athome in Fairfield County - March/April 2022 by Moffly Media

41 WEST ELM STREET GREENWICH, CT TEL. 203.622.7000 WWW.VANDERHORNARCHITECTS.COM

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AMY AIDINIS HIRSCH INTERIOR DESIGN

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contents MAR/APR 2022 vol. 17 | issue 1

features

departments

8 EDITOR’S NOTE 10 GET THE GOODS Color trend: Cobalt Blue; Asymmetry; Block Prints

POWDER FRESH Big ideas for your smallest space.

FAMILY STYLE Shelley Morris redesigns her daughter’s Westport home. 16 GETAWAY Escape to Hudson’s The Maker Hotel

20 SHOP TALK Local design news, the latest collections, haute happenings and more

NEW BALANCE A Wilton renovation transforms with tone and texture.

62 FARM FRESH A historic property gets a modern makeover.

80 ATHOME WITH Chef Bill Taibe shares his local favorites. Mitchell residence designed by Brooks & Falotico.

on the c ov er ca ll a ca ne | ph ot o gr a ph y el l en m c dermot t ATHOME IN FAIRFIELD COUNTY MAR/APR 2022, VOL. 17, NO. 1. ATHOME IN FAIRFIELD COUNTY (ISSN 1941-9503) is published five times annually (Mar/Apr, May/Jun, July/Aug, Sept/Oct, Nov/Dec) by Moffly Media, Inc., 205 Main St, Westport, CT 06880. Periodical postage paid at Westport, CT, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes (Form 3579) to ATHOME IN FAIRFIELD COUNTY, PO BOX 9309, Big Sandy, TX 75755-9607. US subscription rates: $19.95/1 year, $29.95/2 years; Canada and foreign US$40/1 year, US$60/2 years.

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here

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vol. 17 | no. 1 | mar/apr 2022 editorial

sales & marketing publisher, athome; fairfield living publisher-at-large, greenwich

editor

Megan Gagnon megan.gagnon@moffly.com

Jonathan W. Moffly jonathan@moffly.com

assistant editor

Veronica Schorr veronica.schorr@moffly.com

chief revenue officer publisher, greenwich

Andrew Amill andrew.amill@moffly.com

advisory editor

Donna Moffly donna.moffly@moffly.com

publisher, westport•weston•wilton

contributing editors

Gabriella Mays gabriella.mays@moffly.com

editorial director

publisher, new canaan•darien

Gina Fusco gina.fusco@moffly.com

Cristin Marandino cristin.marandino@moffly.com editor, new canaan•darien

publisher, stamford

Julee Kaplan julee.kaplan@moffly.com

Karen Kelly-Micka karen.kelly@moffly.com

C T

account executive

editor, fairfield living; stamford; westport•weston•wilton

Hilary Hotchkiss hilary.hotchkiss@moffly.com

Diane Sembrot diane.sembrot@moffly.com

account executive

Rick Johnson rick.johnson@moffly.com

art senior art director

Garvin Burke garvin.burke@moffly.com

partnership and big picture manager

Kathleen Dyke

kathleen.godbold@moffly.com

production director

Tim Carr tim.carr@moffly.com

events director

Rachel Shorten

rachel.shorten@moffly.com

design assistant

Lisa Servidio lisa.servidio@moffly.com

sales assistant

Lemuel Bandala

lemuel.bandala@moffly.com

digital

business assistant

director of content strategy

Eillenn Bandala

Diane Sembrot diane.sembrot@moffly.com

eillenn.bandala@moffly.com business

digital marketing manager

president Jonathan W. Moffly

Rachel MacDonald rachel.macdonald@moffly.com

chief revenue officer Andrew Amill editorial director Cristin Marandino

digital assistant

Lloyd Gabi lloyd.gabi@moffly.com

director of content strategy

Diane Sembrot business manager

Elena V. Moffly cofounders

John W. Moffly IV & Donna C. Moffly creative director-at-large, athome Amy Vischio amy.vischio@moffly.com

TO SUBSCRIBE, renew, or change your address, please email subscribe@athomefc.com, call 877-467-1735, or write to athome in Fairfield County Magazine, 111 Corporate Drive, Big Sandy, TX 75755. U.S. subscription rates: $19.95/1 year (5 issues); $34.95/2 years (10 issues); $44.95/3 years (15 issues). Canada and foreign, US $36/year. Prices are subject to change without notice. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this periodical may be reproduced without express permission of the publisher. ©2018 athome in Fairfield County Magazine is a registered trademark owned by Moffly Media. The opinions expressed by writers commissioned for articles published by athome in Fairfield County are not necessarily those of the magazine. FOR QUALITY CUSTOM REPRINTS/E-PRINTS, please call 203-571-1645 or email reprints@mofflymedia.com

PUBLISHERS OF GREENWICH, FAIRFIELD LIVING, NEW CANAAN • DARIEN • ROWAYTON, WESTPORT, STAMFORD and athome magazines 205 Main Street, Westport, CT 06880. Phone: 203-222-0600; email: mail@moffly.com ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: Lemuel Bandala: call 203-571-1610 or email advertise@moffly.com

TH athomefc.com

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ENVISION LIFE AT

Combining the architecture of a historic candle-wick mill with modern industrial features, The Mill offers a unique residential experience in the heart of downtown Westport. Residents will enjoy concierge living with all the amenities of a fine custom home.

S C H E D U L E A VISIT THEMILLWESTPORT.COM | 203-984-6869

41 Richmondville Avenue Westport, Connecticut

All property images are artist renderings

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editor’s note /MAKE A CHANGE E

SCAN TO EXPLORE

very year, I resolve to do a better job at making plans to travel; to take action on the open tabs that have been accumulating on my phone. Often, my wanderlust is beckoning me to far-off locations, like picturesque vineyards in Aix-en-Provence or Bahamian beaches with pink sand. But lately, I’ve been pleasantly surprised to discover some gorgeous spots that are only a short drive away. I’ve introduced our new Getaway section (p. 16) as a way to keep a running list of these designer-approved destinations. Our first stop is The Maker Hotel, a place I immediately fell in love with after stopping for a quick lunch while passing through Hudson recently. You’ll see why I plan on returning for a proper stay. And for the time between trips, there’s always the escape into the pages of our magazine. For each of our features, a change of scenery was on the itinerary. Victoria Morris’ story (p. 38) is now a familiar one: a young family traded apartment living for a Connecticut backyard after leaving Brooklyn during the pandemic. The move meant she’d be closer to her mother, interior designer Shelley Morris, and that she’d have someone to help transform her charming Westport cottage into a cozy family home. For Calla Cane’s Wilton renovation (p. 48), designer Calla McNamara shows us what’s possible with a strict color palette and clear vision. She breathes new life into an older house (low ceilings and all) and creates a quiet backdrop for the creative homeowner to inject her own personality. I’m guessing even the most devoted all-white kitchen fans can’t resist McNamara’s matte black approach. And speaking of kitchens, the workspace dreamed up by Brooks & Falotico for clients Tyler and Stephanie Mitchell is just one of many spectacular spaces included in their modern farmhouse (p. 62). Visitors drive up to the house through an antique barn, which served as inspiration for the newly built home. The architects took the direction of creating an open-concept great room to a new level, carving out designated zones and utilizing oversized windows to both bring light in and take advantage of the views of the expansive property. As Vincent Falotico told me as we toured the home, “It was all about entertaining and closets.” Tyler is a Mitchell, after all, and as an owner of his family’s fashionable business, the closets did not disappoint. Before you book anything, save the September 13th date for our A-List Awards. Entries for the design competition start on March 1st, and I can’t wait to see all the projects you’ve been working on. Check out all the details on our site: athomealistawards.com. We’re also getting in on the Best of the Gold Coast action this year, adding our own athome categories to celebrate the businesses that help us build, decorate and design. Visit bestofgoldcoastct.com, and get your votes in before March 15th.

