East Coast Home + Design 06.2012

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EAST COAST

+ DESIGNHOMEMAY/JUNE 2012 ISSUE 56

No Place Like HomeBY KATIE KEATING

32Architects Chuck Hilton and Doug Vanderhorn calibrate with Interior Designer Amy Andrews of Katherine Cowdin Inc. to create the ultimate guest house in Bronxville.

Editors Letter

Retail Therapy

Audubon

Outdoor Spaces

8121460

DEPARTMENTS

FEATURES

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Melange

In The Field

Ask The Experts

Hidden Treasures

72767880

Sound Design44

Beyond The Gables52Kyle Timothy Blood of Kyle Timothy Home transforms a 19th Century Victorian from dark and cramped to light and airy in Rye.

Outdoor Style!page 72

BY KATIE KEATING

BY KATIE KEATING

Interior Designer Susan Glick designs a sophisticated space in Westport with a brilliant mix of neutrals and pops of color.

East Coast Home + Design 5

Cover Photo: Woodruff/Brown Photography

EAST COAST

+ DESIGNHOME

Number 56

Editor-in-ChiefMatthew J. Kolk

[email protected]

Managing EditorJames Eagen

Contributing WritersElizabeth Ervin, John Hannon, Katie Keating,

Stephanie King, George Krawiec, Shelly Linder, Cameron Martin,

Christina Roughan, Karen Williams

Contributing PhotographersJane Beiles, Michael Biondo, Orion Bishop, Phillip Ennis, Tria Giovan, John Gruen, John Hannon, Neil Landino, Mark La Rosa, Tim Lee, Daniel Milstein, Janice Parker,

Durston Saylor, Eric Striffler, Jonathan Wallen, Woodruff/Brown Photography

Graphic & Web DesignSteve Wargo

[email protected]

PublisherShelley E. McCormick

[email protected]

Account ManagerRichard P. Montuori

[email protected]

Corporate CounselJames F. Walsh, Esq.

East Coast Home + Design111 Forest Avenue, Fairfield, CT 06824

Fax: 203-286-1850

East Coast Home + Design is published six issues per year. To subscribe: www.echomeanddesign.com; Sub-scriptions: one year, $28; two years, $50. Back issues can be purchased at www.echomeanddesign.com. For editorial inquiries: Editor, East Coast Home + Design, 111 Forest Avenue, Fairfield, CT 06824 or e-mail: [email protected]. For advertising inquiries: Please call Shelley McCormick at 203-545-7091. Reproduction whole or in part without permission is prohibited. All projects described in this publication are for private, noncommercial use only. No rights for commercial use or exploitation are given or implied. The opinions expressed by writers for articles published by East Coast Home + Design are not necessarily those of the magazine.

WILTON, CONNECTICUT P. 203 .563 .0553

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

his is a very sad spring in the design world. We lost

two of the world’s most influential designers, one

from the interior design world, the other from the

automotive world.

Albert Hadley, renowned interior designer and

passed in late March. Hadley was best known as the

design partner of Sister Parish. He attended Peabody College,

was a graduate and teacher at Parsons School of Design.

Able to produce beautiful spaces in a mix of styles from

contemporary to classic, “Never less, never more” was a term

he coined to describe his eclectic style. Some of his clients

include: Al and Tipper Gore, Oscar de la Renta, Diane Sawyer

and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.

On the other side of the design world, earlier this month, we

lost legendary automotive designer Carroll Shelby. After serv-

ing as an aviator in World War II, Shelby returned to his native

Texas where he dabbled in several businesses to include a dump

truck operation, a chicken farm and a sports car dealership.

After an illustrious career behind the wheel as a driver for

names such as Aston-Martin and Maserati, in 1960, Shelby

turned his efforts to racecar design and automotive manufac-

turing.

Following his belief in putting big horsepower into a light

chassis, Shelby approached Chevrolet to place a 283c.i.d. en-

gine into a AC Ace chassis and was turned down by Chevrolet.

That led Shelby to approach Lee Iacocca at Ford Motor

Company. A life-long friendship developed and in 1962, Shel-

by introduced CSX2000 at the New York Auto Show. The AC

Cobra was born and the sports car world would never be the

same.

Some of his other accomplishments include the Ford GT, the

Shelby Mustang and the Legendary “Ferrari Killer” The Day-

tona Cobra Coupe, which, in 1964 Chassis CSX2299, driven

by Dan Gurney and Bob Bondurant took the “Crown Jewel” of

racing: the 24 hours of Lemans.

Although from two different worlds, the mission of both

of these incredible designers came from the same vein: Form,

Function, and Beauty.

Their influence continues to be seen in each of their profes-

sions and will continue well beyond their passing.

They will both be greatly missed.

Matthew Kolk

[email protected]

Letter from the Editor

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Indulge Yourselves!

ife is way too short to be shy or to wait for next year...If your home isn’t a sanctuary yet, then start working on it. Remember that a home is ultimately the most important place of one’s life,

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Audubon’s Environmental Leadership Dinner 2012

Plate 97 Screech Owl, New-York Historical Society Edition, Donated by Joel Oppenheimer Gallery.

Creating Healthy Habitats from

Forest to Shore

Honoring Jayni Chase with the Audubon Connecticut Environmental Leadership Award& Kathryn D. Wriston with the Audubon Connecticut Lifetime Achievement Award

EnvironmEntal lEadErship award

honorEE

Jayni ChaseJayni Chase has worked to advance environmental education for over 22 years. Currently, she is spearheading two green school initiatives, GREEN Community Schools and the Energy-Efficient Schools Initiative. By weaving real-life scenarios into the existing curriculum and providing team-teaching support in the classroom, these initiatives have already proven to be highly effective.

In 1988, Jayni founded the Center for Environmental Education to provide K-12 teachers and students with the resources to build environmental education programs and lessons for our schools. Their online presence is a vital resource for educators worldwide.Jayni also authored Blueprint for a Green School in 1995, providing a compilation of environmental information, resources, and ideas to transform schools into safe, healthful places of enlightened learning.

Jayni Chase has served on several boards, including the Alliance for Climate Education, U.S. Green Building Council’s Center for Green Schools, Urban Assembly New York Harbor School, Green My Parents, Friends of the Earth, and the Marilyn G. Rab Foundation. She also chairs New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand’s Green Schools Working Group.

In 2004, Jayni was awarded an honorary degree from Antioch New England Graduate School. She has received recognition from the Natural Resources Defense Council, Environmental Media Association, Rainforest Alliance, U.S. Environmental Film Festival, National Audubon Society, National Wildlife Federation, Thorn Ecological Institute, and the Children’s Nature Institute. Jayni was trained to be a Slide Show Presenter for former Vice President Al Gore’s The Climate Reality Project and since 2007 has been a participant at the Clinton Global Initiative.

She credits her husband, Chevy, and daughters, Cydney, Caley, and Emily, with providing the force behind her dedication to environmental education.

www.audubonct.org

lifEtimE achiEvEmEnt award

honorEE

Kathryn D. WristonKathryn D. Wriston is a cum laude graduate of Smith College and the University of Michigan Law School. While a student at Smith, she spent her junior year abroad studying at the University of Geneva and the Graduate Institute of International Studies.

Mrs. Wriston worked in her early years of professional life as a practicing attorney with the New York law firm of Shearman & Sterling. Since then, she has concentrated more of her time serving on the boards of corporate and not-for-profit organizations, working with legal, accounting, and auditing professional organizations, and with community service groups.

Mrs. Wriston is President and a Trustee of the John A. Hartford Foundation and a Trustee of the Practicing Law Institute. She also served as Vice-Chairman and a Trustee of Fordham University and as Chairman of the Eastern Region Selection Panel of the President’s Commission on White House Fellows.

Foremost of Mrs. Wriston’s interests has been the care and upkeep of her beloved Deer Pond Farm, a 600-acre forest preserve in Sherman, Connecticut. The forests, fields, and ponds of Deer Pond Farm have long served as a place of respite for her and her late husband Walter B. Wriston, Chairman and CEO of Citicorp. Here they practiced conservation forestry for the benefit of birds and other wildlife that depend on this pristine habitat.

Mrs. Wriston is an important advocate for the preservation of large forest tracts and is a supporter of the work of conservation organizations, such as Audubon and local land trusts, who protect open space and other natural resources for the benefit of humanity and the Earth’s biological diversity. She and her husband have dedicated the future care of Deer Pond Farm to Audubon, along with a substantial endowment, to ensure its proper upkeep.

Audubon’s Missionto conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats for the benefit of humanity and the earth’s biological diversity.

audubon is uniquely positioned for effective conservation. we are in your community with State Programs, centers, Sanctuaries, chapters, and 2,544 Important bird areas throughout the country.

In connecticut, we envision a rich and diverse natural heritage, where there is ample habitat for birds and other wildlife, where a majority of its people appreciate and participate in their natural environment, and whose children are educated and motivated to become the conservation leaders of tomorrow.

www.audubonct.org

protEcting Birds from forEsts to shorE throughout thE atlantic flyway

Each year, more than 10 billion birds use four major flyways to travel up and down the continent and points beyond. In addition to being the homes for non-migratory birds, the lands underneath these flyways serve as rest stops for migrants and are critical to their survival.

National Audubon Society’s recent strategic plan sets out a roadmap for bird conservation by aligning Audubon’s work along the four major flyways of the Western Hemisphere.

Connecticut falls within the Atlantic Flyway, which encompasses some of the hemisphere’s most productive ecosystems, including forests, beaches, and coastal wetlands. From the Arctic, south along the entire Atlantic Coast and through the Caribbean to South America, Audubon is working to support this avian superhighway’s 500-plus bird species and the millions of individual birds found within it.

