ray says. “As you move around the room, the light catches it differently.” Because the living and dining rooms are directly across the foyer from one another, Ray made intentional connections between the spaces using the color palette and materials. The focal and launching-off point for the living room design was the custom wool-and-silk area rug designed by Ray and Design + Decor
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Ray took a bold approach to the powder room design, using an aubergine lacquer for the vanity and wainscot. Textured wallpaper from Elitís France and a marble mosaic floor with inlaid polished stainlesssteel amp up the glam in this little jewel box space.
constructed by Martin Patrick Evan. “The rug was inspired by a geode and the various layers of these specimens,” Ray says. “It brought a lot of texture into the room, and the layers give it lots of depth; I selected the colors based on some of the fabrics going into the room.” The custom limestone mantel is crowned with a plaster-framed mirror by Stephen Antonson. “I selected the sofa from Jan Showers & Associates specifically for its French 1940s Moderne aesthetic,” Ray says. “What I love about that period is that you can mix traditional and very modern with it.” Instead of two sofas facing each other, Ray opted for a custom divan by Douglas Jennings; it features a silver-leafed textured iron base with a biscuit tufted cushion in a rich purple cotton velvet. The divan serves a second purpose in creating a sight line from the sofa to another conversation area, with a pair of patterned armchairs flanking a parchment side table. Ray introduced patterns in the bolsters and custom draperies in an embroidered linen fabric from Beacon Hill, which he repeated in the dining room. Adjoining the living room, accessed by doors flanking the fireplace, is a quiet, peaceful study. “It’s an extension of the living room, but just a little quieter and a little more private for smaller gatherings,” Ray says. “The husband likes to sit there and read, and she wanted a place to put all the mineral specimens she collects. That room became very much a display room and a quiet reading Design + Decor
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An oversized sectional sofa and an armchair with a coordinating ottoman provide ample seating for the family to gather. Ray made a sensible design selection by using indoor-outdoor fabric in this room to ensure the furnishings would always be in top shape—even with grandchildren coming in from the pool through the sets of French doors connecting this space to the rear patio.
room.” Ray introduced shades of camel and brown in the sofa, hair-on-hide rug and the walnut accents of the built-in bookshelves. A local artist, Designs by Luca, fabricated the copper coffee table with two agate tops. Various shades of purple, of course, create a visual connection to the adjacent rooms. At the back of the home, in the family room, Ray departed from the purple palette and opted instead for various hues of blue. High-gloss blue paint covers the coffered ceiling, and the wallcovering from Phillip Jeffries has delicate silver striating. “I chose it because it draws you in, and you feel like you’re in the water,” he says. “Because the pool is outside this room, I wanted to bridge that exterior with the interior.” As in the study, Ray elected to introduce tones of camel to complement the blue. A custom sofa from Ferrell Mittman is upholstered in a Ralph Lauren indoor-outdoor fabric, with 88
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Using the same wallcovering and drapery fabrics creates a strong connection between the living and dining rooms, while allowing each space to have unique furniture pieces and silhouettes.
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navy leather piping and reptile-patterned pillows as accents. A pair of glass-framed pocket doors allows the homeowners to close off the space without blocking the view or light coming through the home. Adjoining the kitchen is a breakfast area that connects to the kitchen. The entire area is light and bright with white, hints of camel and small touches of blue. White linen Roman shades keep harsh sunlight at bay while still allowing views of the pool area, while beautiful blue-and-white-striped sheer drapery panels add softness to the corners of the room. A twig motif chandelier from Made Goods introduces texture without taking away from the brightness of the space. Cream-colored leather dining chairs in a simple silhouette coordinate with similar barstools at the kitchen island. Cream marble countertops and white cabinetry by Showcase Kitchens set the clean-lined tone for this double-sized Kosher kitchen. The luxe in this space is the extraordinary custom backsplash behind the double ranges. The diamond pattern is cut from antique mirror. The artisan who created the kitchen backsplash also crafted the 90
wall-sized custom glass mosaic in the wife’s bathroom. Ray ’s own photograph of a dahlia became the inspiration for the design. “We collectively selected all the colors in this glass mural,” he says of himself, the artisan and the homeowner. “Some of them are iridescent, but we wanted it to be very graphic so that the closer you are to it, the more detail you see. But from afar, it almost reads like a photograph.” The floor and shower walls are the same white glass that Ray specified for the foyer. The primary bedroom is awash in light blue—the color of the clients’ bedroom in the previous home. The same stained white oak flooring from the main areas of the home repeats here, with a similar stained wood for the bed and bedside tables. Graduating shades of blue grace the walls, Roman shades and the bed frame. “I think they missed that soft, icy blue bedroom I had done in their previous home,” Ray says. “So I gave that back to them, but in a much cleaner way. The primary bedroom should be very serene and very restful.” Although some design notes hearken back to the couple’s previous home, this one’s overall aesthetic couldn’t be more dif-