PHOTO: BOB CAPAZZO

HOW TO SCAN: OPEN, AIM & TAP

MEGAN GAGNON Editor

megan.gagnon@moffly.com

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goods/COLOR by megan

gagnon

COBALT IS OUR SOMETHING BOLD, SOMETHING BLUE

MODSHOP Cobalt blue velvet occasional chair with cushion and soft back pillow; $1,895. 1stdibs.com

NICKEY KEHOE Scallop sconce in cobalt; $450. nickeykehoe .com

BLUE PHEASANT Megan pitcher; starting at $228. Simple Elegance Home and Gifts, Westport; simpleelegance homeandgifts.com

i’m often dr awn t o c obalt blue as it reflects b oth the sea and sky, has a so othing richness t o it and promotes peace and calm w ithin the home. —mia johnson, amelia johnson design

Bandeau marine pillow; $333. Fig Linens and Home; Westport; figlinensandhome.com

M ATTHEW STUDIOS

SMEG

Retro style refrigerator; $2,199. smeg.com

Thea small knob in Lapis Lazuli; $217. matthewstudiosny.com

Zavory mirror in natural bone/navy resin; $1,420. Housewarmings, Old Greenwich; housewarmingsct.com

ALL IMAGES COURTESY OF DESIGNERS/BRANDS

RYAN STUDIO

MADE GOODS

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CT037_

From simple to intricate designs, California Closets systems are custom designed specifically for you and the way you live.

californiaclosets.com

@caliclosetsct

CONNECTICUT 565 Westport Ave, Norwalk 203.924.8444 WESTCHESTER 16 Saw Mill River Rd, Hawthorne 914.592.1001

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goods/IMPERFECT MATCH ASYMMETRY ALLOWS YOU TO FIND YOUR OWN BALANCE

1 asymmetry feels fresh, because it pushes the b oundaries of tr aditional design by challenging symmetry, one of the most foundational elements.

—jessica hensley phillips, creative marketing director at visual comfort

6 1 ASPLUND

2 CB2

3 VISUAL COMFORT

4 JAYSON HOME

5 NOIR

6 TRNK

Palais ovale coffee table; $4,700. shophorne.com

Specchio wall mirror; $499. cb2.com

Pedra 15” asymmetrical left sconce by Kelly Wearstler; $929. Circa Lighting, Greenwich; circalighting.com

Ibsen dining table; $4,995. jaysonhome.com

Rosario coffee table in black steel; $2,975. Beehive, Fairfeild; thebeehivefairfield.com

Segment chaise in caramel; $3,195. trnk-nyc.com

ALL IMAGES COURTESY OF DESIGNERS/BRANDS

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GarretW

Architect: Mark P. Finlay Architects, AIA

119 Post Road Fairfield, CT 06824 203-259-3333 GARRETTWILSONBUILDERS.COM

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goods /PATTERN MAKER MIX IN BLOCK PRINTS FOR A SEASONAL REFRESH

1 3 1 MORRIS & CO. Archive Meadow Sweet wallpaper; $208 per roll. perigold.com

2 BUNNY WILLIAMS HOME Wild ginger throw; $225. bunnywilliamshome.com

3 LAND OF BELLE Green jardin dinnerware collection; starting at $48. landofbelle.com

4 WALTER G. Ponza Musk lumbar pillow; $130. dearkeaton.com

5 HOLLYWOOD AT HOME BY PETER DUNHAM Griffith sofa; $5,200. hollywoodathome.com

6 FERMOIE

7 MITCHELL GOLD + BOB WILLIAMS Disha rug; starting at $660. Greenwich; mgbwhome.com

—peter dunham, peter dunham textiles

ALL IMAGES COURTESY OF DESIGNERS/BRANDS

i’ve always l oved the organic geometry of bl o ck prints. it’s the best of b oth worlds: a pleasing, rhy thmic design with the t ouch of a h uman hand.

Lampshade in Green Marden; starting at $175. Trovare Home Design, Greenwich; trovarehomedesign.com

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Exquisite. Exceptional. Experiential. Effortless.

Delight in the fun and satisfaction of growing your own food at home… effortlessly.

203.470.3655

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Words not commonly used to describe one’s vegetable garden. Words frequently used to describe ours. Your property is an extension and reflection of your lifestyle and impeccable taste. Homefront Farmers understands this. The organic vegetable gardens we design, build, and maintain are works of art that blend seamlessly into your landscape. Our Homestead Managers are expert growers who take great care of your garden to produce exceptional tasting vegetables. All this to create a joyful experience for you and your family as you savor your weekly harvest.

DESIGN BUILD MAINTAIN EDUCATE EXPERIENCE

info@homefrontfarmers.com : homefrontfarmers.com : @homefrontfarmers

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getaway by megan gagnon

DESIGNER-APPROVED DESTINATIONS

left: The 14,000 square-foot property includes three buildings: an 1800s carriage house, a Georgian mansion and a Greek Revival building. right: Among the custom details in The Artist room, a hand-carved wood fireplace and a bathroom with antique limestone, Moorish tile and a clawfoot tub.

udson, NewYork— where small-town charm meets big-city style—continues to attract creatives looking for an upstate escape. And now, among the antique shops, galleries, boutiques and restaurants that spill onto Warren Street in the heart of downtown, sits The Maker Hotel. Lev Glazman and Alina Roytberg, co-founders of the Fresh beauty brand, partnered with hospitality expert Damien Janowicz to create an experience that marries historical design with modern amenities. Each of the eleven rooms in the three-building property were dreamed up to deliver inspiration and celebrate the work of makers (artisans, craftsmen, builders)

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above left: Enjoy freshly baked goods and cozy seat at The Maker Café. above right: A welcoming patio and pool are ready for warmer weather. below: Dine under a canopy of lush greenery in The Maker Restaurant.

with nods to nineteenthcentury Industrial, La Belle Époque, Art Deco and Mid-Century design periods. The team was mindful of integrating the elements that tell the story of the building’s original 1800s architecture, preserving original fireplaces, stained glass windows, mosaic tiles and hand-painted ceilings. Throughout the rooms and common spaces, visitors will find vintage décor and one-of-a-kind pieces, art from Glazman’s personal collection, Moroccan rugs and reproduced furniture from local Hudson Valley master craftsmen. With many of the custom creations also available for purchase (like the stunning Louis XV-style beds), guests can recreate their own Maker moments at home.

PHOTOGRAPHY: FRANCINE ZASLOW

Time Travel

Meet THE MAKER, a new hotel with old-world charm

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ROBERT A.CARDELLO

ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN CARDELLOARCHITECTS. COM W ESTPORT +GREENW ICH 203. 853. 2524

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getaway

GET A ROOM Choose from eleven distinct spaces, each with its own design personality

THE ARTIST

If you’re interested in venturing outside of your room, there is plenty to explore at The Maker. Executive chef Michael Poirkoff, formerly of Brooklyn-favorite Vinegar Hill House, oversees the culinary direction for all three dining spaces on site. Early risers can choose from a variety of daily-made pastries and viennoiseries at The Maker Café, which is also open for lunch. Staying for dinner? Create your own in-room spa experience with towels and slippers by Frette, Fresh and Malin+Goetz beauty products and linen robes by Society Limonta.

Make a reservation at The Maker Restaurant, and sample the contemporary American menu under the glass ceiling of the building’s conservatory. In continuing with their commitment to the community, Poirkoff works with local farmers to offer seasonal fare. A nightcap in the The Maker Lounge is a must, especially when you can find a seat in front of the Belgian Neoclassical fireplace.

