The After School Arts Program (ASAP) will offer an engaging series of performances, projects and classes throughout the month of February. Their vision and mission is inspiring: "to honor children's imagination, invite them to create, encourage them to take risks, and trust their resourcefulness, they will become the empowered and resilient adults the world really needs." 

There will be a 'Music in the Schools, In School Performance' at Shepaug High School this Tuesday, February 9th, 2016. There are two snow dates; Wednesday, February 10th and Thursday, February 11th.

Who doesn't want to be a rock star? Playing in the Band for Grades 6-12 will take place on Tuesday, February 23 from 2:30pm – 4:15pm. It will be taught by Joe Bouchard in the Shepaug School Band Room.

ASAP will Present Pilobolus on Friday, February 19th and Saturday, February 20th at 7 pm. The performances with the Inter-District Project and Communith Dance Project will take place at Pomperaug Regional High School, 234 Judd Road, Southbury, CT 06488. The snow date is Sunday, February 21st at 2 pm. Tickets are selling fast so make sure to register for this spectacular event!

Calling all child chefs! Anne Gallagher will teach a Pre-K cooking class on Wednesdays, February 17th through March 2nd from 1:00 pm - 1:45 pm. The class will take place in Wersebe Hall.
 

About The After School Arts Program:
ASAP is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing?young people with opportunities to create beautiful and meaningful works of art in a creative?and collaborative environment. By inspiring the next generation to discover and embrace?their own creativity.ASAP hopes to not only enrich lives, but to change them forever.

For more information about these programs and about ASAP, please click here.

Succulent Air Plant with Sea Glass

The Copper Fern offers the most exquisite terrariums created by Audra M. Viehland. She makes each one unique by sourcing vintage and antique pieces as well as distinctive objects picked up during her travels. As featured in the photo above, Audra sometimes uses sea glass that she has collected over the years from the Gulf of Mexico in Louisiana.

Globe with Succulents, Air Plant and Turquoise

All my friends know my passion for indoor plants and incorporating them into interior decoration. Each terrarium created by Audra is a stunning blend of nature and artistic design, perfect to brighten the home during the winter months.

Arrowhead Plant with Shell

Above is a closed terrarium, the first of which was developed by botanist Nathaniel Bagshaw Ward in 1842. While studying insects, he left a jar with plants overnight and the fern inside grew to be a beautiful plant. These plant decorations became popular in the Victorian Era and were called Wardian Cases at that time.

Succulents with Toy Car and Fool's Gold

Open terrariums are best suited to dry plants such as succulents as they keep the air free from excess moisture. These also work work well for plants that need direct sunlight.

Chinese Evergreen with Brass Buttons and Red Air Plant

Audra has wonderful insight into the appeal of keeping a terrarium in the home, " It brings a bit of nature indoors year-round. And similar to keeping a garden, house plants, or flower arranging, caring for a terrarium can be a simple way to de-stress."

Rosemary and Lavender Blooming Air Plant

Audra in Bologna

Audra takes custom orders and uses a variety of plants from succulents to ferns. She uses closed or open containers and has even incorporated a vessel provided by a customer. She brings her artistry and unique style to each and every terrarium.

For orders and inquiries about Copper Fern Terrariums, please email copperfernterrariums@gmail.com

Please note: All terrarium images are the work of Audra M. Viehland

The Exterior of a Stone House on New Preston Road in Meryall, CT

The charm of stone houses brings to mind the traditional English, Irish and French country estates that are settings for films and novels. In varying tones and texture, these facades are exquisite and unique.

We have two perfect examples; one in the Merryall community of New Milford and the other located in Washington Town. Both have unique architectural details and are set in buccolic, tranquil countryside.

A peak from the private driveway of the lovely stone work on the front of the house.

Even a canine visitor enjoys the the setting of this Stone House in Merryall. 

This unique 1834, three bedroom home with additions has a three bedroom attached guest house, a game room, a stone terrace, pool, barn, gardens, all on over 7 acres.

A charming gazebo by the pool on the New Preston Hill property.

Another charming stone house is located on Old North Rd in Washington, CT

This 1920’s stone and wood home is in a much desired Washington location. There are four bedrooms, bluestone terraces, a pool and a new tennis court with views on 5+ acres.

A closer view of the stone work by the patio.

Another view of the exterior.

You can walk to the Washington Green from the house yet this property is in a totally private setting abutting protected meadows.

