Connecticut Spring 2016 by New England Home Magazine LLC

Connecticut

Celebrating Fine Design, Architecture, and Building

Pretty & Personal Unique, colorful designs for beautiful living

Spring 2016

Display until July 11, 2016

NEHOMEMAG.COM

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Refreshment For Your Rugs J. Namnoun Oriental Rug Gallery S A L E S | C L E A N I N G | R E S T O R AT I O N 92 Weston Street Hartford, CT | (860) 522-6368 | Jnamnoun.com

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spring 2016 Volume 7, Issue 2

In This Issue

featured Homes

A designer adds just the right amount of color to give an almost-perfect home the spark it needs to suit its energetic young family.

A modern update to a classic Shingle-style house in an archetypal New England town gives a couple and their two children a new sense of belonging.

A painter’s Ridgefield home is a lot like the artist herself: colorful, lively, and unafraid to make a fiercely personal statement.

A SPLASH OF DASH

TEXT BY MEGAN FULWEILER PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN GOULD BESSLER PRODUCED BY KARIN LIDBECK BRENT

COMING HOME

TEXT BY LISA E. HARRISON PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL PARTENIO PRODUCED BY STACY KUNSTEL

BOLD STROKES

TEXT BY ROBERT KIENER PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL PARTENIO PRODUCED BY STACY KUNSTEL

On the cover: Designers Molly Hirsch and Amanda Dranow helped a Ridgefield artist create a home that reflects her bold vision. Photograph by Michael Partenio. To see more of this home, turn to page 82. spring 2016 New England Home Connecticut 13

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In This Issue

97 Art, Design, History, Landscape 16 | From the Editor 22 | Artistry: Transcendent Moments Behind the straightforward geometry of Elizabeth Gourlay’s paintings lies an evocative narrative that probes the subtle dynamics between color and form. BY CAROLINE CUNNINGHAM 28 | In Our Backyard: Turn, Turn, Turn A creative couple takes the handcrafted furnishings world by storm, one hand-lathed spindle at a time. BY MARIA LAPIANA

34 | State of the Market: Everything Old Is New A vibrant design scene anchored by antiques galleries has turned a tiny part of Fairfield County into a mecca for lovers of timeless design. BY REGINA COLE

People, Places, Events, Products 97 | Perspectives Vibrant outdoor fabrics; Kimberly Levin conjures up a cheerful breakfast room; the owners of Town House Finds + Designs on the joys of retail; bringing contemporary flair to a classic dining room; architect Robert Dean’s sources of inspiration. 108 | Design Life Our candid camera snaps recent gatherings that celebrate architecture and design. 116 | Trade Notes New and noteworthy happenings in the Connecticut design business. BY PAULA M. BODAH

122 | Calendar of Events BY LYNDA SIMONTON

126

126 | New in the Showrooms Unique, beautiful, and now appearing in Connecticut shops and showrooms. BY LYNDA SIMONTON 132 | Resources A guide to the professionals and products featured in this issue.

41 Special Marketing Section: Fine Landscape Design & Outdoor Living

134 | Advertiser Index 136 | Sketch Pad A Southport designer’s oversize planters make an eye-catching addition to the entry of a Greenwich home.

14 New England Home Connecticut spring 2016

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The Dunes Oil on Panel 18” x 42”

E m i ly B u c ha na n

View of the Hudson River Oil on Panel 18” x 42”

Please contact us for inquiries about paintings, commissions, or to be added to the mailing list. w w w. E m i ly B u c h a n a n . c o m

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From the Editor

designer Lauren Muse put together for one family in Riverside, although those juicy tones are kept in check by a background of calming grays and navies and balanced against a sophisticated interplay of graphic patterns. Parker Rogers, for a Southport home, lightens a very traditional setting with colors reminiscent of new grass and the blooms of alpine squills just emerged from the soil. Ridgefield artist Rachel Volpone’s idiosyncratic abode leans toward tints from a bit later in the year: rosy pinks and yellows, the rich orange-reds of California poppies. As the days grow longer and the breezes warmer, it may be hard to stay too serious or methodical. So you could consider approaching this magazine as you might a woodland walk: meander as you will, with no particular agenda, but keeping an eye open for the serendipitous pleasures to be encountered along the way. In real life that might mean a hidden trove of fiddleheads to be plucked for your supper’s salad. In these pages it could be any of the following: an outdoor fabric featuring an assortment of playful pooches; a breezy breakfast room imagined by South Glastonbury designer Kimberly Levin, perfect for Saturday morning croissants and jam; turned-wood furniture in vivid gumball shades from Dunes and Duchess in Brookfield; tiny paintings that pack a geometric punch; oversize metal planters that have a lot in common with the guardrails on I-95 (sound intriguing?). Or perhaps plan an actual outing to sample the wares at Fairfield County’s panoply of antiques centers. Lots of variety for a season of growth, renewal, beauty, fecundity. Happy spring!

Perfect for Easy, Breezy Spring

espite last autumn’s many predictions of doom, we seem to have lucked out this year when it comes to winter weather. A remarkably easy January and February—little snow, only a few truly frigid days—followed by early buds and blooms in March, have left New England’s populace in a remarkably mellow mood (even taking into account somewhat elevated blood pressure levels occasioned by events in the political realm). Some of that mellowness must have seeped into the New England Home office ahead of time because, as I look over the pages that are on their way to the printer, it seems we’ve planned and put together a pretty, colorful, diverse, and easygoing issue for the spring season. The hues of fresh grapes and clementines come to mind when I consider the interiors

—Kyle Hoepner

Find more at

nehomemag.com + Our editors and a fascinating lineup of guest bloggers share beautiful photography, design ideas, and advice every week on the New England Home Design Blog + The site also features ongoing content updates, where you’ll encounter house tours, interviews and commentary, before-and-after stories, and other special items for lovers of great home design + Sign up for our Design Discoveries editorial e-newsletter and get weekly updates on luxury home style, including the latest products, upcoming events and green ideas /////

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Karin Lidbeck Brent klidbeck@nehomemag.com Louis Postel lpostel@nehomemag.com Contributing Writers Regina Cole, Caroline Cunningham, Megan Fulweiler, Lisa E. Harrison, Maria LaPiana, Charles Monagan, Allegra Muzzillo, Dan Shaw, Kris Wilton Contributing Photographers Robert Benson, John Gould Bessler, Bruce Buck, Tria Giovan, John Gruen, Laura Moss, Michael Partenio /////

Editorial Submissions Designers, architects, builders, and homeowners are invited to submit projects for editorial consideration. For information about submitting projects, e-mail edit@nehomemag.com. Letters to the Editor We’d love to hear from you! Write to us at the above address, fax us at (617) 663-6377, or e-mail us at letters@ nehomemag.com. Upcoming Events Are you planning an event that we can feature in our Calendar of Events? E-mail information to calendar@ nehomemag.com, or mail to Calendar Editor, New England Home, 530 Harrison Ave., Suite 302, Boston, MA 02118. Parties We welcome photographs from design- or architecture-related parties. Send high-resolution photos with information about the party and the people pictured to lsimonton@nehomemag.com.

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Comfort. In all the ways you value.

Publisher Kathy Bush-Dutton kbushdutton@nehomemag.com Associate Publisher, New England Home Connecticut Roberta Thomas Mancuso rmancuso@nehomemag.com

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Executive Sales Manager Jill Korff jkorff@nehomemag.com Sales Managers Kim Sansoucy ksansoucy@nehomemag.com Robin Schubel rschubel@nehomemag.com David Simone dsimone@nehomemag.com Marketing Designer Jared Ainscough jainscough@nehomemag.com Production Manager Glenn Sadin gsadin@nehomemag.com Sales and Marketing Coordinator/Office Manager Tess Woods twoods@nehomemag.com /////

Subscriptions To subscribe to New England Home ($19.95 for one year) or for customer service, call (800) 765-1225 or visit our website, nehomemag.com. Advertising Information To receive information about advertising in New England Home, please contact us at (800) 609-5154, ext. 713, or info@nehomemag.com. Editorial and Advertising Office 530 Harrison Ave., Suite 302 Boston, MA 02118 (617) 938-3991 (800) 609-5154 /////

New England Home Magazine, LLC Managing Partners Adam Japko, Chris Legg Finance Manager Stacey Dame sdame@nehomemag.com Circulation Manager Kurt Coey Newsstand Manager Bob Moenster

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ARTISTRY

Transcendent Moments Behind the straightforward geometry of Elizabeth Gourlay’s paintings lies an evocative narrative that probes the subtle dynamics between color and form. ///////////

By Caroline Cunningham

TOP LEFT: Zeri 10 (2013), graphite and oil on panel, 8″ × 8″. TOP RIGHT: Red Gray B (2014), Flashe on wood panel, 10″H × 8″W. LEFT: Enzian 2 (2014),

graphite and oil on linen over panel, 5″H × 7″W.

bottom photo courtesy Fox Gallery NYC

lizabeth Gourlay explores the dynamic interplay between color and form in abstract paintings that have extraordinary power. The bold geometry, such as the mesmerizing repetition of a horizontal grid, may draw you in, but the small details, the suggestions of inadvertent imperfections, demand your attention. Gourlay brings an exacting rigor to the process of revealing subtle undercurrents of visual dissonance, and these surprising notes—an accent of deep red against a backdrop of moody gray, or a jagged edge of cerulean blue—elevate her work beyond simple beauty into something far more complex. There is a distinctive contrast between what at first glance appears to be Gourlay’s straightforward, if gorgeous, paintings and the emotional charge that her deliberate constructions of line and color create. And that’s exactly the point. Past masters of minimalism, from Anni Albers to Piet Mondrian to Agnes Martin—all of whom Gourlay cites as important influences—focused on reducing artistic elements to their essential form. Gourlay’s work demonstrates, as theirs did, that an elusive narrative isn’t any less evocative. In fact, the freedom to interpret the meaning behind any work of art allows for the most intimate of connections. Finding these transcendent moments of connection through art has been Gourlay’s guiding principle from the

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NE W

H A V E N

ST AM FO R D

F AI R F I ELD

W W W.T I L E A M E R I C A . C O M

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time she was a little girl in Connecticut and watched an older friend paint a landscape using a simple watercolor set. Gourlay was transfixed as she saw soft clouds and an expansive sky emerge from the sweep of a brush across the paper, and says she realized then that she would become an artist. “It was a magical moment that got etched into my memory,” she says. “I just knew that there was no other path.” Following high school, Gourlay studied at the Edinburgh College of Art. The curriculum emphasized a traditional academic approach to fine art, which allowed Gourlay to refine her figurative CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Wall Drawing with Terre

Ercolano (2003), in the collection of the Ashforth Company, Stamford, 17′H × 15′W; Coquelicot (2013), pencil and acrylic on canvas, 40″ × 40″; Wall Drawing with Orange, Yellow, and Brown Ochre (2003), in the collection of the Ashforth Company, 8′H × 15′W; Cadence 6 (2014), graphite and gouache on vellum, 11½″ × 11½″; Legato 10 (2014), ink, acrylic on linen, 40″ × 40″. FACING PAGE: The artist in her studio.

technique, but she was also encouraged to explore her burgeoning interest in color theory and abstraction. She was inspired by the monochromatic tonality in the old Scottish city in which she lived. “It was all gray,” she recalls with a smile. “I would take long walks around the city,

and was fascinated to see how elements of color would pop against this neutral background.” She returned to the United States to get an MFA from Yale University School of Art, and then launched herself into the art world as most young artists do: by living a peripatetic life defined both by serendipitous housing arrangements and jobs as a studio assistant, a teacher, a waitress, and a crew supervisor for a group of housepainters in New Haven. Her breakout moment came in a show of small works on paper at The Drawing Center in New York City, the first significant exhibition in what is now a long list that includes galleries and museums around the world. There is a unifying integrity in Gourlay’s work that has remained constant over time, even as it has changed

bottom photo courtesy Fox Gallery NYC

Artistry

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to reflect both the artist’s evolving vision and an ever more confident hand. It’s the integrity that comes from Gourlay’s open and vulnerable approach, but it would be a mistake to confuse this vulnerability with fragility. Behind Gourlay’s serene, almost ethereal, outward presence, there’s an absolute will of iron that’s reflected in her paintings and drawings. Through elaborate collage, strong blocks of color, or the intricate layering of lines, Gourlay establishes a firm balance between intellectual calculation and spontaneous expression,

“Although I often have an image in my mind, I try to keep my conscious mind, the editor, in another room,” says Gourlay. exploiting the inherent tension between these dualities, and never allowing one to be ascendant over the other. “Although I often have an image in my mind, I try to keep my conscious mind, the editor, in another room,” she says. “This allows freedom to explore and expand intuitively on the initial vision, to incorporate unexpected and playful juxtapositions, to enter into ‘dialogue’ with the piece while remaining honest to the original image.” In other words, Gourlay’s deeply personal meditations are transferred onto her canvas, and then become ours to share. • editor’s note: To see more of Elizabeth Gourlay’s

work, visit elizabethgourlay.com or Fox Gallery NYC, foxgallerynyc.com.

