Darien New Canaan, CT March 2026

Creating Space for What Matters

March invites a shift not just in season, but in how we live inside our homes and our lives. It’s the moment we begin to reimagine our spaces, our routines, and the way they support us every day.

In this Home Issue, we focus on intention and how thoughtful design, honest conversations, and practical guidance can create spaces that truly work for the lives we’re living now.

As working from home continues to evolve, Anna Barnes shares essential insights on creating a home workspace that’s both functional and inspiring. Her approach reminds us that productivity doesn’t have to come at the expense of comfort or style it starts with designing a space that supports focus, flow, and balance.

We also take you inside a stunning interiors project by Kate Brooks Studio, where thoughtful details and layered design choices come together to create a home that feels elevated yet deeply livable. It’s a beautiful example of how intentional design can transform not just a space, but how you feel within it.

This issue also makes room for an important and deeply personal conversation with our spotlight on endometriosis and shedding light on a condition that impacts so many women, yet is often misunderstood or overlooked. Sharing these stories is part of our commitment to wellness, awareness, and giving voice to experiences that deserve to be seen and heard.

And, as always, we turn to Leslie in this month’s Ask Leslie column for thoughtful guidance and perspective offering clarity, compassion, and practical advice for navigating everyday questions with confidence.

At its heart, this issue is about creating space: for work that fulfills you, homes that support you, conversations that matter, and communities that connect us.

Thank you for welcoming us into your homes and lives.

March 2026

PUBLISHER

Laura Sabia | laura.sabia@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Emma Parente | emma.parente@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Anna Barnes, Leslie Kumar, Gina Carloto

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Brook Road Photography

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Mary Albers

LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle

Proverbs 3:5-6

Work From Home Essentials

city scene

business monthly

ROUNDUP OF NEWS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES

NAGI Jewelers Celebrates 45 Years with Holiday Anniversary Party

NAGI Jewelers, a family-owned fine jewelry destination in the heart of Stamford, celebrated its 45th anniversary with an elegant holiday party honoring decades of craftsmanship, community, and lasting relationships. The festive evening brought together longtime clients, friends, and partners to mark a milestone that reflects NAGI Jewelers’ deep roots in Fairfield County since 1980. Guests enjoyed a warm holiday atmosphere and moments of reflection on the legacy built by generations of the Osta family.

Lykos Taverna Coming to Darien Commons

Darien Commons will soon welcome Lykos Taverna, a new Greek restaurant bringing Mediterranean flavors to 140 Heights Road. Lykos Taverna’s menu will highlight fresh, wholesome Greek cuisine, including whole lavraki with capers and preserved lemon, grilled sardines with charred lagana and chermoula, Wagyu skewers, and 14-hour marinated pork. Guests can also expect classic favorites such as grilled octopus, Mediterranean dips, traditional Greek salads, and an array of mezze dishes.

Farm to People Is Expanding Into Darien & New Canaan

Farm to People, New York City’s premier online farmers market delivery service, is expanding delivery to 12 new ZIP codes across Fairfield County. Their online market — featuring seasonal produce, pasture-raised meats, small-batch pantry goods, and chef-prepared meals from over 150 local farms and makers — will now be available to even more households throughout Darien and New Canaan, connecting more people to food they can trace back to the source while supporting local farming.

WORK FROM HOME

ESSENTIALS

Aesthetic, functional items to keep handy on your desk

ARTICLE BY ANNA BARNES

A thoughtfully styled work-from-home desk is about more than aesthetics. While working from home can often feel mundane, the right desk essentials add both style and functionality. These are the items that earn a permanent place on my desk for working smarter and feeling inspired.

