2019 Winners
- Architecture
- Bath Design
- Builder Recognition
- Garden Design
- Interior Design
- Kitchen Design
- Product Design
- Small Spaces
D2 Interieurs
D2 Interieurs
A large house—in this case, 14,000 square feet with a living room measuring 50 feet in length—can also be intimate. Denise Davies of D2 Interieurs saw to that directive in her interior design scheme for this home on Lake Lillinonah in Bridgewater. She was careful, though, to ensure that nothing got in the way of the tranquil water views. Because of the scale of the living room, defined by an imposing coffered ceiling, she created a series of smaller seating areas, while staying true to a consistent hue.
A sitting/gathering area off the kitchen is decidedly less formal, with its sectional sofa positioned in a room of subtle blue accents. The master bedroom, an oasis for the couple, features custom ceiling moldings and sculptural, rope-like sconces. Davies also designed all of the home’s distinctive millwork.
Shoreline Pools
Shoreline Pools
The biggest “problem” of a house designed by architect Mahdad Sainee is its biggest asset. “A house of this modest scale designed by anyone else would have been relatively easy to execute,” says the project builder David Lionetti, president of Shoreline Pools, “but Mahdad’s attention to detail required paying extra attention, at every moment, to all of my builders. Everything he designs is at the highest level of detail—even the plumbing and the fixtures, the alignment of the beams, the doors, the soffits.” Sainee’s house was meant to replicate a typical New England farmhouse, simple in its geometry and unembellished, but he imbued every room and surface with a degree of detail that elevates the residence. “Was this a difficult house to build?” Lionetti asks rhetorically. “Only in the details.”
Brizo
Brizo
Touted for its sculptural appearance and use of raw materials, the Vettis single-handle concrete faucet by Brizo scored high marks. T.J. Eads’ imaginative waterfall design, sculpted by Christopher Shannon, is formed in a textural hand-poured concrete. Introduced as a limited edition, only 500 of the faucets are being made. $2,500, reserve online at brizo.com/vettisconcrete.
Linherr Hollingsworth
Linherr Hollingsworth
Presenting a fresh face for window treatments, interior designer Linherr Hollingsworth’s Tanti Baci passementerie was a winner with the judges for its practicality and creativity. The sculptural metal trimmings, in organic, classic and geometric shapes, are magnetized, adhering to new or existing drapery panels and shades for a no-sew embellishment. In addition to dressing up drapery, the magnets allow panels to close completely to block outside light. Price upon request, available through Linherr Hollingsworth, linherrhollingsworth.com.
Kelly + Co.
Kelly + Co.
This small house came with a big directive. Kelly + Co. was given two months to transform this Roxbury farmhouse into a thoroughly modern, thoroughly livable weekend getaway for a glam newly betrothed Hollywood couple. They wanted everything in place for themselves and their guests by the time they took their vows. Every inch of available space was used by the team of designers, including 18 inches in a kitchen closet that allowed for a tub in the bathroom.
All existing window frames were painted a soft black and left without any heavy draperies, a new front door brought in much-needed natural light, and window seats were fashioned to take in woodland views. By wedding time, the house had become a hybrid of California-cool, Boho chic and farmhouse casual. The designers were invited to the wedding.
Doyle Herman Design Associates
A shade garden was created using maples, ferns and native woodland perennials. Among the plantings, the designers positioned a large urn, noted for its metal finish, to echo the hues of the surrounding tree barks.
Indeed, while the approach to the house is open and tailored, the rear features a variety of intimate terraces that are perfectly scaled for dining, entertaining and lounging.
Robert A. Cardello Architects
Robert A. Cardello Architects
Upon purchasing the property, the client wanted every room to have a view over Long Island Sound. Robert A. Cardello Architects has ensured that the master bath affords the best panorama. To accomplish this, the designers positioned seven casement windows to form a corner and that, in turn, established the very layout of the room. The client is able to use the floating double vanity, the freestanding tub and the shower without ever losing sight of the water and the lovely Shippan Point coastline. As storage was a concern of the client, Veronica Campbell of Deane, Inc. fitted the 10-foot vanity with mirrored doors so that views were not obstructed. The tub was then placed behind the vanity’s back wall. Cove lighting imbues the room with a glowing effect at night.
Saniee Architects, LLC
Saniee Architects, LLC
It seems that the classic New England farmhouse, with its origins dating back centuries, might have been the first Modern house. Such dwellings were simple, clean forms absent of extraneous architectural ornamentation. Saniee Architects sought to replicate some of those vernacular houses with this new residence they designed for their clients.
