CTC&G (Connecticut Cottages & Gardens) JUNE 2026

Coastal Pull

burrsalvatore.com @burrsalvatore

on the cover “Legacy Lighthouse” page 56. photograph by Ellen McDermott

From “Coastal Calm” page 64. Photograph by Max Kim-Bee

48 True Blue

A masterful balance of colors and hues illuminates this Rowayton townhouse by Alexa Stevenson photographs by Ellen McDermott

56 Legacy Lighthouse

Saving Greens Ledge Lighthouse became a local family’s passion project by Susan Tamulevich photographs by Ellen McDermott

64 Coastal Calm

Designer Cindy Kramer delivers a serene waterfront retreat by Catriona Branca photographs by Max Kim-Bee styling by Natalie Warady assisted by Bree Tallmadge

74

Creature Comforts

A Martha’s Vineyard home was designed with the needs of all family members in mind by David Masello photographs by Matt Kisiday styling by Brittany Albert

HARRIET MAYS POWELL

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WHIMSICAL REFINEMENT

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In the Near Distance

Ilove to go to the beach and gaze out on the water. It feels calming and limitless. It restores mind and body, in any season. I started wondering how I would feel if I were looking back at the mainland. Not from a boat but from a piece of land in the middle of Long Island Sound. Last June I got the chance. A local family had purchased the Greens Ledge Lighthouse off the coast of Rowayton and invested time and treasure to restore it to its former self. More than 20 lighthouses dot Connecticut’s coast, and I was eager to take a boat out to see one for myself. A quick ride, and there she stood in all her glory with her red and white daymarks. As we got closer, my childlike enthusiasm grew. My thoughts immediately ran to what it must have felt like to live on a small spit of rock for weeks at a time. Even though it is near to the shore, I felt very far away. ■ Entering the lighthouse itself was at first very disorienting. It felt small, and standing in a round space felt strange, and there was a slight tilt to the structure. I was eager to explore more, so I climbed to the top, passing what had once been the original living quarters of the lighthouse keeper, which had been transformed into a guest room complete with a bathroom. I imagined what it would feel like to be lucky enough to spend a night in this space: the views of water for miles in all directions and stars overhead; waking to the sounds of the early morning oyster boats and the lapping water just outside. I continued to climb to the top, which had a narrow deck allowing you to step out. I was surprised by the wind, since it was a calm day when we left the mainland. I could see the distant skyline of New York. I felt so close yet so far away. ■ I had seen pictures of the restoration effort that were impressive, but being in the structure, I understood the immense amount of work, machinery, engineering and talent that had been engaged on this spit of land. I looked around me and the Sound never looked more beautiful. I couldn’t stop thinking about all the storms, including this past winter, that this lighthouse had weathered. How it had offered a safe refuge. Suddenly an osprey flew to its nest on one of the lighthouse’s poles. And then it hit me: The lighthouse offers you a new perspective of the water, yet I looked back to the shoreline and saw my own refuge. Finding refuge and safety is what we are all drawn to—and what we all need—wherever we find it.

DJ Carey Editorial Director djcarey@candg.com

Designing Greenwich Encore

This fall, Designing Greenwich returns on September 15 and 16 with, once again, an exceptional roster of design talent and enthusiast attendees!

■ The program will feature a group of design luminaries, including designer Nate Berkus, who has profoundly shaped the American conversation around livable luxury; Mark D. Sikes, whose fresh, optimistic interpretation of classical American interiors has earned him a devoted following; John Edelman, now President of Global Brands at Haworth, who is widely regarded as a visionary brand builder, known for scaling and shaping design-driven companies into global forces within the industry; award-winning designer Young Huh, celebrated for her intellectual rigor and richly layered, globally informed work; Fernando Wong, whose landscapes combine architectural structure with a lush, transportive sensibility; and Miles Redd and David Kaihoi, whose collaboration continues to redefine glamour for a new generation—bold, witty and unmistakably modern.

■ While day one takes place at the Greenwich Country Club, day two moves to Greenwich Avenue and its environs, where an expanded retail presence creates a town-wide program of gatherings, engaging with a curated series of panels while enjoying breakfast, lunch and snacks. Conversations and book signings will be hosted by Arhaus, California Closets, Kohler by Plimpton & Hills, Naturepedic and more. ■ Throughout the Avenue, additional participating showrooms—designated as Bayfront Benefactors—will be marked by festive balloons and distinctive decals. Everyone is invited in to find treats, refreshments and exclusive offerings.

■ Designing Greenwich brings the conversation into the heart of the community, where leading designers and industry voices engage directly with an audience of discerning Design Professionals (DPs) and design enthusiasts. For more information, tickets and video recaps of last year, please visit: cottagesgardens.com/DesigningGreenwich. We look forward to welcoming you.

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JUNE 2026

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WHAT DRAWS YOU TO WATER?

MADELEINE BLOMMER

“Water has been the backdrop to some of my most special memories. There’s something about being near it that creates an almost immediate sense of calm—it brings people together, it slows everything down, it makes you present in a way that’s hard to find elsewhere. When proximity to water is the setting of a project, I try to create that same sense of calm in my interiors.” Interior designer, “Creature Comforts” (page 74), madeleineblommer.com.

SHEILA AND TIM PETTEE

“Particularly in Connecticut, with what seems like more than four seasons a year, every day is a different artists-like palette of colors and movement. The light and weather are never the same day-to-day, and it gives us a heightened sense of the energy. The water draws you outside, whether it be a morning cup of coffee or an evening dinner and glass of wine.” Homeowners, lightkeepers, “True Blue” and “Legacy Lighthouse” (pages 48 and 56), savegreensledge.org.

CINDY KRAMER

“What draws me to water most is how water and its reflective quality changes light and then color. At certain times of the day when the light is strong, the interior of a room feels energized, alive, positive. As the light moves away the energy and colors soften and the mood settles. When a house is surrounded by water (or any natural element) there is a silent communication. It is very powerful.” Interior designer, “Coastal Calm” (page 64), ckramerinteriors.com.

—Mary Fitzgerald

June 2026

FROM GREENWICH TO NANTUCKET

SOUTHPORT GARDEN STROLL 4-5

CTC&G proudly sponsors the annual Southport Garden Stroll, a fundraiser for Pequot Library, which will be held on Friday, June 5. The self-guided walking tour starts in the heart of Southport Village at the historic Romanesque Revival library, where guests will pick up the tour map/program, browse local vendors on the Great Lawn and wind their way through a floral adventure in an idyllic New England village. Thursday, June 4: Opening Night Cocktail Party. Friday, June 5: Garden Stroll. Pequot Library, 720 Pequot Ave., Southport. For more information and to reserve your tickets, visit pequotlibrary.org.

GRANDIFLORA GARDEN TOUR

Greenwich Botanical Center presents the 69th annual Grandiflora Garden Tour, sponsored by CTC&G. Step into the enchanting world of Grandiflora Gardens on Saturday, June 6. This premier garden tour grants exclusive access to spectacular private gardens in Greenwich. Your tickets to this fundraiser support GBC and its mission to connect the community to plants and nature. Tour tickets are limited and on sale now. Become a sponsor or patron to guarantee your Patron Party ticket and Tour tickets today! June 6, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Gardens around Greenwich. For more information, visit greenwichbotanicalcenter.org/grandiflora.

CTC&G PLAYERS’ LOUNGE AT GREENWICH POLO SUNDAYS

STARTING JUNE 7

The 2026 Greenwich Polo season is set to stir up excitement during the summer months. Starting Sunday, June 7, guests will once again have the opportunity to meet and greet players, listen to live music and sip delicious cocktails in the beautifully designed CTC&G Players' Lounge. Don't forget to visit the CTC&G Polo Pub by Apex Projects with Studio Bartolotta, pick up some exclusive Greenwich Polo merchandise and prepare for an incredible season ahead! Sundays, June 7, 14, 21, 28. Greenwich Polo Grounds, 1 Hurlingham Dr., Greenwich. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit greenwichpoloclub.com.