We spend so much time elevating our kitchens and bedrooms, yet when you work from home, your desk is where countless hours are spent. The Canopy Portable Humidifier brings that same intention to your workspace, improving air quality, easing dryness, and adding a sleek, wellness-forward touch you’ll actually feel. Getcanopy.co

A candle warmer lamp is a chic, functional upgrade for your work-from-home desk. It fills your space with subtle scent without open flame, creating a cozy, focused vibe. Gentle warm light enhances ambiance while reducing eye strain, making long workdays feel more intentional, calm, and beautifully scented. Anthropologie.com

A pair of Bose noise-cancelling headphones are a home-office game changer. Their worldclass noise cancellation drowns out kids, pets, and appliances (yes, even that pesky dryer song) so you can focus on work or calls. Comfortable enough for even the longest meetings, with a gorgeous design and clear call quality, they look chic and professional on video. Bose.com

Even the most monotonous email check feels better with a beautiful mug in hand. The right mug can turn your morning coffee or tea into a small ritual, adding warmth and intention to your day. It’s a simple, personal upgrade that goes a long way. Mackenzie-childs.com

I always keep a ChappyWrap blanket on my desk chair—it’s my go-to for chilly mornings or when I need a little afternoon comfort. I love the way it warms up the space; draped over my desk chair making my workspace feel cozy and inviting. A little luxury to turn long work-from-home hours into something a bit more enjoyable. Chappywrap.com

A luxurious Italian leather desk blotter instantly elevates your work-from-home setup. Beyond its sleek, timeless look, it creates a defined workspace that keeps papers, notebooks, and tech organized. I love how it adds both style and structure, making even the most chaotic workdays feel polished, intentional, and under control. Markandgraham.com

Rebecca Lerman Owner & Lead Planner

Everlasting Love in Every Detail

ARTICLE BY MEGAN SCHINELLA

Local Experiences

THE BEST PLACES AND THINGS TO DO IN OUR AREA.

1. Adirondack Store & Gallery offers a diverse selection of rustic furniture and home decor, including seating, tables, cabinets, and has been a steadfast emblem of quality and authenticity for decades. New Canaan, CT.

2. Lille shoppe specializes in thoughtfully sourced goods from beautiful places. You'll find unique, high quality goods curated from all over the world for your home and lifestyle. Westport, CT.

3. Browne & Co. incorporates the shop, the café, and the catering business into one cohesive enterprise. Shop for gifts or something beautiful for your home. Darien, CT.

4. Eleish Van Breems Home, led by Scandinavian design experts Rhonda Eleish and Edie Van Breems, showcases the duo's passion for Scandinavian-inspired decor and craftsmanship. Westport, CT.

5. The Beehive is a home goods and lifestyle store known for its curated selection of unique gifts, home decor, and artisanal items, including furniture, kitchenware, and accessories, and also offers interior design services. Fairfield, CT.

There are few things we love more than the comfort of our own home. Upgrade and personalize your living space inside and out by shopping and engaging with our home and design merchants who provide cozy, creative and beautiful establishments to enhance our digs.

MAKING YOUR DREAMSmile

ARTICLE BY LESLIE KUMAR

Ask Leslie!

YOUR GUIDE TO LIFE'S EVERYDAY DILEMMAS

Hi Everyone,

Welcome back to Ask Leslie — the monthly advice column where you get real answers to real-life dilemmas, no identity required. This month’s DMs landed right where love meets boundaries. We’ll be navigating family vacations, dodging political questions, and carefully deciding whether an old friendship deserves a comeback (been there!). The common thread was clear: how do we honor ourselves and our relationships at the same time? There’s no script for these moments, but the thoughtful choices we make speak the most. As always, my goal isn’t to tell you what to do — it’s to help you trust yourself as you do it, like any good friend would. Let’s dive in!

Position this as a “this year” decision rather than a permanent thing. That softens the message and leaves room for future flexibility, assuming you’d be open to their company down the road. You’re not closing the door; you’re just opening a new one for yourself and your own family.

You might also explain that now that the kiddos are older, you’re wanting a chance to reconnect, just the four of you.

And if you have siblings, consider looping them in. It’s possible one of them would welcome the opportunity to continue a summer vacation tradition with your parents, which could help everyone feel included.

