Mentioned In
Architectural Digest Home Show from 2012
March 21, 2013The Architectural Digest Home Show is upon us again. I went last year but cannot go this time so I decided to repost my blog from last year. This is an awesome event not to be missed!
Last week my friend invited me to the Architectural Digest Home Design Show at Pier 94 in New York City. I had no idea what to expect but it really exceeded anything I imagined it would be. I was in love with EVERYTHING! The only thing I needed was a house to build or renovate. Doors, lighting fixtures, windows, carpets, bath and kitchen fixtures….you name it and it was there. Another thing that was there were all the “Bloggers”! I suddenly realized that I was one of them and let it rip.
We started out by crashing a party and drinking a glass of champagne. That really got us going. It was a good thing they did not actually let us buy anything otherwise I would been heard the words “Mrs. Swift, that will be $80,000”. Had I run into Celerie Kemble they would have had to call security. We ventured upon the La Cornue exhibit. What a work of art their ranges are. It was there that I met Joanne Hudson. I have ordered all my Emma Bridgewater from her at JoanneHudson.com and she was actually hosting the La Cornue exhibit….what a small world.
Love this red phone.
Then we visited the Dining by Design exhibit (diffa.org) which featured over 40 table settings by various companies and designers. It was so fun to imagine having a dinner party on almost all of them. Here are some of my favorites.
The most stunning “real gold” fixtures from Richard Scofield Historic Lighting. I would put these in my dining room.
Audrey Sterk Design, which is based in Nantucket, makes custom wallpaper and fabric. They also cover parson tables with them. So, so fabulous!
Wild Chairy reminds me of Chairloom and takes antique pieces and reupolsters them in beautiful and modern fabrics.
Check out the Studio Bon fabric on this chair. I also love the chalkboard paint on the back.
I finished off by visiting the Farrow and Ball booth to discuss the Exterior Paint door contest and was given some suggestions for my very own exterior paint makeover. More to come on this but what do you think?
I had so much fun and cannot wait to go back next year!
Spring is almost here……
March 19, 2013
Really?
HEADING SOUTH
March 16, 2013
I recently headed south and spent a week doing absolutely nothing….it was total heaven!!!! I stayed at Sunset Key, which is a tiny island off of Duval Street in Key West. The resort was wonderful and the vibe is just what a northerner needs come February. On the other side of the island (it is small…it takes about 3 minutes to walk from one end to the other) are the most GORG private homes. There are no cars, only bikes and the occasional golf cart….I could have stayed forever!
And of course the best Key Lime Pie!
Spring Cleaning
March 15, 2013Spring is peaking all around so remember Consignment Girl when doing your spring cleaning. Time to refresh!
13 Searles Road
March 14, 2013
13 Searles is a beauty.
Frazier Peters was an American architect of stone houses between 1920 and 1950. He lived in Westport where most of his houses can be found but Tokeneke hosts several of these beautiful landmarks. One is back on the market after being on for some time last year. It has a new price of $2,775,000 listed through Kelly Associates, 5 bedrooms, 4764 square feet and 1 flat acre. It is empty which really shows off the handsome floors and details that make it a house that you can do something unique with.
The stone, the slate…L-O-V-E!
The living room at the center of the house.
A family room retreat.
I was looking at the work of Betsy Burnham of Burnham Design and thought this look would fit right into this space. What do you think?
Betsy is from the East Coast (can you tell) but now lives in Los Angeles.
Photos by Burnham Design and Kelly Associates
If you are working with an agent, this is not a solicitation.
Middlesex Stunner – NO LONGER ON THE MARKET
March 12, 2013
Middlesex fabulousness
There is a new listing on Middlesex. I saw it a few years ago when the Builder – a guy from Rowayton – was finishing it, and listing it for sale with his wife (a local Darien broker). It was the nicest “new construct” I had seen in a long time. Every detail was so beautiful, the space was big but not like a McMansion; it felt so gracious. I seem to recall that De Terlizzi did some work with the builder adding very beautiful finishes and touches of color that pop even in their subtlety. At the time I was thinking that if I was going to move out of the city, this would be the house!(A girl can dream can’t she!) Of course, someone else bought it, and now it’s on the market again. Offered through Kelly Associates with Cathy Lawton. Asking $4,495,000.
Some highlights:
Beautiful wide front entry. The hall looks through the living room, keeping it only two or two and a half rooms deep. Very nice scale, and light coming in from all rooms.
Sunroom for all seasons.
A kitchen to die for. Even more so in person. Custom cabinets make all the difference!
Thick (2 inches) Calcuta marble on the island. The quality of the materials in this kitchen is marvelous.