NANTUCKET BY DESIGN

C&G Media Group is a proud media sponsor of Nantucket by Design. Held July 13–16, it is an annual celebration of art, design and history hosted by the Nantucket Historical Association on the charming island of Nantucket. The event brings together world-renowned designers, artisans and skilled craftspeople to showcase the timeless elegance of Nantucket’s design heritage. Through programs, house tours, social events and more, participants experience how modern style is interwoven with Nantucket's iconic history. July 13–16. Various locations on Nantucket. For tickets and more information, go to nantucketbydesign.com.

JULY 1316

In its first-ever KBIS appearance, presented colorful bathroom faucets from the Nu Collection in six striking shades: Cobalt Blue, Mint Green, Honey Yellow, Titanium Black and Glossy White. us.roca.com.

True Caliber wowed at the show with an array of bold colors. The refrigerators, shown here in hot pink, orange and purple, are part of the brand’s custom color match program. true-caliber.com.

BRILLIANT INTRODUCTIONS

Vessel sinks from Toto take inspiration from nature’s colors and the changing of the seasons in Scarlet Red, Forest Green, Ash Blue and Mandarin Orange (shown here). totousa.com.

SPOTTED AT KBIS 2026—VIBRANT HUES FOR THE KITCHEN AND BATH BY

MARY FITZGERALD

Purple Violet was the color of the year on display at BlueStar’s booth designed by Shumaker Design Associates. bluestarcooking.com.

The Art of Outdoor Living

CREATIVE OPEN-AIR SPACES FOR ENTERTAINING AND RELAXING | BY

MARY FITZGERALD

STAY ORGANIZED

The all-new Ascento Pantry from Danver delivers durable performance to store all your outdoor kitchen needs. Offered in stainless steel or the brand’s ultra-realistic walnut woodgrain and green woodgrain finishes. Pricing upon request, danver.com.

NEXT-LEVEL COOKING

Handcrafted in Athens, Georgia, the Emberhaus Fire Oven brings commercial-style live-fire cooking to the backyard with marine grade stainless steel, intuitive Emberflow controls and versatile cooking capabilities. $14,750, emberhaus.com.

FIRESIDE CHAT

Amp up the ambiance with the SimpliFire Forum outdoor fireplace. The unit is heat free—perfect for summer nights—and electric, so it does not require propane, gas or wood. Pricing starts at $2,259, available through Superior Hearth, Spas & Leisure, superiorathome. com, simplifire.com.

AMERICAN MADE

The 36-inch L-series gas grill from American Outdoor Grill (AOG) is made for today’s outdoor kitchens with commercial-inspired design, including premium lighting, diamond sear cooking grids and a rotisserie backburner. Grill, $4,775, available through New Haven Masonry, newhavenmasonrysupply.com, americanoutdoorgrill.com.

PERFECT PAISLEY

(border) Mandawa, an indoor/outdoor woven paisley textile is offered in four colorways—green and white is shown here. Water repelIent and machine washable, it is also is mildew and fade resistant. $246 per yard, peterdunhamtextiles.com.

PIZZA DELIVERY

The Empava outdoor wood fired pizza oven brings restaurant-style cooking to the backyard. Made from durable stainless steel, the oven reaches up to 800 degrees Fahrenheit to deliver fast, even cooking for pizza in minutes, but it can also be used for roasting and baking. $1,290, empava.com.

MADE IN THE SHADE

Decking from the TimberTech Advanced PVC Harvest+ collection features a beautifully aged patina and a warm weathered gray color. The TimberTech Classic Composite Series Railing in Matte White is shown with a fully customizable PergolaX from StruXure. Price upon request, timbertech.com, struxure.com.com.

LET IT RAIN

Who doesn’t love an outdoor shower? French purveyor of outdoor furnishings, Tectona’s Delta shower is designed by Inga Sempé and includes a teak duckboard and a stainless steel structure that connects to an ordinary garden hose. $3,350, tectona.net.

LOOK ALIKE

Caesarstone’s Monumental slab surfacing mimics the patterns found in natural stone. The gray base with off-white markings, oxidized aspects and rough grain finish add to the organic textural pattern. Ideal for outdoor kitchens due to its durability, UV-resistance and minimal maintenance, the porcelain material can withstand all weather conditions. $37 per square foot, available through Ring’s End, ringsend. com, caesarstoneus.com.

DANISH MODERN

The Cane-line Sticks modular outdoor kitchen can be used for cook prep or a potting workspace. It features teak shelving and ample ceramic countertop space. $7.920, available through Eleish Van Breems, evbantiques.com, cane-line.us.

DINING OUT

Enjoy eating outdoors with the Loll Design Here and There collection of dining and lounge pieces. Designed by Michigan studio Argenta Park, the silhouettes are simple and modern and made from recycled materials. Dining table, $2,795-$3,585; dining chair, $895, available through Design Within Reach, dwr.com, lolldesigns.com.

TRUE CALIBER

The Rockwell-designed grill from True Caliber is made from marine-grade aluminum with a fully retractable disappearing lid. Shown here in crimson, it is offered in True’s curated palette of finishes with six hardware options. Price available upon request, available through Aitoro Appliances, aitoro.com, true-caliber.com.

PAVE THE WAY

Brickworks Petra, by Italian brand Casalgrande Padana, achieves the natural charm of stone in porcelain with perfectly square-edge tiles and nonslip pavers for outdoor use around pools, spas and patios. Price upon request, casalgrandepadana.it.

NO SMOKING

The Manhattan 50 fire and coffee table from Crate & Barrel is smokeless and fueled by your choice of propane, natural gas or ethanol. $2,995, crateandbarrel.com.

CREATIVE COMPOSITION

Design outdoor rooms with Fogher’s Outdoor Décor line of Bòra decorative screens and planters, offered in two colors: Obsidian and Silk (shown here). $5,000, available through Roble Studio, roblestudio.com, fogher.com.

Buzzworthy

Eleish Van Breems is adding a second Litchfield location to its portfolio. Located in Roxbury, the Eleish Van Breems Antiques Barn—just 15 minutes away from the New Preston shop—will house a carefully collected selection of Scandinavian antiques, mid-century furniture and folk art procured by owners Rhonda Eleish and Edie Van Breems. The historic barn, originally restored and occupied for many years by awardwinning architects, Charles Haver and Stewart Skolnik, sits on the circa 1796 Phineas Smith homestead in the heart of Roxbury Village. “We were long time fans of Charles Haver’s charming antique shop and are absolutely thrilled to be able to carry on the tradition of having antiques in the village,” says Eleish. Van Breems and Eleish enhanced the barn’s interiors with the help of master craftsmen. “It just makes us so happy to be in this beautiful space with its hand-hewn chestnut beams and soulful plaster walls done by such a talented team.” says Eleish. “The rooms of the barn have an incredible soulful light and feeling that we look forward to sharing with everyone.” Open Thursday through Saturday, 3 Southbury Rd., Roxbury, 860-847-8608, evbantiques.com.

HEIRLOOM QUALITY

Williams-Sonoma’s portfolio brand GreenRow has opened its first-ever brick-and-mortar store in New York City. The new flagship at 47 Howard Street in SoHo brings thoughtfully and sustainably crafted home furnishings to the area. Designed to feel like a lived-in home, the store invites clients to explore GreenRow’s furniture, lighting, textiles rugs and décor, alongside a curated selection of original art, one-of-a-kind vintage and found pieces available for purchase. The store highlights GreenRow’s dedication to creating heirloom quality furniture and textiles with products that are designed to last, age beautifully and minimize environmental impact. “Our customers care deeply about how things are made and how they live in their homes,” says GreenRow Vice President, Jaimee Seabury. “The new store creates the opportunity for us to showcase our assortment and tell the stories behind each GreenRow product in a more tactile, immersive way.” 47 Howard St., NYC, 212-993-6482, greenrow.com.