— Leslie

For the past few years, our family has vacationed one week over the summer in Nantucket with my parents in a shared vacation rental. It’s been fine, but it never quite feels like a true vacation with so many people under one roof. Now that our two kids are older, we’d like to rent a vacation house just for our family. How do I tell my parents our plans without hurting their feelings, especially knowing they value this time together and may not be able to afford a similar rental without sharing the cost?

Dear Nantucket Negotiator,

This is a potentially sensitive topic, especially since you’ve had this tradition going over the past few summers, and your parents might just assume you all are vacationing again and budgeting for it.

While this summer shift might come as a surprise to your parents, I think that family traditions are fine (and healthy!) to evolve, just as families do. Your parents may see this Nantucket week as a symbol of closeness, not just a vacation, so let them know that your desire to vacation separately isn’t about distancing yourselves — it’s about embracing your new phase of family life.

How can I respond to a political question without oversharing or offending the person asking? Is it reasonable to treat politics as a private matter, and if so, what’s the best way to say that politely?

Politics. Yikes.

It’s completely reasonable to treat politics as a private matter. When asked a political question, try answering the person , not the question. Acknowledge them, then redirect. Phrases like, “I try to keep my political views personal,” or “I’ve learned I’m happiest keeping politics out of my social relationships,” are polite.

Adding something like, “I enjoy hearing different perspectives; I just don’t always share my own,” keeps a neutral tone, and most people will take the cue and move on.

It’s smart to keep politics off-limits with people outside your inner circle. I’ve seen differing political views ruin relationships. Protecting your relationships sometimes means protecting your privacy — and that’s totally OK!

— Leslie

“Don’t feel like reopening the door is needed for closure either. You’re doing fine. You can treasure the good memories without re-inviting the relationship.”

Around five years ago, I cut off a 20-year friendship. My former friend has recently reached out wanting to reconnect, but I’ve hesitated to respond. I ended the friendship after ongoing concerns about her personal decisions and how they conflicted with my values. There were other issues as well, but that was the tipping point. While I feel healthier with distance, I do miss the friendship at times. How can I tell whether reconnecting is wise, or whether some doors are best left closed? She also lives over 200 miles away.

Dear Letting Go (or Not),

Ending a 20-year friendship is a big deal, and the fact that you still think about it means it mattered. You’ve already named something important though: you feel healthier. As you decide what to do, ask yourself what value it would add to your life now

Don’t feel like reopening the door is needed for closure either. You’re doing fine. You can treasure the good memories without re-inviting the relationship, and you can choose to respond slowly or not at all. Either choice takes courage and effort. The healthiest decision may simply be honoring why you closed the door.

I’ve experienced a very similar situation myself. I chose to close the door and keep it closed, and with time, I’ve come to see that I’m better off for it.

I’ll be thinking of you —I know this is tough.

— Leslie

Got a question you’d love an outside perspective on? You can submit it by sending me a DM on Instagram at @ask_leslie_official . As always, all questions are published anonymously — and chances are, if you’re wondering about it, someone else is too. Thanks for following along!

ARTICLE BY LAURA SABIA

QUIETLY BRILLIANT DESIGN

From the outset, the goal for this kitchen remodel was not to chase trends, but to correct what wasn’t working and to do so with clarity, purpose, and longevity. The original space, weighed down by dark cherry cabinetry and inefficient circulation, felt heavy and disconnected from the way the family actually lived. Counter space was limited, prep zones were fragmented, and the overall layout didn’t support the rhythm of daily life in a busy household with young children.

For Kate Brooks Studio, the solution began with simplification. Rather than adding layers, Kate stripped the space back to what mattered most: flow, light, durability, and ease. “Making it feel simple was the hardest and most important part,” she notes. That philosophy informed every decision, resulting in a kitchen that feels intuitive, contemporary, and timeless all at once.