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in our backyard

Turn, Turn, Turn A creative couple takes the handcrafted furnishings world by storm, one hand-lathed spindle at a time. ///////////

By Maria LaPiana

the fanciful ideas that he, a gifted woodworker, brings to life. Purveyors of romantic lighting and home furnishings since 2010, Dunes and Duchess (the company) is known for its traditional influences and modern vibe, as well as its impossibly high-gloss lacquer finishes. Its hallmark feature—latheturned wood spindles combined in artful ways—graces every one of its chandeliers, candelabra, sconces, frames, benches,

dining tables, and more. Kunstel and Partenio dream up, sketch, build, finish, and ship all of their merchandise out of a 3,500-square-foot shop in Brookfield. CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Half-Hitching Post Table

Lamp in Cap Ferrat Bleu with burlap shade; Porthole Mirror in We’d Rather Be Royal Blue with mahoganylined insert and brass tacks; Yachtsman Pendant in Mulberry with tiki spindles; Tiki Floor Lamp in gold leaf; Lakehouse Chair in black; Double Rachel Sconce in International Lifesaving Orange with burlap shades; Captain’s Compass table in black gloss.

Photos courtesy Dunes and Duchess

f ever a couple seemed wired to run a business together, it’s this one. Entrepreneurs to the core, Michael Partenio and Stacy Kunstel are Dunes and Duchess. They’re both intensely visual but with complementary skill sets. Partenio is an artist with the mind of an engineer (she lovingly calls him a geek), while Kunstel is a visionary with an uncommon eye for design. She’s the storyteller who dreams up many of 28 New England Home Connecticut spring 2016

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The two worked together for years—he as a photographer and she as a stylist and writer for interior design magazines (including New England Home, where Kunstel is homes editor)—before their relationship blossomed into romance. It was actually a sweet gesture that inspired the new partnership. They were working on location in Florida when Kunstel fell in love with a vintage Napoleonic-era candelabra. Partenio later thoughtfully made one like it for his favorite stylist: “It was the first ‘I love you’ gift I gave her,” he says. It was also the start of something big. Curious to see how the piece, along with two variations, would play to the market, they took a space at the International Gift Show in New York City in 2010. To their sheer surprise, they tallied up $35,000 in sales by the end of the show. It didn’t hurt that a buyer from Gump’s in San Francisco placed a large order, but Dunes and Duchess had attracted the attention of designers, and the word spread quickly. Six years later, they’re working with the CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Stacy Kunstel and

Michael Partenio, aka Duchess and Dunes, in their Brookfield workshop; custom desk with tiki legs for the Hamptons Designer Showhouse; detail of the Island House mirror in fumed oak; dining tables get the Dunes and Duchess brand; a spindle in process; Two-Arm Candelabra in limed oak.

likes of designers Amanda Nisbet, Jamie Drake, and Thom Filicia. They collaborated on a Mabley Handler showhouse room, and have been featured in publications such as House Beautiful, Coastal Living, Elle Decor, and O, The Oprah Magazine, among others. “From the start we got a lot of traction with social media,” says Partenio. They post frequently, sharing images and ideas with thousands of followers. “We like to post interactive stuff, showing our lives, too,” says Kunstel. “We want to be as authentic as possible.” The company is evolving, producing more streamlined pieces, many of which are larger in scale, including stately floor lamps and outsize sconces. “All of our designs are derivative,” says Kunstel, so there’s no telling where the next idea will come from. “I take huge inspiration from fashion colors and structures,” she says. “We’re starting to think of matte finishes, softer tones,” she says. “And we live in New England, so there is all of that inspiration, too.” They pride themselves on being an

American company. They source North American maple and oak, and all of their turned pieces are made to order by woodworkers in the Buffalo, New York, area. They use as many local services as they can and do everything else in-house. Partenio developed the lacquering process they use to create their finishes. Kunstel is a natural marketer who’s passionate about everything they do. “We know every piece intimately,” she says, and every detail matters. The logo, for example, had to be “nautical and royal,” and it is. “With its swoops and an infinity symbol, it sends the right message,” she says. And the name? Kunstel was living in New Hampshire when the couple started dating, and Partenio often spoke glowingly of her to his teenage sons. In jest they started calling her “The Duchess of Hampshire.” It stuck. Partenio has always loved the beach, so he was dubbed Dunes. The couple never imagined how consuming this joint venture would be—nor how rewarding. “We’ve never worked harder in our lives,” says Kunstel with a satisfied smile. “It’s funny, but now when we go on a photo shoot together, it almost feels like we’re on vacation.” • Dunes and Duchess

Brookfield (205) 422-0084 dunesandduchess.com

Portrait and manufacturing shots (2) by Chris Setter; Other photos courtesy Dunes and duchess

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state of the market

Everything Old Is New A vibrant design scene anchored by antiques galleries has turned a tiny part of Fairfield County into a mecca for lovers of timeless design. ///////////

he party at Stamford’s Antique and Artisan Gallery is a glittering affair attended by notable and beautiful people and photographed by artists and paparazzi. Designers air-kiss magazine editors, champagne flows, and bonhomie prevails. The setting is enchanting, composed of

the carefully curated antiques and decorative objects that gallery owner Mari Ann Maher displays in a 22,000-square-foot former warehouse on Jefferson Street. Hers is one of the antiques and design businesses that have transformed this part of Fairfield County. “It all started eighteen years ago, when two gentlemen

bought this building to launch a multidealer antiques mall,” Maher explains. “It was a seedy, unsafe, old industrial area at the time, but they had vision.” Maher, who had worked with the venerable New York, Washington, D.C., A vignette at Stamford’s Antique and Artisan Gallery appears almost move-in ready.

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Florida, and Chicago antiques firm John Rosselli, bought the business with partner Bruce Wylie eight years ago. “We have developed it,” she says. “We have fabric, we offer upholstery services, we have our own trucking capabilities, and we offer inhouse design services. We have sixty dealers renting space, with things that run the gamut from seventeenth-century Belgian furniture to midcentury modern.” “Jefferson Street is having a renaissance,” says Greenwich interior designer Catherine Cleare. She lists some of her favorite antiquing destinations, which include Harbor View Center for Antiques and Hiden Galleries. “It doesn’t matter what style you’re looking for, there are so many dealers that it’s

At Left: Fairfield County Antique & Design Center also boasts a contemporary art gallery. Above: A

selection of traditional beauties at Harbor View Center for Antiques.

there somewhere.” New York interior designer Michael Whaley lauds this renaissance. “There is still a scattering of dealers in Westport, and there used to be a lot in Greenwich, but this is really where it’s happening now,” he says. “A one-mile area on the South Side of Stamford has the country’s largest con-

HAPPY HUNTING » Cheryl Hiden of Hiden Galleries likes a little bit of everything, from jewelry to midcentury modern design. Accessible and wide-ranging, the showroom also provides design services. 47 John St., Stamford, (203) 363-0003, hidengalleries.com

» The Fairfield County Antique & Design Center represents more than seventy dealers, functions as a conduit to design services, and also features a contemporary art gallery curated by owner Geoffrey Walsky. 19 Willard Rd., Norwalk, (203) 826-8575, fairfieldantiqueanddesign.com

» The Harbor View Center for Antiques is a particular favorite of area designers Catherine Cleare and Linda Ruderman. Described as “very upscale,” with almost fifty dealers offering the best of traditional antiques, this is heaven for browsers. 101 Jefferson St., Stamford, (203) 325-8070, harborviewantiques.com

» The Antique & Artisan Gallery houses the wares of sixty dealers in a showroom that New York designer Michael Whaley calls “very chic.” Director Mari Ann Maher prides herself on her displays. 69 Jefferson St., Stamford, (203) 327-6022, theantiqueandartisangallery.com

» United House Wrecking Company started as a demolition business in 1954; today, it offers a dizzying array of house parts, garden elements, and a wide selection of new furniture. 535 Hope St., Stamford, (203) 348-5371, unitedhousewrecking.com

Above right: Luis R. Lopez (2)

Hundreds of antiques dealers sell their wares in various galleries along the southern end of Fairfield County. Those hunting for something unique are sure to find it somewhere between Bridgeport and Stamford. Here is a short list of highly recommended sites.

36 New England Home Connecticut spring 2016

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centration of antiques dealers. In four or five centers on the south side of the tracks, there is a huge collection of dealers. Each center has its own personality.” The burgeoning antiques scene has brought other design businesses to the area, including Stark Carpets, Design Within Reach, and Lee Jofa. The abandoned industrial warehouses of Stamford and Norwalk have proved a boon to space-hungry businesses priced out of

the overheated New York and Boston real estate markets. “Some have showroom areas that are open to the public, some are to the trade,” says Linda Ruderman, a Greenwich interior designer. “All are located in old warehouses.” Location, location, location doesn’t just apply to selling real estate, it seems. “We are in close proximity to both New York and Boston, where there are fewer

and fewer antiques shops,” says Geoffrey Walsky, owner of the Fairfield County Antique and Design Center, located in a 20,000-square-foot 1950s warehouse in Norwalk. “We represent seventy dealers, and we also have a contemporary art gallery, so we are a serious resource for dealers and designers.”

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Above: Finds at Hiden Galleries can range from a brace of fox head bookends to a bevy of antique steamer trunks. Facing page: Outdoors and in, United House Wreck-

Louise Keim (2)

ing Company is chockablock with rescued architectural treasures.

Like Maher, his Stamford counterpart, Walsky offers design resources that include draperies and upholstery services. And, like antiques dealers everywhere today, he makes smart use of online outlets. “Online is a major part of our business,” Walsky says. “We really make use of our own website, and we are on 1stdibs and others.” Still, he notes, “It’s fun to watch people coming into our building. Even if you didn’t think you liked antiques, you will find something that catches your eye!” Cleare credits magazines for showing

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homeowners how to put the old with the new. “You can only have so much new stuff; it gets tiresome and soulless without the mix,” she says. “We need the proportions and the scale of fabulous old pieces. A pretty line is a pretty line.” To keep eye-catching vignettes fresh and sparkling, Walsky and Maher treat their spaces like showrooms that bear no resemblance to the musty, jumbled antiques shops of yore. “Mari Ann has a fabulous sense of style,” Whaley says of Maher. “Every

couple of weeks, the place looks completely different.” “It’s a lifestyle,” Maher attests. “We do this seven days a week, and are constantly moving and decorating.” This activity is also prompted by the speed with which antiques are selling. “Midcentury modern was all anyone cared about, but now that is shifting,” Whaley says. “People are rediscovering antiques. Now, if you see something you want, you’d better grab it, because it won’t be around for long.” •

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Fine Landscape Design Outdoor Living

Middeleer Land Design, LLC

Connecticut Stone

Austin Ganim Landscape Design, LLC

SPECIAL MARKETING SECTION

Gault Stone

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Aqua Pool & Patio, Inc.

53 Newberry Road East Windsor, CT 06088 (860) 623-9886 (800) 722-2782 aquapool.com

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& Outdoor Living

Fine Landscape Design

or more than 46 years, Aqua Pool & Patio, Inc. has been enhancing finer homes throughout southern New England with its unique, custom-designed, in-ground Gunite swimming pools. Using an outdoor-living-room design concept, the staff at Aqua Pool creates special designs for customers’ homes that accurately reflect their individual lifestyles. Aqua Pool provides a handcrafted addition to the home, produced by trained and experienced artisans and craftsmen. While traditional methods and values are important in Aqua’s family-owned business, the company also embraces the advantages of modern technology. Aqua encourages the incorporation of

in-floor automatic pool-cleaning systems to reduce maintenance time to a minimum. We also recommend electronic controls for pool functions and water-feature controls. The ability for customers to control their complete pool environments from inside their hot spas is convenient. The ability to exercise this control from in the house or even from the car is amazing. From stone-covered natural pools tucked away in the woods to classical designs adjacent to the home, Aqua’s designers can fulfill all your wishes. Aqua Pool also provides Gunite pool renovations. From a simple coping or tile replacement to a complete pool refurbishing, we can give your pool a refreshing new look. And with the addition of new,

upgraded mechanical equipment, Aqua can create the feeling of a new pool. For pool owners with very busy schedules, Aqua also offers pool service, maintenance, and repairs. We provide annual services, including spring openings, weekly cleanings and service, and fall closings. In addition, the company offers vacation pool-sitting or repairs as needed.