WINNING COMBO

Café appliances and Rejuvenation hardware have partnered to offer new modern artisanal hardware options for appliances. Sharing a natural synergy, the brands present craftsmanship with heritage-inspired designs and a commitment to quality. Rejuvenation’s recently launched Hanson cabinet hardware in two new finishes—polished nickel and aged brass—now extends beyond cabinetry to Café appliances. The partnership allows homeowners to create a unified and personalized kitchen aesthetic. The new Rejuvenation designs join Café’s existing six hardware options. cafeappliances.com, rejuvenation.com.

BARN RAISING Summer Living

McGee & Co. just launched its Summer 2026 collection. Inspired by Southern California design, the new assortment captures Shea McGee’s classic, tailored sensibility with the relaxed ease of warm-weather living. The collection expands on the brand’s outdoor offerings, with additional indoor options for bedding, furniture, lighting and décor. Leaning into coastal neutrals, natural fibers, timeless stripes, relaxed plaids and durable materials, the assemblage is perfect for “summering” at home. mcgeeandco.com.

Coming Full Circle

LAST POPULAR IN THE 1970S, COLLAR NECKLACES GO BACK TO THE ANCIENT JEWELRY THAT ONCE ADORNED EGYPTIAN PHARAOHS. NOW, DESIGNERS ARE REDISCOVERING THE ALLURE OF THESE STATEMENT NECKLACES THAT REST ON THE COLLARBONE. THEY ARE PROVIDING REFRESHING ALTERNATIVES TO THE LAYERED CHAINS THAT WE’VE SEEN OF LATE.

David Webb’s two-toned, diamond twistednail collar in hammered 18k gold and platinum with brilliantcut diamonds. davidwebb.com.

Guita M’s 18k gold necklace with roughcut lapis lazuli, turquoise, chalcedony, amethyst, rubellite and quartz. kirnazabete.com, guitam-jewelry.com.

Lalaouni’s Helen of Troy necklace with five articulated rows in 18k gold. lalaounis.com.

Elevating the Bath

BATHROOM FIXTURES, VANITIES, SURFACES AND ACCESSORIES WORTH THE SPLURGE

BY MARY FITZGERALD

GROHE

The Sensia electronic bidet toilet combines advanced hygienic technology, luxury design and sustainable innovation, featuring dualdedicated nozzles, an auto open and close heated seat and a fully skirted low-profile silhouette. $2,999, available through Torrco Design Center, torrcodesigncenter.com, grohe.us.

ARTISTIC TILE

Designed by Ali Budd for Artistic Tile, Varo waterjet mosaic tile is composed of six distinct natural stone panels that can be arranged and rotated to create unique patterns. Price upon request, Artistic Tile showroom, White Plains, NY, artistictile.com.

Crafted in Florence in an innovative composite, White Tec, the Hollywood bathtub presents a classic yet contemporary style, softened with rounded edges. Finished on all sides, it can be placed in the middle of the room or on a wall. $26,283, devon-devon.com.

& ALBERT

In homage to the Nordic rituals of hot soaking and cold plunging, the Kerid freestanding soaking bathtub can be used indoors or outdoors. Handcrafted from volcanic limestone in a minimalist, deep immersion design with an angled rim for support. $7,848, available through Frank Webb Home, frankwebb.com, houseofrohl.com.

MARKETPLACE

SHERLE WAGNER

The sculptural design of the Egg bathtub is crafted to order— carved and finished by hand by skilled artisans from a single block of marble or onxy. The form highlights the stone’s natural veining, shown here in Honey Onyx. Price upon request, NYC showroom, sherlewagner.com.

NEOLITH

Offering a variety of formats and thicknesses, Neolith’s sintered stone can be used throughout the bathroom: on floors, walls, sinks, shower trays and bathtubs. With near-zero porosity, it is easy to clean and highly resistant to scratches and stain. Colosseo, shown here, is inspired by the warm palette and texture of travertine. Price upon

BOHEME BY WARD + GRAY

Drawing inspiration from the Jal Mahal Water Palace in Jaipur, the Jal marble mosaic displays celestial symbolism with moon, star and sun motifs in hexagonal shapes from honed marble. $225 per square foot, bohemeshop.com.

DEKTON

Translating the natural beauty and organic grain of wood, Amazonik is an all-new, carbon-neutral surface from Dekton, providing color stability, low porosity and resistance to scratches and impacts. Price upon request, cosentino.com.

Born of of precision Japanese engineering, the gravity-driven design of the Aurora Washlet one-piece bidet toilet delivers superior water conservation, powerful flushing and enhanced bowl cleaning. $1,772, Toto showroom, NYC, totousa.com.

Carved from solid blocks of honey onyx, each Leaf vessel sink is a stunning, one-of-a-kind piece. The organic form echoes the contours of a leaf, capturing the unique beauty of nature. $1,275, available through Bender, benderplumbing.com, stoneforest.com.

DRUMMONDS

The Hudson X-Head Shower Plate Thermo & On/ Off fixture combines architectural design with precise temperature regulation and intuitive controls. Developed in collaboration with Pembrooke & Ives, the collection features geometric cross-heads cast in solid brass using the traditional lost-wax method. Available in nine metal finishes, shown in polished nickel. $2,805, A&D, drummonds-uk.com.

RIOBEL

Informed by architecture and linear geometry, the Manifesto widespread lavatory faucet combines functional beauty with contemporary design. Available in polished nickel, brushed nickel, chrome and black. $1,240, available through Waterware Showrooms of Plimpton & Hills, waterwareshowrooms.com, houseofrohl.com.

NATIVE TRAILS

The wall mount Napa sink is offered in a trough or vessel model. Made from NativeStone and set on natural wood sourced from French and American white oak staves reclaimed from winemaking, the sink is ADA complaint, and offered in two finishes and four sizes. 24–48 inches, $748–$898, Available through Bender, benderplumbing.com, nativetrailshome.com.

The D Street modular bath collection mixes eclectic elements such as smooth, knurled or carbon fiber inserts with modern style spouts and handles for a customizable faucet with more than 500 unique configurations. Shown here in Satin Nickel with Carbon Fiber Insert Stick Handle.

Bender, benderplumbing.com,

BRIZO

Displaying Italian modernism, the Roccesco Halo circular shower head delivers an immersive rain spray for a deeply restorative experience. Shown here in Brizo’s Brilliance Luxe Gold finish. $798, available through Modern Plumbing Supply Co., modernplumbing.biz, brizo.com.

WATERMARK

From Watermark’s newest bath collection, Refinement, the Floor Standing Gooseneck tub faucet is designed by Benjamin Peak and draws on the textured surfacing of vintage lighters. The lever handles are available smooth or linear knurled and offered in more than 30 finishes. $4,000–$7,000, available through Ferguson, ferguson.com, watermark-designs.com.

KOHLER

From the Kohler x Studio McGee collection, the Claude console table sink is characterized by chamfered detailing that descends from historic Kohler designs. $2,538, available through the Kohler Store, Greenwich, Westport, kohler. com.

ROHL

Designed by awardwinning Xander Noori, the Apothecary widespread and C-spout faucet draws inspiration from the shapes of old apothecary bottles, exhibiting chamfered details, beveled edges and balanced arcs. $1,442, available through Waterware Showrooms of Plimpton & Hills, waterwareshowrooms. com, houseofrohl.com.