The overriding principle was to allow the materials, the textures and the colors to do much of the visual architectural work. One of the motifs that the architects introduced, both inside and on the exterior, was that of woven sticks.
The vertical boards on the exterior are echoed throughout the interiors, most notably with an intriguing, even sculptural, staircase, whose stick-like motif serves also as an interior wall. Ceiling beams further emphasize the idea of woven sticks. Meanwhile, an expansive glass wall effortlessly melds the interior with the outside.
Huestis Tucker Architects
Huestis Tucker Architects
Proof that opposing styles can harmonize. The challenge for this kitchen/family room renovation and expansion in New Haven was to find a way to seamlessly meld a 19th-century Victorian house with a clean, open, thoroughly modern cooking and lounging space. The clients also wanted the new room to be bright with natural light and to capture unimpeded south-facing views of their garden.
Huestis Tucker responded to the challenge by eliminating an existing L-shaped space to make the room one large square that encompasses cooking, eating and sitting. Doors, windows and ceiling beams were carefully positioned to help differentiate areas of the room. The mullioned steel doors and windows add an engaging, but subtle, geometric element to the room. The resulting overall feeling of the new space is that of a loft or greenhouse in its ability to embrace light and air.
Carol Kurth
Carol Kurth
Architectural with minimalist lines, the Urban Edge hardware collection is made in Connecticut, shown here in black iron with an oil-rubbed bronze finish. Created by architect and designer Carol Kurth, the circular pulls and hooks are her answer to a void she discovered in the hardware market while searching for her own projects. Price upon request, made to order with a variety of finishes, the hardware is available through Carol Kurth Interiors, carolkurtharchitects.com.
Karen Wells Design
Karen Wells Design
The kitchen, family room and living room had always been one space that flowed into one another in this New Canaan home, but there was no true relationship among the areas. Plus, each was needlessly dark with heavy furnishings and window treatments. Interior designer Karen Wells decided to make the spaces cohere, while also being brighter and more welcoming.
at the table beckons family and guests.
She relocated and enlarged windows, opened up a space that had been semi enclosed, created a bar area, changed the kitchen cabinetry and layout of the room, and designed a new island and a patterned floor composed of interwoven wide planks. A beadboard ceiling carries from room to room. The new dining area now features wall space to showcase some of the clients’ notable art collection, while elegant banquette seating
P|H Architects
P|H Architects
Any house dating to the 1700s has secrets, many of which reveal themselves to the builder/contractor on the spot. When P|H Architects was building a sizeable addition to this former farmhouse in Newtown, virtually every wall that came down or floorboard that was removed uncovered a problem that had to be solved. “When we excavated the basement for the addition,” recalls Philip Hubbard, a principal of P|H, “we had to figure out a very quick remedy to hold up the old foundation. There wasn’t a lot of mortar in the stones and they were stacked precariously.” Then and there, they created what’s known in construction as a “dead man,” essentially a solid block of concrete that works as a support capable of holding up, in this case, a house. “We formed it, poured it, and kept it in place.”
Silver Heights Development
Silver Heights Development
How do you build a new house for people who may wish to downsize, but don’t want to give up the space and amenities they had lived with for years? Such was the challenge faced by Silver Heights Development when they conceived of Windover Commons, a cluster of eight houses in Norwalk that replicated one of the most cherished architectural forms in New England, the classic saltbox. “Our biggest challenge was to accommodate the desire for a first-floor master suite without eliminating features people want, such as a laundry on the first floor,” says Seth Greenwald, principal of Silver Heights Development. “We made some sacrifices for space, such as eliminating a formal dining area, but that’s how we felt trends were going. We were determined to offer a high-end product that allows for downsizing without a sense that anything crucial had been left out.”
DXV
DXV
Relax in cascading water flowing over your shoulders and back with the DXV Drop-in Airbath with Aqua Moment Waterfall, inspired by the soothing tranquility of Japanese hot springs. Adding to the calming experience, the tub features mood-enhancing chromatherapy, plus an airbath system with 360-degree jets for light or deep-water massage and a heated air blower to maintain the water’s warmth. $7,140, available through Torrco, torrcodesigncenter.com. dxv.com.
Delta Pivotal Kitchen Faucet
Delta Pivotal Kitchen Faucet
The Delta Pivotal kitchen faucet suite is distinguished by its angular, high arc design, slanted spouts and sleek handles combined with modern technology. The optional Touch20 capability allows users to activate water with a simple touch. Pull-down, pull-out and exposed hose faucet configurations in chrome, stainless, polished nickel and black stainless finishes are offered. $536, in chrome, available through Best Plumbing Tile & Stone, bestplg.com, deltafaucet.com.