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Austin Ganim Landscape Design, LLC

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& Outdoor Living

Fine Landscape Design

ustin Ganim Landscape Design offers a full range of design, installation, and maintenance services for properties of all sizes and styles. Our staff includes landscape designers, a horticulturalist, and a licensed landscape architect. Influenced by our backgrounds in horticulture, garden design, historic preservation, and landscape architecture, as well as hands-on experience, our designs create a seamless transition between the home and garden. Whether renovating an existing landscape or starting from scratch, our design-build team assists clients through the entire process. After the initial meeting at your property

to discuss the scope of work, we determine the appropriate type of services, develop a landscape plan customized to your needs and site conditions, review material selections, and provide an estimate. We can assist with project phasing and value engineering to help you achieve your desired results. Once the scope of the project is finalized, our skilled crews will install your landscape and hardscape in a timely manner, with the utmost professionalism. AGLD offers a variety of lawn and landscape maintenance services Austin Ganim Landscape Design, LLC to keep your property looking its Austin Ganim & Eva Chiamulera, ASLA, PLA best. Our goal is to create timeless 320 Kings Highway Cutoff landscapes that our clients will enjoy Fairfield, CT 06824 for years to come. (203) 333-2003 austinganimlandscapedesign.com Special Marketing Sectionâ&#x20AC;&#x201A;45

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Connecticut Stone

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& Outdoor Living

Fine Landscape Design

onnecticut Stone is your source for innovative ideas for designing with stone. Our knowledgeable staff has more than 60 years of experience collaborating as a trusted partner with architects, builders, and landscape designers on large-scale residential and commercial projects. From full-scale custom kitchen and bath designs to fireplace fabrication, our team will work closely with you to ensure a seamless process from materials selection and construction through

project completion. Browse our five-acre showroom and facility for a wide selection of native and imported natural stone, including marble, granite, limestone, building stone, and much more. Our professional and friendly staff will guide you through our luxury product lines of porcelain, ceramic, and glass tile, featuring brands such as Walker Zanger, Artistic Tile, and New Ravenna. Let us help you see the full potential of stone. Call or visit us online for ideas and inspiration.

138 Woodmont Road Milford, CT 06460 (203) 882-1000 connecticutstone.com

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Erskine Associates LLC

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& Outdoor Living

Fine Landscape Design

ÂŠ Barry a. hyman, 2014

rskine Associates LLC is an award-winning, full-service design firm based in Redding, specializing in architecture, landscape architecture, site planning, and interiors. Principal Silvia Erskine is committed to a holistic approach to design through the careful integration of architectural and landscape form. Over the past 20 years, Silvia has completed numerous residential projects, including new homes, additions, and extensive architectural and landscape renovations. Involved from the earliest consultations to the final stages of construction, Erskine Associates creates designs that meld the visions of their clients with the historical, regional, and natural contexts of each site.

Each project, regardless of size, is approached with the same commitment to site stewardship and creative detailing, with special emphasis on quality materials and year-round interest. The natural characteristics of the site and the architecture of the home inform the design of each garden, and particular attention is paid to enhancing a sense of place through thoughtful artistic intervention. Erskine Associatesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s landscape portfolio also includes municipal and institutional projects, for which the firm has received Honor and Merit awards from the American Society of Landscape Architects. The company has designed several projects for the campus of Convent of the Sacred Heart in Greenwich.

Erskine Associates LLC PO Box 998 Georgetown, CT 06829 (203) 762-9017 erskineassoc.com Special Marketing Sectionâ&#x20AC;&#x201A;49

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Freddy’s Landscape

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& Outdoor Living

Fine Landscape Design

reddy’s Landscape, located in Fairfield, has offered a full range of services to clients for more than 20 years. From customdesigned landscapes and swimming pools to distinctive outdoor living spaces, Freddy’s Landscape partners with architects, builders, and designers to create beautiful gardens and outdoor environments. Also known for designing relaxing surroundings, Freddy’s Landscape erects distinctive stonewalls and outdoor patios, block driveways, focused outdoor lighting, arbors, and pergolas. Since partnering with BioNova Natural Swimming Pools last year, installing chemical-free swimming pools has become a growing segment of the business.

Freddy’s Landscape is known for quality landscape installation and maintenance. The company offers comprehensive maintenance programs to preserve and ensure a beautiful garden from year to year. With a reputation for maintaining fine homes and estates, Freddy’s Landscape enhances and preserves residences throughout every season. Freddy’s has added a seasonal nursery to supply clients with the highest quality trees, shrubs, and plants. Freddy Miraballes has a proven history of working with homeowners and designers to create awardwinning gardens and outdoor spaces. “We maintain your outdoor spaces, so you can enjoy a picture-perfect landscape,” he says.

Freddy’s Landscape BioNova® Natural Swimming Pools 40 Belmont Street Fairfield, CT 06824 62 1/2 Prospect Street Greenwich, CT 06830 (203) 855-7854 freddyslandscape.com Special Marketing Section 51

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Gault Stone

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Fine Landscape Design

&Outdoor Living

hether you need a rock wall to enhance your property, a fire pit to warm your patio, a built-in barbeque to accentuate your outdoor space, a meandering walkway, a stone deck for your swimming pool, or decorative landscape pebbles to spruce up your driveway, Gault Stone has one of the largest stone selections for you to explore in either of our Fairfield County showrooms. Our stone associates are known for unparalleled customer service and are well equipped to answer any questions, or even to act as a consultant for your project. And now you can turn to Gault Stone for all of your fabrication

needs. In our state-of-the-art facility, we are able to turn projects around with superior quality, on time, and on budget. No matter the stone, from standard materials to exotic ones, we can bring your ideas to life. Gault Stone Fabrication is where twentyfirst-century technology meets the artistry of Old-World stone craftsmanship. Gault Stone has a proven history of being the premier choice for homeowners and contractors alike. Our materials have been used in thousands of projects throughout Fairfield and Westchester counties; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no wonder that our business and homeowner clients come back time and time again, and it is this heritage that has become synonymous with trust for more than 150 years.

11 Ferry Lane West| Westport, CT 06880 (203) 227-5181 1 Paul Street | Bethel, CT 06801 (203) 790-9023 gaultstone.com Special Marketing Sectionâ&#x20AC;&#x201A;53

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Homefront Farmers

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& Outdoor Living

Fine Landscape Design

here’s something about growing our own food that simplifies life, that literally “grounds” us. Talk to most people about vegetable gardens and they’ll get nostalgic about their parents’ or their grandparents’ garden and wish they could have one of their own. But growing food is not something we’re taught these days; it’s been bumped from life’s curriculum to make room for texting and GPS navigation. That’s where Homefront Farmers comes in. This unique, Connecticutbased company is dedicated to helping clients grow their own food, organically. The company is best known for designing and building beautiful, carefully crafted,

raised-bed gardens. But it also provides many other services, including berry growing, fruit tree management, beekeeping, and even maple sugaring. For those who want some help, Homefront Farmers also provides full-season garden maintenance, from the first snap pea to the last fall potato. Its trained organic gardeners use strategies like succession planting and season extension to keep things growing up to nine months of the year, ensuring the harvest is as bountiful as it is tasty, fresh, and healthy. Whether you want a garden or have one that needs help, give Homefront Farmers a call and put a little farming in your life.

(203) 470-3655 HIC 0635987 homefrontfarmers.com Special Marketing Section 55

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Middeleer Land Design, LLC

56 Special Marketing Section

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& Outdoor Living

Fine Landscape Design

iddeleer Land Design, LLC is a fullservice landscape architectural practice specializing in residential and institutional projects. Through our years of experience in the field of landscape architecture, we have learned that the art of landscape design is as much about responding—to a client’s needs and desires, the specifics of local ecology, and to the architectural and cultural context—as it is about creating something unique and beautiful. In each of our projects, we strive to exceed our clients’ expectations by delivering distinctive designs on

time and within the desired budget. And with our long history of work in southwestern Connecticut and adjoining areas, we have developed lasting relationships with skilled local artisans and contractors, which we’ve found to be an important ingredient in the success of our projects. At MLD we work closely with our clients to guide them through the entire process, from conceptual design through construction, helping them to achieve designs that are sustainable and energy-efficient while providing year-round interest. Please contact us today for a free, on-site consultation.

P.O. BOX 179 Middeleer Land Design, LLC GEORGETOWN, CT 06829 PO Box 179 | Georgetown, CT 06829 (203) 403-0766 (203) 403-0766 middlanddesign.com WWW.MIDDLANDDESIGN.COM Special Marketing Section 57

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Nukitchens

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& Outdoor Living

Fine Landscape Design

ukitchens, a SoNo company that has mastered kitchens inside the home, is taking their 25 years of experience to the great outdoors. This spring, the company introduces a wide range of outdoor kitchens from renowned outdoor lifestyle brand Brown Jordan, among others. America’s love affair with outdoor living has never been stronger, and homeowners are even adding value to their homes with these outside rooms. “It was obvious to us that the great outdoors has become another room for family and friends. The trend is strong, and it only seemed natural to address the growing need for beautifully organized outside kitchens,” says Nukitchens CEO Joseph Najmy.

He goes on to say, “We are kitchen specialists; that’s all we do.” With the launch of the company’s outdoor division, Nukitchens | Outdoor, people can choose from a range of outdoor cooking areas, specialized cooking appliances, stainless steel cabinetry construction, and storage areas. There is a vast array of designer colors and styles to choose from. See Nukitchens’s outdoor kitchens now on display in its showroom at 132 Water Street, South Norwalk.

132 Water Street Norwalk, CT 06854 (203) 831-9000 nukitchens.com Special Marketing Section 59

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a Splash of Dash

A designer adds just the right amount of color to give an almost-perfect home the spark it needs to suit its energetic young family.

Text by Megan Fulweiler Photography by John Gould Bessler Produced by Karin Lidbeck Brent

62â&#x20AC;&#x201A; New England Home Connecticutâ&#x20AC;&#x201A; spring 2016

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Interior designer Lauren Muse c ollaborated with Michelle Brunwasser of Weber Fine Art Greenwich to help the owners find works that would please them visually and suit their decor, such as the dining room’s lively painting by Judith Kruger. FACING PAGE: The entry’s contemporary console and attention-getting art by James Nares provide a lively contrast to the traditional architecture.

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The living room’s high level of interest stems in great part from all “the varied elements of texture,” says the designer. The metal side table is topped with petrified wood, while two stools flaunt velvet-clad bases to complement their seats of striped fabric by Duralee. Pale linen curtains afford privacy and soften the windows. The arresting painting is by Patrick Wilson.

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ne of our greatest style icons, the late Diana Vreeland, fashion editor of Harper’s Bazaar, editor-in-chief of Vogue, and costume consultant for the Metropolitan Museum of Art, wouldn’t have stepped out the door without her signature red lipstick. It lit up her memorable face and gave notice that hers was an alluring, vibrant personality. Sometimes houses are like that, too. All they need is a dash of luster to boost their ambience and underscore their attributes. Take this handsome Riverside home, for example. No ordinary dwelling to begin with, its meticulous construction involved only nontoxic materials. “The original owner had chemical sensitivities,” recalls architect Sean Taylor of Mockler Taylor Architects. “Everything had to be designed and built around providing good indoor air quality.” Understandably, the current owners, Randy and Wendy Browning-Lynch, parents of young children, were delighted to have found such a nest. And as if a healthy home weren’t enough, the place was beautiful and the layout was familyfriendly. Still, the house seemed to be lacking a spark—something that would really bring it to life. Enter Greenwich interior designer Lauren Muse. Muse, like Wendy, loves color and, most important, has an enviable knack for injecting just the right amount exactly where it’s needed. Since the house was in excellent condition, Muse was free to concentrate Project Team

Sean Taylor, Mockler Taylor Architects Interior design: Lauren Muse, Muse Interiors Builder: Ken Bacco Architecture:

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Muse introduced plenty of muted shades and lowkey patterns that are lively, but not daunting.

on cosmetics—“the fun part,” she says. The foundation—a neutral palette—was just waiting for her touch. Her splashes of color pop up throughout the home, creating a fresh, contemporary spirit. To launch this change of attitude, Muse began by energizing the entry hall with the kind of composition that inspires people to use the front door. Artist James Nares’s bold print is paired with a custom console lacquered in Benjamin Moore’s high gloss Hale Navy. On the floor, Muse added an irresistible Alexander McQueen rug in royal blue. Aware that too much of anything is never good, Muse doesn’t overload her clients. Working primarily with a mix of purple and orange—Wendy’s own choice—Muse introduced plenty of muted shades and low-key patterns that are lively, but not daunting. A peek into the living room reveals armchairs clad in a subdued but attentiongetting orange Romo pattern. Across the way, the chenille sofa hosts pillows covered in an embroidered orangeand-purple Robert Allen material (“I fell in love with this one and played the whole room from there,” says the designer). There’s an orange-and-white lumbar pillow to continue the theme,

Subtle details and elegant fixtures lend the family-friendly home stature. CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The distinctive silhouettes and nailhead trim of a dining chair conjure edginess. The dining room’s Arctic Pear chandelier by Ochre is fashioned with solid glass drops for an extra dose of sparkle. In the master bedroom, a lumbar pillow sports a metallic fabric for some grown-up sheen. A channel groove enhances the living room’s white oak coffee table. Mirrored doors glamorize the dining room console. Nailhead trim—one of Muse’s favorite touches—accentuates the living room sofa’s lines.