With only one-tenth of the U.S. landmass, the Atlantic Flyway is home to one-third of the nation’s human population. The challenges for birds and habitat in densely populated regions are many and varied: development and sprawl, agriculture, logging, overfishing, and climate change.

Forty percent of the Atlantic Flyway’s bird species are of conservation concern, including the Wood Thrush. These birds are the most widespread of our eastern forest’s Neotropical migratory species, but their population has been reduced by half during the past 40 years. This map illustrates how Audubon’s network and our international partners are working together throughout the Atlantic Flyway to improve conditions for at-risk species like the Wood Thrush.

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forEst stEwardship initiativEMuch of Jim Krissel’s farm is currently protected, but he wanted to know more

about his forest land. He contacted Mike Dudek of Audubon Sharon to discuss how his forest habitat could be managed to benefit declining songbirds.

“I think more property owners should do this. The word forest doesn’t just mean trees and this assessment gave me a better understanding of how each layer of the forest, from the forest floor to the treetops, supports all kinds of birds and other wildlife.”

— Jim Krissel, Farmer and Supporter of audubon Sharon

The forests of New England and New York provide habitat for more breeding birds than anywhere else in the country.Forests all along the eastern seaboard provide critical breeding, migratory, and wintering habitat for 75% of North America’s Neotropical migratory birds. Yet these forests are being converted to urban and suburban land uses at a faster rate than anywhere else. As a result of habitat loss and degradation, over 50 species of these migrants are on national or state priority conservation lists.

Since 80% of the forests in this region are privately owned, Audubon is conserving critical habitat through the Forest Stewardship Initiative by raising awareness among landowners and land managers of the importance of our forests to global bird populations. As part of this program, Audubon biologists conduct a site visit for forest landowners and then provide them with a habitat assessment and recommendations to manage and restore habitat for priority species.

Currently, the program is being successfully implemented in Vermont,Connecticut, and New York. We are poised to expand this program along the eastern United States and to our partners in Central Americaand the Caribbean. Our goal is to have 1.5 million acres of land managedfor optimum breeding habitat by 2015 and to establish programs withinternational partners in at least eight countries.

By THe NuMBerS:Forest Stewardship in CT

• 60,000 acres of priority forest identified through gIS analysis

• 4,000 acres surveyed for forest landowners through our habitat assessments

• 51 people, representing 10,000 acres, attended workshops

Mike Dudek, Land Manager of Audubon Sharon, and Jim Krissel

crEating hEalthy haBitats from forEst to shorEAudubon is protecting the most productive and diverse ecosystems on our continent: our forests, grasslands, and coastal habitats. We are also working in our communities, transforming them into vibrant places for both people and wildlife.

Audubon’s broad network of members, Chapters, citizen science volunteers, andinternational partners is helping us protect:• Millions of acres of intact forests used by Wood Thrushes and other songbirds;• Our fragile coastline where plovers and terns breed;• Critical saltmarsh habitat where Saltmarsh Sparrows nest; and• Our local communities where our families and friends share the land with wildlife.

Audubon Connecticut is protecting our state’s most vulnerable birds and the habitats they need to survive through our Coastal and Forest Stewardship initiatives and our Audubon At Home Habitat Recognition Program.

Congratulations Jayni and thank you for your enormous contribution and dedication

as an advocate for the environment and conservation educator. you are a green star!

— Laura & Kevin O’DonohueSnow Hill Farm

Dwight Brooks, Horticulturist • ArboristCreating Fine Gardens, Organic Plant Care

[email protected]

www.audubonct.org

sharing our shorEs

“Audubon’s work ensuring that beach-nesting birds can safely raise their young on Connecticut’s shores is particularly important to me. I was lucky enough to grow up on a beach with shorebirds year round. One of my favorite times of year as a child was in the fall when we took family walks on the empty beaches, enjoying the flocks of noisy gulls and flittering terns.”

— amber turner, audubon connecticut board Member

Beaches and barrier islands are essential to the lives of many shorebirds and waterbirds. These species use a succession of coastal habitats from the northern reaches of Canada to the southern tip of Argentina during their annual breeding and migratory cycle. Long Island Sound, where Audubon programs in Connecticut and New York focus much of their work, serves as a feeding station for 52% of the Western Hemisphere’s nesting Roseate Tern population, and, together with the South Shore of Long Island, supports 32% of Least Tern and 22% of Piping Plover nesting populations along the Atlantic coast.

Many species of shorebirds are in decline, primarily due to disturbance of nesting birds by humans and predation by animals associated with humans, such as cats and raccoons. Few people are aware that the beaches they enjoy during the summer months are also critical nesting grounds for threatened species like Piping Plovers, or of the negative impact they can have on these birds by unknowingly walking too close to a nesting colony or allowing their pets to wander unsupervised.

Together, we can make a difference – by protecting sensitive nesting areas and educating our friends and neighbors about the birds that share our shores, we can help these at-risk species to flourish once more.

Audubon has implemented the Sharing Our Shores program to monitor, protect, and increase public awareness about priority coastal birds across a network of sites in the Atlantic Flyway. Through a combination of increased beach stewardship and targeted outreach activities, we can influence the way people use beaches and can significantly improve the future for these birds

Coastal Stewardship – This includes a broad range of on-the-ground activities that improve the nesting success and survivorship of priority coastal birds during the breeding, migration, and wintering season. We are training and deploying cadres of intern and volunteer beach stewards to identify important nesting areas, monitor nesting success, manage habitat such as enhancing nests sites and installing protective fencing, and patrol posted areas.

Targeted Outreach – Beach stewards stationed at breeding and migration sites serve as important ambassadors to beachgoers, boaters, and fishermen. They educate the public about the vital role our beaches play for nesting and migrating coastal birds, the sensitivity of these birds to disturbance, and how we can responsibly share the beach.

By THe NuMBerS:Sharing Our Shores in CT

• 50 bird stewards at 18 priority sites will double existing efforts

• 40 migratory shorebird surveys at key stop-over sites

• 20 public officials reached through workshops

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The Ashforth Companyproudly supports

and congratulates

Jayni ChaseKathryn Wriston

Environmental Leadership Award

recipients of the

Creating Healthy Habitats from Forest to Shore

and its commitment to

Audubon Connecticut

1. Audubon At Home Habitat Recognition Program – Provides homeowners, corporate landowners, municipalities, land trusts, and conservation organizations with personalized assessments of their properties followed by a report with landscaping and management recommendations to create healthier habitats for wildlife and people. For details, contact Taralynn Reynolds, [email protected].

2. Urban Oases for Migrating Songbirds – Helps identify, improve, and conserve critical urban habitats for migratory songbirds, by guiding land use and land management decisions on private and public lands.

3. Schoolyard Habitat Program – Develops healthy schoolyard habitats for both children and wildlife, integrates place-based environmental education into the school curriculum, and promotes environmentally-friendly practices among children and their families at home.

4. Master Bird Conservationist Program – Helps individuals to improve their bird identification skills, learn field research methods, and gain knowledge about how they can help address the most pressing threats to bird populations. Each participant attends a four-day training program and contributes at least 20 volunteer hours to one of our citizen science initiatives.

5. Urban Important Bird Areas Program – Activates a broad network of supporters and community members to conserve, steward, and promote urban areas that are vital to birds and other biodiversity.

6. Audubon At Home’s Public Policy and Grassroots Organizing – Promotes Audubon At Home priorities at the local, state, and federal levels by calling on our Policy team’s grassroots network of Chapters and organizational partners.

www.audubonct.org

crEating Bird-friEndly communitiEs

“Audubon recognizes that everyone can make a difference. Whether in our backyards, schools, local parks, or beaches, we can all help ensure the health of our communities, and the well-being of the wildlife that enrich our lives.”

— Lauren Hampton, audubon greenwich board Vice-chair

In communities where birds thrive, people prosper. From urban centers to rural towns across the country, each community can provide important habitat for native birds — residents and migrants alike. In turn, birds offer us a richer, more beautiful, and healthful place to live. Working with and engaging people in their communities, and building on the strength of our grassroots network of Audubon Chapters and Centers, we will help to transform the places where people live into habitats where birds flourish.

The following are just a few examples of how Audubon — and the unparalleled reach of its network — is building bird-friendly communities in Connecticut:

By THe NuMBerS:Bird-Friendly Community

Programs in CT

• 1,200 acres assessed through the Habitat recognition Program

• 7,600 people reached through lectures, films, workshops, and center events

• $13,800 granted to partners to create wildlife gardens

• 750 students in four schools participating in the Schoolyard Habitat Program

• 512 citizen scientists collected vital data for bird conservation

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1. Ensuring Sound Health – Advocates for clean water and habitat protection to benefit the birds that rely on Long Island Sound (LIS) and its watershed. Audubon Connecticut, Audubon New York, and our national policy office in Washington, D.C. work together and provide policy leadership for a broad coalition of partners that includes construction and labor groups, as well as environmental allies.

2. Saving the Avian Superhighway – Works to ensure funding and engage people in protecting habitats along the Atlantic Flyway such as Griswold Airport in Madison, Long Beach and Pleasure Beach in Stratford and Bridgeport, and additions to the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge. Through service on the Steering Committee of the Connecticut Land Conservation Council, our statewide land trust umbrella, Audubon strives to ensure sustained resources and capacity for habitat protection.

3. Keeping Connecticut Wild – Activates our members, partners, and legislative allies to support public policies that promote wildlife diversity and ensure healthy habitats for birds. From promoting laws that reduce pesticide use to creating sanctuaries for Horseshoe Crabs, our efforts focus on ensuring a healthy future for birds. In 2012, our work was recognized with an award from the 6,300-member, national Teaming With Wildlife Coalition.