NEWPORT BRASS

Blending industrial design with Edwardian restraint, the widespread Taft lavatory unites a cylindrical body with a graceful sweeping spout and a curved handle forged from a single piece of brass. Starting at $1,357, available through Torrco Design Center, torrcodesigncenter.com, newportbrass.com.

LAUFEN

Glazed Vitreon steel combines the strength and malleability of steel with the durability and chemical resistance of glass in a colorfast and corrosion-protected surface to create Laufen’s vessel washbasin. Starting price,$1,000, available through F.W. Webb, fwwebb.com, laufen.com.

silhouette and an integrated LED with a frosted acrylic diffuser, this fixture delivers a soft, even glow for a bath or powder room. $429, Greenwich, Norwalk showroom, visualcomfort.com

HASTINGS

The question of where to put your wine glass or towel while in the bathtub is solved with the Isla Alta bath table. The tall silhouette with discreet side hooks is offered in five core lacquer colors for both the base and top or choose from stone or solid oak. Starting price, $2,450, available through Hastings Bath Collection and Ferguson Home, A&D, hastingsbathcollection. com, fergusonhome. com.

collection of bath hardware and accessories. The modern, minimalist Cirque cabinet knob is shown here. $73, available through Canaan Distributors Corp., canaandistributors.com, rockymountainhardware.com

MADE GOODS

The 60-inch Isla single-sink vanity is wrapped in handwoven strong peeled rattan to create an all-over crisscross pattern. Countertop options include polished marble, burl resin, maple burl veneer and the new lacquered eggshell. $9,180, available through Trovare Home, trovarehomedesign.com, madegoods.com.

WOOD-MODE

New from Wood-Mode, the Curio Suite of freestanding furniture-grade cabinetry includes vanities, medicine cabinets and linen cabinets. The Manor ll linen cabinet, shown here, includes multiple options for drawer, door or shelf configurations to store towels and bath accessories. Price upon request, woodmode.com.

FOUR HANDS

The Elliston double vanity is a design collaboration by Amber Lewis and Four Hands. Topped with Italian Carrara marble, the vanity base is crafted from oak in a worn, vintage style finish for a furniture look. $6,999, available through Safavieh Home, safaviehhome.com, fourhands.com.

VOLA

The Danish design philosophy of thoughtful functionality and minimalist elegance are embodied in the Vola T39ELUS towel warming rack, equipped with precise temperature control between 68 and 120 degrees and a self-closing timer. Pricing starting at $2,605, available through Simon’s Hardware & Bath, simonsny.com, en.vola.com.

JAMES MARTIN

MARMI

Highlighting the natural beauty and durability of stone, the Hamilton demilune vanity features a rhythmic fluted front, rounded sides and open shelves. Price upon request, marmistone.com.

ARMAC MARTIN

Made from solid brass in England, the Barwick wall hook features a refined oval backplate and elegant ridged detailing and is available in two sizes, shown here in aged brass. $301, armacmartin.com.

CURREY & COMPANY

Briallen, a 48-inch freestanding vanity, is inspired by Currey & Company’s best-selling cabinet. Made of white oak solids and veneers with a white Carrara marble top and backsplash with a pre-installed oval Toto porcelain sink and a signature cast brass door pull. $6,990, curreyandcompany.com.

The Allimari vanity wears a rich wire-brushed texture in a curved profile and louvered façade. The vanity is mounted above a floating motionsensing LED-lit shelf. Price upon request, available through Ferguson Home, fergusonhome.com, jamesmartinvanities.com.

DEEDS DON’TS

With Memorial Day come and gone, Connecticut is putting on a show of its many and marvelous places to get wet. Come June, our state’s pools, beaches, lakes and rivers are all open for business—and some of them are even for sale. Here, we feature five new listings that come with liquid assets, from a Sound-side antique in Stonington to a just-built, riverfront modern in Westport.

SOUND INVESTMENTS

Let’s start in the borough of Stonington, along Connecticut’s northernmost coastline where Long Island Sound empties into the ocean. With its cobblestone streets and centuries-old homes, the “borough” resembles a tiny Colonial town. And at 11 Main, one of those waterfront antiques has hit the market, listed for $5.8 million. The back of the circa-1850, yellow-clapboard, whaling captain’s home boasts a wide porch and double

Set Sail This

Liquid Assets

staircase that steps down to a formal garden and green lawns that sweep to the water and a private floating dock. The 3,713-square foot interiors offer views of Little Narragansett Bay, along with four bedrooms and five bathrooms, including a primary suite with an expansive deck. Lori Joyal of Lila Delmar Realty, associated with Compass, has the listing.

1.

At the other end of Long Island Sound, a newly constructed Greenwich home also impresses—but in a very different way. Set directly on the waterfront in Old Greenwich, the circa-2026 contemporary is also best viewed from the back, where an infinity pool and its terrace appear to float above a quiet cove.

The 7,400-square-foot home, sited at the end of a gated drive off Shore Road, has walls of glass, a feature that’s especially stunning in the primary bedroom and its spa-like bath, where a soaking tub is positioned to take in the water views. There are four additional bedrooms, along with a media room, a gym, a sauna, a wine cellar and a chic entertainment space with a speakeasy-style bar. Another surprising amenity: the hydraulic “car lift” that carries vehicles down

to a three-car underground garage. The .37-acre property lists for $23 million with Danielle Malloy and Jessica Lane of Serhant in Greenwich. Another coastal contemporary is for sale in Guilford, listed for $5 million. The 5,640-square-foot home was designed by architect Judith Chafee in 1969. The open-plan main floor is particularly appealing, with its great room with glass sliders overlooking the water, a renovated kitchen, a library and a primary bedroom suite with a fireplace. On the second floor, there are four additional bedrooms and an office. And on the 3.10-acre property, there’s a pool, private sandy beach, boat house, dock and pier. Kirsten Adams with William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty has the listing.

A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT

Along the Saugatuck River in Westport, a just-completed modernist home is newly listed for $2,895,000. The 1,800-square-foot beauty was built by Vita Design Group to take advantage of views over the river— which start with the wall of windows in the open-plan living and dining space. The primary suite, which comprises the entire second floor, features a balcony,

Light House This glass-walled, newly constructed Westport contemporary is listed for $2,895,000 with Leslie Clarke of the Leslie Clarke Team, affiliated with Compass in Westport. 203-984-1856.

walk-in closet, spa bathroom and laundry area. There’s another spacious bedroom suite on the third floor and a third bedroom on the walk-out lower level, which also offers an office space. It’s listed with Leslie Clarke of the Leslie Clarke Team, affiliated with Compass. —Diane di Costanzo

SHORE THING

Rare is the Long Island Sound property surrounded by protected land—and no neighbors. Rarer still is a 20-acre spread with waterways leading to Long Island Sound that’s also minutes away from town and train.

But a new listing in the Greens Farm neighborhood in Westport has all that, along with a compound of existing homes, including a grand main house with an indoor pool, an outdoor pool and pool house, a tennis court with a pavilion and a guesthouse. Andrew Whitely with Brown Harris Stevens in Southport has the $15 million listing. 203-258-1595.

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CONNECTICUT COTTAGES & GARDENS

A MASTERFUL BALANCE OF COLORS AND HUES ILLUMINATES THIS ROWAYTON TOWNHOUSE

TRUE BLUE

o purchase a lighthouse at auction in a gesture of civic devotion is not for the faint-hearted. It is an act of preservation that the Pettee family undertook in 2016 to ensure the historic Greens Ledge Lighthouse remained part of the local character of Rowayton. But that, my friends, is another story. This story is about decorating.