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“Art should work in the context of the room, not be matchymatchy,” Muse says.

and shapely orange Dynasty vases on the mantel. But there’s also a surprise. Two X-base stools flaunt a stripe of blue and white that ties in with the entry’s console. Everything is so harmonious it’s difficult to imagine one element without the other. The walls of the adjacent dining room were hand-painted and stenciled when the Lynches arrived. But whereas some designers might balk at combining punchy art with a patterned backdrop, Muse is not among them. Over the mirrored console hangs a lively painting, by Judith Kruger, that complements the space. “Art should work in the context of the room, not be matchy-matchy,” Muse says. Charles Stewart dining chairs dressed in lavender Highland Court linen gather around the dark table like spring flowers. Above hangs a gleaming Arctic Pear chandelier by Ochre. “We needed a soft color for the seats to offset the strong purple silk curtains,” the designer explains. “The chandelier is for bling.” As sophisticated as the house appears, though, its decor is far more durable than visitors suppose. A parent herself, Muse knows comfort and livability are keys to a welcoming home.

Her ability to compose polished rooms that belie their wearability is clear in the family room. To rev up the cozy factor, she added bench seating—a favorite with kids and adults alike—alongside the stone fireplace. The custom coffee table with its weathered-wood top is ideal for a game of Monopoly or a tray of pre-dinner cocktails. The upholstered seating is treated to resist staining, and the ottomans, with their faux leather tops and Ikat sides, are as versatile as they are chic. Here, as in many of the other rooms, a graphic but subdued carpet serves as a unifying element for the disparate patterns, while jolts of yellow lend sunny cheer. The nearby breakfast room is both visually rich and hardworking. Sticky fingerprints and spills? No worries. The chairs (four came via the owner’s last address and were smartly refurbished)

The welcoming 4,000-square-foot, shingled house incorporates timeless features like a port cochere. FACING PAGE: Muse used a soothing gray-blue paint in the family room to create a backdrop for a host of lively fabrics including pillows dressed in a blue-and-taupe leaf motif from Zoffany and geometric stripes by Christopher Farr Cloth. New Lucite hardware and a freshly lacquered mantel increase modernity.

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flaunt matte vinyl fronts and backs and faux leather seats. “They’re wearable and cleanable,” Muse says with delight. And yet, the entire scene, including the chairs’ delicious color, the slick custom table, and the Oly Studio chandelier, is way too high on charm for anyone to focus on practicality. Obviously, the parents’ haven didn’t have to be as long wearing as the communal rooms. After all, this is where Mom and Dad are allowed time off. But Muse kept everyday traffic in mind, incorporating a Tencel rug that looks like silk. Exercising her usual

The breakfast room’s custom table combines a stained white-oak top with an industrialinspired steel base. The colorful art, which couldn’t be a better fit for the orange-and-purple theme, also graced the owner’s previous home. FACING PAGE: Hanging his and her lights free up space on the nightstands in the master bedroom, where hand-painted metallic wallpaper covers the wall behind the bed. A faux-shagreen-framed mirror adds interest to the fireplace.

creativity, she also installed an elegant, hand-painted metallic wallpaper from Studio E on an accent wall. The couple’s existing bed catapulted from quiet to posh with a sunset-colored duvet and linen pillows with orange faux-leather accents. When schedules allow for a quiet chat, there’s a grownup seating area opposite the bed with chenille-covered chairs and a wovenmetal table. Timeless but also current, today’s house feels like the perfect environment for a modern family. Muse’s deft balance of what she describes as “clean lines and complex patterns” guarantees functionality. That it all looks so good is a giant perk. Had the owners opted for faddish hues and unforgiving furniture, it could have been a different story. Instead, their tasteful aesthetic combined with Muse’s talents hits just the right kind of cheery, happy-ever-after note. •

The designer’s deft balance of clean lines and complex patterns guarantees functionality.

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Coming Home

A modern update to a classic Shingle-style house in an archetypal New England town gives a couple and their two children a new sense of belonging. Text by Lisa E. Harrison | Photography by Michael Partenio | Produced by Stacy Kunstel ✦ ✦ ✦ Located in Southport’s Historic District, the Shingle-style house hadn’t been altered much since it was built in 1894, retaining its original detail and character.

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✦ ✦ ✦ In the foyer, an antique French sideboard that doubles as a bar welcomes visitors. The owners discovered the painting that hangs above it on Martha’s Vineyard. FACING PAGE: The living room has a formal feel without sacrificing comfort. The landscape that hangs above the mantel, which echoes the pretty palette of blues and greens, is another Vineyard find.

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When it comes to house hunting, the list of must-haves varies greatly.

Some people want waterfront. Others need six bedrooms or an easy commute to the city. Hilary Breier’s top priority was belonging to a nice community. With two young children and a husband who frequently travels internationally, she felt a bit isolated in the family’s home on the Wilton/Ridgefield border. When she came across a Shingle-style house in Southport while her husband, Damien, was out of the country, she asked a friend—a Yale architecture major who also happened to be a teaching assistant for a professor who penned a book on Shingle-style homes—to accompany her on the tour. His verdict was swift: “If you guys don’t buy this house, I am buying this house.” And it spurred Hilary to act quickly: she put an offer on the house before Damien even had a chance to see it. In fact, Damien wouldn’t step foot on the property until the day of the inspections. It was 9 a.m., Hilary remembers. As they strolled the backyard, the bells of Trinity Church began to ring, and cherry blossoms fell spring 2016 New England Home Connecticut 75

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✦ ✦ ✦ Above from left: Bistro chairs custom made in France flank the Carrara marble kitchen island. A luxe William Morris wallcovering is a surefire dinner party conversation-starter. A built-in cabinet finished to mimic an antique anchors the dining room.

gently from the trees. It was all too perfect. Damien turned to her and asked, “Did you set this up?” The setting and the community were ideal; Southport is a quintessential New England waterfront village. A library, a beach, and a yacht club are all easily reached by kids on foot or bike. It’s the kind of place where you might bump into your architect or interior designer at church on Sunday morning. The house, on the other hand, needed some work. Southport architect John Franzen says that other than paint, appliances, and some minor updates here and there, the house hadn’t been altered since it was built in 1894. In fact, because it sits squarely in the Historic District, change doesn’t come easily. The original house had a very small kitchen,

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remembers Franzen, and a chimney stood in the way of expansion. Removing a chimney is a no-go in a Historic District, so Franzen worked around the problem by installing a steel beam to support the chimney while he did away with the fireplace. This paved the way for him to bump out the kitchen and add a family room, bathroom, and mudroom. He reconfigured the second floor, converting smaller rooms into a master suite and two good-size bedrooms for the kids. Save for an updated bathroom, he left the third floor intact. The plan also called for adding a two-car garage, a pool house, and a pool. Landscape architect Allison Slaughter surrounded the pool with lush grasses and perennials. In the front of the house, classics

like flowering trees, hedges, and hydrangeas suit the residence beautifully. Hilary found her interior designer a bit serendipitously. A nonprofit fund-raising meeting brought her to Parker Rogers’s home. As soon as she saw his house, she said to herself, “I found our designer. I want our house to look just like Parker’s.” He had achieved what she wanted: a timeless New England Project Team

John Franzen, J.P. Franzen Associates Architects Parker Rogers and Katie Holmberg, Parker & Company Builder: Construction and Development Management Associates Landscape architect: Allison Slaughter Architecture:

Interior design:

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look that integrates a nice mix of classic and contemporary pieces but is, above all, comfortable. Rogers and his associate, Katie Holmberg, set to work. “We wanted to pay homage to the history of the house, town, and architecture, but keep it fresh and livable for a young family,” Rogers explains. The family room makes a perfect illustration of this notion of mixing new with old. Hilary and Damien had a favorite carpet from their previous home that they wanted to incorporate. The designers used it as a launching pad, pulling its navy and cream to create a casual coastal vibe. To add texture, they covered the walls in grasscloth and hung bamboo blinds on the two big banks of windows. For continuity, the grasscloth continues into the adjacent kitchen, which stands two steps up from the family room. Characterized by traditional white Shaker cabinets, Carrara marble countertops, and a backsplash of white subway tile, the space is defined by clean lines and a user-friendly layout. The spacious new kitchen also has a pantry, a built-in coffee station, and a round table that seats six for casual dining. An overarching theme was to “deformalize the

To give the room a real gentleman’s feel, they chose a chocolate-brown crocodile-textured wallpaper —“everyone reaches out and touches it,” says Holmberg.

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✦ ✦ ✦ “If you’re here for a cocktail or a dinner party, you definitely play pool,” says designer Parker Rogers, so it was important for the billiard room to make a statement. Drapes of richly colored plaid fabric lend a men’s club touch. FACING PAGE, TOP: Rich chocolate-brown wallcovering adds to the masculine appeal. FACING PAGE, BOTTOM: The family room, part of the home’saddition, combines comfort and chic, coastal New England style with ease.

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✦ ✦ ✦ The homeowners love having so many outdoor seating options to take advantage of—to enjoy meals, wave to neighbors, or simply relax by the pool. FACING PAGE: The designers incorporated beautiful creams and whites into the master suite to give it the subtle, sophisticated feel of a high-end hotel room.

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An overarching theme was to “deformalize the house and open it up,” says Holmberg.

house and open it up,” says Holmberg. The designers set that vibe right from the get-go in the front foyer with an antique marble-top French sideboard that does double duty as a bar. “We like to put bars in a lot of our rooms,” explains Rogers. “It says welcome to our house, have a drink, relax.” The fun continues in the billiard room, which is just to the right of the foyer. The table, an antique from 1907, was a wedding gift. The designers spruced it up by changing the felt and finish and adding new leather pockets. To give the room a real gentleman’s feel, they chose a chocolate-brown crocodile-textured wallpaper—“everyone reaches out and touches it,” says Holmberg—and a Ralph Lauren masculine plaid for the drapes. A touch of green in the drapes and seagrass area rugs throughout bring harmony to the billiard, dining, and living rooms. Continuity was important, notes Holmberg, because the rooms are visible from one another.

The living and dining rooms have a more formal appeal, yet still feel comfortable. Luxurious fabrics and furnishings create a nice interplay with the textured rug. A decorative painter transformed the dining room’s white built-in cabinet, giving it the look of a beautiful antique piece of furniture. Hand-carved custom chairs from London flank the dining table, but “to keep the house fresh, crisp, and young,” says Rogers, the designers went bold with an apple-green mohair upholstery. And the pièce de résistance? An intricate, hand-blocked William Morris wallpaper, a nod to the nearby Pequot Library. The stunning wallpaper is, in a way, emblematic of the whole project—it’s a renovation that is sensitive to a particular time and place, beautifully merging past and present. And most important to Hilary, it celebrates the community she and her family have grown to love. • Resources For more information about this home, see page 132. spring 2016 New England Home Connecticut 81

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True to her artistic roots, Rachel Volpone fills her home with bold, colorful combinations of her own art and the creations of artist friends that range from painting to sculpture to photography and more. FACING PAGE: Splashes of vivid color were a must for Volpone.

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B O L D Strokes A painter’s Ridgefield home is a lot like the artist herself: colorful, lively, and unafraid to make a fiercely personal statement. Text by Robert Kiener

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Photography by Michael Partenio

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iven that Rachel Volpone is a celebrated painter, it’s not surprising that her home reflects many of the same qualities that make her artwork so popular. Both employ bold uses of color, scale, and texture, and both show an artist’s keen eye for composition. Indeed, as the Ridgefield-based painter admits, “My house is a lot like my painting in that I’m constantly experimenting and adapting; it’s very much a work in progress.” After she finishes a painting she will often display it on one of her own walls. “Buyers are often more comfortable seeing a painting in a home setting, as opposed to a gallery,” she explains. Adding a painting, or removing one in the case of a sale, may even trigger a redesign of a room. Fortunately for Volpone, she has great friends who are also interior designers, and they are always willing to advise about a redesign. And, as Volpone admits with a smile, she owns plenty of furniture, design pieces, fabric, artwork, and more to work with. A self-confessed “maximalist,” Volpone has been a collector for years. Her cherished assortment of favorite things includes antiques and vintage finds as well as the artwork

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A vintage garden trellis makes a compelling background for objects and art in the living room. FACING PAGE, TOP: Designer Amanda Dranow suggested adding neutral spaces, the better to showcase Volpone’s eclectic collections. FACING PAGE, BOTTOM: Dranow carved out a restful sitting nook in the large living room.