The new layout introduces long, uninterrupted countertop surfaces that support everything from weekday meal prep to impromptu baking projects with “young chefs.” Storage was rethought entirely, incorporating deep drawers, roll-outs, pull-out waste and recycling, and shelving concealed behind clean shaker-style doors. An apronfront sink anchors the space, generous in scale and practical in everyday use.

Aesthetically, the kitchen strikes a refined balance between classic New England character and modern farmhouse warmth. White cabinetry keeps the room bright and unfussy, while natural quartzite countertops add depth and quiet drama. With the elegance

of marble and the durability of granite, the stone’s gentle movement bridges warm wood flooring and cooler gray wall tones creating cohesion without contrast for contrast’s sake. Material integrity was non-negotiable. Cabinetry is made in the USA using wood from responsibly managed forests, finished with non-toxic, easy-to-maintain coatings. Wherever possible, existing elements were reused: appliances were largely retained, with the exception of a quieter, more water-efficient dishwasher. Even the original cabinets and granite counters were carefully removed and donated to Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore, reflecting the homeowners’ deeply eco-conscious values.

CONTINUED >

Lighting, often an afterthought, becomes a defining feature here. Existing recessed fixtures were upgraded with warm-temperature LED bulbs and dimmers, while under-cabinet LED strips and dedicated task lighting at the sink add layers and flexibility. The result is a kitchen that transitions effortlessly from morning rush to evening calm.

The space was designed with motion in mind enough room for kids to grab snacks, for meals to be prepared efficiently, and yes, for the occasional game of tag with the family dog weaving through the house. It’s a kitchen that welcomes activity rather than resisting it.

Kate’s advice for homeowners considering a renovation is refreshingly honest. “Be clear on your priorities and your ‘why,’” she says. “That clarity makes decision-making easier.” She’s equally candid about the emotional toll of kitchen and bathroom remodels, encouraging clients to plan carefully, expect disruption, and trust that after the adjustment period, the result will be worth it.

Ultimately, this kitchen doesn’t shout. It doesn’t rely on statement moments or excess. Instead, it quietly excels, supporting everyday life with grace, sustainability, and enduring design intelligence.

BECOMES

“THE MOST SUCCESSFUL KITCHENS AREN’T DEFINED BY TRENDS, BUT BY HOW EFFORTLESSLY THEY SUPPORT REAL LIFE. WHEN MATERIALS ARE HONEST, LAYOUTS ARE INTUITIVE, AND EVERY DECISION SERVES A PURPOSE, THE SPACE

CALM, DURABLE, AND DEEPLY LIVABLE, SOMETHING A FAMILY CAN TRULY GROW INTO.”

REDEFINING Women’s Empowerment

WHY PRIORITIZING HEALTH IS THE ULTIMATE ACT OF SELF-RESPECT

ARTICLE BY GINA (CARLOTO) D’AMORE

Women’s empowerment is often celebrated when it looks like ambition, achievement, or outward success, but prioritizing our health is rarely seen as a powerful, valid form of self-respect.

In 2022, I lost my mother just three months after her cancer diagnosis. Watching her undergo aggressive treatment while still putting others first taught me what real strength looks like. Throughout my life, she radiated resilience as a survivor of domestic violence, raising me as a single mother, and making innumerable sacrifices to allow me opportunities I would not have otherwise had. During her battle with cancer, it quickly became evident that while my mom spent all her life prioritizing my well-being and advocating for others, she neglected to care for her own health and wellbeing.

Her passing was my call to action, igniting a fire in me that continues to drive my work today as I reflect on the resilience, grace, and sacrifices she showed, and the values she instilled in me from a young age. But perhaps the most important lesson I learned is that our health is truly our greatest investment. Honoring my mother’s memory set me down a path of purpose, with advocating for women’s health and wellness at the center of my mission.