Liaigre
Liaigre
The Sumi dining table by Liaigre received a lot of oohs and ahas for its dramatic design. Reminiscent of calligraphy brushstrokes, the table is named for the Japanese “ink stick.” The base is available in oak or wire-brushed oak and is topped with a striking black and white marble. $35,400, liaigre.com
Frank Webb
Frank Webb
Homeowners are asking for the latest techno-toilets with all the bells and whistles, according to our panel of designers. They agreed that the American Standard Advanced Clean 3.0 Bidet seat offers a great option for upgrading an existing toilet, providing a spa-like experience with remote-control options, including adjustable dual water spray nozzles, a heated seat and a warm air dryer. $1,650, available through Frank Webb, frankwebb.com, americanstandard-us.com.
Sage Design
Sage Design
You could call this a study in good design, for what was once a home library is now a dining room. Rather than remove any existing books and cases, Sage Design decided to enhance and expand the shelving in the space, while also transforming the area into a dedicated dining room. Built-in shelves were made even more conspicuous by adding a deep mink paint color as backing.
An existing wet bar became both a new spot for additional shelves—in this case housing mostly stemware—as well as a useful focal point for the room; the bar can be concealed behind doors. The designers chose a lacquered ebony dining table, around which they grouped 10 lacquered chairs. Given the extreme privacy of the site, window treatments were deemed not necessary, which helps keep the room bright with natural light.
Linherr Hollingsworth
Linherr Hollingsworth
Solving the necessary evil of awkward and ugly pet gates, interior designer and dog owner Linherr Hollingsworth engineered an architectural, freestanding gate secured with a pair of bronze metal feet. Neodymium magnets embedded in the gate doors allow the doors to swing open for human access while keeping pets in their place. Price upon request, available through Linherr Hollingsworth, linherrhollingsworth.com.
Native Trails
Native Trails
Citing the streamlined silhouette, coupled with the organic nature of wood and stone, our designers had high praise for the Native Trails Solace vanity. The clean, transitional style of the vanity base is offered in a choice of two oak finishes—a dark, black Midnight and light-colored Sunrise—and is paired with a cool NativeStone concrete top and integral shelf. $1,750–$2,750, available through Bender, benderplumbing.com, nativetrailshome.com.
P|H Architects
P|H Architects
What began as a modestly-scaled Newtown Colonial house, whose origins date to 1784, has morphed into an 8,500-square-foot residence that manages to retain the feel of the original dwelling. P|H Architects responded to the client’s directive that the expanded home preserve as much of the original architecture—post-and-beam construction with mortise-and-tenon construction, wide floorboards and fieldstone fireplaces. To accomplish this design imperative, the architects kept to the scale, feel and quality of the original farmhouse, while creating a new open floor plan able to accommodate a young family.
Part of that reconfiguration involved designing an expansive kitchen with a center island that melds with a great room, and a vigorously articulated stone fireplace with built-in seating areas. Where possible, the architects ingeniously used existing original chestnut wood to create new flooring and timbers.
Clarity Home Interiors
Clarity Home Interiors
Upon approving the design of their in-ground swimming pool at their Darien home, the homeowners decided to dive into yet another project simultaneously—a pool house that would reference not only their main house but also the pool itself, a serene, square watery oasis. Although the main house is sizeable in scale, the clients wanted the pool house to be casual and open, to function as an extension of the outdoors.
Clarity Home Interiors came up with a plan for a 319-square-foot structure that feels much larger because of a pergola, as well as a two-story brick fireplace that incorporates a grill. Within a decidedly small footprint, the designers expertly configured a kitchen with beverage storage, a washer/dryer unit concealed behind a cabinet, and a changing room with a small full bathroom.
Austin Patterson Disston Architects
Austin Patterson Disston Architects
It would be easy to invoke musical metaphors to describe this Redding barn—but, truly, all of the elements harmonize. Upon being commissioned to transform this former barn into an informal venue for music, Austin Patterson Disston Architects described it as a “kaleidoscope of a structure with various circa 1970s additions.” The designers stripped away more than 2,800 square feet of it to reveal the original 19th-century structure, which might likely have one time functioned as a cider mill.