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of many talented friends. “This is definitely not a less-is-more house,” she says. “More is always more for me! I need help with editing my things.” Longtime friend and local designer Molly Hirsch describes Volpone’s home as “a design playground.” “Rachel’s artwork is always changing, and so is the design of her home,” Hirsch says. “If she needs to solve a design problem, she’ll call me in and we will work out a solution together. I like to think of her house as her canvas.” Take, for example, the family room. Volpone felt it just wasn’t working. As she explains, “There was something wrong with it, but I just couldn’t figure out how to fix it. I asked Molly for help.” Hirsch saw immediately that the problem was one of proportion and scale. “The room had a lot going on and needed a strong anchor,” she says. “We replaced the smallish coffee table with a

self-confessed “maximalist,” Volpone says, “This is definitely not a less-is-more house. More is always more for me!”

large, painted wood coffee table that establishes the room’s seating area, and had the couch re-covered.” Later, while scouting furniture for another client, Hirsch found a pair of sculptural lamps. Placed on a console behind a sofa, they help define the sitting area in the spacious room. Hirsch also helped Volpone sort out her master bedroom. “It was another composition and scale problem,” says the designer. “I advised Rachel to move her fantastic Venetian carved bed against the window and balance it with a set of dressers. It seemed counter-intuitive, but it worked.” Says Volpone, “Often it’s hard to work out the scale of a room when you are living in it. A new pair of eyes can work wonders.” Because Hirsch knows Volpone’s taste so well (“We are simpatico,” she says) she will often pick up an item for her when shopping. She discovered some red Diane James silk poppies and knew they would

Project Team Interior design: Molly Hirsch, Molly Hirsch Interiors, and Amanda Dranow, Amanda Dranow Decoration and Design

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The flamboyantly luxurious dining room features a painted ceiling with a mirror effect and a sideboard faux-painted to resemble a Tibetan chest. FACING PAGE, TOP: Designer Molly Hirsch knew the Diane James red silk poppies would make a perfect dining room accent. FACING PAGE, BOTTOM: One of Volpone’s oversize paintings adds extra drama to the aubergine walls.

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LEFT: The tile-floored kitchen includes a breakfast table topped with a Sally Aldrich bird sculpture and surrounded by antique upholstered chairs. One light-filled area holds a streamlined work surface and a modern West Elm desk chair. BELOW: The artist and homeowner at work. FACING PAGE: A kitchen wall painted in distressedlook silver makes a perfect backdrop for cherished items from Volpone’s years of collecting.

olpone says her design philosophy is simple: “Surround yourself with objects that have meaning and give you joy.” go perfectly in Volpone’s dramatic dining room. “I thought, ‘These are so Rachel’ when I saw them,” the designer says. Volpone agreed; they immediately became a much-admired accent point atop her dining room chest. Another friend and local designer, Amanda Dranow, has also worked with Volpone in what they both term “a constant collaboration.” Says Dranow, “I don’t have any other clients like Rachel. She is fearless and has such a great eye for design. I don’t think she really needs a designer, but she is so much fun to work with.” Like Hirsch, Dranow helped solve design problems. “Rachel wasn’t maximizing the living room,” the designer explains. She established a study area and added two cozy conversation areas to the side of the light-filled room. “Color is so much a part of Rachel’s art and design that I felt it was important to steer her to adding more neutral, restrained areas, so her dramatic pieces had the space they needed to be appreciated,” says Dranow. The dining room may be the home’s most dramatic statement. Inspired by a painting of colorful spring 2016 New England Home Connecticut 89

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After admitting that her family room “just didn’t work,” Volpone took Hirsch’s advice and replaced a small coffee table with a large customdesigned painted table to better anchor the room. Twin sculptural lamps help define the room’s sitting area.

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ranow learned a lot from working with Volpone. “A lot of designers focus on what you shouldn’t— or cannot—do, but Rachel has always been about what you should do and can do.”

Gypsies, it features aubergine walls with black trim, coral-hued drapes, and chairs upholstered in both floral and striped patterns. “I wanted the room to have just the right hue and contrast, like a painting,” says Volpone. “It is meant to be very atmospheric, making it a fun place to have dinner.” She found an antique Argentine bar and asked Norwalk-based faux painter Stephen D’Louhy to paint it like a Tibetan chest for use as a sideboard. “He nailed it,” says Volpone. She instructed him to leave the original stains on the top of the bar for “character.” Volpone also asked D’Louhy to paint the dining room ceiling in distressed, reflective silver and gold to resemble an antique mirror. “I’m intrigued with the magical, mysterious idea of antique mirrors

and all the scenes that have been reflected in them throughout history,” she says. “It gives the dining room another layer of the dramatic.” Inspired by her friend’s “brave” and “iconoclastic” approach to design, Dranow suggested using some old wooden garden trellises on a living room wall as a backdrop to a sort of artist’s bulletin board. “It added an interesting bit of texture and layering to the room,” much as Rachel’s paintings do, says Dranow. Volpone then added design items she had collected over the years. Dranow, like Hirsch, admits that she has learned a lot from working with Volpone. “A lot of designers focus on what you shouldn’t—or cannot—do, but Rachel has always been about what you should do and can do. She is inclusive rather than exclusive,” says Dranow. Volpone says her design philosophy is simple: “Surround yourself with objects that have meaning and give you joy.” On a recent visit to Volpone’s home to preview her paintings for an interested client, Molly Hirsch was reminded once again that her friend’s home is both a work in progress and a work of art. “Rachel’s interior design may not be like your typical Fairfield County house, but it is full of warmth and interest,” she says. “Just like Rachel herself!” • Resources For more information about this home, see page 132.

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A Venetian carved Bernini bed with parrots perched on the posts dominates the master bedroom. LEFT: A figurative painting by Volpone hangs on a mustardcolored wall in the artist’s study, which also holds a custom Parsons-style desk by DLF Contractors.

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D E D I C AT E D TO E XC E E D I N G E X P E C TAT I O N S

ONE MORGAN AVENUE | NORWALK, CT | 203-449-3190 | DIMEOCC.COM

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Perspectives Connecticut design considered from every angle

The Great Outdoors: Vibrant fabrics designed to stand up to the elements are perfect for porch, patio, and poolside. —edited by Lynda Simonton 1. Parterre

2. Bark Park

3. Carousel

Thibaut, Parc Monceau, Westport, (203) 319-0001, parcmonceauwestport.com

Perennials, David Sutherland Showroom, New York City, (212) 871-9717, davidsutherlandshowroom.com

Sunbrella, Calico, Westport, Avon, Wilton, (800) 213-6366, calicocorners.com

5. Kerkyra

Zancudo Outdoor Fabrics by Osborne & Little, Ring’s End Design & Decor Centers, various locations, (800) 390-1000, ringsend.com

4. Haven Lulu DK for Duralee, DesignSourceCT, Hartford, (860) 951-3145, designsourcect.com

Iona Outdoor Fabrics by Osborne & Little, Wakefield Design Center, Stamford, (203) 358-0818, wakefielddesigncenter.com

6. Pelada

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Perspectives

Shopping Bag

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South Glastonbury–based interior designer Kimberly Levin conjures up a cheerful breakfast room with updated classic style and a crisp palette of green and navy. Levin chose a custom hexagonal table covered in lacquered green grasscloth as a whimsical starting point for the room. A mirror framed in bright blue and a lively mix of fabrics keep the energy level high. Of course, every room can benefit from a bit of bling, and the exquisite Calais chandelier takes this room to a whole new level. We’re ready to brew a pot of coffee and settle in with the newspaper. Verve Design, South Glastonbury, (860) 978-4474, vervedesignllc.com

1. Halie Embroidery fabric, 2. Thibaut Misha fabric, 3. Thibaut Taza wall paper, DesignSourceCT, Hartford, (860) 951-3145, designsourcect.com 4. Natural Caramel Sisal Rug, Stark Showroom, Stamford, (203) 899-1771, starkcarpet.com 5. Sapphire Mirror from Bunny Williams, Pough Interiors, Essex, (860) 581-8344, poughinteriors.com 6. Calais Chandelier by Niermann Weeks for Visual Comfort, DesignSourceCT 7. Custom Table by Thibaut, DesignSourceCT 8. Lady Zetland’s Side Chair by Sarreid, Wakefield Design Center, Stamford, (203) 358-0818, wakefielddesigncenter.com

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3 3 0 Fa i r F i e l d av e n u e S ta m F o r d , C t 2 0 3 . 8 1 7. 0 4 3 3 S C h wa rt z d e S i g n S h ow r o o m . C o m t o - t h e - t r a d e o n ly

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Perspectives

Five Questions

big now. People are mixing a lot of metals, glass, and chrome. In terms of accessories, fringe—on bags, on tasseled necklaces, and on pillows—has been really big. KS: Abstract art: it’s a great way to introduce color and offer a unique expression in your house. TJ: Funky vintage mirrors are popular. People love “puff,” such as chairs with Mongolian fur on them, to add texture to a home. More people are adding layers to their home with items that have strong colors, patterns, or textures.

Clockwise from top left: Jennifer Borden, Tina Jones, and Kate Simpson

The owners of Darien’s Town House Finds + Designs explain how they have opened and run a successful shop that offers both home decor and women’s accessories.

How do you find inventory?

KS: It’s an ongoing hunt. Wherever we travel we keep an eye out for unique pieces. We go to estate sales, antique malls, and flea markets. JB: We also attend the big trade shows, and I am always looking at magazines and social media. Instagram is an excellent resource for finding amazing things and connecting with craftspeople. TJ: Twice a year we go to the Brimfield, Massachusetts, market with a U-Haul truck and spend two days scouring football fields full of stuff. We also check out eBay and Etsy and even Craigslist.

What has surprised you most about opening a shop, and what advice would you give to some who may want to?

Tina Jones: Kate and I were stylists for

magazines—I was at Martha Stewart Living—and we developed an eye for design. Home styling and decorating have always been passions of ours. Kate Simpson: My job as market editor at Domino magazine was to hunt for cool products to feature. That’s where the love of the hunt started for me. Jennifer Borden: My love of accessories and fashion came from working with Kate Spade, where, as licensing director, I helped develop the company’s partnerships with makers of sunglasses, shoes, stationery, fragrances, and more.

What type of items do you look for?

KS: In the beginning, I chose pieces that

I would like to live with in my own house. I have come to understand who our customer is and what she wants to buy: one-of-a-kind pieces you won’t see in a friend’s living room. TJ: We love vintage furniture from the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s that blends in nicely with modern-day homes. We fall in love with so many pieces we buy. For example, we have this great octagonal, malachite mirror in the store and we will all be sad when it goes! JB: We marry the high and the low of fashion. You can have the best of the best, but you don’t always have to have the most expensive; a $20 necklace can work great with an expensive piece of jewelry.

What is popular now; what is trending?

JB: Jewel-toned furniture items are

You have to love what you do to do well at it. Be passionate about what you want to sell, because it is really a representation of yourself. JB: It’s a 24/7 business making sure you have what people want, paying attention to trends, and staying ahead of the competition. Customer service is really important. One of the charms of running a small shop is that customers get to know us and vice versa. When I get something I know a couple of women in town will like, I text them. People appreciate that personal element. KS: It surprises me how fast inventory turns over. People are always looking for something new and fresh. Regarding advice, I would say trust your vision and go with your tastes and style. If you have good taste, people will come to you. INTERVIEW BY ROBERT KIENER

Laura moss

TJ: I was surprised how much work it is!

How have your backgrounds helped you in retail?

Town House Finds + Designs, Darien, (203) 309-5012, townhousefinds.com 100 New England Home Connecticut Spring 2016

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MICHAEL BIONDI

Traditional, Modern and Sustainable Building 980 Boston Post Road, Suite #1 | Darien, CT 203.761.9943 | www.berkshireconstruction.com

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Perspectives

What Makes It Work The dining room of a classic Georgian home in Greenwich gains contemporary flair while remaining true to its historical roots. 2. The walls above the dado are upholstered in a geometric Dedar fabric; Matthew Fairbank’s Osiris chandelier unites that graphic angularity with the circular forms of the dining table and chairs.

4. A ring of bold, but transparent, Lucite klismos chairs allows the fine antique pedestal table, brought from the clients’ previous home, to play a starring role.