 

For images and information on the property on New Preston Hill Road property in Merryall, CT, please click on the link below:

http://www.matthewsgroupre.com/listing/X30803442/new-preston-hill-rd-merryall-ct-06776/

 

For images and information on the property on Old North Road in Washington, CT, please click on the link below:

http://www.matthewsgroupre.com/listing/X86199252/40-old-north-rd-washington-ct-06793/

 

Please feel free to call our offices at 860-868-0511 if you have any questions on these two listings.

 

Leitz Leather Bracelets with Gemstones and Luxury Hardware

KMR Arts Gallery will host the dynamic husband and wife team Eric and Sherry Leitz who will be showing theit latest collections of accessories. The holiday shopping experience will take place today, Friday December 11th and tomorrow, Saturday, December 12th from 11 am to 5 pm at the gallery which is located at 2 Titus Road, Washington, CT 06794.

Leitz Luxury Leather accessories are the epitome of bohemian chic. and the rock and roll chic bags, belts, cuffs and bracelets are individually hand crafted. Their clients read like a who's who of Hollywood and includes such stars as Tom Cruise, Janet Jackson and Will Smith. Their newest collection of bracelets and necklaces combine leather with cultured pearls for a sexy, modern look.

Gallery owner, Kathy McCarver Root is a big fan of the collection, "The Leitz leather designs strike the perfect balance: bold yet cool, sophisticated yet utterly wearable. Eric's sense of color, proportion and materials is impeccable. I love that each piece can be custom, with handsome embossed initials, stitching, and color choice. It's great to stay local, it really makes a difference to small businesses.... and who doesn't need a little rock n roll this time of year!"

Eric and Sherry Leitz with a Signature Handbag and Weekend Bag

 

HAPPY HOLIDAY SHOPPING ALL!

 

 

Brendan O'Connell at The Matthews Group Office (photo courtesy of Mike Yanin)

Brendan O'Connell, whose work is currently being shown in our Washington Depot office, has recently finished a spectacular art installation at Emory University. You can view the time lapse of this project by clicking on the link here.

Brendan O'Connell and Pels Matthews (photo courtesty of Mike Yanin)

Brendan and Pels have a common connection as mentioned by the artist, "Pels and I both have coincidental history with Tucker, GA, where I grew up... His Grandfather had the famous roadside dive Matthews' cafeteria."

Abstract Paintings by Brendan O'Connell (photo courtesty of Mike Yanin)

The abstract work that graces the walls of the Matthews Group office evokes emotions with a combination of bold palettes and strong composition. These collections look impressive singly or in groups as featured above. It is an amazing opportunity to purchase paintings by this truly talented Ameican artist. Stop by the office during our open hours from 9 am to 5 pm or call 860-868-0511 for more information.

Painting by Brendan O'Connell

Brendan O’Connell is best known for his paintings of iconic brands and the aisles of Walmart. O’Connell infuses these modern day environments with a magical quality that transforms both shoppers and products into art. His artistic interpretation of the superstore had some in the media crowning him the “Warhol of Walmart’. Though the concept and subject matter is similar, Warhol put a literal focus on the brand as is seen in print advertisements. O’Connell, on the other hand, infuses his paintings with human warmth paying tribute to everyman and daily life.

 

A Trio of Brendan O'Connell Paintings on view at the Matthews Group Office (photo courtesty of Mike Yanin)

Brendan O'Connell has been featured in the New Yorker, Time Magazine, The Boston Globe as well as his work being reviewed in Art in America. Brendan also appeared on the quintessential Pop American show, Comedy Central’s, ‘The Colbert Report’. O’Connell’s work is collected by celebrities such as Alec Baldwin and Darrell Crate, the former chairman of the Massachusetts Republican Party and in 2012 he was honored with a Rubin Foundation Award.

For more information about the artist, Brendan O'Connell, please click here.

 

Exquisite Pink Leather Handbag

"It's not what you spend but how you wear it that counts. The key is often to dress up inexpensive basics with accessories. Something like a beautiful designer bag or belt can make everything else look richer and more luxurious."
Chloe Sevigny

Those words ring true for any of us lucky enough to have discovered the amazing leather collections of Washington-based husband and wife team Sherry and Eric Leitz. Their stunning pieces meld a little bit of rock n roll style with luxurious materials and design. As a team they started making by hand one-of-a-kind vintage studded belts and cuffs out of their NYC apartment. What started as a hobby has now turned into a full time business which they run out of their home in the country. Their current collections include handbags, wine carriers, bracelets, belts and other distinctive accessories for men, women and children.

