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There’s something about March that invites reflec tion. The light lingers a little longer, the air begins to soften, and we find ourselves turning inward toward our homes, our routines, and the spaces that ground us.
In this Home Issue, we explore what it truly means to feel rooted. Home isn’t just a place, it’s the values we live by, the communities we build, and the moments we create around the table.

We’re proud to spotlight the story behind La Maison Fête, a business built on creativity, craftsmanship, and connection. It’s a reminder that some of the most beautiful spaces are created not just with vision, but with heart.
Closer to home, we celebrate the beauty of intentional living. From a cozy, modern take on Irish soda bread which is perfect for gathering this St. Patrick’s Day, to thoughtful design inspiration that shows how tone and texture can transform a space, this issue is filled with ideas meant to be both approachable and inspiring.
As always, our goal is to reflect the people, homes, and stories that make Upper Westchester such a special place to live. Whether you’re refreshing a room, hosting friends, or simply enjoying a quiet moment at home, we hope this issue inspires you to slow down and savor it.
Thank you for welcoming us into your homes.

LAURA
SABIA, PUBLISHER
@UPPERWESTCHESTER.CITYLIFESTYLE
Our publication serves the communities of Armonk, Bedford, Bedford Hills, Chappaqua, Katonah, Mount Kisco, Pound Ridge and Valhalla.
March 2026
PUBLISHER
Laura Sabia | laura.sabia@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Emma Parente | emma.parente@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Dana Cifone
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Mary Albers
LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman
CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle




RESIDENTIAL + COMMERCIAL
+ Mold Damage
As industry leaders in Restoration, Reconstruction and Cleaning– our vision is to continue providing strategic Consumer & Business Solutions while upholding our commitment to exemplary customer service and white glove workmanship. We work alongside our insurance partners as well as in the private sector to handle claims and home improvement projects. With our exclusive use of cutting-edge equipment and technology, our fully certified staff is capable of handling projects of any magnitude or complexity. (914) 787-9559 office@rainbowwestchester.com www.RBWWestchester.com





















Bricks & Minifigs Westchester is now open at 748 North Bedford Road, bringing a first-of-its-kind LEGO resale and play experience to the local community. The woman-owned shop welcomes builders of all ages with options to buy, sell, and trade LEGO sets and minifigures. Shoppers will find engaging displays, discounted builder kits, and dedicated build zones for toddlers and older children. A party and event room is planned, adding a new destination for play and fun.
Stitch Katonah has expanded its schedule and is now open six days a week, beginning Monday, January 12. The shop will be open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with Saturday hours from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The extended schedule offers more opportunities for customers to shop, stitch, and connect. Additional updates, including the introduction of a late-night shopping option, are expected to be announced soon.
Valhalla has a new go-to spot for fresh coffee and farm-to-table fare. The Farm Café NY serves thoughtfully prepared dishes using simple, high-quality ingredients, from gourmet bacon, egg, and cheese sandwiches to chocolate chip muffins and tiramisu iced lattes. Whether you’re stopping by for a fresh coffee or a full meal, the café promises unique flavors and a wholesome dining experience. Located in the heart of Valhalla, it’s quickly becoming a must-visit for food lovers.
REAL ESTATE SALESPERSON | CHAPPAQUA BROKERAGE 45 SOUTH GREELEY AVENUE CHAPPAQUA, NY 10514
Working with Rachel means having a dedicated partner in your corner before, during, and long after the sale. Her keen attention to detail, in-depth market knowledge, and genuine ability to listen and understand her clients’ wants and needs set her apart as a trusted real estate professional. Clients consistently commend Rachel for her patience, responsiveness, and commitment to making the home buying or selling process as smooth and enjoyable as possible.