3. The room’s monochrome envelope—walls, ceiling, floor, even the painting by David Lyle— allows the bronze tones of the chandelier and table, the deep green of the curtains, and the navy leather upholstery on the dining chairs to really pop.

5. A shaggy custom rug from Beauvais Carpets provides a pleasantly textured ground for a room otherwise dominated by smooth finishes. Rich expanses of drapery framing the windows serve a similar purpose. Project team

Architecture, interior design, and building: Alisberg Parker Architects, Old Greenwich, (203) 637-8730, alisbergparker.com

Wes Tarca

1. Brand-new moldings and paneling are designed to be clean and unfussy, yet grand and appropriate to the period of the house.

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CELEBRATING

YEARS!

21 ELM STREET | NEW CANAAN | CONNECTICUT 203.972.0433

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Perspectives

Village green in Redding

Inspirations The history and spirit of New England has been a strong compass for architect Robert Dean’s work.

“As a child, I saw my hometown as a kind of shared, mutual work of art that we each help to shape. I loved how people made their own contributions, whether it was to tend their flower beds, or erect a fountain on the town green, or to build themselves a new house. I look back to the simplicity and elegance of the traditional New England village to remind myself of this.”

Noyes Residence, New Canaan

Home in Vermont by Robert Dean

“I spend a lot of time working with historic preservation, and I’m inspired by those who figure out how to bring sharply focused new ideas into respectful dialogue with older canons of beauty. In New Canaan, architects such as Eliot Noyes reimagined European modernism to become wonderfully harmonious with ancient New England house-building traditions.”

Grace Farms in New Canaan, by the Japanese architectural Firm sanaa

Robert Dean Architects, New Canaan, (203) 966-8333, robertdeanarchitects.com

“And I am inspired, in New Canaan, as the new Grace Farms complex takes a fresh, confident step forward in the town’s constant reimagining.”

clockwise from top right: Robert Dean; Life Magazine (1963); Wikipedia (headshot); Dean Kaufman; Olson Photographic; Neil Landino (headshot)

“The changes that take place over time form part of the essence of a mutual work of art, and our buildings reveal this history. I particularly like the rural farmhouses of New England—especially those with connected barns. These houses have absorbed generations of change without losing their essential gracefulness. We drew upon this sensibility in creating an informal assembly of additions for a Federal-era farmhouse in Vermont.”

104 New England Home Connecticut spring 2016

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Concord, NH 603.224.1901

Rochester, NH 603.332.0550

Manchester, NH 603.518.1501

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Design Life

Out and about in celebration of design and architecture in Connecticut

Connecticut Networking Event

Phil Nelson

New England Home Connecticut kicked off the new year with its winter networking event at BENDER’s brand new, state-of-the-art showroom in Norwalk. Folks enjoyed delicious food and blue, bubbly, themed cocktails in the showroom filled with chandeliers, tiles, and tubs. The raffle winner of the evening took home a Moxie showerhead that plays music. We’re excited to see what the rest of 2016 has in store for us and this community.

(1) Kristin Kureczka and Nina Bender of BENDER (2) Jose D’Auria and Kristen Sullivan of Gatehouse Partners (3) Catherine Cleare of Catherine Cleare Interiors and Susan Flechner of BENDER (4) Some guests sip their drinks, while others wait for the raffle results in one of many chandelier-filled rooms (5) Tara Vincenta of Artemis Landscape Architects and Howard and Ann Sellars Lathrop of Sellars Lathrop Architects (6) Peggy Kebabian of Kebabian’s Rugs, New England Home’s Kyle Hoepner, and Michael Smith of Michael Smith Architects (7) Chris Domagala, Josh Simpson, and Andy Dehler of Gault Energy & Stone (8) Todd Drury of TR Building & Remodeling with New England Home’s Stacy Kunstel (9) Jeff Kaufman

of JMKA | architects, New England Home Connecticut’s Roberta Mancuso, and Paul Reiss of Berkshire Wilton Partners (10) Suzanne Stillwell of Stillwell Stairbuilders and John Mastera of John R. Mastera + Associates Architects (11) Juanita Strassfield of Archetype Interiors shows off her new raffle prize (12) Barb Laughton, Mimi Conway, and Matt Giardina of Front Row Kitchens (13) Michael Mavrovitis of Michael Smith Architects and Stephanie Ezzo of TotalCare of Wilton and New Canaan (14) Connie Cooper of Connie Cooper Designs, Max Bender of BENDER, and Lynn Garelick of LBG Interior Design 108 New England Home Connecticut spring 2016

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Design Life

Members of our interior design community gathered at the Wakefield

Design Center

for a lively roundtable discussion titled “Finishing Touches.” Guests shared their ideas about the importance of accessorizing a home, and how to make your home feel 100 percent complete. The discussion was led by New England Home’s Stacy Kunstel and George Snead from the Wakefield Design Center.

(1) Carmiña Roth (2) Attendees

The Sandra

David Sloane

share ideas in the beautifully decorated venue (3) Beth Dempsey, New England Home’s Roberta Thomas Mancuso, and Amy Andrews (4) Beth Rosenfield (5) George Snead and New England Home’s Stacy Kunstel (6) Jolley Frank (7) Parker Rogers, James Farthing, and Rhonda Eleish

Morgan Interiors & SM Home Art Gallery’s open

Geoffrey Tischman

receptions continued to attract a crowd with their latest art show featuring the work of Kerri Rosenthal. While some guests took home vibrant pieces from Rosenthal’s collection, all attendees enjoyed a complimentary Sandra Morgan gift card in their goodie bags.

(1) Kerri and David Rosenthal (2) Peter

Schweinfurth, Sandra Morgan, and Audrey Aguilar (3) A view of some of Kerri Rosenthal’s beautiful pieces on display at the gallery (4) Sandra Morgan and Christina Vomoca (5) Gloria Wadsworth, Cindi Melkerson, Melanie Tolan, and Laird Morgan Tolan (6) Andrew Williams and Lesley Macleod (7) Claire Blasius, Kerri Rosenthal, and Nancy Yates (8) The colorful gallery on this winter evening 110 New England Home Connecticut spring 2016

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Design Life

The LA Cafe at

Lillian August’s

(1) Doron Sabag, Dinyar Wadia,

Cindy Rinfret, and New England Home’s Kyle Hoepner (2) Elizabeth Ethridge McGann and Salvatore Zarrella (3) Jon Brodeur and Ross Tiefenthaler (4) Chris Wright and Cindy Rinfret (5) Alexis Avellanet and Eric Rose (6) Barbara Russell, Wendy Blume, and Robin Carroll (7) Paul Reiss and Dinyar Wadia 5

David Sloane

Norwalk Design Center was filled with some of the area’s most preeminent builders for a community luncheon. At the third event New England Home has hosted with Lillian August, industry leaders came together to discuss the concept of team building. Led by a panel that successfully executed a recent project together, the group gathered to celebrate bettering partnerships and client relationships.

21 Bridge Square, Westport, CT 06880 t: 203.331.5578 f: 203.557.4321 jan@janhiltzinteriorsllc.com www.janhiltzinteriorsllc.com 112 New England Home Connecticut spring 2016

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Trade Notes

New and noteworthy happenings in the Connecticut design business have built more than 100 houses across Fairfield County and New York’s Westchester County, earning a reputation for fine craftsmanship and for standing at the forefront of emerging Wright technologies and materials for building homes that are sensitive to the environment. Norwalk, (203) 227-4134, wrightbuildingcompany. com

It may be fashionable to work from home, but interior designer Terri Ricci is bucking that trend. After eight years of working out of her home, she is excited to commute to her new design studio in Norwalk’s up-andcoming Wall Street Design District. She Ricci and her team

» The Merit-Award-winning Darien project by Artemis Landscape Architects » The Connecticut chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects recently held its annual competition to honor the most talented landscape architects within the state’s borders. Beauty is, of course, a characteristic of the winning projects, but the program looks deeper, seeking landscapes that encourage engagement while protecting natural resources and addressing environmental concerns. This year, Artemis Landscape

Schwartz Design Showroom

Architects swept the residential category,

taking home an Honor Award for an environmentally sustainable beachfront landscape in Fairfield and a Merit Award for a series of seaside terraces at a Darien home. Bridgeport, (203) 683-1808, artemisla.com » Happy thirty-fifth to Wright Building Company. Over the past three and a

half decades, Chris Wright and his team

Oomph

» For those who can’t get enough of hunting for beautiful things for the home, a whole new batch of shops and showrooms awaits. Schwartz Design Showroom has expanded from its Metuchen, New Jersey, base, opening a second location in Stamford. The to-the-trade showroom offers furniture, accessories, and fabrics from 150 high-end manufacturers. In Greenwich, Oomph has opened a showroom for both designers and the public, offering design advice and consultation. The shop plans

Kemper Gunn house

to hold several events, from art exhibits to talks by industry insiders. Fans of Serena & Lily will be delighted to know the stylish duo plan to open their newest shop in the restored Kemper Gunn house in Westport. The 1880s Queen Anne–style house will make a lovely backdrop for the fresh, colorful home furnishings the company is known for. Stamford, (203) 817-0433, schwartz designshowroom.com; Greenwich, (203) 856-0541, oomph online.com; Westport, (203) 518-8068, serenaandlily.com

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Trade notes

Join us and our panel discussing: Keeping Design New and Original

love their airy, loft-like new space, where the decor reflects Ricci’s own style of warmth, sophistication, and layered simplicity. The studio shares its building with Polart Group, a luxury renovation firm owned by Wesley Armatowski, who just happens to be Ricci’s husband. Norwalk, (203) 642-3202, terriricci.com

Peter Sciarretta, CEO of Hemingway Construction, is stepping out for a good

Judith Martin

Jeff Kaufman

Jan Hiltz

Stacy Kunstel

Justin Quinn

Thor Vanderblue

Join us at the Westport Historical Society to learn how to bring authenticity to your home design project. Hear from a panel of renowned local design professionals, moderated by New England Home’s Stacy Kunstel, as they discuss ideas around combining originality with quality in the design process. Moderator: Stacy Kunstel, Homes Editor, New England Home Panelists:

Jeff Kaufman, Principal, JMKA | architects Judith Martin, President, Green Home Consulting, LLC Justin Quinn, Studio Director, Doyle Herman Design Associates Thor Vanderblue, Project Superintendent, Tallman Segerson Builders Jan Hiltz, Interior Design Specialist, Jan Hiltz Interiors, LLC

Date:

April 7, 2016 at 6 p.m.

Place:

Westport Historical Society, 25 Avery Place, Westport, CT 06880 Wine and cheese will be served.

RSVP to jeff@jmkarchitects.net

with

JMKA | architects

cause. Sciarretta is lacing up his dancing shoes to help Curtain Call, a nonprofit theater company based in Stamford, raise funds through its ninth annual Dancing With The Stars event. This year, the Sciarretta May 14 event, and Segovia where Sciarretta will cut a rug in a freestyle hip-hop routine with professional dancer Jennifer Segovia, is sponsored by Ring’s End, the high-end building-supply company with several locations in Fairfield County. Greenwich, (203) 625-0566, hemingway construction.com; (800) 390-1000, ringsend.com » Nukitchens didn’t become a go-to place for kitchen design in Connecticut by resting on its laurels. Joseph Najmy and his crew are always searching out the latest and best products. The company’s newest venture is its partnership with Poggenpohl, the German firm known for its custom-crafted luxury kitchens. Poggenpohl is showcased with its own design studio within the Nukitchens showroom. With this new addition to its product line, Najmy says, Nukitchens represents virtually every design option, “from value-based traditional styles to the high-end, unique, contemporary.” South Norwalk, (203) 831-9000, nukitchens.com •

By Paula M. Bodah 118 New England Home Connecticut spring 2016

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photos by RobeRt benson

860.922.8727 | mccoryinteriors.com

creating distinctive landscapes ARTEMIS landscape architects, inc. | 203.683.1808 | www.artemisLA.com

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New England Home and Wakefield Design Center invite you to:

To The Trade Only Market Day Thursday, May 5th

Stacey Bewkes

Featuring the latest trends in home furnishings, new product introductions, book signings, and more, including: 12:00 – 12:45 pm Q&A Alex Papachristidis | The Age of Elegance A lively discussion between Stacey Bewkes of Quintessence and Alex Papachristidis on his approach to creating elegant interiors while utilizing bold and classic designs. Peruse his book The Age of Elegance, page-after-page filled with luxury. Book signing to follow. 1:00 – 1:45 pm Michael Schleuse | Julian Chichester: History is in the Details Discover classically-inspired English furniture and lighting that embodies truly timeless aesthetics with Julian Chichester. Michael Schleuse, the national sales manager of Julian Chichester, will guide us through an informative exploration of the development and evolution of the brand’s most iconic pieces and the historical inspiration behind them.