4. Safeguarding the Safety Net – Speaks out in support of legal protections for birds and their habitats. We also work to defend the defenders by promoting adequate funding and staff resources for our key state and federal agency partners such as the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), Council of Environmental Quality, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Environmental Protection Agency, and their core conservation programs such as the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF).

www.audubonct.org

advocating for Birds and thEir haBitats

“Audubon knows that bird-friendly public policies are the key to successful conservation. Whether in Washington, Hartford, or a Town Hall near you, we’re there advocating to ensure clean water, protected landscapes, and a healthy future for birds.”

— Sandy breslin, audubon connecticut’s director of governmental affairs

Audubon began as an organization of advocates, working across the country to safeguard birds and their habitats. That legacy remains strong in our state where Audubon is at the forefront of efforts to ensure clean waters, protected landscapes, and healthy habitats for birds and people. Since birds don’t recognize geographic or political boundaries, our advocacy efforts don’t either. Our reach stretches from the smallest corners of Connecticut to the Halls of Congress. Our network engages individuals, Audubon Chapters, Audubon Centers and State Offices, conservation groups, state and federal agencies, business and labor advocates, and elected officials from small towns to the highest levels of state and federal government to promote bird-friendly public policies that make successful conservation happen.

Here’s how our legacy of successful advocacy and sound public policy is making a difference for birds and their habitats:

By THe NuMBerS:Public Policy Successes in CT

• $90 million in record state bond funding for clean water Fund projects

• $6.5 million from LwcF for conte national wildlife refuge acquisitions

• $5 million in state bond funding for open space matching grants

• $3.96 million for LIS water quality restoration and habitat stewardship

• $478,600 from federal State wildlife grants for dEEP non-game wildlife programs

Jenny Dickson, CT DEEP’s Wildlife Division Supervising Wildlife Biologist; Taldi Walter, National Audubon Society’s Assistant

Director of Government Relations; Sandy Breslin; Larry Schweiger, National Wildlife Federation’s President & CEO

U.S Chemicals salutes Audubon’s science

attain healthy solutions to

the consumer and chemical industries as a long

environmentally conscious.

ourselves each time we look at

As part of

Forest in 2012.

Enjoy your landscape by controlling ticks.Enjoy your landscape by controlling ticks.If you plan to enjoy your landscape this spring, you should be cautious of ticks, the spreader of Lyme disease. Those who study and treat Lyme disease say that most tick bites, perhaps as high as 90%, occur in one’s own yard. So reducing the tick population on the property surrounding your home is your best defense against tick-borne illnesses for you, your family and your pets.

Ticks live in the damp and humid areas of your yard, such as stone walls, overgrown gardens, and wood and brush piles. The Care of Trees offers a safe and ecologically-friendly tick suppression program to keep your loved ones protected. Ask your local certified arborist for more about this program.

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Tree and Shrub Pruning • Insect and Disease Management • Organic SoilCareSM • Fertilization and Nutrient Management ProgramsCabling and Bracing • Planting and Tree Replacement • Lightning Protection • Tree Preservation and Land Restoration • Mulching

salutes audubon’s science-based approach to working with all parties to attain healthy solutions to birds and humans alike. u.S. chemicals views the greening of the consumer and chemical industries as a long-term trend as people become more environmentally conscious. this is not a fad or a phase; it is a mandate we place upon ourselves each time we look at our children and the world around us.

as part of our sustainability efforts, u.S. chemicals will help plant 1,000 trees in our national Forest in 2012. to learn more you can visit http://www.treesforachange.com/uschemicals.html.

U.S Chemicals salutes Audubon’s science-based approach to working with all parties to

attain healthy solutions to birds and humans alike. U.S. Chemicals views the greening of

the consumer and chemical industries as a long-term trend as people become more

environmentally conscious. This is not a fad or a phase; it is a mandate we place upon

ourselves each time we look at our children and the world around us.

As part of our sustainability efforts, U.S. Chemicals will help plant 1,000 trees in our National

in 2012. To learn more you can visit http://www.treesforachange.com/uschemicals.html.

http://www.uschemicals.com/NEWS.html

www.audubonct.org

auduBon EnvironmEntal lEadErship dinnEr 2012

Co-ChairsConnan & Andrew AshforthKit & Robert Rohn

Committee *Ellen & John AvellinoDebra & Steven BealAnnie & David Bingham, M.D.Eunice & Robert BurnettTiffany Burnette & Don CasturoNanny & Marty CannonGrace & Christopher CasseseChevy ChaseJenny & Wylie CollinsKim & John ConteNajat & Michael CoughlinAndrea de Cholnoky & Scott WilsonJulia & Tom DunnKathy & John EdwardsDebby & Will EthridgeJennifer & Frank FeenstraSabrina ForsytheIcy & The Honorable Scott FrantzThe Honorable Lile & John GibbonsLauren & Gray W. Hampton, III

Marsha & Carl HewittGrace & Alex HillmanEllis & Steve JohnsonLaura Kaehler & John MotayJoni & Kevin KimberlinKristin King & Gerald M. FreedmanAlison & James KnightPage & John KnoxKristina & Frank LoverroSusan LundenDiana & Tom MaguireSuzanne Branch MartinShelley McCormick & Matthew KolkJeanne Mininall & Arthur BassJane-Kerin MoffatSusan Mufson FinkelsteinKatie & Donal O’BrienKristen & David OddiLaura & Joel OppenheimerChristy PennoyerEda & Jeffrey PetersonCarol & Chris Piccaro, DDSLolly PrinceJill & Geoffrey RakerAllyson & Trip Samson

Barbara & Richard ScaloJan Schaefer & Roy AbramowitzCathy & Jeffrey SiegalFran Smith & David YarnoldKeiko & George SorensonMaria & Bryan StepanianMartha & Krishen SudJuliet & Holt ThrasherSonia & Paul Tudor Jones, IIAmber TurnerMarion & Jay TwymanClaire & Tom WhelanCynthia & Christopher WillisCatherine & Tracy WolstencroftJessica & Basil Zirinis* In Formation

Past HonoreesDan W. LufkinPhoebe MillikenDonal O’BrienDavid OgilvyRobert SchumannChristopher ShaysLucy Rockefeller Waletzky, M.D.

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Marty Cannon, Katie & Donal O’Brien, and Jane-Kerin Moffat

Page & John Knox Robert Rohn, Marty Cannon, and Andrew Ashforth

Christopher Cassese and Michael Coughlin

Gray & Lauren Hampton and Valentina & Tom Baptist

(L to R) Laura Kaehler and Grace & Alex Hillman

Holt Thrasher and Meline DicksonSabrina Forsythe and Jennifer Feenstra

Kimberly Conte, Carl & Marsha Hewitt, and John Conte

Kit Rohn and Connan Ashforth Suzanne Branch Martin, Amber Turner, and Andrea de Cholnoky

www.audubonct.org

auduBon EnvironmEntal lEadErship dinnEr 2012

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Frank Loverro and Robert Getz Catherine Holden and Lauren Hampton Tom & Julia Dunn

Kit Rohn, Katie O’Brien, Connan Ashforth, and Donal O’Brien

Bill & Chris Nichols

(L to R) Barrie Somers, Alison Knight, Nick Somers, and Meline Dickson

Laura di Bonaventura, Leslie Pottow, Eunice Burnett, Laurie Thomson, and Lynn Friedberg

Chevy & Jayni Chase and Kathryn D. Wriston

David Yarnold and Kevin Kimberlin

Catherine Wolstencroft and Amber Turner

Jeanine Getz and Joni Kimberlin

www.audubonct.org


EAST COAST HOME + DES IGN

Architects Chuck Hilton and Doug Vanderhorn collaborate

with Interior Designer Amy Andrews of Katherine Cowdin

Inc. to create the ultimate guest house in Bronxville. Interior

Designer Susan Glick designs a sophisticated space in Westport

with a brilliant mix of neutrals and pops of color. Kyle TImothy

Blood of Kyle Timothy Home transforms a 19th Century

Victorian from dark and cramped to light and airy in Rye.

MayJune/

Mature plantings and long ago established trees mark the

entrance to this New York home. The classic Westchester

stucco faced colonial offers a warm welcome to all those

who pass through its doors.


STORY BY KATIE KEATING WOOdRuff/BROWN PhOTOGRAPhY

NO PLACE LIKE hOMEEast Coast home + design 33


orothy said it best when she clicked her heals three times and repeated, “There’s no place like home”. Perhaps the same could be said of this stunning

project by the esteemed architectural firm of Hilton VanderHorn. Based in Green-wich, Connecticut, they find that much of their work is located in Fairfield County, Connecticut and Westchester County, New York. For this two-phase project, they would begin by adding much needed room to a stately 1915 Bronxville home and culminate the end of the project with the construction of a new guest home on this New York property, beautifully land-scaped by Renee Byers. “It was very important to the clients that their new guest house fit seamlessly into the property and neighborhood,” according to architect, Charles Hilton, adding that “they were terrific clients” to work with. “They were very attentive and understood design drawings” which con-tributed to the project running smoothly. In addition, “they set out to hire a compe-tent team of designers and construction professionals” which further aided in the successful completion of the job. With no functioning garages and a lack of recreation space or guest accom-modations, the main house, a period Westchester, stucco-faced colonial, was overdue for the addition and some ex-panded family spaces, which included the new cottage. As interior designer, Amy An-drews so aptly put it; “when your children begin to grow and suddenly, little boys are approaching six feet tall, your once cozy family gathering spaces start to feel a bit cramped”. To address these issues, Hilton designed a new breakfast and family room off of the existing kitchen, roomy enough

D

A series of columns define the boundaries

between the entrance hall and main living

area. Rich architectural elements envelop

the space and give it a sense of tradition.



Natural light floods the open public spaces of

the cottage. A custom over sized Vermillion

carpet unifies the living and dining areas.