203-228-2264
rlacoste@houlihanlawrence.com
RachelLacoste.HoulihanLawrence.com


Dalia Dahan-Kr amarz, Psy.D. CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST
Providing virtual Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) across Westchester & New York State:
Anxiety, panic, and chronic worry
Depression, and negative thinking
Adjustment , and life transitions
Family and relationship issues
Support for new parents
Coping, communication, and problem-solving skills training



La Maison Fête Is Redefining Entertaining Through Intention, Beauty, and Meaningful Connection
ARTICLE BY DANA CIFONE
In a time when entertaining has shifted away from spectacle and toward something far more meaningful, La Maison Fête has quietly become a beacon for those who believe gathering is an art form. Part event design studio, part curated retail shop, the Bedfordbased brand, founded by partners Deanna Marano and Brett Cameron, is redefining how the area hosts, with warmth, intention, and a deeply human point of view.
At the heart of La Maison Fête is a simple but powerful philosophy: everything begins with how people come together. Whether they are designing a private celebration or sourcing pieces for their shop, Marano and Cameron approach their work as one continuous expression of hospitality. The store itself feels like an extension of their events, filled with beautiful, considered pieces meant to be used, enjoyed, and layered into everyday life rather than saved only for special occasions.

That same philosophy guides how they curate the shop. When sourcing inventory, they look first for timelessness, quality, and personality. They are drawn to pieces that feel special but not precious, items that age beautifully, layer effortlessly, and tell a story over time.
Ask them what they personally couldn’t live without when entertaining, and the answer is refreshingly simple: versatile placemats, beautiful linen napkins, and candles, always candles. These are the elements that do the most work in setting the tone of a gathering.
For them, entertaining well isn’t about perfection or performance. It’s about anticipation, ease, and genuine care. That sensibility carries into their retail space, which feels less like a store and more like stepping into a thoughtfully prepared home. From the moment visitors walk in, the space invites lingering, browsing, and imagining how these pieces might live in their own homes.
To Marano and Cameron, the difference between a beautifully styled home and a truly welcoming one is subtle but profound. A welcoming home feels lived in and generous. It invites guests to sit, to linger, to pour another glass. It’s less about perfection and more about presence, soft lighting, thoughtful details, and a sense that someone has considered your comfort.


For first-time hosts, their advice is equally practical: invest in good linens and great lighting. A simple table becomes instantly elevated with beautiful napkins or a tablecloth, and nothing replaces the warmth of candlelight.
They also point to two often-overlooked details that instantly elevate a home gathering: scent and a thoughtfully set bar. Scent creates memory and emotion the moment guests arrive, whether it comes from a candle, fresh greenery, or something gently simmering on the stove. And a well-layered bar, complete with glassware, garnishes, ice, and candlelight, creates confidence for the host and comfort for the guest, becoming both functional and a focal point of the room.
Their favorite category in the store is tabletop, where function meets beauty and the magic of gathering really happens. Among their most cherished finds are their vintage pieces, including a current favorite: a pair of vintage brass candlesticks sourced on a market trip.
Marano and Cameron have seen home entertaining become more intimate and intentional. People are hosting smaller gatherings with greater care, focusing on connection rather than spectacle. What excites them most about the future is the return to meaning: thoughtful hosting, personal touches, and spaces that reflect how we truly live and gather.
The most memorable gatherings are the ones where the host is present, relaxed, and enjoying the moment alongside their guests.
In other words, perfection is overrated. Presence is everything.






ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
DAN JENKINS, AMANDA PROUDFIT

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.
MATERIALS:
DESIGN TAKEAWAY:
In large rooms, architectural details like niches, built-ins, or material changes can create visual rhythm while giving meaningful objects a true home.
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.




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.
MATERIALS:
Particular Tile in Satin Terracotta and Vanilla Bean, Arté Wallcovering Shards in Brick Red, Red travertine sink, Rachel Donath chunky mirror, Playful art work by Olivia Fields
DESIGN TAKEAWAY:
Small spaces are ideal for experimentation. Mix patterns, finishes, and textures within a tight color family to create depth without overwhelm.