The secret is out and this Friday and Saturday you can shop these collections at KMR Arts, 2 Titus Road, Washington Depot, CT 06794. This not to be missed 'Pop Up' Shop will take place Friday, August 28th 11 am- 5 pm and Saturday, August 29th, 11 am- 5 pm.

Eric and Sherry Leitz

Eric Leitz is an FIT Graduate who started his career with Giorgio Armani and went on to launch Ralph Lauren Purple Label Men's Clothing. He has dressed celebrities from the worlds of film, music and politics including Tom Cruise, John Travolta, Janet Jackson, Will Smith, Dustin Hoffman, Whitney Houston as well as Presidents George H.W. Bush and son George W. Bush among many others. Sherry Leitz explains that her role has been to "encourage, inspire and support my talented husband so his creativeness was able to flow and grow into this amazing leather business." Sherry brings her experience of being a custom clothier dressing high level executives in NYC to their company in addition to being a full time mother to their two beautiful children.

Leitz English Bridal Leather Wrap Bracelet available in double or triple wrap with gold or silver studs.

A Rich Selection of Colors can be found in the Handbag Collections

Oak bark tanned all natural English Bridal Leather Wine Totes in Single or Double Size. They are made to order and can be monogrammed with hot foil stamp.

Black bridal leather with gray interior and natural stitched handles

We asked Sherry what made the handbags so unique and beautiful:

"All of our handbags are completely made by hand using a single piece of leather by Eric here in Connecticut. We buy our hides from which the bags are made here in the U.S. All leather goods are dyed, painted, stained and saddle stitched by Erics own hands. They also can be personalized using real gold, copper or silver leaf foil."

Saddle Tan Custom Studded Handle Tote Bag with baby blue lining. Available in a variety of color combinations with gold or silver studs. 

I’m so happy to see Eric and Sherry using their vast retail experience towards launching their own brand. I have never seen another leather product like this that is truly HAND made, one at a time. I have several bags and absolutely love them. Just got the new pink one! Pels wears the bracelets and belts every day and we love to give the leather wine carriers as gifts.

Stop by on Friday or Saturday at KMR Arts to meet this talented couple and shop for your next fabulous accessory!

For more information, see below:

917-734-5044
SherryLeitz@icloud.com
Instagram: LeitzLeather

Design by Justin Shaulis

Interior Designers, Architects and Industry Experts return to The Mayflower Grace for a 'Day of Design' on Saturday, June 13th. These design experts and industry gurus will discuss their inspirations, style secrets and design aesthetic. We are thrilled to be a sponsor of this event which introduces another stellar group of panelists to the area. There will be an al fresco lunch provided by the restaurant ‘Muse by Jonathan Cartwright’ and a VIP ‘Meet the Designers’ cocktail party with a book signing with Robert Couturier and Susanna Salk

Stacey Bewkes, Robert Couturier and Susanna Salk at last year's event.

Alan Barry Photography

The first morning panel, ‘Styling the Collection’ will bring together Kathryn McCarver Root of KMR Arts Gallery with designer Alan Tanksley and the Editor in Chief of New England Home Magazine, Kyle Hoepner to discuss how to curate, style and display your collections.

A styled collection by Alan Tanksley

The second morning panel is ‘The Narrative of Wallpaper’. Our friend, dynamic interior designer Philip Gorrivan and Fromental North America Director, Melissa Mittag will give an informative talk on how wallpaper can transform a modern interior.

Exquisite wallpaper from Fromental

The first afternoon talk covers ‘Bold Moments in Design’ a subject that examines what are those elements of design that make the strongest statement. The three panelists have rich backgrounds; Stacy Kunstel is a designer, stylist and a writer for national magazines who also founded the design company Dunes and Duchess with her partner, photographer Michael Partenio. Katie Curtis and Justin Shaulis are young energetic interior designers with an eye for what is fresh and exceptional.

Design by Kati Curtis

Following this panel is a discussion of ‘Designing Paradises’ with internationally renowned Robert Couturier who is included in Architectural Digest’s prestigious annual list of the best decorators. From Morocco to South America to the Litchfield Hills, the residences that Couturier has built and decorated are the houses of dreams.