The bar. No, sorry, the Barbies do not come with the house 🙂
The Mudroom. My favorite room! Great brick floor. Tons of storage, and cabinetry to keep what you want out of sight! Accessible to the 3 car garage and a back entrance for packages and little hockey players!
Its rare to take a peek at the powder room… but this one… Oh! the wallpaper possibilities! (This paper is a pretty nice choice).
A good house has a good upstairs landing. Case in point… showcasing beautiful moulding and beautiful paneled walls. Simple yet substantial.
Gorgeous master bath, of course en suite with big walk-in closets and dressing area.
A nice place to watch Downton Abbey! Your friends will love joining you for that. Three rows of seats assures a place for everyone.
Terrace off the sunroom, lovely for summertime entertaining. (Love the lattice railing above.)
A great house, front and back! Croquet, badminton, bocce, what ever you like. There is plenty of room on the back lawn for all your favorite outdoor games.
Top of the list for my pick for a decorator for this one? Meg Braff, or Philip Gorrivan would bring great ideas and execute a wonderful fresh, chic yet timeless interior for this house. Check out their sites if you haven’t before. Or, maybe Victoria Hagan, if you want to keep the “biz” local.Take a look at Victoria’s recent book for some inspiration. Great mudroom in that book!
Listing curtesy of Kelly Associates, Darien CT.
If you are currently working with an agent, this is not a solicitation.
Middlesex Makeover
March 10, 2013
Have you noticed lately what is going on all along Middlesex Road? Home after new home has been popping up between Noroton Avenue and Leroy Avenue. Just recently a small red house was bought, and just like that, a gorgeous large home has taken its place. I sense another opportunity coming up at 327 Middlesex Road, just across from Leroy Avenue. Yes, someone can buy this cape and live happily ever after but a more realistic scenario is a builder buying it and putting up a $2mm+ home.
1 flat acre
327 Middlesex Road is listed at $849,000 through (who else) Amy Barsanti at Kelly Associates. We all know that this is one of our favorite locations….close to the Middle and High School, and the center of town so it is a matter of time before this property is snatched up.
If you are working with an agent, this is not a solicitation.
86 Nearwater Lane
March 5, 2013If you are a customer who is looking for a truly magical experience, looking for landscaping that goes beyond the classic colonial rose garden, or peony bed, you must see 86 Nearwater Lane. Spring is almost here and gardens are on our minds. This house will get anyone with or without a “green thumb” in the mood! Listed by Megan Melhope at Kelly Associates, offered at $2,795,000.
Beautifully laid Belgian Block adds interesting architecture to the landscape in front of the house.
The design of the house takes advantage of every opportunity to bring the outdoors in.
An absolutely beautiful and special property over looking Goodwives River. Although more visible in the winter, there are glimpses of water through the trees. It’s so close!
A lower level terrace offers you the option of being down in the garden.
Another peaceful spot. Maybe this is where you sit in the heat of the summer. So cool, and shady.
The variety of plants, both shady and for full sun, really create a unique outdoor experience here in Darien.
LOVE garden sculpture, urns, and planters. This place offers a fantastic opportunity to go crazy at a place like Treillage! Or go down to the Stamford Antique and Artisian Center. You will find fabulous pieces for the garden there.
It feels so far removed from the rest of Darien down here. Its so private.
Almost as though you were in another country.
Not a bad rear view!
The house is more than 6000 square feet. It has 5 bedrooms, 5 full baths and 3 half baths, and a total of 14 rooms all within a unique floor plan that offers lots of entertaining space. The expected top of the line custom kitchen and finishes throughout the house were not half as impressive as the basement/utility room that is as clean and tidy as battle ship. Needless to say this house is meticulously maintained. What agents like to call “move in condition” . We like to say “just bring your decorator”!
If you are currently working with an agent, this is not a solicitation.
Lynne Byrne Photography Exhibit this Thursday at SBD Kitchens
March 4, 2013
LYNNE BYRNE PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT
MARCH 7, 6-9PM
TO BENEFIT DARIEN ARTS CENTER AT SARAH BLANK KITCHEN & DESIGN
Lynne Byrne Fine Art Photography will have an exhibition on Thursday, March 7th from 6-9pm. She will donate 15% of sales to The Darien Arts Center in honor of their work in fostering a greater appreciation of, and participation in, the visual and performing arts for all members of the Darien Community. SBD Kitchens, LLC is also a proud sponsor of The Darien Arts Center.