Before the aforementioned purchase of the lighthouse, Sheila and Tim Pettee settled in Rowayton, downsizing from their New Canaan house to a townhouse on the Five Mile River. The couple, empty nesters, had been in Rowayton several years before they decided they needed to rehaul the interiors with a more coastal vibe. As luck would have it, a neighbor’s house was designed by another Rowayton fixture, Lynn Morgan of her eponymous design firm, and in line with what the Pettees wanted for their own home. Says Sheila, “I love her style, which is that blue and white, clean and crisp look we wanted. We had a mixture of things after downsizing to the water, and we needed someone to make things look cohesive.”

The decorating direction from the clients was simple: The color palette was to be limited to blue and white; the spaces were to have better flow. Morgan, along with her firm’s senior designer, Jim Ribaudo, took to task with their usual choreography, stripping out any overwhelming moldings and cabinets, painting over the ’90s gray with a crisp shade of white, and reconfiguring furniture layouts to create spaces for gathering with friends and family; all while focused on one thing—the view of the water. In the kitchen, the designers replaced the dated tile and countertops, added doors to the island, and painted the cabinetry a glossy white. An arch over the kitchen sink was removed for an unobstructed view over the dining room to the water. They kept the client’s dining chairs but had them reupholstered in a blue and white China Seas textile. The clients’ dining room table, which they had made by a local craftsman, was special to them for a detail you might miss if you didn’t grow up in coastal Connecticut: The base is a pair of old beach trashcans. Tim wanted to keep the tabletop and the bases that were “painted a drab green, and Lynn suggested we paint it white. Obviously, if Lynn thought it wouldn’t work, she would have said

Splashes Of Blue (clockwise across spread from above) An unused portion of the entry was transformed into a bar that boasts cabinets painted in Benjamin Moore’s Waterloo with boat cleats used as hardware, complemented by a Sister Parish backsplash tile through Country Floors. The clients had their dining room table made by a local craftsman, and Morgan had the base painted white, while the clients’ own mirror was repainted in Benjamin Moore’s Sapphire Ice in a high-gloss finish. About the powder-room wallpaper—Hinson’s Fireworks through Scalamandré—Sheila says: “We were married on the Fourth of July weekend, and the wallpaper is perfect for us.” See Resources.

so—because she did say that often!—but she was intrigued.”

Finding a seat for everyone (in this case four grown children and a grandchild that visit) can be daunting in a smaller space, but Morgan and Ribaudo doubled the seating in the living room with a custom sofa and four swivel chairs anchored by a white 50-inch coffee table. A pair of X benches covered in, of course, a blue and white stripe, are easily pulled in or out of the arrangement as needed. “Lynn took a space problem that we didn’t see and created space to gather,” says Sheila. “We are very grateful for that, and that’s what it is all about: getting together with family in a beautiful setting.”

“The biggest thing she did for us, which we love,” adds Tim, “is transforming dead space just inside the front door into a bar, which is fantastic. Lynn was like, ‘who doesn’t want a drink

when they come in?’” The bar is painted in navy lacquer with blue and white Sister Parish tile to add some pizzazz. “They love to entertain,” says Morgan, “so why not a nautical-themed bar?”

In less-skilled hands, the transition from navy lacquer to a suite of graduating blues might feel stiflingly nautical—more like a themed gift shop than a home. Every space is a tribute to the masterful way Morgan and Ribaudo balance colors and hues. “Think about the sky or the sea,” says Ribaudo. “Those are all different colors, and it works. The key is to never try to match it totally—that gets boring.”

“The before and after is 180,” says Tim. “Before, we had a lot of gray and low functionality. Now when I wake up, it’s the same gorgeous view of water, but so bright, open, airy and cheery. It sets your mood for the day.”✹

water views

the Five Mile River

almost every vantage point. See Resources.

LEGACY LIGHTHOUSE

SAVING GREENS LEDGE LIGHT BECAME A LOCAL FAMILY’S PASSION PROJECT

BY SUSAN TAMULEVICH PHOTOGRAPHS BY ELLEN MCDERMOTT

Labor Of Love (above) Tim and Sheila Pettee have devoted 10 years to restoring Greens Ledge Light located off the Rowayton coast. Green Lantern (right) In 2015, Greens Ledge Lighthouse was declared surplus to the needs of the U.S. Coast Guard and offered for auction through the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act of 2000. In 2017, the Greens Ledge Light Preservation Society launched its “Save the Light” campaign, raising more than $1.5 million through private donations. By 2020, the lighthouse had been repainted inside and out, and the tower’s daymark—formerly white and brown—was updated to white and gumball red. savegreensledge.org.

Built in 1902, the once-gleaming Greens Ledge Lighthouse off the coast of Rowayton had fallen into serious disrepair. In 2016, the Pettee family took on the challenge. Today, the lighthouse has been restored and reimagined as a marine education center—while continuing to serve as an active aid to navigation. Set in Long Island Sound, it now hosts hands-on environmental programs, limited overnight stays, and occasional events.

The story begins in 2014, when the Pettees moved to the Rowayton waterfront after 30 years in New Canaan. Tim Pettee had grown up in nearby Westport; he’d always had a boat on the Sound. Greens Ledge Light was a familiar landmark—one he had watched steadily deteriorate, with peeling paint, structural damage, and ultimately hermetically sealed by the U.S. Coast Guard.

In August 2016, Tim was out on the family boat with his wife, Sheila, and two of their four children, Elizabeth and Alex. As they circled the lighthouse structure, Elizabeth, then 16, announced, “Dad, that lighthouse is for sale.” Tim was skeptical—until she showed him the federal auction listing on her phone. “Let’s look into it,” he said.

Later that evening, Tim raised the idea. “This could be a nice legacy for the Pettee family. Let’s go for it.” He set a firm cap of $200,000, assuming that

would keep them safely out of contention. To his surprise, it did not. In mid-October, Elizabeth called him with the news: They had won the auction. The final price was $150,000. Alex, who is in real estate, noted it could be the best deal in Fairfield County, also saying: “But Dad, don’t leave us a legacy of rocks, because it’s going to fall down.”

Although the lighthouse was structurally salvageable, restoring it would require significant investment. The family responded by establishing the Greens Ledge Light Preservation Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the project. Community support emerged almost immediately. Neighbors and fellow boaters offered to help. A couple of those original callers are still on the board.

Over the past decade, the nonprofit has raised more than $3 million through a combination of fundraising and an innovative operating model. Approximately $2 million went toward restoration. The lighthouse reopened to the public in 2022.

Part of that model includes carefully managed access. The lighthouse is not an Airbnb, private club or public park; it is owned and operated by the nonprofit. Major contributors—known as “Keepers”— provide significant financial support and, in return, have limited access to the site. These individuals are trained to manage the lighthouse’s systems, including water production, power and general maintenance. The goal is to ensure that everyone involved shares a commitment to preservation and stewardship.

The lighthouse also serves as a venue for a small

number of “Light the Night” events each year. Transportation logistics limit the schedule to about 20 gatherings annually, but these events—along with overnight stays for up-to six people—help sustain ongoing operations.

With roughly 95 percent of the restoration complete, the organization is now focused on expanding its educational mission. A key partnership with SoundWaters, based in Stamford, brings hundreds of students to the lighthouse each summer. The students learn about the history of the lighthouse, the challenges of preservation, and the ecology of Long Island Sound. They also conduct their own fieldwork using specialized equipment.

At the center of this effort is the Tombros Research and Education Center, a dedicated classroom space within the lighthouse. Supported by a major donor, the center includes essential infrastructure such as the desalination system, solar power and a large digital screen, allowing educators to integrate their own marine science curricula on site. Plans are underway to expand programming to additional schools in the region.