CONTINUED >

Despite advocating for my own health challenges for years, my health took a drastic turn during my year as Miss Connecticut. After more than 16 years of debilitating and excruciating pain, and being dismissed, I finally found a doctor who performed thorough tests, listened with intent, and immediately took action. In 2024, I had my first appointment with Dr. Karli Goldstein, OB/GYN, an endometriosis specialist, who, for the first time, gave me hope. Just weeks later, I underwent laparoscopic excision surgery. The conformation: advanced stage three endometriosis. Something I suspected, but was misdiagnosed for years and never given answers, until now.

Endometriosis is a chronic, inflammatory condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, often on organs like the bladder, bowel or diaphragm. It affects 1 in 10 women worldwide, yet it takes an average of 7 to 10 years to be diagnosed, leaving many women suffering in silence.

1. Health: It is our greatest investment, and the foundation for everything else.

2. Education: Every woman deserves to be informed, equipped, and empowered to fight for the care they need.

3. Advocacy: When your cup is full, use your voice to uplift others.

4. Lifestyle: Building a life that supports balance, intention and holistic wellness.

“Her passing was my call to action, igniting a fire in me that continues to drive my work today as I reflect on the resilience, grace, and sacrifices she showed, and the values she instilled in me from a young age.”

A year and a half after my excision surgery I recently had a follow-up visit with  Dr. Goldstein. Now, thriving as an endometriosis survivor, I understand that whole body wellness is lifelong, systemic and it starts by taking control of our own health.

The way I choose to empower my own health and healing is grounded in four key pillars—the same values that shape The Grace Collective, the initiative I created in honor of my mother’s legacy:

Together, with  ESSE Care and Dr. Goldstein I continued to learn and grow in my own healing journey, while actively supporting others. One of the most impactful opportunities has been being introduced to the  EndoCare Fund, a non-profit dedicated to removing financial roadblocks standing between patients and surgical treatment.

This Women’s Empowerment and Endometriosis Awareness Month, I encourage all women to feel empowered to listen to your body, self-advocate, and pursue timely, informed care no matter how long you’ve been dismissed or misunderstood. Because every woman deserves to have the chance to heal, to thrive and to be heard.

Gina (Carloto) D’Amore, Miss Connecticut 2023

@ginacarloto

@_thegracecollective

@patientsurgeonmama

@essecaresurgerywellness

@endocarefund

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD

MID-CENTURY WARMTH, REIMAGINED

There’s a certain moment when a house stops feeling new and starts feeling like home. It isn’t marked by square footage or finishes alone. It is something quieter, more emotional. In this home, designer Kate Manz set out to do exactly that: give a newly built home a heartbeat and a soul.

Rather than treating the house as one sweeping statement, she approached each room as its own story, layered with meaning, memory, and texture. The result is a home that feels collected, personal, and deeply lived-in.

“Tackling each space and room as its own story and concept is how to make a new space feel personal,” Manz explains. “But bringing it all together cohesively is always the challenge.”

Her solution? Warmth, intention, and a strong belief in the power of people. In new builds it can take years for a home to shed its newness. For this project, the goal was to fast-track that sense of belonging by layering in pieces with history and heart. Vintage market finds, local artists, and meaningful objects play a starring role throughout the home.

“My love for design goes hand in hand with the people and stories that bring it to life,” she says. “I absolutely love seeing the evolution from concept to completion and all the elements and people that help bring those ideas to reality.”

That philosophy becomes especially important in the home’s expansive open-concept living area, where scale could easily overpower intimacy.

ENTRYWAY: A WARM WELCOME

The entryway sets the tone with a simple but powerful goal: Welcome to my home.

Natural stone underfoot grounds the space, while a soft vintage rug and living greenery immediately soften the experience. Art with personal meaning invites guests to linger rather than rush through.

THE OPEN CONCEPT, REIMAGINED

The main living space is defined by bringing the outside in with sweeping outdoor views and generous proportions. Rather than fighting that openness, embrace it.

“The big open concept room really highlights the expansive outdoor views,” she says, “but making intimate spaces within that open room was really important.”

A layered niche wall, created in collaboration with the interior architect Nick Flower, brings both structure and softness to the room. It introduces texture, depth, and a place for unique objects and family heirlooms to live, turning negative space into a personal gallery.