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ferent. “I’ve known this family for quite some time, and I believe that’s why they allowed me to just go with this,” Ray says. “It’s very flattering and, in many ways, a dream project.” Resources: Interior Decorator: Ray Martin Interiors Ray Martin, Principal 215 East 73rd Street, Suite 5D New York, NY 10021 646.234.5947 raymartininteriors.com Architect: Alan Cooper Architect 1047 Old Northern Boulevard, Suite 100 Roslyn, NY 11576 516.487.6000
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PROFILE
Exceptional Homes Built Beautifully and Efficiently
Michael Hawkes of Acorn Deck House Company explains how his firm’s innovative design methods create unique, magnificent houses. Story by Hunter Powell
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or as long as it’s been available, customization has been king. People want something unique and special—made just for them—but they don’t want to wait for it or deal with the complications that can arise from it. Enter Acorn Deck House Company. With a prefabricated building method that is founded on the concept of customization, the firm has revolutionized the prefab home construction market, offering its clientele the best of both worlds. Michael Hawkes, design manager at Acorn Deck House Company, recently sat down with Design + Decor to share the rich history of the company and a little of what happens behind the scenes. He focused on what makes working with his firm different from working with others.
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Founded in 1947, Acorn Structures sought to pioneer a prefabricated building approach that would challenge the conventional building methods of the time. The company ’s traditional New England style focused on innovating the panelized portion of buildings, which were accompanied by conventional framing. Around the same time, Deck House was pushing traditional building methods in its own way, concentrating on the development of modern post-and-beam structures, mahogany materials, and tongue-and-groove ceiling structures, which are still prevalent today. Throughout the years, the two companies enjoyed a friendly rivalry while challenging the building industry to see construc-
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tion in a new way, through their own signature approaches. In 1995 the two firms came together for the first time under the same roof, even as their own individual methods and styles continued to evolve. In 2009 the company became the Acorn Deck House Company we know today, offering its clientele a truly innovative design process that merges these two unique building methods. When clients come to Acorn Deck House Company to design their home, they undergo an experience like no other. The team starts with a customized design approach, collaborating through an iterative process to develop a unique solution for the homeowners’ lifestyle. Explains Michael, “We’re not limited by the prefabrication part, because we treat it like a kit of parts that we get to use; that allows us a lot of customization and flexibility.” From there, the design is developed, integrated with the kit of parts and then transitioned into manufacturing. All the components are fabricated in the company ’s climatecontrolled manufacturing facility, where they are flat packed and prepared to ship to the building site. The beauty of this process is that the components are being built as soon as the permit is pulled and the foundations are being laid. When the site is prepared, the components are on site, ready to go, and the project gets built much faster—indeed, in a matter of
weeks there is a weather-tight shell. The process for trades is seamless, too. “Because it goes together as a panelized system,” says Michael, “the subcontractors can come in and do the rough-ins as usual, and it doesn’t limit them.” At the end of the process, clients have a beautiful, one-of-a-kind home that defies traditional building limitations, all thanks to the company ’s innovative and integrative methods. With customized design, you get beauty, tailored functionality and a unique experience. With prefab construction, you get efficiency, speed and known quantities in a more controlled environment. By combining customized design and prefab construction into one ingenious process, Acorn Deck House Company has changed the game. Resource: Acorn Deck House Company Michael Hawkes, Design Manager 852 Main Street Acton, MA 01720 800.727.3325 deckhouse.com
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PROFILE
When a Conventional Garage Just Doesn’t Make the Cut Darien Garage takes carports to new heights. Story by Meryl Siegman
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omeowners in Westchester and Fairfield counties who need their garage door repaired have been going to Darien Garage Door and Designs LLC since 2018. Established by industry veterans with a combined 23 years of experience, the company specializes in outstanding garage door sales and service. With a stateof-the-art showroom conveniently located on Post Road in Darien, CT, the firm is dedicated to providing quality products and expertise to the local community. At the helm of Darien Garage is Tim Nee, the sales and operations manager, now in his eighth year in the garage door business. While the company has long been known for its conventional work, Tim likes to talk about the customized services it offers. As he explains, while many of its clientele are local homeowners, the company also works hand in hand with builders who construct custom multimillion-dollar homes for well-heeled buyers. “The house is built for a specific purchaser,” Tim explains. “Often the buyer has torn down an existing house and is starting from scratch, including the garage.”