For Tim Pettee, the project has been deeply meaningful. “The impact the restoration has had on the community has been the greatest thing I've ever done in my life,” he notes. “I get asked to get involved elsewhere and I’m happy to share—but Greens Ledge is my love. My wife thinks it’s my mistress and maybe that’s true a lot of time. It’s a passion I didn't know was in me, but it certainly now is in my DNA.”✹

A Solid Foundation (opposite page) This recently refurbished “spark plug” lighthouse sits on a reef named for Pirate Green, who is said to have sailed with the infamous Captain Kidd. According to local legend, Pirate Green was once chained to the ledge as a warning to would-be marauders. Constructed in 1902, Greens Ledge’s foundation was reinforced with 30,000 tons of granite from the excavation of Radio City Music Hall in 1932, which helped it withstand the devastating Hurricane of 1938. Living The Dream (this page) Beginning in 2024, the Greens Ledge Light Preservation Society began offering overnight stays at the lighthouse, which sleeps up to six and includes two bathrooms and an outdoor hot-water shower. Greens Ledge Light is also believed to have inspired the green light in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 1925 novel The Great Gatsby, where it symbolizes Jay Gatsby’s longing for Daisy—and, more broadly, the hope and elusiveness of the American Dream. The living spaces were designed by Alex Pettee and his girlfriend, a graphic designer, who plan to marry at the lighthouse next year. greensledgelight.org.

A Modern Approach (opposite page) “The foundation decided not to use historical period furnishings,” says Tim. “We imagined two keepers living here today—what would they want, and what would they need?” To bring that vision to life, they hired a Louisiana-based custom boat builder to create the second-floor kitchen and transform the fourth-floor former watch room into a lounge. All Decked Out (this page) There are three decks on the lighthouse: a veranda, a circular parapet off the watch room, and a circular deck surrounding the lantern room. See Resources.

Restore & Preserve

(this page, clockwise from top left) Major structural restoration work commenced in April 2018 and was substantially completed in May 2023, while work continues to restore and preserve the interior and exterior condition of the lighthouse. An osprey cam keeps track of Ollie and Olivia, the pair who return here to their nest each spring.

The Tombros Research and Education Center is a fully equipped classroom on the lower level of the lighthouse.

Lighthouse Lore (opposite page) Of the 1,500 lighthouses constructed throughout U.S. history, only 779 remain standing today.

Greens Ledge is one of just 14 lighthouses still active in Connecticut, and one of very few in the country where one can stay overnight. See Resources.

Coastal Calm

DESIGNER CINDY KRAMER DELIVERS A SERENE WATERFRONT RETREAT

BY CATRIONA BRANCA

PHOTOGRAPHS BY MAX KIM-BEE

STYLED BY NATALIE WARADY

ASSISTED BY BREE TALLMADGE

In (left to right across spread) A

Resources

Creating a tranquil home that honored stunning water views of Fishers Island Sound was at the heart of a Groton project by interior designer Cindy Kramer. The homeowners envisioned “a light and airy interior with a mix of light colors and woods that brought the outside in but still included some beach colors.” After seeing Kramer’s Instagram account, they reached out to the designer and felt an immediate connection. “Her design background is extensive and in looking at her portfolio, I loved everything I saw,” says the wife. “She got an idea of what I liked from the house as it was and built on that. We had not worked together before, but she was very easy to work with.”

Kramer, founder of C. Kramer Interiors, started by asking her clients for one word to describe how they’d like their home to feel. Their reply? “Serene.” So, she set out to update the summer home, and after a three-year full-home renovation, the once-dark home was transformed into a light-filled retreat. “I used the colors from nature to create a calm and peaceful feeling throughout the home,” says Kramer. “There is a very intentional simplicity that keeps the house airy, open and relaxed. This spoke to my client.”

The first floor now features an open layout. “My favorite element [of the home] is the main floor when you come in the door to the entry hallway, and then it opens up to the bright, beautiful main living area with an expansive view of the water,” notes the homeowner. Kramer’s inspiration for the interior

“I used the colors from nature to create a calm and peaceful feeling throughout the home.”

—CINDY KRAMER

Window Seats (this page) In the dining area, vintage chairs were painted in Farrow & Ball’s De Nimes, and the ceiling light is from Palecek. Kitchen Cachet (opposite page) Visual Comfort pendants illuminate the kitchen island, the counter stools are from Williams Sonoma, and the tile backsplash is through Tile America. See Resources

design choices came directly from nature. “I wanted to give a nod to the surrounding environment without being too kitschy or coastal,” notes the designer. “My goal was to create this through colors, textures, finishes and accessories.”

The previous kitchen was very dark and blocked the views, according to Kramer. The new light-filled space—with custom cabinetry built by Jeremy Hill Builders—opens onto a deck overlooking the water. A built-in dining area is centered on a round dining table, one of the homeowners’ cherished heirlooms. The open-plan layout continues into the living room, where an RH sofa faces swivel chairs placed to capture the outside vista or to spin around and enjoy the fireplace.

The primary suite, two guest bedrooms and a guest bathroom are located on the second floor. In the larger guest room, a gray and white wave wallpaper adds a touch of playfulness while custom Colefax & Fowler valances ground the room with a feeling of elegance. The smaller guest room is anchored

Nautical Notes For the topfloor gallery (this page), Kramer worked with Mara Beckwith of Studio M to reframe some of the art, while Kimberley Pettey of Pinc! Home Furnishings reupholstered the vintage ottoman. In the third-floor bedroom (opposite page), a nod to the coast is evident with a trophy sailfish mounted to the wall overlooking navy and white bedspreads. The Dash & Albert jute rug is through Annie Selke. See Resources

by a wall of shiplap, and the remaining walls and ceiling are covered in Thibaut’s Pisces wallpaper. Shiplap lines the walls of the tranquil primary suite, and a sitting area at the foot of the bed is furnished with Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams swivel chairs in a white performance linen.

“Our bedroom is also a room that I love,” notes the homeowner. “It literally feels like you’re standing outside while you are in there—bright and calm with a beautiful view of Noank and Fishers Island.”

At the top of the stairs, an inviting seating area has a gallery wall displaying a selection of many prints, paintings and maps. “The homeowners’ art collection was so eclectic—creating

the gallery wall was a fun way to incorporate different styles of art,” says Kramer.

The gallery space opens onto another bedroom with three beds. “On the third floor, ceilings and flooring were covered in that orangey shellacked pine. I had all of the wainscoting painted white, which allowed the water outside the windows to come forward,” says Kramer. “My clients wanted the space to function as a home office as well as extra guest accommodations. The bedding as well as the accessories are all simple, while keeping the views as the main focus. The sailfish had been left from the prior owners; I thought this room was the perfect place for it!” ✹

Starting Points The home’s side entry (below) features a Casa Gusto bench with pillows in a Rose Tarlow fabric, and Harcock’s Pond by Nathan Wilson through Granary Gallery. The living room (right) design began with a pair of Casa Gusto chairs upholstered in a Schumacher fabric. Other elements include a Soane ceiling fixture, slipper chairs in an Elizabeth Eakins stripe, and Drawing 29, an abstract work by

Chancho from Richeldis Fine Art. See Resources

A MARTHA’S VINEYARD HOME WAS DESIGNED WITH THE NEEDS OF ALL FAMILY MEMBERS IN MIND

BY DAVID MASELLO

PHOTOGRAPHS BY MATT KISIDAY

STYLING BY BRITTANY ALBERT

Creature

Every project has its discerning clients, and for this new Edgartown, Massachusetts, home, two of its residents— Murphy and Benny—played an especially key role in the design choices. Murphy is nine years old and Benny is less than two, but as yellow labs, they use every room and expect to find comfort in each.