OPPOSITE TOP Recessed glass pocket

doors above the breakfast bar enable you to

close off the kitchen from the dining area.

OPPOSITE BOTTOM Warm and inviting,

the home’s kitchen boasts a mix of natural

stone surfaces, high-end appliances and

classic custom cabinetry.

Rich millwork with classically inspired details, envelop the in-teriors, infusing it with charm and a strong sense of tradition.

to insure that Sunday dinners could ac-commodate extended family and each one had a seat to watch “ball games on TV”. While this alleviated immediate space is-sues, it became clear that as this family continued to grow, they would need ad-ditional room for entertaining and for providing comfortable accommodations for weekend and holiday visitors alike. Hence, phase two would begin and yield the ultimate “vacation” house right in their own backyard”. Additionally, there would be a second homecoming of sorts as surrounding property that had once been part of the original parcel would be purchased and reassembled to support the site requirements for the new guest house,

garages, pool and terraces. On the first floor of the guest cottage, a combined living and dining area flow natu-rally to the outside terraces. French doors provide a perfect segue to the exterior dining and fireplace areas. Warm and in-viting guest bedrooms on the second level appear to have their “own personalities”. A trio of built-in day beds run perpendic-ular to an equal number of inviting twin beds sporting striped fabric headboards and finely milled linens in the spacious loft on the third floor. A full basement anchors the home and offers recreational space that can be used year round. Though inspired by the architecture of the main house, the new cottage’s interi-



Year round entertaining is possible

in this well appointed recreational

space located on the lower level of

the home.


TOP Soothing neutrals with a dash of floral accents

help make up the scheme in the master bedroom.

White onyx has been used for the fireplace surround.

BOTTOM Multiple twin and bunk beds offer

additional sleeping space on the third floor loft.


Inspired by the architecture of the main house, the cottage was

designed to accommodate large gatherings of family and friends.

There is a natural segue from the interior living areas to terraces

that surround the pool. Classical columns support covered porches

while a natural stone path pulls you into the pool area.



ors appear more transitional in style and less formal in its design aesthetic. A series of columns define the space between the entrance and public spaces. Rich millwork with classically inspired details, envelop the interiors, infusing it with charm and a strong sense of tradition. Dark stained wood floors seem juxtaposed against the clean white beams crossing the ceiling above. In the entrance hall area, a window seat provides a sweet retreat on a rainy day for curling up with a good book. Natural light fills the main living space courtesy of French doors and transom windows. The soothing neutral palette keeps things light and bright. At one end, a comfortable seating arrangement has been centered in front of the fireplace wall, promoting in-timate conversation and offering a warm spot to cozy up and watch a movie by the fire. Neutral fabrics lend to the contem-porary feel of the space. The sofa table and pair of hurricane lamps appear to set

up an informal wall between the living and dining areas. Eight can be seated com-fortably around the custom dining table. Both the table and chandelier above were designed by David Latesta. An oversized wool area rug by Vermillion adds subtle pattern to the scheme and both grounds and unifies the two separate seating areas. Counter service is always available at the smartly designed breakfast bar. Whether you ‘re having a casual cocktail, hoping for conversation with the cook, or yearn-ing for that morning coffee and a crois-sant, this semi-circular bar offers infor-mal dining for adults and children alike. This clever design offers open access to the kitchen when needed or the ability to close off the kitchen via recessed glass doors. The kitchen offers state of the art ap-pliances, rich stone surfaces and finely detailed custom cabinetry. Limestone for the floor, Cesar Stone on the counters and

a stone mosaic backsplash add to the rich feel in the space. Glass front cabinets run-ning around the upper perimeter of the kitchen lift the eye up giving the room height and additional reflective surfaces for natural light entering the room. A well proportioned center island offers plenty of prep-surface for the chef as well as kitchen seating for four. Classic cabinet details complement the architectural ele-ments seen in the surrounding spaces. The custom kitchen cabinetry is by Deane. On the lower level, rainy days don’t put a damper on recreational activities. This open space offers sufficient room to in-clude a game table, billiard table, com-

The cottage and its surrounding outdoor liv-

ing spaces were designed to fit seamlessly

into the fabric of the neighborhood. A rustic

stone fireplace provides a focal point for an

outdoor living space.


fortable bar area and large scale custom designed sectional sofa in the seating area. The fieldstone fireplace adds a rus-tic feel to the room which is accessed by dual staircases flanking the fireplace. In nicer weather, friends and family moves outdoors and gather by the pool or take advantage of the sprawling property. Kids can enjoy the built-in trampoline, a friendly game of lacrosse or pick-up game of basketball.

RESOURCES

ARCHITECTS

Hilton VanderHorn Architects

Charles Hilton

Douglas VanderHorn

31 East Elm Street

Greenwich, CT 06830

203.862.9011

Interior Designer

Katherine Cowdin, Inc.

Amy Andrews

33 East Elm Street

Greenwich, CT 06830

203.661.4844

[email protected]

General Contractor

Significant Homes

Matt Matthews

199 Elm Street

New Canaan, CT 06840

203.966.5700

[email protected]

Landscape Architect

Renee Byers Landscape

Landscape Architect, P.C.

Renee Byers

10 Avon Road

Bronxville, NY 10708

914.337.3103

[email protected]

At the end of the day, spa-like ameni-ties await the lucky guest who accepts an invitation to stay the night. Like a five star inn, both bed and bathrooms offer a luxu-rious escape from your everyday routine. Refined limestone surfaces, a bubbling Jacuzzi and the last flicker from a smol-dering fire in your bedroom fireplace help send you off on a good night’s sleep. Much as once divided sections of this property have found their way home and

since been made whole again, so too do family and friends when they knock on this home’s front door. Surrounded by those they love and with every amenity at their fingertips, it’s easy to see why there’s truly “no place like home”.

Katie Keating is an interior designer and freelance writer and can be reached at203.339.5820 or at [email protected].


Soothing blues and crisp white set

the tone in the entrance home of this

Westport beach house.

OPPOSITE A silver sun mirror shines

brightly behind a trio of contempo-

rary blue vases in the dining room.


TSTORY BY KATIE KEATING PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANE BEIlES AND STACY BASS

he pull of the sea has lured many to its shores. Gently rolling waves, smol-dering setting suns and the smell of salty air have enticed many to stroll along its sandy coastline, sail from end to end, or if you’re one of the lucky ones, find a home that looks out upon its sometimes mystical horizon. Art-ists have been inspired to paint it, authors to write about it and designers, to design by it. It’s here, within Long Island Sound’s approximately one hundred and ten miles of coastline, we find the vibrant town of Westport, Connecticut, which is where local interior designer, Susan Glick, has found herself inspired to create many a wonderful home, this being one of them.

SOUND DESIGN



Susan first met her client some six years ago when this client had “visited a friend’s home for the first time and fell in love with it”. Like many who had never worked with an interior designer, her client was ap-prehensive about turning over control to someone she had no experience with. Would the house reflect her tastes and style? “Would she be able to bring the look I have in my head to life”, her client thought? To her client’s surprise and delight, Susan was more than ca-pable of translating her client’s wishes and that’s when their design relationship took off.

The designer chose textures, patterns and colors that would give the home a calm,

yet sophisticated feel. Dupioni silk, in a stunning shade of pewter, dresses the living

room windows. Mercury glass, silver accents and mirrored surfaces shine throughout.


“I love that I can tell Susan what I’m looking for and she helps me design it”, said her client. The second of two projects they’ve worked on together, this house is more transitional in style compared to the first home Susan worked with her on. Yet, their easy working relationship has facili-tated the design process. With beautiful views of the Sound, the house is located in the popular beach area of town. Susan took her inspiration from these surroundings in choosing the color palette. While it was important for her to “bring the outside in”, Susan also recog-nized that it was “important to her clients

ABOVE Touches of turquoise dot the sandy

colored family room. Bookshelves are filled

with coral, mercury glass and driftwood ac-

cessories. Yellow tulips and soft pink roses

fill a silver mint julep cup.

RIGHT A well stocked bar sits ready to host

an impromptu cocktail hour. A pair of sleep-

ing Buddhas, sit peacefully atop a shelf with-

in the family room built-in bookshelves.


to have a continuous flow of color and style throughout the house”. Soft grays, soothing neutrals and serene blues set the tone and were accented by pops of tur-quoise. Known for her “modern, classic approach to interior decorating”, Susan chose textures, patterns and colors that would give the home a calm, yet sophisti-cated feel. She also was mindful in choos-ing materials that were functional and durable enough to stand up to the day to day wear and tear that comes with three growing children. Part of this particular design program would include the renovation of two bath-rooms and the kitchen. While the kitchen was beautifully designed and built by ar-

board details, similar to the paneling in the bathroom, can be seen on the cus-tom cabinetry which also boasts frosted, ribbed glass doors. A backsplash mosaic, designed with mini honed gray and white marble tiles, pulls together the crisp white of the cabinetry together with the soft gray tones found in the distressed drift-wood of the island. Stainless appliances, honed gray stone on the counters and glass pendants over the island complete the design. Soft grays, blues and taupe prevail in the light filled living room. One of the first rooms to greet you as you enter the home, it provides visual access to Long Island Sound through a beautiful set of French doors. To capture the light in the room, Susan chose finishes and accesso-ries that were reflective in nature. Mercury glass, silver accents and mirrored surfaces shine in this elegant room. A pair of black

ABOVE Mini honed glass tile make up the

kitchen backsplash and pull together the

crisp white of the cabinetry with the soft

gray tones found in the driftwood island.

chitect, Michael Greenberg and Associates, Susan concentrated her efforts on trans-forming the bathrooms. Taking her cue from both beach and spa-like influences, Susan combined frosted glass, mini-mo-saic tile with soft Ming green marble for the powder room. A custom designed van-ity outfitted with textured doors, has been topped with similar, “soothing colored” marble counter tops and stained in a rich, dark finish. Satin nickel fixtures comple-ment the frames used to display the ho-meowners’ beach themed photographs. Light blue by Farrow and Ball, has been used on the walls. To look like she had brought the beach in, Susan chose a sandy taupe wall color for above the crisp white horizontal pan-eling and pebble-tile floor in the boy’s bathroom. Carrera marble tops the slatted wood vanity and ties the look together. In the kitchen, wide horizontal bead



The lines between the home’s interior and exterior rooms have been blurred by Susan’s thoughtful design. As our weather warms and the days grow longer, sea breezes will soon fill this home and it will be brightened by a bold and brilliant summer sun.