Tim Nee
Tim describes Darien Garage’s unique approach of designing custom installations to meet these clients’ specific needs, going beyond the traditional garage door services that the company offers. “Many of our clients are car guys,” he says. “We have several who are collectors. Some
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want their garage to look like their living room.” He cites a recent project that features a glass door that looks like a regular wall, opening and closing just as a garage door does. The tracks are hidden, giving the garage the feeling of being another room in the house, and not just a structure in which to park a car. Some of Darien Garage’s clients own more cars than there are spaces in the garage. Tim becomes animated when describing another recent project, in which the company created high ceilings in a two-car garage to accommodate four vehicles. “We used a really large glass panel, measuring 20 feet wide by 11 feet high. We then dug down 10 feet. The client can drive in two cars, side by side, and the custom lift will lower them underground. Then the floor sets in place, so the third and fourth cars can be driven right into the garage on ground level.” When asked what stands out as new and innovative in the garage door business, Tim is quick to say that now all the electric operators on doors are “smart.” That way, homeowners can open and close their garage doors from miles away, using an app on their cell phone. As the go-to destination for innovative and high-quality garage solutions, Darien Garage Door and Designs continues to redefine expectations in the garage door industry—one fantastic project at a time. Resource: Darien Garage Door and Designs Tim Nee, Sales and Operations Manager 110 Post Road Darien, CT 06820 203.655.6199 dariengarage.com
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PROFILE
Apadana Rugs Expands to New Horizons
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The newly relocated company now offers personalized rugs to suit its clients’ unique tastes.
venerable name in the world of elegant, handmade rugs has undergone a transformation both in its location and in its offerings. Apadana Rugs and Carpets, a trusted resource for designers and homeowners seeking sophistication in rug craftsmanship, has elevated its presence with a move to 507 Westport Avenue in Norwalk, CT—while at the same time, has created a new innovative rug collection.
year legacy, Mike expresses his excitement about the enhanced showroom. “Our new store’s warm and spacious layout gives designers and clients the ability to easily browse our wide breadth and depth of handmade rugs,” he says. “The strategic layout invites exploration, allowing designers and discerning homeowners to appreciate the intricacies and beauty of each rug on display.” The Norwalk showroom, explains Mike, gives Apadana the ability to highlight its expanded broadloom and contemporary flooring offerings. The mammoth space also allows the company to present a diverse array of options, ensuring that every visitor finds the perfect rug or flooring solution.
In a bold move for 2023, the company is unveiling its exclusive private label line, aptly named the “Apadana Collection.” This collection provides clients and designers with a rare opportunity to personalize their rugs, choosing from a spectrum of sizes and colors to suit their unique tastes and spaces. These bespoke offerings reflect Apadana’s commitment to meet the evolving needs and desires of its clientele. “Our latest addition to the Apadana Collection is called Gottwald for Apadana,” says Mike Alidadi, Apadana co-owner. “This newly launched line of rugs is the creation of legendary Manhattan interior and product designer Laura Gottwald.” Gottwald for Apadana is inspired by decorative arts and patterns from the early 20th century through 1960s. The collection consists of six designs, each in multiple colorways and with contoured edges deriving from their patterns. The brand-new collection can be found in Apadana’s new 15,000-square-foot showroom—home to a jaw-dropping number of handmade rug offerings. A steward of Apadana’s more than 4096
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As visitors step into the luxurious new showroom, they are greeted not just by rugs, but by a curated experience that reflects the timeless sophistication that Apadana has come to represent. With its rich history and renewed commitment to innovation, the company stands as a beacon of elegance and quality, beckoning designers and homeowners into a world where artistry meets functionality. Resource: Apadana Rugs & Carpets Mike Alidadi, Co-owner 507 Westport Avenue Norwalk, CT 06851 203.299.1760 apadanarugsandcarpets.com
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