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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.
MATERIALS:
Virginia Sin pendant light, In Common With sconce, Arté Oblong wall covering in Ochre, Particular Tile in Vapor, Custom sage velvet sofa, Plush Vintage Moroccan rug
DESIGN TAKEAWAY:
When a room serves many purposes, let texture and tone create cohesion. A restrained palette with varied finishes keeps the space flexible and serene.


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.
MATERIALS:
Luca split stone pavers, Vintage Turkish rug, Plants, Virginia Sin Wall hook
DESIGN TAKEAWAY:
An entryway doesn’t need to be loud to be memorable. Combine tactile materials with one or two meaningful elements to create an instant emotional connection.
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.
PROJECT CREDITS
Builder - Buildwell
Architect and Interior Architect -
Flower Architecture
Designer - Kate Manz





STYLE YOUR HOME IN TONES AND TEXTURES WITH DESIGN HELP FROM HOUZZ INTERIOR DESIGN EXPERTS


ARTICLE BY NICOLETTE MARTIN


Decorate your space with handmade textures such as the modern, maker revival of 1970s macramé and year-round tropical feel of wicker. MACRAMÉ Made through knotting instead of weaving, macramé can add a unique touch in many various ways. Houzz contributor Laura Gaskill suggests incorporating it as nursery decor, plant hangers, wall hangings and modern fiber arts. WICKER According to Houzz contributor Yanic Simard, “the best way to really embrace the luxury-cottage appeal of wicker and rattan is to combine different forms of the two in one space... Look for other unexpected places to add a natural twist to your home with a new material woven into your palette.”


Houzz contributor Katie Treggiden offers many ways to incorporate natural materials and natural-state timber into your home, including using wood to cover one wall in a home for a pleasing accent wall; featuring your firewood as a striking, stacked display; and mixing different types of wood and different finishes in the same space. “A simple way to incorporate the wood trend is to expose structural wooden beams already present in your home,” Katie says. “Instead of painting them or boxing them in, leave them raw or give them a coat of wax to enrich the tones.”

Do you feel like your all-white room is missing something? Houzz contributor Kelly Porter bets what’s missing is energy.
“The best way to add a spark to any space,” she says, “is with bright color.”
Kelly says green is one of the easiest colors to live with, looking organic even in its more vivid tones.
“When searching for the perfect bright green, think springtime—fresh green grass and newly sprouted leaves,” she says. “These greens have lively undertones that will look comfortable and warm in your white space.
Other colors Kelly recommends adding as accents are yellow, royal blue, orange, bluepurple, red-purple and sky blue.
ARTICLE BY LAURA SABIA
A MODERN IRISH SODA BREAD FOR EFFORTLESS MARCH HOSTING
There’s something grounding about baking in March. The quiet shift toward spring, the return of light, and the comfort of gathering at home. This modern take on classic Irish soda bread is intentionally simple, rustic, and unfussy. No yeast, no waiting and just honest ingredients that come together into a beautiful loaf meant to be sliced, buttered, and shared.
Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any cozy weekend moment, this recipe fits seamlessly into the Home Issue: warm, welcoming, and designed for real life.
MODERN IRISH SODA BREAD
Serves: 6–8 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Bake Time: 40–45 minutes
INGREDIENTS
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
• 1¾ cups buttermilk
• Optional: ½ cup raisins or currants (traditional, but optional)

INSTRUCTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
3. Cut in the cold butter using your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Stir in the buttermilk just until a soft dough forms. Fold in raisins if using.
5. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently shape into a round loaf—do not overwork.
6. Place on prepared baking sheet and score a deep “X” on top.
7. Bake for 40–45 minutes, until golden and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
8. Cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm with salted butter.