RESOURCES

Designer

Susan Glick Interiors

Westport, Connecticut

203.984.4112

[email protected]

susanglickinteriors.com

Stylist

Ronny Carroll

203.561.8386

Photographer

Jane Beiles

janebeiles.com

Stacy Bass

203.221.7606

(Living, dining and family room photos)

and white botanicals by Stacy Bass sport mirrored frames and provide a focal point in the space. Windows have been dressed in “stunning pewter silk dupioni fabric”, framing the enviable views beyond. Satin nickel drapery hardware provides a “re-fined and subtle” branch from which they hang from. Stark velvet, in a taupe and blue, was used to upholster “repurposed” tall-back chairs. Porcelain canines cast a watchful eye upon the comfortable seat-ing area which has been grounded with a lush, ribbed viscose and wool area rug. Touches of turquoise dot the sandy col-ored family room. Above the well stocked bar, abstract art by Kerri Rosenthal adds a colorful pop to the subtle palette. Book-shelves filled with white coral, mercury glass and driftwood accessories remind you that the sea is ever near. Aqua and neutral tones weave their way through the “under the sea life” pattern seen in the carpet and helps pull together the fabric choices for the upholstered pieces in the room. A pair of upholstered cubes and a ceramic garden stool, add occasional seat-ing when needed. As though back from a long lazy day at the beach, turquoise Buddhas “sleep” comfortably a top their bookshelf perch. The circular dining table in this room promotes conversa-tion and offers no hierarchy to those who find themselves seated in the ultra-suede

chairs around it. French doors with a tran-som window above, allow light to fill the room and reflect off the modern metallic surface of the chandelier. A gilded starburst mirror shines its rays down upon a trio of turquoise vases on a side table in the dining room. Uphol-stered chairs surround the formal ma-hogany pedestal dining table. Aqua blue circles mimic the circular design of the chandelier’s contemporary drum shade hanging above the table. With their inter-connected gold frames, the circular discs appear shell-like in nature, blending well with the sea-inspired theme of the home. It can be said that casual sophistication reigns supreme in this room. The lines between the home’s interior and exterior rooms have been blurred by Susan’s thoughtful design. As our weath-er warms and the days grow longer, sea breezes will soon fill this home and it will be brightened by a bold and brilliant sum-mer sun. As day moves into night the glis-tening water will give way to starlit skies reminding us that our natural surround-ings always provide the perfect template from which design springs forth.

Katie Keating is an interior designer and freelance writer and can be reached at 203.339.5820 or [email protected]

OPPOSITE Upholstered chairs surround

a double pedestal mahogany table in the

dining room lending to the modern classic

feel of the space.


Adding sparkle and

shine, a pair of drum

style pendants from

Ironies, illuminates both

the lower level and loft

space above. Covered

in shells, the fixtures

sport a quatrefoil motif.


BS T O RY B Y K AT I E K E AT I N G P H O T O S B Y E R I C S T R I F F L E R

eyond the gables of this stately 19th century Victorian, beats the heart of a home seen in the

form of a magnificently designed living space by New York interior designer, Kyle Timothy

Blood, of Kyle Timothy Home, LLC. While natural lights floods the new addition with its open floor plan

and well appointed spaces, that wasn’t always the case in this area of the family’s home.

Beyond The Gables

Casual elegance reigns supreme in

the new family room. Mohair covers the cus-

tom sofa, while table lamps constructed of

rock crystal flank it and adorn transitional

style end tables.


Located in the coastal town of Rye, New York, the in-town home keeps company with many beautiful examples of period architecture. In this case however, some of those lovely architectural details were hidden by an earlier addition to the rear of the home which blocked its beauti-ful gables and was at times quite drafty. According to Kyle, it had the appearance of “a box with ashed roof having been slapped up against the Victorian house”

with little thought to how it should be integrated within the existing architecture of the home. “Small, dark and cramped”, it had poor circulation and didn’t address the needs of the current homeowners. “Thinking outside the box with a scale ruler and pencil, he tweaked the hom-eowner’s existing architectural plans” and presented them with three new floor plans that addressed the program needs expressed by his clients. His mission was

An “ice chest-style pantry” makes prac-

tical use of space running along the stair

wall. Finished in oak, the pantry comple-

ments the large scale island in the center

of the room.

to “create a new addition that included a large open kitchen, separate breakfast room, separate family room, mud room and laundry room as well as comfortable loft space for TV watching by the clients’


ABOVE RIGHT Perimeter cabinetry

throughout the kitchen, laundry room

and office area have classical detailing

and have been finished in white.

RIGHT Twelve by twenty four inch

silver-backed glass, “La Leaf” tiles from

Artistic tile were used on the backsplash

behind the stove and above the kitchen

counters. In the butler’s pantry, zinc

counters and a custom glass tile mosaic

jazz up the space.


children and their neighborhood friends. The kitchen had to include both a large scaled center island and office area that would serve as “command central” for his client. The new plan also presents a seam-less transition between the new and old sections of the home and allows the once blocked gables to stand proud. With his passion for architecture, Kyle paid special attention to the architectural details making up this home and contin-ued them throughout the new addition. He designed new five inch wide moldings, scaled from the house’s original eight-inch wide ones, for the addition as well as all the new balusters and posts seen through-out. Each project he completes is unique to that particular client and home, for he prides himself on making sure there are “no repeat performances”. Transitional in feel, the new spaces boast a mix of high end and custom pieces. His clients realized that they love “square” shaped design elements and examples of these can be found throughout the new spaces, especially when looking at the lighting fixtures illuminating each area. Case in point is the double cube Holly Hunt chandelier hanging above a square family room coffee table by John Boone. Billowy panels of Larsen fabric frames the windows and are suspended on square drapery rings that run along square pol-ished stainless rods. The custom mohair-covered sofa is flanked on either side by rock crystal lamps which add both visual interest and an organic element to the room. Eight-inch wide planks of quarter-sawn and rift white-oak run throughout many areas of the new addition. Christian Liaigre wing and swivel chairs make up the comfortable seating arrangement which has been grounded on a silk area rug.


Filled with natural light, the sunny breakfast

area boasts a Baccarat chandelier and custom

stainless and stone dining table.


With its clever design and positioning, each swivel chair can turn its attention to conversations taking place in both the family room and adjacent kitchen. Hon-oring his clients’ request for light filled spaces, Kyle swapped out a fireplace origi-nally planned for behind the wing chair in favor of the tall center window we see here now, matching the arch of the windows to the house’s original arches in the formal living room. Moving into the cheery kitchen, we’re greeted by a thoughtful mix of texture and materials. Square shaped recessed lighting combines with polished nickel pendants to provide task lighting to the space. Professional appliances by Wolfe, Sub-Zero, King and Miele offer the lat-est in culinary technology blending well within this sleek design. Kyle opted in fa-vor of a “deck mounted” pot filler on the island that offers added convenience for the cook, swiveling 360 degrees to various areas on the island. The Christopher Pea-cock cabinetry blends warm oak surfaces with lighter painted finishes. Polished nickel hardware has been used throughout.

Natural stone counters have been married with wood surfaces. In the butler’s pantry, Kyle Timothy used custom designed glass mosaic tiles from Artistic Tile for the backsplash, with zinc counters, while 12” x 24” glass “La Leaf ” tiles with antique silver backing perform the same function in the kitchen. Larsen fabric has been used to dress each window in the kitchen and office area while the oak desk top com-plements the “ice chest pantry” running along the stair wall. Open to the room, its creative use of space allows for lots of storage but is not invasive. As with all kitchens he designs, he began the project with what he affectionately refers to as, “Kyle’s Kitchen List”: together, client and designer took a complete inventory of ex-

isting and potential items to ensure that each item will have its own place within his new design. Sliders in the breakfast room lead to terraces beyond and allow natural light to fill the space. Above the custom stone and polished stainless-steel table, a Bacca-rat chandelier adds a dose of understated elegance to this modern scheme. B & B leather chairs surround the custom table and complete the welcoming arrange-ment. On the wall behind the table, an-tique Indian screens add old world charm and provide textural interest in the corner. Eighteen by eighteen squares of Botticino Fiorito polished marble make up the floor and give it a seamless feel to the adjacent whitewashed floor.

“only when every person and every item in a house has a dedicated place/space to rest, can the flow and functionality be achieved, then you can begin to make it beautiful”


Designer

Kyle Timothy Home, LLC

Kyle Timothy Blood

405 West 23rd Street, Suite 5J

New York, NY 10011

917.597.2312

kyletimothy.com

Architect

Mark Mustacato

914.698.5589

rmgarchitects.com

Contractor

John Mazzola

914.403.3180

[email protected]

Photographer

Eric Striffler

All photographs owned By Eric Striffler

striffler.com

RESOURCES In the mudroom, a custom bench de-signed by Kyle provides a sturdy seat to change small, muddy boots. Porcelain tile on the floor provides easy cleanup for messy kids and canines alike. A sliding door offers entry into the laundry room. Satin nickel fixtures finish the well lit cus-tom sink and cabinetry in this space. Stark carpet softens the stairs as you journey up to the comfortable loft. Square, true divided light windows enve-lope the space with natural light giving it an open, “aerie” feel. The over-scale sec-tional and square ottoman provide cozy seating for large groups. Visible through the custom railing, are a magnificent pair of large scale drum style pendants from Ironies. Sporting quatrefoil designs, they frames are covered with shell, adding spar-kle and interest to the both levels. Small, square shaped recessed wall lights run up the stairs providing soft light and a safe passage to the loft. Soft neutrals make up this restful palette.