Design by Robert Couturier

The moderators for the panels are two of the most preeminent style setters and design mavens in the industry. Susanna Salk, a Litchfield County resident is a prolific author of highly regarded design books including her latest publication, ‘Decorate Fearlessly!’. Stacey Bewkes, founder and writer of Quintessence, has a mantra to ‘Experience, inspire, inform – it’s all about living well with style and substance.’ After 17 years as an art director in New York City, she left the corporate world for Connecticut. She adds, “It is a continuing love of design that led to the creation of this lifestyle blog, a discerning online guide to those special discoveries that make life just that much better.”

Reservations are required and can be booked by calling Christine Afiouni at The Mayflower Grace 860-868-9466

Linda has been a friend and neighbor for many years. She has a great design sense and really understands luxury materials and products. She made my kitchen table (see below) which is truly my favorite piece of furniture. I am thankful for it every day. She can custom make anything. I have also enjoyed seeing her take a room that is blah and transform it with her chic touches into something special. The custom leather walls that they make are really astonishing.

Design is at the heart of York Street Studio. Concepts, visual narratives incorporating leather walls and other custom treatments, bold luxe accessories and hardware are all part of the company's exquisite design aesthetic. Linda continues this tradition of forward-thinking product development and pairs it with her extraordinary sense of style.

We recently had a chance to catch up with Linda to ask her about her work, background and design inspirations. Below is one of our favorite photographs of a York Street leather wall treatment. Talk about chic!

How would you describe your design style?

Intuitive modern sensibility with great attention to architectural details. In sleek contemporary spaces as well as in antiques filled environments, an aesthetic that mirrors today's lifestyles in a luxurious yet natural, subtle way is always the goal. With unusual juxtapositions of remarkable materials and textures, my design style in every project, from start to finish, provides a singular vision that encompasses the individual clients needs aesthetically from a functional point of view.

What are the most important elements in design?

Proportion, scale, materials and ight. The proportion of the room dictates the scale of everything and anything that comes in to the space...from architectural details to the scale of paneling.

Your Harry's Chair featured above has an interesting history, would you share it with us?

The chair we all call "Harry's chair" was designed by my father Harry in the mid 50's for my parent's design office.  There was a fire in that office (which had been featured in House and Garden) which forced them to move into the newly built Seagram's building. The chairs were reupholstered in the early 60's in the calf they are still covered in today and were located in my father's office. Those chairs made their way to Connecticut and have been in my dining for the past 20 years! I still produce the chair along with a version for outdoor use as seen below.

Your custom leather walls are the ultimate luxury, do you have a favorite installation that you have done?

All the leather room installations are the ultimate luxury, they take a tremendous amount of foresight and skill to produce. Some may have been more challenging or more intense to produce, like the octagonal leather man cave that was a spectacular project rendered by Stephen mostly or a recent man cave in LA.

As with most other artists and designers, we all have to keep moving forward with our vision and implementation of that idea. In looking ahead, over time, my process may become more refined combined with my approach. I have had to evolve to keep it alive, fresh, and innovative. The project I would reference as the ultimate luxury with the most innovative assembly is a hand stitched leather library I am working on now in Chicago.

Can you tell us a little bit about the background of York Street Studio?

York Street was established in Brooklyn in 1988 by Stephen Piscuskas, my late husband. We relocated to Litchfield County in the 1990's. York Street has always maintained making product here in the USA. York Street progressed from a fine craftsman wood shop to an established brand in high end home furnishings, lifestyle products and increasingly, luxury interiors. The transition began with the development of decorative hardware, leather tiles and selected pieces for production furniture derived from some of our most relevant custom work, the company's root. Having left my career as a footwear designer, we combined the woodworking with leather craftsmanship integrating and combining those techniques into architectural details. This led the company into developing products like leather tiles and leather rooms in libraries, man caves and powder rooms. Our projects span across the country. The goal for York Street is to continue collaborating with artists and craftsmen, keep developing new ideas and continue to stay as innovative as possible as we design new products and interiors

You attended the Rhode Island School of Design, what did your education there teach you that is relevant now?

Attending RISD was being among top tier talent on a day to day basis from students to faculty to the rawness that Providence had at that time. Being among that talent there was an endemic pressure to keep up and surpass, it was top tier problem solving and being able to communicate that message in drawing 2-D or 3-D format. Striving to do your absolute best, combined with honing the fundamentals and the key elements of design: scale, proportion, form follows function. The process was the key part of how we developed our concepts giving a strong foundation to generating lots of ideas and taking those concepts in any direction to finite solutions.