Alex Papachristidis

Michael Schleuse

2:00 – 2:45 pm Denise McGaha | Designing with A Deadline in Interiors, Fashion and Life Explore the influence fashion holds on the production of lighting with Currey & Co. Brand Ambassador, Denise McGaha. Learn how to utilize what brands have to offer with in-stock items. 3:00 – 3:45 pm Libby Langdon | Broadening Your Brand and Exploring Licensing Opportunities Easy, Elegant, Everyday Style is the ethos of designer, author and makeover television personality, Libby Langdon. Discover practical tips on how to catapult your business, exploring brand expansion and licensing opportunities. 4:00 – 4:45 pm Q&A Alessandra Branca | The New Living Room A cozy conversation between designer Alessandra Branca and stylist/designer Stacy Kunstel, discussing how to create a chic living room design that can intermingle with everyday life.

Denise McGaha

Libby Langdon

Designer Portfolio Review By appointment. RSVP to: staff@imagesanddetails.com

Alessandra Branca

Presented by:

for more information:

Connecticut

Wakefield Design Center 652 Glenbrook Road | Stamford, CT 203-358-0818 wakefielddesigncenter.com

Wakefield-TTTD-CTSPR16.indd 2

Catering provided by:

Stacy Kunstel

3/17/16 3:55 PM

Thank you to our presenting sponsors! The Interior Designer’s source for showroom quality custom carpets and rugs at direct prices. Transform your design concept into a custom made carpet or rug at a fraction of the showroom price. L&M works directly with artisans in Nepal and India to bring you Flat Weaves, Kilims, Textures, Soumaks, Hand Knot, Hand Tufted, Hand Loomed Tencel and Hair on Hide Leather construction options. L&M Custom Carpets and Rugs LLC Gary@lmcustomcarpets.com | 201-951-0980

A purveyor of luxury linens and home furnishings since 1974, The Linen Shop offers exceptional quality, unparalleled choice and personalized service. And as specialists in custom linens, The Linen Shop is a destination for a devoted clientele of designers and architects. Join our Designer Trade Program and enjoy the many benefits we offer. We look forward to the opportunity to serve your unique design needs from our vast collection of custom styles, fabrics, embroideries, and finishes. Please contact us at thelinenshopinfo@aol.com for further information about our To the Trade Program benefits. The Linen Shop | (203) 972-0433 21 Elm Street | New Canaan, CT

Viyet is the design aficionado’s destination to buy and sell timeless furniture and accessories. We make it easy for individuals and interiors designers of high-end furniture to sell their pieces when it comes time to move or redecorate. For shoppers, we offer access to designer brand names at a fraction of retail prices. We focus exclusively on the top end of the design market and are devoted to making Viyet the online destination for exceptional pre-owned designer furniturewhile managing every step of the listing and fulfillment process. Design leadership, extraordinary customer service, and technological innovation define how Viyet is transforming the way people buy and sell designer furniture. Viyet | 844-924-8717 | viyet.com

Fine Paints of Europe and Shoreline Painting combine decades of R&D to create the most unique, fun and interesting walls, ceilings, cabinets and even floors! We’re turning heads everywhere! The time, money and emotion invested in research, testing, while perfecting techniques is unprecedented. We are obsessed with being the very best and we believe it shows. We look forward to impressing you. Fine Paints of Europe and Shoreline Painting 48 Crescent Street | Stamford, CT 06906 203-302-1086 | ShorelinePaintingCT.com

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calendar Judy Martin of Green Home Consulting, Justin Quinn of Doyle Herman Design Associates, Thor Vanderblue of Tallman Segerson, and Jan Hiltz of Jan Hiltz Interiors. Westport Historical Society, Westport, 6 p.m., (203) 222-1424, westporthistory.org Lyme Art Association’s Elected Artist Exhibition

April 22–June 3 Lyme Art Association’s most respected artists join together for a group show; the event is now in its 95th year. Old Lyme, (860) 434-7802, lymeartassociation.org Drink ’n’ Draw

Of Teacups and Tankards: Reinstalling the Clark’s Decorative Arts Collections, at the Bruce Museum

april Painting in Four Takes

Through April 3 This six-month-long exhibit explores the work of four painters who, according to curator Amy Smith-Stewart, “span generations, methods, and intentions, but all are deeply entrenched in what painting is, and can be, in the imagedominated atmosphere of the 21st century.” The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, Ridgefield, (203) 438-4519, aldrichart.org

Williamstown, Massachusetts, museum. The event is hosted by the Greenwich Decorative Arts Society at the Bruce Museum. 1:15 p.m.–2:15 p.m.; reservations must be made in advance. E-mail info@greenwichdecorativearts.org; greenwichdecorativearts.org

Of Teacups and Tankards: Reinstalling the Clark’s Decorative Arts Collections

April 4 Kathleen Morris, Sylvia and Leonard Marx Director of Collections and Exhibitions and Curator of Decorative Arts for the Clark Art Institute, will provide guests with an overview of the Clark’s collections, with an emphasis on the new installation of decorative arts at the

Art in the Barn Exhibition 2016 Artbloom: Celebrating Artists Mid-Century, Mid-Career

April 30–May 8 Browngrotta Arts features the work of the influential baby-boomer demographic. The works on display represent a number of artists reflecting on where they have come from and where they’re going. Wilton, (203) 834-0623, browngrotta.com

Miniature World in White Gold: Meissen Porcelain by Johann Joachim Kaendler

Through January 2017 The work of Johann Joachim Kaendler, among the most important artists in the history of porcelain, is celebrated in this exhibit. The showcased works include the intricately detailed and innovative sculptures Model of a Turk Riding an Elephant (circa 1745) that Kaendler created over his 40-plus-year career at the Meissen Porcelain Factory. The Wadsworth Athenaeum, Hartford, (860) 278-2670, thewadsworth.org

April 29 Ready to break out of your comfort zone? Let your creativity flow at the monthly Drink ’n’ Draw at the Westport Arts Center. Artists at all levels of ability can gather and enjoy drinks and small bites while painting or drawing from a live nude model. 7 p.m.–9 p.m., $15 members, $20 non-members,Westport, (203) 222-7070, westportartscenter.org

Keeping Design New & Original

April 7 Some of Fairfield County’s leading designers, builders, and architects will discuss how to bring authenticity and individuality into your home-design project, whether it is new construction or a renovation. New England Home’s Stacy Kunstel will moderate the panel, which includes Jeff Kaufman of JMKA|architects,

Jo Barker, 9jb Resonance (2009), at Browngrotta Arts

Everything Is Dada Through July 3 This exhibit celebrates the centennial of the Dada art movement by bringing together works of modern artists including Marcel Duchamp, George Grosz, Francis Picabia, Man Ray, and more. The exhibition will be accompanied by a series of performances. Yale University Art Gallery, New Haven, (203) 432-0600, artgallery.yale.edu

122 New England Home Connecticut spring 2016

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calendar

may Garden Education Center of Greenwich Annual May Gardeners Market

Early Buyers’ Sale, May 4–5 Regular Market, May 7 This annual sale at the Garden Education Center of Greenwich offers the opportunity to purchase all the plants you’ve been dreaming about all winter. On May 4–5, early birds can enjoy on-site parking and the first chance to pluck the most interesting plants for a fee of $10 for members and $15 for non-members. The event is free on May 7, with parking at the Cos Cob Elementary School and shuttle bus service. Early buyers’ sale is 1 p.m.–5 p.m.; regular sale, on May 7, is 9 a.m.–4 p.m. (203) 869-9242, g ecgreenwich.org Near and Far Aid House Tour

May 6 This has become one of the most anticipated spring house tours in New England. See some of the most extraordinary homes in Westport, Southport, and Fairfield. Start the day with a pre-tour breakfast at the Patterson Club, featuring a presentation by renowned interior designer Anthony Baratta of Diamond Baratta Design. Breakfast 9 a.m.–10:30 a.m.; $75. Tour 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; tickets are $65 in advance and $75 the day of the tour. (203) 259-1710, nearandfaraid.org

“Club Havana,” The Westport Arts Center Annual Fundraiser

May 7 Take a trip to Havana without leaving Fairfield County! The much-anticipated annual fund-raiser gala will offer the food, drinks, and music of Cuba. The party will take place at the Vespa restaurant and the National Hall Campus in downtown Westport. Tickets are $225 for the party and $500 for the dinner and party. (203) 222-7070, westportartscenter.org Brimfield Antique Show

TICKETS: Adults $10, Seniors $8,12 & Under Free

JenksprOductiOns.cOm (860) 365-5678

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May 10–15 Time to cross the border to Massachusetts for the renowned Brimfield Antique Show. Considered one of the best and biggest antique and flea markets in the country, this show features more than 6,000 dealers selling everything from vintage bric-a-brac to fine antiques. Show hours and admission vary depend-

ing on field and venue location. See brimfieldshow.com for details. Trade Secrets

May 14–15 Trade Secrets is back for its 16th year with a two-day event geared to gardening enthusiasts. Day one features a sale of rare plants and garden antiques at Lion Rock Farm in Sharon. Day two offers a tour featuring four spectacular

gardens, including event organizer Bunny Williams’s own expansive grounds. Proceeds will go to Women’s Support Services of Northwest Connecticut. Admission for plant sale: early buying, 8 a.m., $125 includes breakfast; regular buying, 10 a.m.–3 p.m., $40. Garden tour 10 a.m.–4 p.m., $60 in advance and $70 on the day of the tour, tradesecretsct.com

June Darien House Tour—Homes with Heart

June 2 This second annual house tour offers the chance to see some of Darien’s beautiful homes. Proceeds from the tour will benefit the Thriving Youth Initiative of the Community Fund of Darien as well as other local charities. 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Advance purchase tickets $65 for tour, $75 for tour and lunch, $65 the day of the event at the First Congregational Church of Darien. (203) 655-0491, darienhousetour.org Garden Conservancy Open Day

June 5, Ridgefield June 18, Litchfield County Tour some of Connecticut’s most spectacular and charming private gardens through the Garden Conservancy special open days. Visit the conservancy’s website for all the details, gardenconservancy.org Connecticut’s Historic Gardens Day

June 26 Fourteen of Connecticut’s historic gardens will host tours and other special events. Pack a picnic lunch and discover some of the area’s prettiest and most interesting gardens. Noon–4 p.m. See the Connecticut Historic Gardens website for details, cthistoricgardens.org. Edited by Lynda Simonton Editor’s note: Events are subject to change. Please

confirm details with event organizer prior to your visit.

Havana Image: Wikimedia Commons

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124 New England Home Connecticut spring 2016

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Tallman Segerson Builders tallmansegerson.com I (203) 254-1971

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New in the Showrooms

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5 1. On the Ropes The Madeline Floor Lamp gives your design scheme a one-two punch with a shapely silhouette and seagrass texture. DesignSourceCT, Hartford, (860) 951-3145, designsourcect.com

2. Rock Candy Allison Paladino’s glamorous collection for Fine Art Lamps features an exclusive rough-cut glass technique that creates a gemlike sparkle. Schwartz Design Showroom, Stamford, (203) 817-0433, schwartzdesign showroom.com

6 3. Sitting Pretty The tufted back and shapely legs of the Sylvie Chair from Lillian August will add a feminine touch to any room it graces. Lillian August, Norwalk, (203) 847-3314, and Greenwich, (203) 489-3740, lillianaugust.com

4. Queen Bee Add a natural note to your home with Farrow & Ball’s Bumblebee paper, featuring our favorite golden insect. Farrow and Ball, Westport, (203) 221-3117, and Greenwich, (203) 422- 0990, farrow-ball.com

5. Squad Seating The large Galvanized Arches outdoor bench offers stylish seating for the whole gang. Terrain, Westport, (203) 226-2750, shopterrain.com

6. Kitchen Kaleidoscope Suzanne Kasler’s Couleur Collection for La Cornue comes in a wide variety of delicious hues. DEANE, Stamford, (203) 327-7008, deaneinc.com

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ELEISH VAN BREEMS Nordic Furnishings and Interior Design |

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ANIMAL ART

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A R C H I T E C T U R A L D E TA I L S

GARDEN ELEMENTS

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New in the Showrooms

4 1. Sightseer Jute rugs with graphic Moroccan-inspired patterns will add a world-traveler vibe to your home. Dash & Albert, Riverside Floor Covering, Greenwich, (203) 637-3777, riversidefloorcovering.com

2. Check Mate A rook chess piece was the inspiration for this modern and masculine collection from Brizo. Frank Webb’s Bath Center, various locations, frankwebb.com

5 3. Shimmer & Shine Raynaud’s Mineral porcelain is accented with a parade of iridescent colors, bringing a fresh look to the classic collection. LCRwestport, Westport, (203) 221-8131, lcrwestport.com

4. Tile Maven Kelly Wearstler puts her forward-thinking stamp on her new Maven tile collection for Ann Sacks. Best Plumbing Showroom, Stamford, (203) 975-9448, bestplg.com

5. Upon Reflection Designer Laura Kirar’s personal photos and journals provided the inspiration for her latest fabric collection for Highland Court. Wakefield Design Center, Stamford, (203) 358-0818, wakefielddesigncenter.com

Edited by Lynda Simonton 128 New England Home Connecticut spring 2016

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Resources A guide to the products and professionals in this issue’s featured homes

accent wall by Studio E, studioeinc.com; abstract leopard fabric on bench from Zimmer & Rohde, zimmer-rohde.com; drapery and roman shade fabric from Kravet, kravet.com; linen accent pillows with faux leather appliqué fabric from Casamance, casamance.com; armchairs through Vanguard Furniture, vanguardfurniture.com.