The adjoining Gymnasium, outfitted with both an aesthete’s selection of vintage equipment and machines made for modern exercise enthusiasts, is available to hotel guests. If you’re more interested in Pilates than the pommel horse, check out the curated fitness offerings led by notable instructors and coaches. A unique Circus Physique program sounds especially intriguing, delivering a full-body workout using ground and aerial movements. Don’t leave without ordering a drink from the gorgeous juice bar, awash in the same saturated shades as the hotel. And if you’re just looking to relax, the intimate common rooms on the ground floor are the perfect places to unwind. Arm yourself with a book from the library, or discover your own signature fragrance from The Maker collection (six eau de parfums). There are candles to take home, too, chic souvenirs that will remind you to book a return visit to Hudson and The Maker Hotel. The Maker Hotel, 302 Warren Street Hudson, NY 12534, 518-509-2620; themaker.com

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THE GARDENER An 1870s restored Eastlake gas-lit cast-iron chandelier throws a soft glow on this studio space. Wrought-iron details appear throughout, including on the custom Maker bed.

THE CORNER STUDIO Share a room with Joan Crawford and her world of 1940s Hollywood glamour.

PHOTOGRAPHY: FRANCINE ZASLOW

above: The Lounge—wrapped in leather-clad walls—is tucked away in the building’s carriage house.

Live out your bohemian loft dreams in a room with art from Francisco Zuniga, a plaster sculpture by Frederick Weinberg and a vintage painting easel.

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Destinations of Exceptional Character and Spirit

“One of the 14 Most Luxurious Hotels in the World” –Forbes Travel Guide

natural beauty and a rich heritage have drawn families to this coastal New England resort area for more than a century. Unforgettable experiences are infused with lasting traditions, unfaltering attention to detail and uncompromised personal service. Pampered pleasures include award-winning dining, private wine and culinary classes, resident naturalist activities, a full-service spa, croquet instruction, art experiences and the stunning Atlantic Ocean beach. Enjoy 20-Star service with our OH Well program for health and safety. See our website for details, and reserve now for your treasured getaway.

WEEKAPAUGINN.COM

OCEANHOUSERI.COM

WATCHHILLINN.COM

For more information about this distinguished destination, please call 877.511.5460

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shoptalk by

THE LATEST DESIGN NEWS

veronica schorr

above: Biagio Lucenti, proud owner of Lucenti Interiors. left: Neutrals brighten this living space featuring a Res Italia wood accent wall and FlexForm furniture.

LA BELLA VITA I

top: Lucenti custom millwork closet systems keep you stylish and organized. bottom: An Ernestomeda K-lab kitchen is sleek and modern.

n the new Lucenti Interiors showroom, third-generation artisan Biagio Lucenti brings “the beautiful life” to downtown Greenwich. Offering custom millwork, an expanding selection of Italian brands exclusive to Lucenti Interiors in Greater Fairfield County (Ernestomeda, FLOS, Edoné, Pacini & Cappellini) and ever-attentive customer service, you won’t want to miss stopping by. Using in-house CAD drawings or floor plans and elevations from an architect, the Lucenti Interiors team can create any custom environment, for both residential and commercial projects. If you do stop in, expect a warm Italian welcome. “Walking into the

showroom is like being transported to the center of all design in Milan,” says Lucenti. “My clients will experience the quality, luxury and representation of what the true Italian lifestyle is about, all while being guided by an authentic Italian wearing cutting-edge Italian fashions, oozing passion for the products and wildly gesturing through broken English. It doesn’t get better than that!” And indeed, it doesn’t. The showroom is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Saturday by appointment, but Lucenti Interiors is happy to accommodate anyone’s schedule. 124 East Putnam Ave, Greenwich; lucentiinteriors.com

PHOTOS: ADAM BLEJER PHOTOGRAPHY

GREENWICH GOES INTERNATIONAL WITH ITALIAN LUXURY FROM LUCENTI INTERIORS

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RingsEnd.com | 800·390·1000

Your Inspiration. Our Expertise.

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SCANDI CRUSH STOWED HOME COMES TO BEDFORD SQUARE

TOWED Home is best known for high-quality, Scandinavian-inspired furniture with clean lines and timeless design. Owner Elissia Sigalow created STOWED out of necessity: while redesigning her own home, she couldn’t find furniture that met her standards for quality or personal design aesthetic. She soon began collaborating with artisans and craftspeople before establishing an upholstery plant. Shortly afterward, her “minimalism at its best” brand was born. The showroom at Bedford Square highlights STOWED’s commitment to elevated minimalism. “I just love that the spaces feel like you’re walking into a European boutique. They provide a perfect home for our unique mix of seating. Truly, a Californian-meets-Nordic vibe,” says Sigalow. Handmade seating and modular furniture feature supple leather, natural wood, and European fibers. From benches and ottomans to upholstery and accent chairs, STOWED has pieces you’ll take from your first apartment to your forever home. Sigalow’s eye for style ensures that your space will be filled with no-frills luxury and high-quality pieces for years to come. 12 Elm St, Bedford Square, Westport, 203-349-5867; stowedhome.com

above: Grayson De Vere’s new storefront oasis offers a curation of eclectic finds and expertly styled vignettes.

Cool & Collected GRAYSON DE VERE returns to Greenwich Avenue with flagship store opening

nterior designer Julia Grayson founded Grayson De Vere, aka GDV i.e., in London. Since its inception in 1998 as a design studio, Grayson De Vere has opened pop-ups from East Hampton to Greenwich and has expanded to offering interior elements as well as a full range of bespoke interior design services, project management and luxury staging. GDV i.e. reflects Grayson’s “innate sense of how best to feather one’s nest on a stylish and sustainable level. The new flagship store is the perfect oasis for pure and sustainable design

and holistic wellness and beauty.” Put simply: she wants your space to bring you joy, inspire radiant good health, and cultivate happiness. With brands like The Organic Pharmacy, Sien + Co, Costa Brazil, natureofthings, and Rani Arabella, to name just a few, Grayson De Vere’s shop has interior elements for the most discerning shopper. They even offer personal shopping experiences for clients—and comfy sofas to relax on, too. 88 Greenwich Ave, Greenwich; 203-661-0116; graysondevere.com

GDV: MARCO RICCA STUDIO; STOWED HOME: DENI XHAFA

above, left: STOWED owner Elissia Sigalow. above, right: Minimalist spaces are practical and beautiful without being unrefined; hand-crafted woods and soft neutrals calm and delight the senses. below: A STOWED modular living space.

above, left: 100% organic, plant-based products by Saya, an Australian skin and bodycare company, and a fun Zebra Tray by AVF on the top shelf. above, right: Handmade wood serving bowls and cutting boards (in black) by LA-based The Wooden Palate.

WE 20

BE 20

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ga 2/11/22 8:44 AM

Create a space you love living in. View this stone story at gaultstone.com

WESTPORT SHOWROOM 203.227.5181 BETHEL SHOWROOM 203.790.9023 gaultstone.com 20_27_AH_AH_MAR_APR_shoptalk.indd 23

STONE & LANDSCAPE SUPPLIES

Exceptional Products, Personal Service. 2/11/22 8:44 AM

shoptalk

HOUSE BLEND THE POST OPENS IN WESTPORT WITH ROOM-READY PIECES FOR EVERY DESIGN PERSONALITY

Private Tour

A NEW BOOK showcases gorgeous interiors from “Quintessence at Home With” lifestyle blog

left: Wicker baskets and ocean-foam whites are waiting to be blended into a coastal space. right: Contrasting black and white pieces are the perfect combination for creating a modern “city” vibe.

above: An inviting interior—complete with a lounging Frenchie—from At Home With Designers and Tastemakers: Creating Beautiful and Personal Interiors.

above: Salk and Bewkes’ new book will be released in March by Rizzoli.