“Yellow labs rule our house,” admits Madeleine Blommer, principal of Madeline Blommer Design and the interior designer for the residence, which is owned by her parents. “I feel fortunate that we have yellow labs because I’m always drawn to neutral color palettes, and I designed much of the house around the dogs. They’re both slightly different shades of yellow, and I was able to use those hues as my guiding force.”

Blommer and her parents had been coming to Martha’s Vineyard from their home in suburban Philadelphia for years, but when a vacant site near the town’s boat dock came available, her parents decided to build a five-bedroom home on it, along with separate guest quarters. Local architect Chuck Sullivan of Sullivan + Associates Architects responded by designing a classic

house, but in a style he carefully calls “Modern

Edgartown.” While he admits to not having a set aesthetic for the residences he designs, he did want to push this one beyond the traditional profile, something he accomplished by including a few larger glass panels in select areas of the house, a way to “downplay a little bit anything that might seem too predictable.” He used white cedar shingles as the prevailing exterior material, which will turn an appealing gray within a year’s time, given the winds and salt air.

Meanwhile, Blommer was intent on making sure that the rooms for her parents—as well as for her siblings and their spouses, and for her and her husband to use on visits—would be something other than those in just another Vineyard beach house. “At this stage of their lives, my parents are flexible,” she says. “My dad is retired, and they want to use this house and their boat well beyond the summer months.” Given that dynamic, the goal was to ensure that the house was as cozy and inviting in summer as it would be in the off seasons. “The primary driving force was to strike a balance between an overall sense of comfort and coziness with refinement and restraint.”

“I kept hearing from friends in the design industry that it can be especially rough working with a friend or family, but, frankly, my parents are dream clients to have, especially for what really represents my first full project as an interior designer,” says Blommer. While Blommer’s vision for the rooms prevails, she and her mother gladly took off on joint shopping expeditions—to Texas’s Roundtop, antiquing treks through Provence, scouring Parisian flea markets. “What

made the shopping especially fun is that we were looking for specific items for specific rooms, rather than just shopping for shopping’s sake.”

With, at last count, some 79 extended family members (excluding Murphy and Benny), according to Blommer, who have been known to gather at different times in the home, the living room took special precedence. There Blommer chose two rattan chairs from Casa Gusto. “I’ve never seen my dad so excited about any other piece of furniture before!” Blommer’s restrained palette carries through into the adjoining dining room. “My parents like this great flow of spaces. The number of times my parents talk about grandchildren—which don’t exist yet—is about them wanting rooms where everyone is around each other.”

Of her mother, Blommer says that her main language is “cooking. That’s her love language.” Her mother prepares many major meals in the kitchen for family and friends, with the island functioning as a metaphorical anchor spot, so that all cooking can be witnessed by those gathered there.

While there are many public areas for the family to be together, they often find themselves ensconced in the den, which Blommer defined with a deep-green sectional upholstered in a plush mohair. “It’s definitely more pigmented than the rest of the house.” She further quieted and softened the hip-roofed room by lining the ceiling with a Holly Hunt linen.

Even though Murphy and Benny were trained to stay off the furniture and beds, they ignore the requests. “They’re a part of our family and sit with us on the sofas,” notes Blommer. “They even run into the pool and swim with us.” ✹

“The primary driving force was to strike a balance between an overall sense of comfort and coziness with refinement and restraint.”

–Madeleine Blommer

Sleeping Habits In a guest bedroom, a Kerry Joyce pattern was used for the headboard, ceiling and walls. The rug is through From Jaipur With Love, the lamps are from Objet Insolite, and the pillows feature a Claremont pattern. The sofa is from Charles Stewart, and the ceiling fixture is from Currey & Company. See Resources

CTC&G PLAYERS’ LOUNGE AT GREENWICH POLO

2026 POLO SEASON SELECT SUNDAYS 6/7 - 9/27

Highlights Include: September 15 - 16, 2026 Limited-Time Early Access Rates Now Available

Engaging discussions and insights from industry leaders. Topics from decorating tips to design trends Events spread across various venues in Greenwich, CT. Book signings, pop-up events, and more.

Thank you to our Sponsors:

RESOURCES MORE

TRUE BLUE

Pages 48–55: Interior design, Lynn Morgan and Jim Ribaudo, Lynn Morgan Design, lynnmorgandesign. com. Architect, Beinfield Architecture, beinfield.com. Builder, The Glazer Group, theglazergroup.com. Living room: Area rug, A.T. Proudian. Club chair and bench fabric, China Seas through Quadrille. Sofa fabric, Perennials. Table lamps, Williams Sonoma. Powder room: Wallpaper, Hinson through Scalamandré. Sconces, Visual Comfort. Porthole mirror, Kathy Kuo Home. Bar: Paint, Benjamin Moore. Tile, Sister Parish through Country Floors. Dining room: Rug, A.T. Proudian. Dining chair fabric, Quadrille. Mirror paint, Benjamin Moore. Kitchen: Tile, Tile & Stone Techniques. Primary bedroom: Area rug, A.T. Proudian. Bed upholstery fabric, Perennials. Bedside lamps, Visual Comfort. Club chair fabric, China Seas through Quadrille. Bench fabric, Palm Orleans.

LEGACY LIGHTHOUSE

Pages 56–63: Greens Ledge Lighthouse, savegreensledge.org. Engineering, logistics, consulting, barge services and problem solving, Gary and Charlie Wetmore, G&C Marine Services, 203-313-9220.

COASTAL CALM

Pages 64–73: Interior design, Cindy Kramer, C. Kramer Interiors, ckramerinteriors.com. Stylist, Natalie Warady, nataliewarady.com. Project coordinator and assistant stylist, Bree Talmadge, ckramerinteriors.com. Cabinetry construction, Paul Kezer of Jeremy Hill Builders, 860-535-3552. Entry: Bench, O&G Studio. Mirror, Made Goods. Sconces, Visual Comfort. Rug, Prestige Mills. Living room: Ceiling wallpaper, Winfield Thybony Design. Sofa and swivel chairs, RH. Rug, Prestige Mills. Throw pillows, Kravet. Teak and rattan chairs, Balè. Metal side tables, Crate & Barrel. Kitchen: Pendants, Visual Comfort. Stools, Williams Sonoma. Tile backsplash, Tile America. Rug, Annie Selke. Dining area: Chair paint, Farrow & Ball. Ceiling light fixture, Palecek. Guest bedroom: Wallpaper, Thibaut. Ceiling light fixture, duvet and shams, Serena & Lily. Lamp, Visual Comfort. Lumbar pillow fabric, Carole Fabrics. Rug, Dash & Albert. Second guest room: Wallpaper, Fabricut. Dresser, The Resplendent Crow. Dresser paint, Farrow &

Ball. Dresser hardware, Modern Matter. Artwork, Katharine Gates. Framing, Studio M. Wall sconces, Palecek. Rug, Dash & Albert. Primary bedroom: Bed and bedding, Serena & Lily. Swivel chairs, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams. Side table, Palecek. Rug, Dash & Albert. Pillow fabric, Fabricut. Ceiling light fixture and wall sconce, Visual Comfort. Primary bath: Custom vanity, Paul Kezer of Jeremy Hill Builders. Bath and sink faucets, Brizo through Sink & Spout. Ceiling light fixtures and sconces, Visual Comfort. Framing of mirror, Studio M. Third floor landing: Framing, Studio M. Ottoman fabrication, Pinc! Home Furnishings. Ottoman fabric, Perennials. Table, Pottery Barn. Lamp, Visual Comfort. Rug, Dash & Albert. Third floor bedroom: Rug, Dash & Albert.

CREATURE COMFORTS

Pages 74–83: Architect, Chuck Sullivan, Sullivan + Associates Architects, sullivanassociatesarchitects.com.