Kyle sums up his design philosophy by saying that “only when every person and every item in a house has a dedicated place/space to rest, can the flow and func-tionality be achieved, then you can begin to make it beautiful”. Once again, he has not disappointed!

Katie Keating is an interior designer and freelance writer and can be reached at 203.339.5820 or [email protected]

ABOVE Square true divided light windows

envelop the loft area giving it an open,

“aerie” feel.

OPPOSITE The new design addition

includes both a practical mudroom and

loft space above. Stark carpet covers the

stairs.


OUTDOOR SPACESPOOLS, POOL HOUSES + LANDSCAPESS T O RY B Y K AT I E K E AT I N G P I C T U R E D : R O C K S P R I N G D E S I G N G R O U P


ROCK SPRING DESIGN GROUP

While many of the key outdoor design elements were in place when David Verespy of Trumbull based Rock Spring Design Group came into this proj-ect, it was clear to he and his team that the surrounding landscape “did not engage the family and encourage them to live in the spaces beyond the pool and terrace”. “Verespy believes that the outdoor environment should not be something that is simply viewed from afar but a space that is lived in and supports how their clients want to live in the outdoors.” Therefore, it’s their practice to take a “collaborative client centric design approach” when planning a client’s outdoor living spaces. Founded in 2007, many of their projects are concen-trated along coastal areas in Connecticut and Westchester Counties. Since the beginning, they’ve come “to be known for providing innovative solutions to complex problems”. Topping the gently curving stone walls that border the terrace, classical urns mark the entrance to the spacious lawn. Native plantings, colorful perennials and mature trees dot the property defining outdoor rooms and adding visual interest to the property. Voluminous pale pink roses mark a path down to the water. A pergola offers a quiet place to rest under the canopy of surrounding trees. White hydrangea bushes sit softly by the pool.Each room is defined by natural borders that help give them definition and a unique personality, yet allow them to flow naturally into the adjoining spaces. Like the interior rooms of your home, each one pulls you in and awakens the senses with their beauty.

Rock Spring Design Group, LLCDavid Verespy15 Rock Spring Road, Trumbull, CT 06611203.268.6979, rockspringdesigngroup.com

iH design studio

www.ihdesignstudio.com

30 Commerce Rd.Stamford, CT 06902

www.4-orm.com



PARKER DESIGN ASSOCIATES

With offices located in Manhattan, New York, Sherman, Con-necticut and Southampton, New York, Janice Parker of Parker Design Associates has been designing exquisite landscapes throughout the Tri-State area since 1984. Each project is unique and no two projects look alike as projects are tailored to the client’s needs as well as to the site. “My design goal is use a focused simplicity”, she said, add-ing that she’s “always looking for new approaches and details to keep things interesting and challenging for herself ”. Ever mindful of “sustainability and native plants”, Parker strives to create landscapes that are both “beautiful and functional twelve months a year”. Entitled, “The Raven”, this coastal landscape is located in the Saugatuck area of Westport, Connecticut and was com-prehensive in its scope. “The property owner wanted a simple, lush landscape with architectural strength and year round in-terest.” The project design would include a “driveway, entry, paths, fencing, masonry, plantings and outdoor lighting.” A rich mixture of materials can be seen throughout. Cedar Lake granite was used for stone borders and the entry path,


re-claimed brown granite cobblestone bands and me-dallions in the paved parking court and beach pebbles used as mulch in the two side gardens. The center lawn has been patterned with square stone slabs. Ter-races are Cedar Lake granite with grass joints. Box wood, ornamental grasses, native shrubs and perenni-als fill the rear garden. Five stone planters brimming with seasonal flowers and banana trees run parallel to the pool and “anchor the property”. Native shrubs provide a shoreline buffer. Above the raised spa a per-gola makes an architectural statement. A collector of works by Edgar Allen Poe, it comes as no surprise that a cut out of a bird found its way into the design of the custom gates designed for their owner.

Parker Design AssociatesJanice Parker, PrincipalConnecticut Office, 860.350.4497P.O. Box 221, Sherman, CT 06784New York Office, 212.929.6490janiceparker.com

Elissa GrayEr intErior DEsiGn, llC

22 PurChasE strEEt | ryE, ny 10580

914-921-6500 P | 914-921-6501 F

www.ElissaGrayErDEsiGn.Com

ELISSA GRAYERI N T E R I O R D E S I G N


HAGGERTY POOLS

Established in 1956, Haggerty Pools of Stamford, Connecti-cut has built a reputation for providing superior service to residential pool and spa owners throughout greater Fairfield and Westchester Counties. With an experienced design team on staff, they can take a project from concept through con-struction working independently or with outside landscape designers should the scope of work call for it. In addition, they offer state of the art automation, renovations and re-pairs services, maintenance and weekly chemical deliveries as well as leak tests by certified diving personnel, just to name a few.With a “breathtaking back drop”, this beautiful freeform pool is located in Weston, Connecticut. “Old spruce mountain granite” was used for the coping and deck stones giving it a natural look. The interior step design includes quartz stone on the top step along with a sun shelf before you descend the stairs. There seems to be a natural progression towards the attached circular spa which offers the perfect spot to sit and take in the panoramic view. “The interior finish is from Pool Surfaces of Carolina Marble Series Tahoe Blue.” With its graceful profile and organic design it looks as though it was tailor made for this bucolic setting.

Haggerty PoolsRoger Haggerty80 Largo DriveStamford, CT 06907203.348.6899haggertypools.com

JANICE PARKER LANDSCAPE DESIGNwww. janiceparker.com • 860.350.4497

© DURSTON SAYLOR


GARDINER & LARSON HOMES

Designing and building high-end residential homes since the 1995, Judith Larson and her colleagues at Gardiner & Larson Homes work closely and personally with their clients to help them achieve their visions easily and with a great amount of cre-ative enjoyment. Working as a team with their clients, interior designers, and landscape designers, they develop projects that re-flect the tastes and style preferences of their clients and at the same time harmonize with the environment—both natural and built--in a seamless, timeless fashion so that they never lose their value or appeal. In this particular project, the pool house was designed to re-semble a carriage house on a Victorian estate. The main house, though designed and built by Gardiner & Larson Homes in 2007, embodies all the period detail that one might find in a turn of the last century, late 1800’s antique house of that style, and the pool house is a reflection of that. It is set on a stone foundation built into the side of a hill and includes a large lounge area with a fireplace, dining area, “pool house kitchen,” two full bathrooms with changing areas, and an exercise room. Thick, heavy sliding barn-type mahogany doors open completely at both the front and back, allowing a cross-breeze to circulate through on hot summer

evenings. Set discreetly within the stone foundation on the lower level is a place for storage, pool equipment and for the owners to store their very special car collection. In the interior, the owners wanted to create a feeling that re-minded them of their family vacations in the Bahamas, so they de-veloped a neutral palette with turquoise and peach accents, high beamed ceilings, paddle ceiling fans and plenty of windows keep the lounge and dining areas light, airy and bright. The sliding barn doors open completely to the outdoor dining area beneath a Victorian style pergola, creating one large area for entertaining. As with all of Larson’s projects, her meticulous attention to detail is evident throughout. Regardless of the scope of the project, large or small, Gardiner & Larson strive to provide personal, caring and attentive service along with exceptionally fine quality of construction to all of their clients through every stage of their project.

Gardiner & Larson Homes21 Locust Avenue, New Canaan, CT 06840203.972.1409, gardinerlarsonhomes.comphotos by Nancy Hill


AUSTIN GANIM LANDSCAPE DESIGN

Offering a full range of design, instal-lation and maintenance services, Austin Ganim Landscape Design, located in Fairfield, Connecticut, create timeless de-signs that provide a seamless transition between the home and garden. With both design build and professional services di-visions, they offer a full range of services from concept to landscape maintenance. This particular project evolved over several phases. Having worked with the homeowner for many years, landscape architect, Eva Chiamulera began first by developing a master plan for the property, making sure that the design “fit in with the historic character of the neighbor-hood while creating an intimate garden room and play spaces elsewhere on the property”. European Hornbeams enclose the “gar-den room” and provide it with privacy from the street and adjacent buildings. A circular brick and blue stone patio was added and over time, trimmed by a shade perennial garden that adds “textural and color contrast to the nearby hedges”. A stepping stone walkway connects the house to the lawn areas. The varied “plant palette” combines the soft texture and fine foliage of sweet woodruff with the large bold leaves of Hosta Sagea. Dappled light fills the shade garden creating a calm and quiet atmosphere for the homeown-er to relax, entertain friends or host her book club meeting. This well thought out design provides continual garden blooms from early spring with “the first signs of witch hazels and daffodils” and continues throughout the summer months with shades of white and pastel appearing in a varied assortment of perennials, hydrangea and summer sweet. As autumn approaches, blooming perenni-als such as cimicifuga and anemone con-tinue this colorful show, allowing Mother Nature to delight once more, until the first frost settles in.