S above: At The Post, you’re invited to “disappear from the real world for while.” Or, you can just disappear into this plush couch.

usanna Salk and Stacey Bewkes are names synonymous with interior design; not only are they a successful design author and a photographer, respectively, they’ve garnered over one million monthly YouTube viewers of their beloved series,

“Quintessence at Home With.” Now, the design duo has taken their talents to the publishing world. At Home with Designers and Tastemakers: Creating Beautiful and Personal Interiors walks readers through the most stunning spaces featured in the series (including visits to textile designer John Robshaw and the West Hollywood home of chef Lulu Powers), with neverbefore-seen photography by Bewkes and suggestions from Salk on how to incorporate design elements from each home into your own environment. “Our goal from the beginning was to give design a voice,” Salk says. Whether it’s natural daylight and neutrals brightening a restored home, a colorful outdoor cabana or a rustic flower room, these designs demand to be seen (and heard). At Home With Designers and Tastemakers: Creating Beautiful and Personal Interiors by Susanna Salk and Stacey Bewkes Photography by Stacey Bewkes; $50 Rizzoli New York, March 2022

THE POST: JESSICA GORDON RYAN; BOOK: STACEY BEWKES

ity, country, coast; these three distinct styles represented in our towns are now available to shop at Westport’s latest home and gift destination. For owner Deb Placey, a Southport resident and former sportscaster, interior design started as a side gig but eventually morphed into a second career. With The Post, she has a place to share all her finds with her local friends and fellow designers. “Our unique space feels less like a store and more like the dreamy collab studio and hangout of a trendsetting designer. We invite you to stop in, peek around and disappear from the real world for a while,” says Placey. A lifestyle outpost for furniture, lighting and accessories, including linens and art, The Post carefully curates its selection with a focus on local items. Brands like Westportbased STOWED Home, Worlds Away, Bungalow5 and Kravet can be found among its stylish treasures. And the best part: you can take your products home with you the same day. Whether you want a space that screams salty air, welcomes wide-open spaces or feels edgy and industrial, The Post has everything you need. 1799 Post Rd East, Westport; 203-292-5700; thepostct.com

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Naomie Kremer, Walkabout, 2015 Oil on linen, 75 1/2 x 96 inches

www.heathergaudiofineart.com 203.801.9590 66 Elm Street, New Canaan, CT 06840

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above: Timothy Oulton, founder and

creative director.

English Accents Oulton’s Westminster Button Jack’dN Brok’n Sofa. left: Timothy Oulton’s Bay Swivel Chair and Shimmer Bar Cabinet. below: Timothy Oulton’s Whitecliff Sofa.

“Vintage never dies. It has a story, and that’s what draws people to it.” —timothy oulton

BRITISH DÉCOR DESTINATION opens in WESTPORT by diane sembrott

n 1976, Tim Oulton’s father, Major Philip Oulton, opened an antiques shop in the UK. Since then, the brand’s effortless blend of luxury, tradition and authenticity—with a hint of rakishness—has expanded globally to stores in California, New York and Florida. And now its first standalone gallery has come to Westport, bringing its sought-after taste in furniture, lighting and home accessories. “Vintage never dies. It has a story, and that’s what draws people to it. I stand by the mantra, ‘Be Relevant, or Be Dead.’ We borrow ideas from the past, but we make them our own,” says Oulton. By using classic materials and traditional hand-finishing techniques, all with a modern twist, Timothy Oulton has defined itself as creating a product that “isn’t for the faint hearted. It’s very strong visually, and that’s something we really focus on.” The brand also prides itself on the experience it creates for customers. Shoppers can find anything from a single element to tie a room together, to a complete redesign using Timothy Oulton’s 3D room-planning service—and everything in between. 42 Main Street, Westport; 203-939-1504; timothyoulton.com

PHOTOS: COURTESY OF TIMOTHY OULTON

above: Timothy

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bath/ SMALL WONDERS

Powder Fresh SMALL ON SPACE, BIG ON STYLE. A POWDER ROOM PRESENTS THE PERFECT OPPORTUNITY TO GO BOLD, WHETHER YOU'RE LOOKING TO EXPERIMENT WITH STATEMENT STONE OR PAPER THAT POPS. LET THESE DESIGNERS SHOW YOU HOW TO GET A WHOLE LOOK OUT OF A HALF BATH.

PHOTO COURTESY OF WATERWORKS

by megan gagnon

Waterworks R.W. Atlas deck mounted marquee lavatory faucet with metal lever side mount handles in brass; Daphne mirror in patina brass; R.W. Atlas wall mounted double arm sconce with glass shades in brass; R.W. Atlas single tier 24” metal shelf in brass; Manchester undermount rectangular sink. athomefc.com

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1 75POSTROADWE ST, WE STPOR T, CT06880 203. 454. 0032 KARENBERKEMEYERHOME. COM

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bath/ SMALL WONDERS

Stone Bold Tori Legge STIRLING MILLS INTERIOR DESIGN

Age and style of home:

This was a full renovation of a home built in the early '90s. The family wanted an updated, modern feeling that could grow with them. Design concept:

We really wanted this powder room to feel elevated and formal for entertaining guests. We pulled a dark navy from the stone for the wall color. Biggest challenge:

This is an extremely small powder room with high ceilings. Incorporating a custom floating vanity enabled us to design it to fit the space perfectly. Custom touch:

Painting the ceiling, walls and trim the same color. All trim work was done in a high gloss to complement the sheen of the vanity stone. Favorite part:

Amazing and trusting clients who let us have free reign of the space. Resources: Interior Designer: Stirling Mills Interior Design, New Canaan, 203-594-9596; stirlingmills.com Stone: Dushi Marble and Granite LLC, dushimg.com Architect: Brooks & Falotico, New Canaan, 203-966-8440; brooksandfalotico.com Paint: Shoreline Painting, Norwalk, 203-302-1086; shorelinepaintingct.com

PHOTOGRAPHY: JANE BEILES

Stamford CT, 203-978-0038;

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KLAR_M

View without Limits View without Limits

KLAR STUDIO WINDOWS + DOORS K L A R S T U 2D4I1OW WEISNTDPO + VDEO O R S OW R TS A 2 4N 1O WREW S TAPLO KR, T C TA V 0 6E8 5 1 0 6k 8l a5r1s t u d i o . c o m ( 2 0 3 ) N9O 0 8R W 5 8A 3 3L K| ,i nCfTo @ ( 2 0 3 ) 9 0 8 5 8w3w3w|. ki nl af ros@t uk d l ai ros. tcuodmi o . c o m www.klarstudio.com

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bath/ SMALL WONDERS

Paper Flowers MOSS DESIGN

Age and style of home:

This is a beautiful Colonial home built in 1948 that has been added onto through the years. This is the second home we’ve worked on for this client. This is their forever home. Design concept:

We kept the design very classic with a modern mix to keep it fresh. We always like to go bold in a powder room as it’s a small space that can handle a big design. This powder room is off of the entry way down a short hallway through a lovely milled door casing. It feels a bit like you’ve found a hidden room. The hallway heightens the drama of the wallpaper. Stepping into the powder room is like entering an enchanted world.