Her work is the perfect addition to any room and will surely add that “something” that may be missing.It will be on display now through April 10th at SBD Kitchens, LLC and Sarah A. Blank Designs, 1472 Post Road, Darien CT. Viewing hours are 9:00 – 5:00 Monday through Friday and 10:00 – 1:00 Saturdays.
Lynne Byrne’s unique photographic imagery celebrates the details in nature that often go unnoticed – – the intricate textures, surfaces, reflections and variations in color. The photographer uses natural light, and close up photography to share a glimpse of the everyday miracles seen in our natural environment.
The show, which will run for eight weeks through April 10th, will be held at the showroom of SBD Kitchens LLC (Sarah Blank Designs) in Darien, CT. SBD Kitchen & Design, in business since 1999 and servicing clients in Fairfield Country, Westchester, New York City, the Hamptons and beyond, creates residential interiors that respect the theories of classical proportion and order while reflecting the unique requirements of 21st century living.
MILESTONES
March 2, 2013How time flies when you blog!
It seems like yesterday when we started working together, driving around town looking at real estate for sale, throwing opinions and thoughts around on everything from shutter construction to gravel driveways and the proper stone wall. We are “wanna be” architects, fabric designers and antique dealers. Looking for the perfect house for a customer, or working with a seller is more than the transaction for us. It’s the love of all things that go along with owning a home.
So we thought it would be a great idea to start a dialogue – a blog – to throw around and share all the ideas and thoughts we pick up out on the trail. Talking about the houses we love and the details we see that make a house someone’s home, both inside and out.
Here are some of the exciting things that happened at Real in Darien this year:
We averaged 2.5 blogs a week!!!
We ventured into Rowayton as an extension of the Darien market.
We added our consignment page for the love of great secondhand finds.
We realized quickly we live in a community filled with dynamic and extremely talented neighbors and friends. We call them our Local Lusts.
We hosted our first trunk show, featuring Sister Parish, at 593 Hollow Tree Ridge Road.
We met Miles Redd and Jeffrey Bilhuber… highlights of our year!
We have grand goals and big ideas for our second year, including more great content and exciting deals on the horizon. We also have big news to announce….stay tuned!
We are passionate about what we LOVE and we hope our blogs reflect that. Thank you for your support, your “likes” and subscriptions, and your constant encouragement. We have made a few mistakes along the way but are not afraid to to learn from them. More importantly, we will not let a few critics stop us from trying something new. We are grateful to our firm, Kelly Associates, for their support and abitlity to see the big picture in this business. We are on this ride for the long haul….enjoying every minute!
-Kim & Abigail
On top of Briar Brae
February 21, 2013Classic Connecticut colonial is what comes to mind when you think about real estate in Darien. 19 Briar Brae delivers just that. SO tidy, SO nicely set up, and and a BRAND NEW FAB MASTER BATH! (We haven’t seen one of these since Oak Park). The light was pouring in throughout the house on the morning I saw it. Yes, even in January/February you feel the light streaming in. The house sits high on the hill, and has a terrific FLAT yard. Consider this 4 bedroom 3 1/2 bath house if you want something absolutely move-in ready. Asking $1,749,000. Listed by Ellen McCue at Kelly Associates. THIS PROPERTY HAS AN ACCEPTED OFFER AND IS NOT BEING SHOWN.
Top O’Hill. I can see a coat of Tennis Court White and some pale ocean green shutters. Check out Farrow & Ball’s new colors this season.
There are a lot of nice details to work with, including the arched doorway into the living room.
Its a bright red, but what would Mary McDonald do? A little black, a little orange, a little chinoiserie chic! And, note the arched door here.
This is a nice clean palate to work with for some great decorating. I was recently reminded how fabulous Brunschwig’s “La Portugaise” is. Might look great in this room. A classic that lives on. Thank you Albert…
Fabulous size for a master bedroom. The fireplace is a nice detail, but what’s really important is the master bath that is brand new. It’s so new it wasn’t ready for the photos! I saw the space. It’s great!
Oh yes, the flat back yard! The stone wall is another detail not to be over looked.
One of the three other bedrooms. Each is in tip top shape, very tidy, very ready for all those toys (I saw absolutely no hand marks or crayon marks on the walls. WOW!)
The “great” room, off the kitchen. Meg Braff has some gorgeous wall papers that would look fabulous in this room. She’s got one called Sporting D’ete that would be perfect. The double doors lead out to the terrace.
The kitchen is in great shape and is a good working space for someone who likes to cook. One of those Oomph lanterns would look amazing here!
It so rare to find a place that you can just move into and start decorating. The possibilities are endless. The other bonus here is that it is a straight shot up to New Canaan’s Waveny Park, and Elm Street shopping. Kind of nice to have Darien’s conveniences and New Canaan so easily accessible.