HOW TO SERVE IT AT HOME
• Slice thick and serve warm with European-style salted butter
• Pair with whipped herb butter or local honey
• Add to a casual March table alongside soup or a simple salad
• Wrap in linen and bring as an effortless host gift
One of the simplest ways to elevate a classic recipe is by starting with thoughtfully sourced, local ingredients. These Westchester favorites make this soda bread feel even more at home.
FLOUR & BAKING STAPLES
• Decicco & SonsA go-to for premium baking staples, European-style butter, and high-quality flour brands. Their specialty baking aisle makes it easy to elevate even the simplest recipes.
• Hastings Tea & CoffeeWhile best known for coffee and tea, this local staple carries excellent pantry items and is a lovely stop when gathering ingredients for a slow March morning at home.
DAIRY & BUTTER
• Hemlock Hill FarmKnown for exceptional dairy, their farm-fresh milk and butter add richness and depth to baked goods. A favorite among local home cooks who value quality and provenance.
• Blue Hill at Stone Barns Farm StoreA destination for beautifully sourced dairy and seasonal goods. Even one ingredient from here instantly elevates the loaf.
SEASONAL ADD-INS & PAIRINGS
• Pleasantville Farmers MarketIn March, look for local honey, early herbs, and small-batch pantry items that pair beautifully with soda bread.
• Irving Farm New York (Westchesteradjacent favorite)Perfect for pairing: fresh-brewed coffee alongside a warm slice of bread and butter.
SERVING & STYLING TOUCHES
• The Cookery (for inspiration)While dining-focused, their aesthetic inspires the kind of rustic, home-forward presentation that suits this recipe perfectly.
• Rockledge Table & Home Beautiful boards, linens, and tabletop accents that make a simple loaf feel magazine-worthy.



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ARTICLE BY DANA CIFONE


DC: WHAT FIRST DREW YOU TO COOKING PROFESSIONALLY, AND HOW DID YOUR PATH EVENTUALLY LEAD YOU TO BECOMING A PRIVATE CHEF?
PG: I fell in love with cooking at a young age, starting out in catering halls in the Bronx before moving on to high-end restaurants in Manhattan. While those kitchens shaped my technique, I was always drawn back to catering, I loved customizing people’s experiences, creating menus around their tastes, and personalizing their special days through food. That naturally led me into private cheffing, as many clients began asking if I would cook for them in their homes. It’s just as fun as catering, if not more so, because I get to work with incredible clients and design meals around the season, their likes and dislikes, and the overall feeling they want to create.
DC: YOU’VE WORKED IN TRADITIONAL RESTAURANT KITCHENS, WHAT ULTIMATELY INSPIRED YOU TO MOVE INTO PRIVATE DINING?
PG: After a while, even in the finest restaurants where the menu is always evolving, the work began to feel repetitive to me. Moving into private dining and events gave me the freedom to be creative every day, to design menus around what people actually love and want to eat. What I value most is the personal connection: being part of a client’s most meaningful moments, from birthdays and weddings to intimate celebrations, and creating something that truly reflects who they are and what they’re looking for.
DC: WHAT HAS SURPRISED YOU MOST ABOUT COOKING IN PEOPLE’S HOMES VERSUS RESTAURANTS?
PG: I could make a whole laundry list, the spices people keep, the knives they use, but what surprised me most was the feeling of becoming part of the family. People are genuinely appreciative, and that’s something many chefs and cooks in restaurants don’t always get to experience. In private homes, you really see the satisfaction and happiness a good meal brings to someone’s day, and that connection is incredibly meaningful.
DC: HOW DO YOU ADAPT YOUR COOKING STYLE TO DIFFERENT KITCHENS, LIFESTYLES, AND ENTERTAINING STYLES?
PG: That’s absolutely true, you always have to be ready to pivot. When possible, I like to do a quick interview or even stop by someone’s home beforehand just to get a feel for the space and their style. Other times, you have to adjust in the moment, read the room, and understand how they like to entertain. It can range from one end of the spectrum to the other, and being able to adapt and pivot is the most important quality you can have.
DC: YOU OFTEN COOK FOR INTIMATE CELEBRATIONS AND MILESTONES, WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE PART OF THOSE MOMENTS?
PG: It’s always an honor. It means so much to me that they’ve chosen me to be part of such an intimate celebration, to feed them, take care of them, and allow them to fully enjoy their most special moments without any worries.
CONTINUED >
“What I value most is the personal connection: being part of a client’s most meaningful moments, from birthdays and weddings to intimate celebrations.”
DC: WHY DO YOU THINK MORE PEOPLE ARE CHOOSING TO ENTERTAIN AT HOME WITH A PRIVATE CHEF INSTEAD OF GOING OUT?
PG: I think it’s a combination of many factors. People aren’t going out late as much anymore, and at home they can be more comfortable, without worrying about driving, waiting for a table, inconsistent service, or feeling like just one of many guests in a crowded room. Entertaining at home is comfortable, safe, intimate, and personal. You get to control the atmosphere, the vibe, and the menu, and you don’t have to shout across a busy restaurant to have a conversation.
DC: WHAT ARE UPPER WESTCHESTER FAMILIES LOOKING FOR MOST WHEN THEY HIRE YOU?
PG: Service, intimacy, privacy, quality and respect.
DC: WHERE DO YOU SEE YOUR WORK EVOLVING IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS?
PG: I see it evolving toward smaller, more intimate gatherings — more private dinners at home and more experience-based events that feel personal, meaningful, and far from ordinary.