Favorite part:

The CW Stockwell “KanShie” wallpaper is our favorite feature in the powder room. This is a recommissioned pattern, and we were the first to install it in over 50 years. That felt special and exciting. The paper takes its imagery from the American Arts and Crafts movement and Chinese enameled porcelain. Custom touch:

The Vaughan light fixture beautifully mirrors the circle pattern in the marble floor in a subtle way that does not compete with the wallpaper. We finished the space with understated yet elegant bathroom accessories, including hand towels from Fig Linens in Westport. Resources: Interior designer: Moss Design, Southport;

Biggest challenge:

917-292-6153;

The scope of the project did not include new floors and vanity, so the challenge was how

mossdesignct.com

PHOTOGRAPHY: JANE BEILES

Meghan De Maria + Courtney Yanni

to make a fresh design statement while keeping these existing elements. Our goal was to find a wallpaper that was bold and transformative, while relating to the architecture of the home.

Wallpaper installation: Jameson Wallcovering, Fairfield, 203-372-0777

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Moffly-F

PHOTOGRAPHY: JANE BEILES

MEET FLOWCODE, THE NEXT GENERATION OF QR CODES

Go ahead, try it out. Point your phone’s camera at the Flowcode to scan.

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bath/ SMALL WONDERS

Cool Jewel Lee Ann Thornton LEE ANN THORNTON INTERIORS

Age and style of home:

This traditional house was built in the early 2000s. Design concept:

Our goal was to create a home with pops of color and personality. Biggest challenge:

The challenge with this project was making a spec house feel like a custom build using wallpaper and attention-grabbing details. Custom touch:

We painted all the trim in a strong color to enhance the jewel box effect and designed custom antique mirror paneling on the wall of the vanity. Favorite part:

We love the warmth of the color palette mixed with the glimmer of the mirror. Resources: Interior Designer: Lee Ann Thornton Interiors, Greenwich, 203-485-0322; leeannthornton.com Bath fixtures: Waterworks, Greenwich, 203-869-7766; waterworks.com Lighting: Apparatus, New York, 646-527-9732; Wallpaper: Quadrille, New York, 212-753-2995; quadrillefabrics.com Wallpaper installation: JD Paperhanging, 917-406-5319

PHOTOGRAPHY: KARYN MILLET

apparatusstudio.com

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CELEBRATING HOPE FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2022 6:30 - 9 pm Stationed Dinner, Entertainment, Program, Silent & Live Auction 9 - 11:30 pm After Party on the roof of The Village featuring DJ April Larken

For tickets, sponsorships and additional information, visit celebratinghope.givesmart.com or contact Sadie Caccimelio, srcaccimelio@alz.org or 203.807.5845 28_37_AH_MAR_APR_2022_Baths.indd 35

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bath/ SMALL WONDERS

Wash & Glow Iris Michaels KAREN BERKEMEYER HOME

Age and style of home:

This home is a 1980s contemporary farmhouse style. Design concept:

Two concepts were at play when choosing the powder room backsplash. The first was an attempt to continue the contemporary farmhouse feel established in the kitchen, with the black and white tile referring to the black accents in said kitchen. Additionally, one of the main ideas when designing a smaller space is to grab control of the eye with something attention-getting, to keep one from noticing how small the space is. The dramatic look of the selected tile accomplishes this very successfully. Biggest challenge:

The size of the room. Eighteen square feet is such a tiny amount of space to work with, even for a powder room. Custom touch:

It’s not shown in the picture, but the sink sits on a floating countertop. Having an open space under the countertop made the powder room feel much lighter. Favorite part:

Resources: Interior designer: Iris Michaels, Karen Berkemeyer Home, Westport, 203-454-0032; karenberkemeyerhome.com

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PHOTOGRAPHY: TIM LENZ

The beautiful black, metal mosaic backsplash, which we ran all the way up to the ceiling.

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this spread: One look at the stone house in its wooded setting was a case of love at first sight for Victoria and her husband. athomefc.com

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A mother and daughter become designer and client and make a house a home .

FAMILY STYLE by judy ostrow

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phot o gr aphy by jared kuzia

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above: Flowers line the path leading to the front of the 1920s era home. opposite page: Victoria Morris’s love of color is reflected in the deeply hued entry walls, painted with a product that creates the effect of Venetian plaster.

he journey of Brooklynites Victoria Morris; her husband, Andrew Selva; and their son (now a toddler) mirrors that of many other urban dwellers who have rediscovered home in Westport and environs in the past two years. Settling down in April 2020 for what they thought would be a temporary nest in her parents’ New Canaan home, following the cataclysmic arrival of COVID-19 in the New York metro area, they enjoyed their time as a three-generation household. By June, Victoria and Andrew had begun to entertain the notion of life in the suburbs. “We had every intention of moving back to the city, but as we helped my parents prepare for a move after selling their New Canaan house,

I came across a listing in Westport for a 1929 stone house,” recalls Victoria. Having grown up in another leafy suburb, her discovery struck an immediate chord, reawakening a youthful dream of living in a Cotswold cottage surrounded by greenery. “The price had dropped a couple of times, and when we went to see it, we were about two weeks ahead of the tidal wave of city dwellers who came looking for a house in Connecticut. For me, it was love at first sight, and even though we knew there were things about it that needed fixing, we put in a bid that was accepted. It was the first and only house we looked at.” For the fixing, she had an instant solution. Her mother, interior designer Shelley Morris, had been her advisor for furnishings and décor

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“She knows my taste, so throughout the house you’ll find evidence of her design expertise as well as the details that reveal that i’m a color person .” —victoria morris

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above: Part of the couple’s photo collection, a framed Petros Koublis image, punctuates one corner of the living room; the child-friendly sofa is from CB2. right: The designer curates the views from the openings between rooms.

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ST E P BY ST E P To begin the project, the pair tackled basic needs for an updated flow and modern comfort. Structural improvements focused on important spaces: replacing an obtrusive beam in the living room with an invisible steel support; warming the primary suite floor with radiant floor heating to keep out the cold from the garage below; moving a toilet from a tiny closet off the main bedroom and creating a more complete and functional master bath. With her reliable local contracting sources and experience with

since her college dorm days. Delighted that her daughter, son-in-law and new grandson would practically be neighbors in Connecticut (she had found a house for herself and her husband nearby), Shelley partnered with Victoria to plan the interiors of the new Morris/Selva family home. Shelley has always liked to create clean, light and elegant spaces; her professional career puts her clients at center stage, and her daughter’s home was no exception to her rule. Their designer-and-daughter experience is a kind of roadmap for decorating and remodeling for other city dwellers who have moved quickly to suburban homes since 2020.

above: Victoria and Shelley kept the kitchen cabinets from the previous owners, with a few edits. Retaining the rustic wood countertops on the cabinet walls, they shortened the island to capture more floor space and added a top of honed black granite.

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above: A Niermann Weeks lantern chandelier and black-and-white Staffordshire pieces create vintage counterpoints to the modern lines of the table and dining chairs.

renovation projects throughout the New York metro area and beyond, Shelley could efficiently perform the refreshing process that a new suburbanite requires of an older home. Walls were freshly painted in white. “It enhances and reflects the light in an older home that might have smaller openings than newer construction,” says Shelley of her frequent go-to wall treatment. “She knows my taste, so throughout the house you’ll find evidence of her design expertise as well as the details that reveal that I’m a color person,” adds Victoria. In the front vestibule—always a great location for a bright statement—the walls are painted with Roman clay, a paint product from a California company that resembles Venetian plaster. Its warm hue is embracing, echoed with a cozy pair of velvet chairs at the

living room hearth. Other lively accents of art and accessories—many from the Brooklyn apartment—reveal little punches of color, as well as a sophisticated blend of modern forms and timelessly appealing antiques. Victoria and Shelley—mom and grandmother to baby Logan—were both aware that delicate fabrics and porous surfaces are vulnerable to active toddlers. Therefore, designer and daughter checked off “childfriendly” as a requirement for many of their furnishing choices. “While some of the pieces are heirlooms, and others are design classics, we knew that most of the upholstery would get a workout from our son,” says Victoria. “So we sourced chairs and other soft seating from popular retail brands.”