POWDER BATH: SMALL ROOM, BOLD SPIRIT

If there’s one place Manz encourages clients to take risks, it’s the powder room. Here, she leaned into terracotta earth tones, layering textures and tile sizes for visual interest and warmth. Patterned and solid tiles work together, while textured wall coverings and a sculptural stone sink elevate the space from functional to delightful.

LOUNGE: A STUDY IN CALM AND DEPTH

Designed as a counterpoint to the openness of the main living area, the lounge is a cocoon, both peaceful, layered, and deeply versatile. It’s a place for reading, movie nights and slow mornings.

Rich tones and varied textures do the heavy lifting here, creating depth without heaviness. Soft lighting and custom upholstery make the room feel both intentional and effortless.

At its core, this home is a reminder that design isn’t about perfection, but rather it’s about feeling. By treating each room as its own narrative while weaving in warmth, history, and human connection, a space was created that already feels loved.

“My love for design goes hand in hand with the people and stories that bring it to life.”

PROJECT CREDITS

events

SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

MARCH 2ND

HAYVN HATCH

HAYVN Darien | 5:30 PM

Experience HAYVN HATCH and support entrepreneurs who have started businesses and need funding, exposure, marketing and growth. You’ll hear from 6 startups who are ready to grow. Meet the amazing founders & teams behind the incredible new businesses that will be pitching live and enjoy wine and lite bites offered by local entrepreneurs, with networking before and after.

MARCH 12TH

LMMM New Exhibit on Irish American Immigrant Experience

The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum | 12:00 PM

The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum, in collaboration with Quinnipiac University and Ireland’s Great Hunger Museum of Fairfield, will inaugurate its 2026 Season with the opening of a new exhibition, “A Journey of Hope: The Irish American Immigrant Experience,” followed by a reception at 5:30-7:30. See paintings and sculptures displayed in the Mansion’s Art Gallery as well as in the Servants’ Quarters.

MARCH 14TH

Yoga and Movement with Pilin Anice

Grace Farms | 10:30 AM

Experience movement and music in the light-filled Court with renowned mindfulness and wellness expert, Pilin Anice. This invigorating class takes participants through a breath-centered yoga practice while incorporating live music. Accessible for all levels, no prior yoga or meditation experience is required. Participants may bring their own mats, towels, props, and water.

MARCH 19TH

Through Our Eyes: Annual New Canaan High School Art Show

Carriage Barn Arts Center, New Canaan CT | 5:00 PM

The New Canaan Society for the Arts and New Canaan High School present Through Our Eyes, an exhibit of works by current art students at the Carriage Barn Arts Center. This exhibit celebrates the skills, creativity, and personal voice of high school students enrolled in introductory, intermediate and advanced art courses taught by Kimanne Core, Jeanne McDonagh and Jennifer Sinski.

MARCH 28TH

Rising Together Benefit

Hyatt Regency Greenwich

This year’s Rising Together Benefit will once again bring together supporters, neighbors and civic leaders for an unforgettable evening that fuels Person to Person's mission to help families move from crisis to stability. Funds raised will support P2P’s wraparound services, including healthy food, clothing, housing assistance, scholarships and access to economic opportunity for over 25,000 residents across lower Fairfield County.

MARCH 28TH

Women's Conference - Junior League of Greenwich

35 Church Street, Greenwich CT | 10:00 AM

Mark your calendar for the Women's Conference! Hosted by the Junior League of Greenwich, this one-day experience brings together experts and community leaders for meaningful conversations, practical takeaways, and new connections. At New Canaan Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Anna Simonis and her excellent team are

We take a conservative approach to pediatric dentistry, with services including: Preventive and Diagnostic • Restorative Dentistry Comfort Dentistry • Early Infant Oral Care 65 Locust Ave, New Canaan, CT | 203.594.9500 | newcanaanpediatricdentistry.com

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