DC: ONE INGREDIENT YOU ALWAYS HAVE IN YOUR KITCHEN?
PG: A really high-end olive oil and a block of Parmigiano Reggiano — they can solve a lot of problems in this world.







MARCH 6TH
First Fridays: Adam Moezinia
Bedford Playhouse | 6:30 PM
Come see Guitarist Adam Moezinia, a Juilliard-trained musician from Los Angeles! Moezinia released his debut album in 2021 and now tours worldwide with his trio. For this performance, Adam teams up with bassist Alec Safy in an intimate Standards Duo, presenting fresh arrangements of classics from the American Songbook by Gershwin, Porter, Rodgers, and more.
MARCH 7TH
Muscoot Farm | 1:30 PM
Syrup isn’t just for pancakes! Come learn about all the ways to use maple syrup in the kitchen while cooking up a maple-themed culinary treat! This cooking class will be offered in Muscoot’s Activity Building for $20 per person, for kids ages 8+. Treats may range from sweet to savory, so bring your appetite with you!
MARCH 10TH
Bedford Hills Free Library | 10:30 AM
Flor Bromley presents stories, music, movement, and puppetry, in both English and Spanish. An entertaining and popular program to engage young families. Flor Bromley is a GRAMMY nominated recording artist, bilingual singer/songwriter, actress, storyteller and puppeteer. She has a degree in Acting, Musical Theatre Performance and a BA in Theatre Education. She is originally from Peru.
MARCH 20TH
Goitse at Caramoor
Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts | 7:30 PM
Get ready for Goitse, a powerhouse Irish quintet that’s taking traditional music to thrilling new heights. Born from Limerick’s Irish World Academy, these five exceptional musicians have won hearts (and numerous awards) with their perfect blend of time-honored Irish tunes and their own fresh compositions.
MARCH 28TH
Lasdon Public Gardens | 2:00 PM
Catch a case of early spring fever with a visual treat as you sip, snack, and learn about fabulous garden paintings that are forever in bloom. Register at LasdonPublicGardens.org!
MARCH 28TH
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.


C o n n e c t i c u t i n t e r i o r , l i f e s t y l e , & b r a n d i n g p h o t o g r a p h e r
K a t i e T u z m e n i s a G r e e n w i c h - b a s e d p h o t o g r a p h e r s p e c i a l i z i n g i n
i n t e r i o r s , b r a n d i n g , p r o d u c t , a n d l i f e s t y l e . S h e u s e s a c o l l a b o r a t i v e
a p p r o a c h t o c r e a t e p o w e r f u l i m a g e s t h a t b r i n g y o u r v i s i o n t o l i f e .