COMING HOME PAGES 72–81

A SPLASH OF DASH PAGES 62–71

Get Social With Us! We follow trends. You should, too. Your 24/7 source of design inspiration.

From urban lofts to mountain retreats, coastal compounds to suburban estates, we celebrate the best of living in New England.

Architect: John Franzen, J.P. Franzen Associates Architects, Southport, (203) 259-0529, franzenarchitects.com Interior designers: Parker Rogers and Katie Holmberg, Parker & Company, Southport, (203) 256-2742, parkerrogersinteriors.com Landscape architect: Allison Slaughter, Wilton, (203) 216-2093, gardensandgrounds.blogspot.com

Interior designer: Lauren Muse, Muse Interiors, Greenwich, (203) 344-9444, museinteriors.net Architect: Sean Taylor, Mockler Taylor Architects, Greenwich, (203) 622-4276, mockertaylor.com Builder: Ken Bacco, New Canaan, (203) 9727641, baccoinc.com Art consultant: Michelle Brunwasser, Weber Fine Art Greenwich, Greenwich, (203) 422-5375, weberfineart.com

Page 75: Sofa by Schumacher, fschumacher. com, with Lee Jofa fabric, leejofa.com; ottoman by Lee Jofa, with Cowtan & Tout fabric, cowtan. com, sconces by East End Brass, Darien, (203) 531-3130. Pages 76–77: Kitchen grasscloth wallcovering and chair fabric by Ralph Lauren, ralphlaurenhome. com; dining room silk drapery by Ralph Lauren,

Page 62: Print by James Nares through Weber Fine Art Gallery; custom console by Muse Interiors; console finish in Benjamin Moore’s Hale Navy high-gloss lacquer, benjaminmoore.com; carpet by Alexander McQueen for The Rug Company, therugcompany.com. Page 63: Custom sideboard and custom rug through Muse Interiors; chairs from Charles Stewart Company, charlesstewart.com; dining chair fabric by Highland Court through Duralee, duralee.com; Arctic Pear chandelier by Ochre, ochre.net; silk curtains and roman shade fabric by Romo, romo. com. Pages 64–66: Sofa carpet, white-oak coffee table, and ottoman all custom by Muse Interiors; striped ottoman fabric by Duralee; velvet fabric on ottoman base by Holly Hunt, hollyhunt.com; orange chair fabric by Romo; purple and orange embroidered pillow fabric by Robert Allen, robertallendesign. com; orange and white lumbar pillow fabric by Martyn Lawrence Bullard at Holly Hunt; painting by Patrick Wilson through Weber Fine Art Greenwich; vases on mantel from Dynasty Gallery, dynastygallery.com. Pages 68–69: Carpet by Stark, starkcarpet. com; pebbled faux leather on ottoman tops from Osborne & Little, osborneandlittle.com; ottoman ikat fabric by Robert Allen; weathered wood-andsteel coffee table from Brownstone Furniture, brownstonefurniture.com; hi-lo leaf motif pillow fabric in blue and taupe from Zoffany, zoffany.com; geometric stripe pillow fabric by Christopher Farr Cloth, christopherfarrcloth.com; blue armchairs and sofa from Lee Industries, leeindustries.com. Page 70: Custom chairs and table by Muse Interiors; chandelier by Oly Studio, olystudio.com. Page 71: Hand-painted metallic wallpaper on

with leading edge trim by Samuel & Sons, samuelandsons.com; brass hardware by Ralph Lauren; English dining chairs by Holland & Company, hollandandcompany.com, with mohair fabric from Ralph Lauren. Page 78: Grasscloth wallcovering by Ralph Lauren; chairs from Lee Jofa, with Ralph Lauren fabric; drapery by Lee Jofa; custom hardware by Custom Windows, customwindowsllc.com Page 79: Faux croc wallcovering by Zoffany, zoffany.com; drapes from Ralph Lauren. Page 81: Light fixture and linens from Restoration Hardware, restorationhardware.com; grasscloth wallcovering from Phillip Jeffries, phillipjeffries. com; end tables from Bungalow 5, bungalow5. com; custom club chairs in a glazed linen from Brunschwig & Fils, brunschwig.com; Lucite hardware from Custom Windows.

BOLD STROKES PAGES 82–93 Interior designers: Molly Hirsch Interiors, Ridgefield, (203) 438-1070, mollyhirschinteriors. com, and Amanda Dranow, Amanda Dranow Decoration and Design, Ridgefield, (203) 438-7698 Pages 82–85: Fireplace surround by Floe Decorative Painting, floepainting.com; wicker

132 New England Home Connecticut Spring 2016

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resources

chairs and urns from Terrain, shopterrain. com; photograph by Lucy Whitehouse, lucywhitehousephotography.carbonmade. com; small resined art by Rachel Volpone, rachelvolpone.com; fringed tablecloth by Ballard Designs, ballarddesigns.com; painting on trellis by Kim Hanna, kimhannastudio.com; custom throw and window treatments by Michele Fugazy Designs for The Home, michelefugazy.com; vintage prints/ relief sculpture from Silver Lining Consignments, Ridgefield, (203) 431-0132; French Laundry

Home pillows from One Kings Lane, onekingslane. com; antique Swedish bench and vintage chairs re-covered by Fairchild Custom Upholstery, Darien, (203) 798-0085; metallic bins from Serena & Lily, serenaandlily.com; rugs from Flokati, Flokatirug.net. Pages 86–87: Dining room walls, silver ceiling, and Tibetan hutch by Floe Decorative Painting; dining chairs from Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, mgbwhome.com; custom portrait silhouettes by Antonio Munoz, antoniomstudio.com, dining table by Tucker Robbins, tuckerrobbins.com; floor lamp by Dunes and Duchess, dunesandduchess.com; paintings by Rachel Volpone. Page 88: Kitchen window treatments and bench pillow by Michele Fugazy Designs for The Home; desk chair from West Elm, westelm.com; antique chairs upholstered by Fairchild Custom Upholstery; bird sculpture by Sally Aldrich, sallyaldrichart.com. Page 89: Distressed silver wall by Floe Painting. Pages 90–91: Family room bookcase and coffee table by DLF Contractors, dlfcontractors.com, dlfonsecawoodworking.com; decorative painting by Floe Painting; poufs from One Kings Lane; beige sofa covered by Fairchild Custom Upholstery; pillows by Michele Fugazy Designs for The Home; kilim sofa from George Smith, georgesmith.com; custom steel desk and shelving by Kevin Cherry Design, Bronx, N.Y., (917) 807-4152; baskets and mercury balls from Pottery Barn, potterybarn.com; Pendleton blankets from Olley Court, olleycourt. com; kilim rug from West Elm. Page 92: Custom study desk by DLF Contractors; large figurative painting by Rachel Volpone; chair from Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams; blue rug by Dash & Albert, dashandalbert.annieselke.com. Page 93: Bernini bed by Patina, patinainc.com; large landscape painting by Herm Freeman, hermfreeman.com; custom pillow, window treatments, and bamboo blinds by Michele Fugazy Designs for The Home. •

Ad Index A helpful resource for finding the advertisers featured in this issue 22nd Annual Home Show 124 Advanced Home Audio 33 Aqua Pool & Patio, Inc. 42–43 Artemis Landscape Architects 119 Austin Ganim Landscape Design, LLC 44–45

Klaff’s 17 Kotz & Leeds 40 L&M Custom Carpets and Rugs, LLC 113 Lillian August Furnishings + Design 61 The Linen Shop 103 M DiMeo Construction 96 McCory Interiors 119 Michael Smith Architects 32 Middeleer Land Design, LLC 56–57

Back Bay Shutter Co., Inc. 117

Morgan Harrison Home 8–9

Ben Krupinski Builders 26

Nicoud and Spaidal Interiors 125

Bender 109

NuKitchens 35, 58–59

Berkshire Wilton Partners, LLC 101

Pagliaro Bartels Sajda Architects, LLC 39

Beth Rosenfield Design, LLC 114

Parker & Co Interior Design 12

Charles Hilton Architects 6–7

ProSource of Stamford 38

Coldwell Banker Previews International 94

RLI Electric, LLC 135

Connecticut Stone Supplies 46–47

Robert A. Cardello Architects, LLC 10–11

Country Club Homes, Inc. 20

Robert Sherwood Landscape Design 135

Daniel Conlon Architects 106

Roger DiTarando Sculptor 127

DesignSourceCT 21

Runtal North America, Inc. 29

Ecoshel 133

S&W Building Remodeling, Inc. 133

Eleish Van Breems 127

Schwartz Design Showroom 99

EM Rose 60

Shade & Shutter Systems, Inc. 18

Emily Buchanan 15

Shope Reno Wharton 1

Emme 27

Shoreline Painting and Drywall 2–5

Erskine Associates, LLC 48–49

Southport Construction 115

The Federalist 19

Stephanie Rapp Interiors 129

Finished in Fabric, LLC 106

Tallman Segerson 125

Freddy’s Landscape and BioNova Natural Swimming Pools 50–51

Tiefenthaler, Inc. 31

Front Row Kitchens, Inc. 129

The Ultimate Bath Store 105

Gault Stone 52–53

Upstate Door, Inc. 123

Green Home Consulting 115

Wakefield Design Center 37, 120–121

Hemingway Construction 95

Westport Historical Society 118

Home Boutique of Greenwich, LLC 111

Wright Building Company 107

Tile America 23

Homefront Farmers, LLC 54–55 Huelster Design Studio, LLC 25 InnerSpace Electronics, Inc. 130 J. Namnoun Oriental Rug Gallery inside front cover, 131 Jan Hiltz Interiors, LLC 112 JMKA | architects 123 Karp Associates inside back cover Kebabian’s back cover

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New England Home Connecticut, Spring 2016 © 2016 by New England Home Magazine, LLC. All rights reserved. Permission to reprint or quote excerpts granted by written request only. Editorial and advertising office: New England Home Magazine, LLC, 530 Harrison Ave, Ste 302, Boston, MA 02118, (617) 938-3991.

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www.robertmsherwood.com

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Design ideas in the making

These planters were created for a house in Greenwich on which I was hired to work with architect James Schettino and his son Lee Schettino, who served as builder for the project. We collaborated on a lot, including the home’s front door. We wanted the entrance to be impressive and have a classic spin, but we also wanted to do something more interesting than just the usual plank or square-panel design. I introduced the idea of raised round panels; James and Lee were supportive, and we worked together to tweak the scale. Then, from this door inspiration, the planters were born. I had them made by Greg Randall of R.T. Facts in Kent. Greg has a great eye and a great attitude about the creative process. He was essential in executing such a large-scale concept. The planters are fabricated from steel, which was then dipped in zinc, just as highway guardrails are. Since this was a first-time project, however, I didn’t realize the planters would still be a brilliant silver when they were delivered. My client was aghast, and demanded that they be removed immediately! Desperate to prove that my design was not an expensive failure, I began spraying them with vinegar to expedite the oxidation process and give them a natural, aged-looking patina. Each day they improved, and finally my client said, “Okay, let’s try planting them.” (Phew!) The planters soon became a favorite moment at the entry to the home. Susie Earls, Susie Earls Design, Southport, (203) 218-4590, susieearlsdesign.com

Photos courtesy Lee Schettino Construction

Sketch Pad

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C O T TA G E S T O C L A S S I C H O M E S .

R E NOVAT I O N S • C U S T O M H O M E S • C O N S T RUC T I O N M A NAG E M E N T C O N S U LT I N G • P R O J E C T R E S C U E • P R O P E R T Y M A N A G E M E N T 3 4 E L M S T R E E T, N E W C A N A A N , C T 0 6 8 4 0 • 2 0 3 . 9 7 2 . 3 3 6 6 • K A R P A S S O C I A T E S I N C . C O M

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