Austin Ganim Lanndscape Design, LLCAustin Ganim & Eva Chiamulera, ASLA320 Kings Highway CutoffFairfield, CT 06824203.333.2003AustinGanimLandscapeDesign.com

Construction Management + General ContractingOne Park Avenue • Old Greenwich, CT 203 698 1147 www.apsavinollc.com

Call us for a complimentary project evaluation at 203 698 1147

Let’s Move Forward & Build SomethingIt’s the perfect time to remodel, restore, and recreate

HILTON VANDERHORN ARCHITECTS

Located in Greenwich, Connecticut, this Georgian style pool house represents just one phase of a design relationship that has spanned seventeen years between the architectural firm of Hilton Vanderhorn and their client. Known for creating high-end tra-ditional residences throughout Fairfield and Westchester Coun-

ties, this pool house design blends classical architectural elements with modern day amenities. The clever design allows for a bathroom and changing rooms in one section while the other offers a pool house kitchen with custom designed cabinetry, cherry counters, sink and half-refrig-


NURSERY & GREENHOUSES, LLCEST. 1930

Ridgefield_Glass.indd 1

erator. Three panel bi-fold doors allow you to close off the kitchen from the cen-tral portion. In the opposing section, the well proportioned powder room opens to changing rooms and like the kitchen has limestone flooring and bead board walls. Fixtures are by Waterworks. Designed to match the main house, oversized bricks were handmade using a mixture of Glengarry and Old Carolina brick. Doric columns support the pergola which covers the entertaining area and joins the two sections of the pool house. A copper roof, rafter tails and lattice panel on the rear of the space add to the charm. The outdoor design also includes a grill-ing area and pizza oven. The pool is fin-ished with limestone coping and a blue-stone terrace. Behind the pool house and down a set of stone stairs, Mercury strikes a noble pose. Is he heralding your arrival or bidding you farewell? Hilton VanderHorn ArchitectsCharles HiltonDouglas VanderHorn31 East Elm StreetGreenwich, CT 06830203.862.9011hilton-vanderhorn.com


Melange • A Collection of Unique Items for the Home ´

KoKoon

KOKOON was designed as a personal getaway in the form of a sta-

tionary hammock. With enough room for four people, it can provide

a truly unique lounging experience whether in a backyard, at the

beach or in a resort hotel. It has a cushion-covered Batyline sling

and roof with optional curtains for an extra bit of privacy. KOKOON

also has two base options: a teak base for terrace use and a steel

base that can be embedded in the ground. Batyline and cushions are

available in white or cappuccino; the curtain set is available in white.

Materials/Colors: teak, white, cappuccino Batyline seat. All pieces

are available through D’Apostrophe, 394 Broadway, New York, NY,

212.334.5045, royalbotania.com


www.AustinGanimLandscapeDesign.com

www.AustinGanimLandscapeDesign.com

203.333.2003

Ganim’s GardenGanim’s Garden

203.333.2003

Licensed & Insured: B-2036, HIC.0602611, HIC.0602612, S4820

Center & Florist, LLC

Lan

Center & Florist, LLC

Join Ganim’s Gardeners, our new customer loyalty program, to receive special o�ers & event invitations:

Austin GanimAustin Ganim

203.333.5662

Dahlia NapkiN RiNg

Pistachio color. We’ve cap-

tured the enchanting essence

of the Dahlia, so this beauti-

ful bud can flourish on your

table year round. We crafted

this Pistachio floral ring of

freshly hued Sinamay Straw

for textural interest, adding

a dew-drop of sparkle at the

center to finish.

Juliska.com

Set of BaRBque NapkiNS

Set of 20 barbecue luncheon

napkins: five of each color. A graphic collage

of mouthwatering words brightens barbecues

in orange, yellow, green and red.3-ply tissue,

Water-based inks & Biodegradable packaging

For store locations: crateandbarrel.com

CaDeNCe laNteRN

Ribbons of natural bamboo form a whimsical

looped on a sturdy rattan frame. Handcrafted

lantern with glass insert sits on a table or

hangs from the iron wire handle

For store locations: crateandbarrel.com


Melange´

SiSSinghurSt teak Seat

Our interpretation of a design by the much respected Edwardian architect Sir Edwin Lutyens. The most distinctive of seats, with its

flowing curves and curls, is often used as the focal point in a variety of garden styles and settings. An imposing seat that can only add

elegance to your leisure hours all year round. Barlow tyrie for dealers teak.com

Ferre ColleCtion deSigned By CédriC dequidt

Sofa (with removable cushions): L. 196 x H. 71 x D. 82 cm. The idea: a simple repetition of differ-

ent colored steel tubes, like a retro bar code. The result: a fresh charm-filled design that lifts the

spirits. Outdoor collection, structure made from varnish-lacquered steel tubes. roche Bobois,

200 Madison Avenue New York, NY, 212.889.0700, rochebobois.com


Surf This two-person hammock is visually stunning and supremely comfort-

able. A distinctive feature of this piece is that it appears to and does in-

deed “hover” in space. Surf is made of Royal Botania’s stainless steel and

mesh as well as a canopy made from Batyline. This semi-transparent

fabric also blocks 86% of the Sun’s rays. Surf is able to be permanently

installed into the ground, fitted with an optional, sturdy base for place-

ment on a terrace, and even has an available wheel-set to be placed on

the base to allow for maximum mobility. Materials/Colors: stainless steel

frame, white, cappuccino, black, turquoise Batyline seat. D’Apostrophe,

394 Broadway, New York, NY 10013, 212.334.5045, royalbotania.com

AurA

New Aura aluminum deep

seating stacking chair

and footrest, Aura alumi-

num and teak high dining

pub table and chairs also

our new “Sail” square

parasol. D’Apostrophe,

394 Broadway, New York,

NY 10013, 212.334.5045,

royalbotania.com

CAning CAnDle PotS

Dress up candles and tea lights with our lovely caning holder that

boasts intricate weaving for a touch of the bohemian, and a glint-

ing silver medallion for a touch of elegance - with an interior glass

insert for easy transport to the veranda for a candlelit supper. Also

functions as a vase. Available in Espresso or Natural. Juliska.com

In The Field

Out Of The Pasthat began as a passion for gardening so many years ago in a small Western Mas-sachusetts town, has blos-somed into one of the fin-est resources for ornamental

garden designs in our area. Established eighteen years ago in Wilton, Connecticut, by Amabel Chan, Marvin Gardens is the go to source for unique garden sculptures, out-door furnishings and exquisitely designed garden container arrangements. A Renais-sance woman in her own right, this entre-preneurial mother of four evokes emotion in every design she creates. Located at 713 Danbury Road (also known as Route 7), just north of Cannon-

W

KATIE KEATING

dale, this road side shop is a treasure trove of both antique and reproduction garden design elements and assorted plant mat-ter. Housed in what long-time Wiltonites might recall as Scribner’s Fruit Stand, it seems fitting that this noble antique stone structure would play home to such a varied assortment of both old and new products. Sourced from around the world, many items have a “past” of their own and thanks to Chan, are now finding new life in her unex-pected creations. “I like to create an emotion that speaks to the heart” she told me, and is “not afraid to create a sense of style that conveys her indi-viduality”. Her designs have a timeless feel to them, “marrying the extremely sophisti-

cated with the worn and crusty giving that design a well-worn, old-world feel”. Eighty percent of her products are constructed of cast iron, wrought iron, zinc or stainless steel. “Living walls, vintage faux-bois, large orbs and organic plant matter cater to those that want to be individuals.” Many of her designs have a European appeal to them. She

combs world-wide markets to secure pieces that are unusual and would add visual inter-est and can by her own admission, “source anything” for her clients. Her designs solve conceptual challenges and she believes that less is more. In a nod to sustainability and budget conscience consumers, she prefers using perennials over annuals, though she will incorporate them should the design call for them. She’s moved away from the “tra-ditional English garden” in favor of state-ment making “container gardens”. Cast iron urns and industrial planters give her clients the ability to have low maintenance beauty at their finger tips and can evolve over a five to six month growing season, especially here in the northeast. Clients can bring their own containers for her to plant or have any of the planting vessels found on site custom-ized to fit with their home’s décor. Built into the natural contour of the property the shop sits upon, each ascending row dis-plays a myriad of fascinating pieces, some of which gaze out at you through ceramic or iron eyes pulling your further and further into this fantastical land of outdoor accents. Whimsical metal animals look longingly and beseech you to take them home with you. Garden gates from long ago boasting an-tique patinas do not betray the secrets they hold from their earlier lives. Bistro tables and chairs illuminated by the antique chan-deliers above beckon you to sit and dine un-der the stars in your own backyard. Friendly chipmunks scurry throughout as though guardians of this sacred collection. Inside the shop, interior furnishings and accesso-ries await the unsuspecting buyer. Selected pieces like these might have been seen several years ago at H. M. Oliver, an interior design boutique Chan once operated just down the road from Marvin Gardens. Closed in 2010, she found that her “intuitive sense of outdoor design concepts” spoke to her more than the design of interior spaces. Her willingness to share and educate oth-ers on how to use plant materials in non-

traditional ways have rewarded her with a loyal following of landscape architects, designers and homeowners alike. She regu-larly participates in floral shows along the East Coast and was awarded the 2011 Blue Ribbon prize for Best Large Booth at last year’s Philadelphia Flower Show. She regu-larly supports local charitable organizations as well. “I think everyone should own a lemon tree”, she said as we chatted that afternoon. Surrounded by her vast and varied collection of outdoor ornamental items, the statement seemed a curious one to me at first until she explained that the tree, when brought in for the winter, would continue to bloom and trigger memories of summer days outside in the garden. As I thought further about her statement and looked around me, it became clear just why her statement made sense - passion; her passion for design, her passion as a gardener and her passion for marrying the two and creating a sense of timeless beauty. As summer quickly approaches and our busy lives begin to settle down, take a lei-surely drive along Route 7 and stop to get lost among the riches of this shop. Lunch will soon be served atop these pretty bistro tables as Amabel expands her creativity to the eatery next door. Offering great seasonal fare and signature dishes, like Marvin Gar-dens, they’re sure to delight the senses. For more information, go to www.marvingar-densusa.com.