Interior design, Madeleine Blommer, Madeleine Blommer Design, madeleineblommer.com. Landscape designer, Kristen Reimann, Kristen Reimann Landscape Architect, kristenreimann.com. Styling, Brittany Albert, brittanyalbert.com. Side entry: Bench, Casa Gusto. Pillow fabric, Rose Tarlow. Artwork, Nathan Wilson through Granary Gallery. Living room: Chairs, Casa Gusto. Chair fabric, Schumacher. Ceiling light fixture, Soane. Slipper chair fabric, Elizabeth Eakins. Artwork, Joaquim Chancho through Richeldis Fine Art. Dining area: Table, Dunes and Duchess. Chairs,

McGuire. Chair fabric, Schumacher. Kitchen: Counter stools, Memoire Design. Pendants, Visual Comfort. Pantry: Wallpaper, Galbraith & Paul through Holland & Sherry. Cabinet paint, Farrow & Ball. Hardware, Armac Martin. Den: Wallcovering, Holly Hunt. Sofa fabric, JB Martin. Ottoman, Acquisitions. Ottoman fabric, James Malone. Rug, Stark. Powder room; Wallpaper and vanity paint, Farrow & Ball. Bunkroom: Drapery fabric on bunk beds, Mahala Textiles. Pillow fabrics, Schumacher. Bolster pillow fabric, Fleurons D’Helene through John Rosselli. Guest room: Headboard, ceiling and wall pattern, Kerry Joyce. Rug, From Jaipur With Love. Lamps, Objet Insolite. Pillow fabric, Claremont. Sofa, Charles Stewart. Ceiling fixture, Currey & Company.

SOURCE LIST

A.T. Proudian, atproudian.com

Acquisitions, acquisitionsinteriors.com Annie Selke, annieselke.com

Armac Martin, armacmartin.com Balè, balehomewares.com

Benjamin Moore, benjaminmoore.com Brizo, brizo.com

Carole Fabrics, carolefabrics.com

Casa Gusto, getthegusto.com

Charles Stewart, charlesstewartcompany.com

China Seas (see Quadrille) Claremont, claremontfurnishings.com

Country Floors, countryfloors.com

Crate & Barrel, crateandbarrel.com

Currey & Company, curreyandcompany.com

Dash & Albert, annieselke.com

Dunes and Duchess, dunesandduchess.com

Elizabeth Eakins, elizabetheakins.com

Fabricut, fabricut.com

Farrow & Ball, farrow-ball.com

Fleurons D’Helene (see John Rosselli & Associates)

From Jaipur With Love, fromjaipurwithloverugs.com

Galbraith & Paul (see Holland & Sherry) Granary Gallery, granarygallery.com

Hinson (see Scalamandré)

Holland & Sherry, hollandandsherry.com

Holly Hunt, hollyhunt.com

James Malone, jamesmalonefabrics.com

JB Martin, jbmartin.com

Joaquim Chancho (see Richeldis Fine Art)

John Rosselli & Associates, johnrosselli.com

Katharine Gates, katharinegatesart.com

Kathy Kuo Home, kathykuohome.com

Kerry Joyce, kerryjoyce.com

Made Goods, madegoods.com

Mahala Textiles, mahalatextiles.com

McGuire, bakerfurniture.com

Memoire Design, memoiredesign.com

Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, mgbw.com

Modern Matter, modern-matter.com

Nathan Wilson (see Granary Gallery)

O&G Studio, oandgstudio.com

Objet Insolite, objetinsolite.com

Palecek, palecek.com

Palm Orleans, palmorleans.com

Perennials, perennialsfabrics.com

Pinc! Home Furnishings, pinchome.com

Pottery Barn, potterybarn.com

Prestige Mills, prestigemills.com

Quadrille, quadrillefabrics.com

RH, rh.com

Richeldis Fine Art, richeldisfineart.com

Rose Tarlow, rosetarlow.com

Scalamandré, scalamandre.com

Schumacher, schumacher.com

Serena & Lily, serenaandlily.com

Sink & Spout, sinkandspout.com

Sister Parish, sisterparishdesign.com

Stark, starkcarpet.com

Studio M, studiomframing.com

The Resplendent Crow, theresplendentcrow.com

Thibaut, thibautdesign.com

Tile & Stone Techniques, tile-stone-techniques.com

Visual Comfort, visualcomfort.com

Williams Sonoma, williams-sonoma.com

Winfield Thybony Design, winfieldthybony.com

Aurora Saboir

Growing up in a village in Hungary, Aurora Saboir’s love of building furniture and miniature houses led to her study of engineering and furniture design. When an acquaintance requested styling advice for his private plane, the project was a “love at first sight” match for the woman who has become an award-winning designer of exclusive private and business jets and founder of Aurora Aero Design. “Basically, a plane is a tube,” she explains. “You can’t make it bigger or smaller. You’re making a luxury apartment in a very functional environment, and the individual things have to be perfect—industrial and aesthetic design going hand in hand. From the beginning, I was made for this.” While making regular visits to visit friends and relatives in Hungary, Saboir has relocated to Spain for its weather, food and people. She shares her house in a calm central Madrid neighborhood with Dio, her poodle/ Havanese mix, and relaxes by creating rock and moss aquariums for a colony of more than 30 rescued frogs she nurtures. auroraaero.design.

You work closely with owners, consult, and offer on-site project supervision. How does the twoto-four years outfitting process begin? You start with the layout. For the light four-to-six–seat planes, there’s not much to think about. Going up to the next levels, there are VIP configurations, where to put the staff, lounge, bedroom—you can really build rooms.

How do you find fixtures? This is where creativity comes in, customizing each step of the design, you have to innovate and come up with something super stylish and luxurious. There’s a lot of collaboration.

What are the safety and design restrictions? Everything on board needs to be certified for very high safety standards. All materials have to be fire resistant; there’s no escape if something flares up. Everything has to be anchored. Furniture moves on tracks hidden in the carpet. Chairs and table legs need to bear the impact of landing—there’s a complex frame design under the upholstery. Weight is critical: We use stone and wood veneer, which has to be 1–2 mm tops.

How do you manage utility systems? Camouflage is the hard part. You’re working with the geometry of the plane and creativity needs to be realized in a very functional way. The console ledge next to the windows is a structure that conceals the pipes. You install tanks of water, but showers have to be limited to under five minutes.

What features enhance the on-board experience? You are disconnected, so it’s a perfect

time for wellness and relaxation. Changing from dark to daylight works with the rhythm of the body. Projecting images—forest, sky, mountains—on the walls and windows can change the environment. Internet must be speedy; humidity regulated to control dryness.

How do you impart beauty, luxury, elegance, timelessness? I find natural materials—leather, wood, stone, cashmere, wool, cotton—to

Posh Jetsetting (clockwise from above)

Aurora Aero Design designs luxury custom solutions for aircraft—from bar/ kitchen spaces to accessories, sleek lavatories and plush seating.

add beauty in touch. I lean toward natural colors used in harmony, an emotional connection, which is also beauty. Artisan and handcrafted details add personalization.

Is the entire project bespoke? There’s not a thing in the space that’s not designed for it. In the final stage, you get to put together the surface items—tableware, cushions, glassware, blankets, even clothes.

What’s the difference between designing commercial or private planes? Commercial is like the exterior of a dress, a showcase, it’s part of the marketing and sponsorship. Private is opposite, no one wants to be recognized by the plane, it has to blend in.

What ideas might you have for the new Air Force One? I’d try to experiment with bringing in more natural items, real plants, developing a wall with plants in it.

What celebrity would you like to work with? I think one of the Kardashians. I’ve seen Kim’s plane, and it could have been a lot better. When you’re an icon yourself, these types of environments are reflections of who you are, how people see you, and how you see yourself.

Sharon King Hoge