The Spring market is heating up so get a move on! Check this one out if you are looking for a house with lots of space (and bathrooms! there are 3 1/2!).
If you would like to see this house, please call us. We would love to show it!
If you are currently working with an agent, this is not a solicitation.
Valentines for lunch
February 15, 2013A PERFECT DAY…having lunch at home with good friends.
Don’t save the silver….use your most beautiful items every day.
Look at this table! You do not have to buy the arrangements….experiment yourself.
Don’t you think Pam should go into the flower business?
An easy lunch of quiche, popovers and chicken salad.
Valentines Day can be a day to appreciate any love we have in our lives. The older I get (yet I am only 29), the more important it becomes. And of course the Veuve Clicquot (for lunch)doesn’t hurt.
XO,
Kim
Our local lust hits House Beautiful
February 12, 2013
Photo courtesy of House Beautiful.
The color section is one of my favorite parts of House Beautiful. I even bought the special issue they put out a few years ago (and was also made into a book). I just love color on walls, and love to experiment even if I have to fix it (and yes, repaint a room). I could start a second hand paint sample store if I wanted to.
I jumped for joy when I saw our very own Annie Mahoney as one of the decorators talking about her favorite color. They were specifically talking about which color to use from room to room and the color was black…one of my favorites! Maybe I will break out the paint samples and pick a hall or room to try today.
Check out Annie’s new website…it is fantastic and full of her creative designs.
Are we on the verge of a changing market? It sure seems that way.
February 8, 2013The market is really heating up! The pace is now running with “the bulls” and if you are serious about getting into the market, now is probably a good time.
A couple of new houses to consider:
15 WILSON RIDGE – Charming, four bedrooms, move-in condition. What else would you want ? A perfect solution for someone who wants to jump to a bigger space. It sits on a nice piece of property, privately tucked on the back of Wilson Ridge. This won’t last. Listed by Sheree Frank at Kelly Associates. Asking $1,425,000.
15 Wilson Ridge. A very nice Garrison Colonial
What everyone asks for… a large flat yard!
Imagine your beautiful things in this room. Very nice!
15 SHIELDS – If you want an appointment to see this, get in line. I hear they are running back to back all week. This is an elegant and beautifully maintained house with access to a private tennis court and amenities that include snow plowing and road maintenance. Great grown up house with kid friendly space. Some good bang for the buck here. Listed by Sheree Frank at Kelly Associates. Asking $1,735,000.
15 Shields
What we call “grown up, gracious space”.
Great ceiling height and lots of light in this dining room.
2 BISHOPS GATE – This is a fabulous and authentic reproduction of the original 1773 house owned by the Bishops. Completely redone with top of the line materials and finishes. The house shows beautifully with the owners gorgeous fabrics and furniture. It is just off the Post Road, but they have well designed landscaping so you really don’t know it when you are enjoying your summer evenings on terrace. Bring it on Frontgate. Here’s to suburban living! Listed by Cathy Lawton at Kelly Associates. Asking $2,499,000.
Really like the back of the house.
Oohh la la… what a kitchen!
If you are currently working with an agent, this is not a solicitation.
Bunny Williams. Always reliable…
January 29, 2013I have started to read Veranda more than I ever have. I used to find the interiors they highlight hard to identify with.
But now I get so many ideas from their pages, it is a “must read” in the monthly “mag line up”. Does this mean my family has finally grown away from leaving the sports equipment everywhere? That the dogs have finally figured out that they have a warm bed for their own use? Not at all. The dogs inner honing devices are better than ever at finding the Cowtan & Tout. They reject anything from Ikea. And, it will be a long time before I stop tripping over the size 15 basketball sneakers left around the house (getting it from both husband and son)! What it means is that I have come to terms with living with both the family and what I love: fabrics, furniture, art, grandmothers chaise, antique tables, and anything else that falls under “LOVE IT SO LIVE WITH IT” category.
Life is short so don’t worry if the dogs are sleeping on the couch, or if the boys pick up their shoes. In the current issue of Veranda, Bunny Williams tackles family life: dogs, kids and grown-up all living fabulously together. Get inspired!
Beautiful.
Home! Everyone should feel comfortable and welcome.
Perfect harmony. Love the colors here.
Always helps if you are working with good architecture…
Gorgeous! And very cool.
SO comfortable!
Oooh! that yellow is fabulous.
all photography by Francesco Langese, published in Veranda
Wish we could show you this house, but it’s not on the market. But, there are many others that are on the market, so call us if you would like to look around.
If you are currently working with an agent, this is not a solicitation.