Katie Keating is an interior design andfreelance writer and can be reached at203.339.5820 or at; [email protected].

Marvin GardensAmabel Chan713 Danbury Road (Rte. 7)Wilton, CT 06897203.544.2020MarvinGardensUSA.com

P.O. Box 2875Danbury CT. 06813

203-791-2919

General Contracting &

Property Maintenance Firm

Kuehnbuilding.com


Ask the Experts

Generally every year, in spring-time, we ventured over to France to be delighted by the lush countryside. One of my favorite memories, driving through the back country roads

with our two daughters in the back of our Citron, we approached a local farmer herd-ing his flock of sheep on his bicycle. As we watched the trail of mothers with their feeble babies, a three-legged baby lamb was struggling to keep up. Our youngest daughter, leapt out of the car, and quick-ly swept up the lame baby in her arms and carried it to the pas-ture to be with the others. Showing his gratitude, the farmer invited us back to his stables full of new-born babies. Hours later, we were back in the Citron headed for home. Springtime cre-ates an opportunity for change. Carve out a cozy outdoor retreat. Make it a space to unwind and relax. Treat this area the same way you would the inside of your home. Exterior spaces are just as much in need of decorating as interior spaces. You will need a comfortable place to read, nap, eat and entertain. Think of it as your oa-sis. Warm weather is perfect for entertaining outdoors. Making it comfortable and styl-ish makes guests feel welcome for friendly gatherings. Designing a patio space adjacent to the interior family room for our Darien design

Tips in Creating the Perfect, Cozy Outdoor Retreat

TRACY DWYERTRACY DWYER

Ask the Experts

Choosing and articulating color for our clients’ homes has become a fun job. The paint manufacturers and the retailers present us with the tools to create color stories. From Benjamin Moore and Farrow & Ball color catalogs to color stories at Restoration Hard-ware and Pottery Barn—we have all learned a bit more and now are better educated as consumers. Let’s talk about how we can help you feel comfortable using color in

your own home by answering some of our most frequently asked questions.

In my house, all the rooms on the first floor open up into one another. Is it important to decorate with the same colors?

Today, in our area, most of the houses have what is referred to as an open floor plan. Therefore, there needs to be careful consideration to choices

of color used on walls and in fabrics.If you are used to living with all white walls, I have a surprise for you. Adding color will instantly change your mood and you will ask yourself ‘what took me so long?’ In an open plan, the colors you decide to work with should complement one another. One way to accomplish this with paint is to stay with one color and change its percentage. For example, in your bright areas you can use full strength of a color while using 75% or 50% of the same color in an adjoining room with less natural light. Don’t forget to consider using color on your ceilings, trims and baseboards. In low ceiling areas, using a hint of blue will make the ceiling appear higher. No one will ever notice that you have blue on the ceiling. If your trim is not great and you do not want to draw attention to it, consider painting it. Trim can be painted in a contrasting color or if using the same color as the wall color, change the texture from eggshell on the walls to semi-gloss on the trim. On most of our interior design jobs at Parc Monceau, we like to work with various mediums in the same color wave such as using grass-cloth,

Color Fieldsummers in France have always provided an opportunity for adventure.

When my daughters were younger and ready to take on endurance,

we met up with some locals to hike a 7.5 km loop known as the

Plateau d’Albion in the Luberon. We’d witnessed the abundant fields of

lavender from the car window and had not expected to hike through oceans

of neatly trimmed lavender fields. It was intoxicating! Tiny buds of lavender were

found in our shoes and pockets for weeks following this splendid afternoon.

S clients, the following questions came up in our initial planning. Exterior design is a much enjoyed part of our design services at Parc Monceau.

How do I get started?Before you begin, think about how you plan to use your outdoor space. The ‘backyard’ is taking over as the favorite gathering place for cooking, entertaining and relax-ation. More homeowners are bringing all the comforts of their indoor rooms to the

outside by creating multipurpose outdoor living that functions as inviting extensions of their home. Put a pencil to paper and sketch out a plan. Proper planning is essential. Working with an landscape designer can help pre-vent mistakes. Map out areas whereby some are open and others covered, depending on where the sun rises and falls. The varying levels of your topography will also dictate placement of your dining table, lounge chairs, firepit, etc.

What do I need to consider in my de-sign?Think about the activities your family will engage in. An open-air kitchen area, a firepit or fireplace, shady areas and sun-ny areas for sunbathing, an outdoor ping pong table, are a few to consider. If you plan properly, this will become your most favorite part of the house. Elegant foun-tains are a must. It is fairly simple to add a fountain to any garden outdoor space. You will need an electrician to run a line from

the water pump to an outlet. If this is not possible, a birdbath can give a similar affect. Research what patio, deck and walkway ma-terials you will use. The best tip to share when preparing your deck material is to al-ways cover the ground with a black tarp mate-rial before laying loose stone to prevent the weeds from coming through. Your plan can be as simple or elaborate as desired. Pergolas can be built over patios, decks and firepits to

provide protection from the sun and to define a cozy space. A pergola provides an ideal way to train flowering vines to canopy over the structure. If you use a pergola over your dining area, wire for a chandelier for an added touch of ambiance. Tight spaces demand extra attention to details.

What plants should I use?If you are making these decisions on your own without a professional, choose flow-ering plants that bloom early in May and

Barlow Tyrieteak.com


New Canaan, CT 203.966.3636

continue blooming to the first Fall frost. Use flowering vines on trellises, arbors and pergolas. Ask the experts at your lo-cal nursery what they recommend for pots and beds in shade and sun. Use a combina-tion of evergreen shrubs, such as boxwoods with flowering annuals. The evergreen will give you interest all year long. Container gardening is low maintenance. My favorite and ‘must haves’ each year are the ‘Mandevilla’ species. This profuse climber blooms from May to October and are real showstoppers. I like to have a color theme in different sections of my garden. Raised container vegetable gardens can hold kitchen herbs used daily for cooking; tomatoes and basil can be potted and the string beans can crawl up your fence. To add a tropical flair to your garden, try a wonderful potted palm tree. It will not sur-vive the cold weather but well worth the investment. Colorful umbrellas and outdoor cush-ions in bright patterns can be coordinated with potted flowering annuals.

How do I choose outdoor furniture?There are alot of great options in the mar-ketplace. In my opinion, you will want the largest outdoor dining table that your space allows. Choose sofas and chairs that allow you to relax right at home. Comfort is everything. The metal styles are typically

for aethestics only, not on the top of the cozy list.

What tips do you have for outdoor entertaining?Votives for your tabletop and fresh flow-ers from the garden will create a setting for alfresco dining. Lighting can be used to complete the look. Hanging lanterns and string lights are a great way to illuminate an outdoor space and create ambiance for nighttimne gatherings without spending alot. Line the perimeter of your party area with lanterns and create a lit pathway. If you have put trees in your outdoor plan, up lighting can be very dramatic. Add to your list, an outdoor sound sys-tem. Music and entertaining go hand in hand. Warm weather entertaining is so fun and easy in your newly designed outdoor para-dise. It’s a time to try new grilling recipes, bring out the festive tableware and crank up the blender.

Bonne chance!

A bientot,

Tracy Dwyer, ProprietorParc Monceau Westport

OOCK Sustainable Design Boutiqueoockgreendesign.com


Hidden Treasure

hen thinking of our homes and how we live in them we often focus on the interior living spaces. Family rooms, kitchens, beds and baths seem to be the spaces we think of

most when we plan our interior designs. Are they large enough? Do they function properly? Are they beautifully decorated? While these questions are important to how we utilize the spaces we live in, one space seems to go unnoticed; our garages. That is of course until we can’t manage to pull in and out of them without running into or over the many things that get piled up, pushed to the side or packed away in poorly marked boxes. But now, there’s a so-lution to this design challenge – Attitude Garage. Established three years ago by R.J. and Starr Lorenzi, it’s co-owned and run by Lee and Tracy Montanari as well. They’ve taken a collective background in residential and commercial construction, interior design, auto body experience and retail manage-ment to provide design solutions to home

A Change In Attitude

W

owners and retail businesses throughout Fairfield and Westchester Counties. With a full line of flooring, cabinetry and wall storage options, they will, as their saying goes, take your “No Place to Show Place”. In addition, they have become known as the “Residential Car Lift Specialists” offering space saving alternatives for multiple car owners. What “makes them special” is their abili-ty to bring their product line to the client’s front door via their mobile showroom.

Inside, clients can view cabinet choices, flooring options, slatwall and accessories all designed to satisfy both residential and commercial clients alike. Attitude Garage works with architects, designers and hom-eowners during the design phase of a new construction project to ensure that the space is properly sized and equipped with adequate storage and power needs or helps home and business owners to repurpose and improve their existing spaces. For multiple car owners, Attitude Ga-rage can install single and two post lifts, specialty lifts or four post lifts which store one car over another. Flooring options in-clude PVC or Polyurea treatments that can be customized by color, texture and even your own logo. They will train clients on how to safely operate their lifts as well as on the proper care and maintenance of them. A licensed home improvement con-tractor, Attitude Garage can also address your basement needs. Call Attitude Garage today to put your garage makeover in motion.

Attitude Garage R.J. and Starr LorenziLee Montanari and Tracy Montanari203.509.5353attitudegarage.com

East Coast Home + Design 81RESIDENTIAL DESIGN ~ INTERIOR DESIGN AND DECORATION ~ CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT(203) 966-0048 ~ WADIAASSOCIATES.COM

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East Coast Home + Design 06.2012