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“For me, it was love at first sight , even though we knew there were things about it that needed fixing.” —victoria morris

above: Victoria’s grandmother’s antique dough chest sits next to a hairpin-legged chair and a sculptural brass Gingko floor lamp. right, top: The Odegard stair runner and upstairs hall carpet reveals a taste for Asian motifs; Victoria and her family have collected numerous objects of Far Eastern origin. right, bottom: White walls and window wells reflect light and brighten the interiors.

“It’s a concern of young clients that their children have the run of their house,” says Shelley. “And, fortunately, so many retailers are producing attractive pieces with clean, modern lines. They will hold up until the family feels ready to upgrade to investment-quality upholstered pieces.” TI M E A ND P L AC E Another key factor in this design project was its timing, in the midst of lockdowns and contactless deliveries. The team had mom’s keen and experienced eye to see her daughter’s project through to a good conclusion. “In addition to my daughter’s home, I did several projects for other clients at the height of the pandemic. It was a challenge to shop online for MAR/APR 2022

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“The bottom line is, it’s just magical .” —victoria morris

everything. While many of the sources I used were familiar, I had to keep my fingers crossed that the merchandise would be as well-crafted and look as attractive in the real space as it did on the screen,” notes Shelley. Happily, the virtual shopping excursions proved successful. When combined with antiques that had belonged to both of her grandmothers, or gifted to Victoria from her mom, as well as the couple’s growing art collection, the resulting design provides a satisfying, eclectic look. The charms of 1920s architecture—deep window wells with beautiful casement frames and arched openings between rooms— provide a perfect backdrop for the mix of furnishings and accessories. The layout also provides something that their previous 1,100-squarefoot apartment could not: his-and-hers dedicated offices for the workfrom-home protocol their jobs still require. Also, beyond

the spaciousness and function of their new place, their property provides a private outdoor setting for themselves and their young son. Victoria and family love their new/old house. “We can step through the French doors of our kitchen and have dinner outside, and Logan gets to run freely in his own backyard. We even harvested peaches and apples from the fruit trees that are part of our landscape. The bottom line is, it’s just magical.” Resources: Interior Designer: Shelley Morris Interiors, 203-801-9911; shelleymorrisinteriors.com Rugs: DS Rugs by Danny Sanchez; danny@dsrugs.com Paint: Creative Painting Services, 203-382-4688 Carpenter: Luis F. Silva Carpentry LLC, 203-942-9236

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oppposite page:

Her office was already outfitted with shelves for Victoria’s collection of mementos and photos; her mother added doors to the lower shelves to stow office supplies and files. right: The primary bedroom’s gothic features— arched windows above the bed and arched doors into the bath—as well as the black bed wall enhance the drama of the space. below, right: While the original toilet enclosure was awkwardly placed in a closet, the new space is modernized and fully equipped.

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A STOWED Home bench, perfect for kicking off your boots, is a great addition to this rustic and modern mud room. Market bags by Calla Cane (hooks by Sawkill NYC) add functional whimsy.

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interview with call a m c namar a, call a cane phot o gr apher ellen m c dermot t st ylist anna molvik

NEW BALANCE An antique farmhouse gets a modern update

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above: Natural light pours into the kitchen through Klar windows, adding beautiful contrast to the dark center island and flawless cabinets. The 16’ island holds two ovens, a dishwasher and the main sink, as well as a seating area on the far end with stools by Sawkill NYC.

What was your client’s top priority? Nod Hill is a quintessential

filled with an eclectic mix of art, furniture and color. As a mutual friend once said, with Susanna you never have to color inside the lines.

Connecticut farmhouse, including a detached barn, art studio, chicken coop, tree house and pond. The house is situated on a scenic Wilton Road speckled with vintage homes and old-growth trees. Homeowner Susanna Carrillo fell in love with this charming property but was living with the challenges an 1800s home brings: low ceilings, meandering floor plans, lack of natural light and leaky windows and walls that made the old part of the home unbearable in the winter and summer months. While the renovated portion of the home was more livable, it did not integrate well into the original structure and lacked the same charm. Susanna is creative at heart. She owned and operated an art studio for children called Paper Scissors Oranges, located in Darien, Connecticut, for a decade. She wanted a forward-thinking home that offered her a backdrop to play with art and accessories over time. Her home reflects her personality and is

How important was natural light for this renovation? We always design

with the intention of bringing natural light into the home. It just feels good. The introduction of floor-to-ceiling metal windows allowed us to capture the light and the natural landscape. The kitchen and dining room are wrapped in glass, which allows the sun to gently track through the space throughout the day. The contrast between the light and dark accents in your design is beautiful. What was the influence for this modern palette, given this is an antique home? The introduction of dark architectural elements and

light textural materials allowed us to play with the juxtaposition of new

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above, left: The sleek, masculine liquor cabinet is both functional and beautiful. above, right: The client’s clever inset book nook is the perfect place to display cookbooks and pottery. Chair by STOWED Home. right: Fresh produce from the farm, including eggs and fruit, inspires cooking in this elegant kitchen.

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“The kitchen and dining room are wrapped in glass , which allows the sun to gently track through

the space throughout the day.” —calla mcnamara, calla cane

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left: Custom-designed cabinets by Calla Cane, fabricated by Kramer Lane Construction, are finished in Black Satin. Serving boards from Black Creek Mercantile & Trading Co. are waiting to be adorned with farm-fresh goodies. The countertop is luxurious Black Granite. MAR/APR 2022

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and old in the home. We did some gentle nudging when it came to the dark kitchen cabinets and counters. We saw the opportunity to create a quiet backdrop for Susanna’s colorful life. In addition to Susanna’s creative eye, the day-to-day hauls of this small farm breathe life into the space: fresh chicken eggs, herbs and cut wildflowers contrast and warm the rich colors. We used a balance of dark and light to create a space that allowed her to effortlessly layer in her life. What were the top priorities for the kitchen? Like most homeowners, Susanna viewed the kitchen as the heart of her home. She loves to cook and entertain, so this piece of the project felt important. She voiced that she was tired of her cluttered countertops and wanted to find a way to conceal her appliances and dishware. It was critical to her that this space felt comfortable and light-filled. In her previous kitchen, she struggled to find space to both cook and entertain. She wanted to make sure there was a defined seating space and workspace in the new kitchen. Working within the original footprint of the home, we were challenged to create additional working space without increasing the width of the room. We added three large steel-framed windows at the far end of the kitchen to capture natural light and make the space feel larger. The 16’ island holds

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opposite page, above: This kitchen nook is one of the coziest seats in the house. A bench by STOWED Home and a hand-thrown bell by Mquan adorn the perfectly placed window counter. opposite page, below: Marvin windows allow natural light to make the dining area feel larger than it is. The client’s existing dining table is accented by Natural Wishbone and Black Era (at the head of the table) dining chairs from Design Within Reach. above: Inset cabinets are smart for storage and easy on the eyes. The client’s glassware shines against the dark background.

two ovens, a dishwasher and the main sink as well as a seating area on the far end. The cabinetry conceals a coffee station with a marble countertop and pocket doors that allow Susanna to hide her most used appliances. The kitchen is entirely custom, including painted interior cabinetry and LED lighting to make the contents of the cabinet visible.

We wanted the living room to feel both connected to the main living area but also serve as a visual destination for guests. Another interesting challenge we faced was the ceilings, which were below 8’ tall. We had to find creative ways to reinvent the interior space, yet still provide the modern amenities of a new construction build.