That original structure once belonged to the famous 20th-century violinist Jascha Heifetz, who often invited musicians to play with him there. By sheer coincidence, the new owner’s grandmother had been one such musician, and the owners were intent on restoring the barn to its former role. Now, within the weathered board and batten pine structure, musicians gather again for small recitals.
Austin Patterson Disston Architects
Studio Dearborn
with
Tami Wassong Interiors
Studio Dearborn
with
Tami Wassong Interiors
A kosher kitchen needs to do double duty. To fulfill that requirement, Studio Dearborn made room in this Greenwich kitchen for two prep areas, two cleanup stations, and separate storage areas for dishes, cookware and refrigerated food items. Concomitantly, the designers fashioned a warm, sophisticated, flexible kitchen, notably defined by expanses of handsome walnut, a material that appears on cabinets, drawers, the stove hood, tambour doors and even on the pendants.
Three soft, saddle-leather stools are positioned at the generously scaled island, which is painted a lapis blue, while a colorful antique Persian runner—not typically a decorative ingredient in most kitchens—completes the space. In conceiving the new plan for the room, the designers fully addressed and met the three critical criteria for any kitchen: aesthetics, functionality, storage.
Rosalia Sanni Design LLC
Rosalia Sanni Design LLC
After the owners of this 1755 Colonial in Greenwich renovated the interiors to better reflect its origins, they decided to do the same with the landscaping. They had Rosalia Sanni devise a design that would honor the property’s history as a farm, while also opening it up and making it more comfortable for an active young family. Hills were leveled, overgrowths of plants were removed, and precarious walking surfaces were taken out. In their place, the designers configured a series of inviting outdoor living areas. Some of the design highlights include a reconfigured driveway paved with gravel that culminates in a new stone wall; new site gradings in back that made room for a firepit, a contemplative fountain and level lawns; and local stone that was used to fashion walls and steps leading to different areas and levels of the garden.
Sean Jancski Landscape Architects
Sean Jancski Landscape Architects
It’s any landscape architect’s dream to be asked to remake an entire plot of ground. Sean Jancski was, essentially, presented with the idea to create a pool and pool house on a two-acre site of Westport’s Saugatuck Harbor. But rather than bulldoze and reshape what was there, the landscape architect preserved the coastal dune system that was in place. Recognizing that he had to “accept and adapt” to the fact, too, that the site would flood and that any coastal locale is subject to changes, Jancski reinforced and built up the existing dunes, all the while adding plants to help prevent the inevitable erosion.
Beinfield Architecture
Beinfield Architecture
Few new subdivisions deliberately embrace past architectural styles as models for houses meant for living today. But all eight houses in Norwalk’s Windover Commons subdivision are meant to replicate classic New England saltboxes, those handsomely proportioned 18th-century houses noted for their long asymmetrical sloping rooflines from front to back and configured of wood siding. Like a typical centuries-old Connecticut town, the houses in the Windover development are clustered in such a way as to suggest a village green.
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Unlike the cramped interiors of classic saltboxes, however, these houses embrace an open floor plan in which the kitchen and living room are one; a separate butler’s kitchen keeps mess out of sight. The master bedroom is situated on the first floor, while additional bedrooms are grouped on the second floor, sharing a central gathering area.
Roomsecret
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Roomsecret
A warren of small, irregularly shaped rooms is now part of a visually and architecturally dynamic bedroom suite in a home in Greenwich. One of the designer’s secrets to making the bathroom and dressing room so inviting was to use an arresting black-and-white, maze-like pattern for the flooring and tiling in the shower. Because the shower has no step, the pattern flows seamlessly from the entrance hall into the shower area and all the way up to the ceiling. The alluring pattern continues on into the discreet water closet. A clever play on that motif is echoed in a diamond-paned window that replaced a single-paned one. Black hardware further emphasizes the pattern, while vintage-style fixtures and industrial modern touches are expertly combined throughout the space.
D2 Interieurs
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D2 Interieurs
While a bathroom vanity is meant for grooming and looking into a mirror, the Calacatta Covelano marble that is used on the walls and countertop here is so visually exciting, even dramatic in its patterning, that it’s likely to get the most attention in the room. This new master bathroom suite was part of a house-wide series of additions. D2 Interieurs paid particular attention to every detail when fashioning the master bath suite. The stone used for the heated floor was cut irregularly to replicate an authentic mosaic treatment; the terra-cotta tiling on the shower walls and ceiling is a weathered handmade Moroccan grade; and every pendant light and sconce is sculptural in effect. The slanted ceiling is cut with a deeply recessed skylight, which floods the room with natural light.