What was particularly challenging about this project? The living room

The inset cabinets and the interior glass paned walls are special touches

was situated in the original part of the home. It was cold and leaky in the winter, which caused Susanna and her family to avoid spending time in the space. They were really interested in restoring this part of the house and adding a wood-burning fireplace to heat the home during winter. Susanna hoped that this could be a future gathering space but wasn’t sure how to encourage movement from the kitchen to the living room. In reconfiguring the floor plan of the first floor, we felt it was important that the living room fireplace could be seen from the kitchen and dining area.

that we really love. What made you include these bar and glassware storage areas? It is important to be creative and opportunistic when you

are working on a renovation. You often find things in the walls that can hinder the design. We were pleasantly surprised to find a cavity in the living room wall that allowed us to create a glass storage cabinet. The glass partition walls are a great way to make a small space feel open and airy. Rather than closing Susanna into a small office, we designed the office to be displayed.

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“The introduction of dark architectural elements

allowed us to play with the juxapostion of new and old in the home.” —calla mcnamara, calla cane

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left: A plush Living Divani sofa is the centerpiece of the living room, designed to be visible from the main living area to naturally encourage gathering. Throws by Jenni Kayne and Rosemary Hallgarten are ready for cozying up by the fireplace, which has a custom-designed wood holder by Calla Cane. Sculptures by Re Jin Lee add to the contrast of dark and light elements. MAR/APR 2022

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this page: The living room is a “visual destination” for guests and family members alike. opposite page, above: Interior glass-paned walls create healthy boundaries (namely, to preserve the client’s peace in her home office) without disrupting the main living area’s light, airy and open feeling. The Lambert & Fils Beaubien sconce beside the painting is from Sunday Shop. opposite page, below: A moody, minimalist bathroom features lighting by Apparatus, a Restoration Hardware mirror, and a Watermark custom marble vanity.

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To what extent did the surrounding landscape of Nod Hill influence your design choices? It was important to us that we draw the natural beauty of the property into the space. The home had previously oriented away from natural viewpoints; we worked to open that side of the house and make it connect with the landscape. From the kitchen and dining room, you have views of the antique barn and pond. What is your favorite component of this renovation? There were so many

resources of inspiration to pull from during this project: from Susanna’s personality, to the family’s interests, to highlighting the serene and vast landscape of their property. It feels great to have brought new life into a space and to make it both practical and visually appealing in design and function. Susanna has remarked that her favorite part was the “reveal” after our install, to see her vision achieved by combining old elements with new.

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What are you most proud of accomplishing with this project? We are

most proud of the final floor plan. It is amazing how you can transform the look and feel of a space so dramatically by moving the right walls. I remember walking through the new space after it had been framed and thinking it felt really good. —interview by veronica schorr Resources: Designer & Architect: Calla McNamara, Calla Cane, Rowayton, CT & Solana Beach, CA; callacane.com Builder: Kramer Lane Construction, Stamford; 203-515-8541; kramerlane.com

this page: The client’s custom desk, designed by Calla Cane and fabricated by Kramer Lane Construction, makes working from home look more like working from a five-star hotel. Desk chair by STOWED Home. opposite page, above: White space sparkles in the primary bath, with mirrors by Rejuvenation, Apparatus lighting, and a custom-designed vanity by Calla Cane, fabricated by Kramer Lane Construction. Fresh-cut wildflowers from the farm complete this peaceful retreat. opposite page, below: Zellige tiling from Nemo Tile Co. creates a shimmery effect behind the client’s irresistible soaking tub.

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FARM FRESH A new build, a historic barn and the creative vision for a fashionable family interview with vincent fal otic o and ch uck willet te of bro oks & fal otic o | phot o gr apher jennifer holt

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above: A centuries-old farmhouse connects seamlessly with a new, modern building to create a cohesive home. right, top: The original two-story barn was built in 1730. right, middle: The bucolic property was originally a working dairy farm. right, bottom: Steep roof pitches—a hallmark of farmhouse-style homes— at varying heights create visual interest.

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Who lives here? Vincent Falotico: Tyler Mitchell (owner and men’s manager at Richards, Greenwich), his wife Stephanie, their two young children and dog, Banksy. How did you come to work together? Chuck Willette: They reached

out to us after seeing us on social media. They were moving from San Francisco and came across a property we had done. There were a couple of our homes that really stood out to them, so we took them on a tour. That’s where it all started. What were the original buildings on the property? CW: We never tore

anything down. All the buildings—the guest house, the silo, the barn—all of that was there. There was some maintenance and interior finishing needed on the barn structure—for both aesthetics and safety—and we put new garage doors on the existing barn.

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above: Visitors approach the home by driving through the restored antique barn toward a fieldstone fireplace. right: The Belgian block courtyard was designed for throwing parties. opposite page, top: The clad windows and doors are black to modernize the home. opposite page, bottom: Adirondack chairs circle a rustic fire pit.

MAR/APR 2022

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above: The new wing of the house is clad in corrugated metal siding and a standing seam roof. opposite page, top row: In the entry, Belgian bluestone floors offer a smooth transition from outside. bottom row: A Greg Gorman photograph of Andy Warhol and the Mitchells’ collection of art books greet visitors in the entry.

unbelievable collection of coffee table books. He wanted places to store and display what he has collected over time. VF: It’s a front entry, but it’s also an entertaining space with Belgian bluestone flooring to the mudroom, which backs up to the barn, and there’s a connection to the second floor as well.

Driving in through the barn is so unique. How did you come up with that?

CW: The design was a nod to the property itself and the historical value of the barn, which we were able to amend and open into this old-fashioned courtyard. Then you see the cobblestone fireplace and it’s a welcoming place, even a place to throw a party. It felt like it was a little bit more protected and something that was a little more special.

What sort of challenges come with designing one large living space?

VF: Again, we were reinterpreting a barn, and the majority of the living spaces are in this one volume with two places to sit, a place to watch TV, a dining space and the amazing wine cellar. Once you create a space like this, how do you also create a scale that’s comfortable to live in every day?

Tell us about the shelving that you see as you enter through the front doors. CW: You’ll see that shelving detail repeat quite a bit, both on the

first-floor entry and second-floor entry and in the great room as well. Tyler is a collector, whether it’s the National Geographic magazines or his

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above: A secondary, more casual seating area within the great room faces the main floor’s only TV. right: The cellar preserves the Mitchells’ wine collection without hiding it.

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above, left: The more formal of two intimate seating areas in the great room. above, right: A collection of National Geographic magazines that belonged to Tyler Mitchell’s grandfather. below: More art books (and reading spots) flank a plaster and granite fireplace.

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left: A sweeping great room, inspired by homes in Napa Valley, where the Mitchells have spent time. athomefc.com

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“My favorite part of the house is the 40-foot great room cathedral ceiling with industrial steel trusses and shiplap. During the day, it’s the most dramatic site and the space gets filled with a crazy volume of dynamic sunlight. At night, the indirect glow of the LED lights and the slow spin of the industrial fans take my breath away . I’ve never seen anything like it.” —tyler mitchell, homeowner

above: A 12-seat banquette, in lieu of any formal dining room, makes for casually elegant dinner parties. left: Overscale light fixtures and exposed beams highlight soaring ceilings. right: A La Cornue range and concealed hood are the kitchen’s focal point.

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“It was all about that la cornue range, and it was always about putting a kitchen in a room that was always going to be seen; you don’t want it to look too much like a kitchen.” —vincent falotico

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left: Parallel waterfall edge marble islands, each with a farmhouse sink, provide ample space for cooking and entertaining.

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left: Andy watches over the family dog, Banksy. opposite page, top: Dedicated spaces for displaying art give the home a gallery-like feel. opposite page, bottom: More collections from the Mitchells’ travels are on display in the hall, with gallery lighting from Restoration Hardware

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That’s where the trusses came in, the lighting fixtures—to give it scale. It’s why we have texture on the ceiling. We made almost urban façades in the two walls, so we broke it down among the windows, the framed wine cellar and breakfast nook and mirrored it on the other wall. There’s a rhythm to it, a balance. You engage this room all the time; when you enter, when you circulate on the second floor with the bedrooms. Tell us about this gorgeous kitchen. VF: It was all about that La Cornue range, and it was always about putting a kitchen in a room that was always going to be seen; you don’t want it to look too much like a kitchen. We wanted it to look more like furniture, with storage concealed and a big walk-in pantry. You’re not looking at refrigerators all the time. CW: They did a lot of entertaining out West. As we continued to evolve and choose the finishes, we backed into the decision to do the waterfalls on the islands and the integrated sinks, just to keep everything a little cleaner and not introduce more elements into the room. We had the continuation of the punched openings where the range sits match that of the linear fireplace and the book storage.

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“the closet design evolved over time. Originally, they both wanted his and hers closets. She wanted and island, whereas he wanted a fireplace or some fire feature, to create a warm dressing room feeling.” —chuck willette

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right: Natural light and mirrored walls create an airy and functional closet. below: Garment and accessory storage fit for a family of local retail icons. opposite page: The couple shares the spacious shoe closet, where custom shelves give every item a place, and a branch light fixture hangs in the center.

The closets were clearly a priority. What was the design plan for them?

CW: As we continued to walk through the closets and do the interior elevations to determine how much linear storage they needed, it became apparent that we might need a little more space. What became the shared shoe closet (with cathedral ceiling) was an unfinished attic above the rooms below. How did the grounds shape your strategy for the exterior? CW: Our main goal was within creating this courtyard where you have these sight lines and these glass points, which capture the pond and the field. The breakfast room, for example, is three walls of glass and gives you the view of the pasture and the pond and is a great cozy corner to sit in. VF: Outside was about simple forms, reimagining what a front porch looks like. The exterior’s materials were more about color, tone on tone and texture. —interview by megan gagnon Resources: Architecture: Vincent Falotico, Chuck Willette, Brooks & Falotico, New Canaan; 203-966-8440; brooksandfalotico.com

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY: BOB CAPAZZO, KRISTIN HYNES, MELANI LUST & MARSIN MOGIELSKI

PHOTOGRAPHY

VIDEOGRAPHY

SOCIAL MEDIA

Moffly Media is one of the leading providers of professional event photography and marketing services in Fairfield County. We capture compelling, high-quality images of individuals and groups at meaningful events. With our wide range of capabilities from video to social media, Moffly will customize a marketing program that’s just right for you.

LEARN MORE! CONTACT KATHLEEN GODBOLD AT KATHLEEN.GODBOLD@MOFFLY.COM OR 203.571.1654

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insiders’ list ART & ANTIQUES Heather Gaudio Fine Art, heathergaudiofineart.com �� 25

BUILDING & HOME IMPROVEMENT California Closets, californiaclosets.com ��11 Charles Hilton Architects, hiltonarchitects.com ��5 Douglas VanderHorn Architects, vanderhornarchitects.com ��Cover 2, 1 Garrett Wilson Builders, garrettwilsonbuilders.com ��13 Gault Family Companies, gaultstone.com �� 23 Karen Berkemeyer Home �� 29 KLAR Studio-Windows and Doors ��31 Ring’s End, ringsend.com ��21 Robert A. Cardello Architects, LLC, cardelloarchitects.com �� 17 Tischler und Sohn, tischlerwindows.com ��Cover 4

DECORATING & HOME FURNISHINGS Amy Aidinis Hirsch Interior Design, amyhirsch.com ��2, 3

EVENTS A-list Awards, athomealistawards.com ��37

LANDSCAPING, NURSERY + FLORIST James Doyle Design Associates ��9 Homefront Farmers ��15

MISCELLANEOUS Alzheimer’s Association �� 35 Best Of Gold Coast ��Cover 3 Breast Cancer Alliance ��27 Flowcode �� 33 JP McHale Pest Management ��27

REAL ESTATE The Mill ��7 Ocean House ��19

MARCH/APRIL 2022

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athome with... BILL TAIBE We’ll have what he’s having. After all, chef Bill Taibe is the man behind some of our favorite menus in Fairfield County (The Whelk, Kawa Ni, Don Memo and most recently, Norwalk’s The Art Space Cafe). Here, his recipe for good living, the perfect kitchen setup and a handpicked soundtrack to make any meal better.

The one thing that always makes me feel at home is…my dogs and my family. My guilty pleasure is… late night chocolates or sour candies. Love ’em. My favorite place in the world is…the top of a ski run on a sunny day. I try to get out there as much as I can.

above: Taibe’s pup, Boone. below: Sour candy are the chef’s guilty go-to.

My coffee go-to… ”What Bill’s Having” at The Art Space Cafe. I love it. It is an iced coffee drink that combines pistachio milk, matcha, espresso and Luxardo cherries.

My favorite thing about living here is… the seasons and having something new to cook with every few months. My favorite piece in my home is…my couch. It is where I can relax and spend time with my boys watching a game. My dream kitchen looks like…the one I have. It is a chefdesigned kitchen inside and out. We renovated it a few years back, and we really made it everything we wanted. I love the open shelves where I can see all my jars of teas and condiments. I have a slight addiction to condiments. The ideal dining room includes…great food and friends with the perfect lighting.

above: You can have “What Bill’s Having” at

left: Ta caref ibe u selec lly ts music the resta for his urant s

I would love to have my grandfather, who passed when I was little, just so I could have a conversation with him as an adult. Eddie Vedder, because, why not? And my wife, Rachel. What am I serving? Probably, Indian takeout or a perfectly cooked roasted chicken with some great roasted vegetables.

PORTRAIT OF BILL BY ANTHONY RINALDI; DOG COURTESY BILLTAIBE INSTAGRAM; MATCHA DRINK COURTESY THE ART SPACE CAFE’S WEBSITE; IPHONE BY ADOBE.STOCK.COM OPEN SHELVES ©TATYANA A. - TATAKS - STOCK.ADOBE.COM; TEA JARS ©SPACE_CAT - STOCK.ADOBE.COM

FAMILIAR FACES SHARE THEIR LOCAL FAVORITES

Open shelving makes for easy access below: Loose tea looks better in jars.

You’re throwing a dinner party. Who’s coming? What are you serving? What’s on the playlist? The Whelk Happy Hour Playlist on Spotify is playing.

The Art Space Cafe. athomefc.com

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MEEDDIIAA MOOFFFFLLYYM M

GOLD COAST COAST GOLD C O N N E C T I C U T • 2022 C O N N E C T I C U T • 2022

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We love love where where we we live. live. We let’s share share that that love love with with let’s HOMEteam— team— the businesses on our HOME the ones ones that that help help us us reimagine, reimagine, the redecorate and and rebuild. rebuild. redecorate

VOTE NOW! Voting ends ends March March 15th 15th Voting

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Tischler WindoWs and doors. Uncommon. Uncompromising.

Tischler und sohn (Usa) ltd. six suburban avenue, stamford, cT 06901 • Telephone 203/674/0600 • Telefax 203/674/0601 design center of The americas (dcoTa), 1855 griffin road a-370, dania Beach, Fl 33004 Telephone 954/920/8800 Telefax 954/920/8007

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athome in Fairfield County - March/April 2022

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