This approach and skill set works well for interiors and product development, if something does not work one way it can be worked out a different way, its about finding the solution either interpreting precisely what the client wants or collaborating with them to achieve what they are looking for.

When you design a room, where do you start and where do you finish?

The scale, the proportion, the light are the most important to assess. A room should be able to stand on its own and then one can build layers to create an in depth interior.

Is there an interesting current project that you would like to share with us?

We are presently completing an exceptional interiors project which encompasses the property formerly known as The Birches. This large scale private residence which faces Lake Waramug is a tremendously exciting project presenting many unique and extraordinary design opportunities that attune the York Street Studio aesthetic to the owners' lifestyle.

If you would like more information about Linda Zelenko and York Street Studio, please click here.

Our 'Designer of the Month' is Susan Bednar Long, Principal of S.B. Long Interiors. If you are planning a project, please check out her top quality work showcased in this post and on her website. Sue has been a great friend for over ten years and has one of the best design senses of anyone I know. I also really respect her ability to multi-task, nothing slips through the cracks with Sue in charge! In addition, I relish her blog posts, they always have great design ideas so everyone should subscribe to her blog!

Susan Bednar Long honed her distinctive style during her tenure with two renowned luxury brands including Ralph Lauren where she oversaw the decoration of their flagship retail stores. She was a creative dynamo when at Coach where she spearheaded the launch of their new store prototype and furniture line. Her take away from these projects was clear. "My experiences taught me to layer all of the elements - wallpaper, artwork, furniture, fabrics, accessories, and lighting. Without layering, rooms aren't done."

Sue also spent over ten years running Tocar Interior Design in New York City. Her time, traveling for business and pleasure, became the muse and design inspiration on many projects. I love this quote from her website, "You never know when you'll see something special - from a row of cabanas on an Italian beach to a lobby of a small inn in the Alps - that can provide a novel inspiration."

The first three images in this post feature a chic weekend getaway that appeared in CT Cottages and Gardens.

I had the chance to catch up with Sue and chat with her about design, her style and her recent coverage in Connecticut Cottages and Gardens. 

What inspires you in your designs?

I love the graphic quality of stripes and often like to incorporate them in my designs in both classic and modern ways. I also like to mix modern and traditional elements in each room.


What past interior designer do you most admire?

I am a huge fan of Bill Blass and all his interiors. His classical and masculine interiors are lovely. I love the mix of dark wood
antique pieces set in a light, neutral setting - the contrast is beautiful.


What do you take into consideration when designing a country home or a city apartment or house?

With a country house I like to know how the clients want to feel in the space and who they will entertain and make sure
the materials are durable and conducive to the season or all year round use. In the city its important to maximize space
and light.

What three words would sum up your style of interior design?

Tailored, modern, traditional.

Tell me a little about your project that was in CT Cottages and Gardens.

The client wanted colorful spaces to contrast their all grey Tribeca apartment. It was fun to consider the colors and how
they ran from one room to the next. I also loved mixing in more modern furniture elements in the classic shingle-style home.
The house was used all year round, so we wanted it to feel inviting in any season. The client wanted a house that was
very kid friendly too - so we used a lot of durable materials.

       

What is your dream client or project?

Someone who lets me design whatever I want!

S.B. Long Interior's projects have been featured in design publications including Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, Luxe Magazine, CT Cottage and Gardens among many others. The firm has a diverse portfolio that includes distinctive residential apartments and townhouses in New York City, country estates in Fairfield and Litchfield County, Connecticut, luxury residences in Highland Park, Texas, resort homes in The Hamptons & Rocky Mountains, personal luxury yachts & cruise ships and prestigious corporate & hospitality properties.

 

To learn more about Susan Bednar Long and S.B. Long Interiors, click here.

 

Find deign ideas and inspirations on Sue's blog here.                                                       

I have so many great friends who are designers that we are going to start a new monthly blog entitled Designer of the Month.  I hope you will take a look at the works of these designers and check out their websites if you are planning a project. They are all top quality and very talented. I am starting this new feature with Philip Gorrivan as he is a designer I have known for over 25 years (since before he was a designer actually!) I am also very fortunate to have just listed Philip's Washington home for rent during the months of June and July.

In 2001, Philip opened the doors of his company, Philip Gorrivan Design, in New York City. One of the most sought after interior designers, Philip's great sense of style and taste are enhanced by a true understanding of the decorative arts, art history and architecture. Recent commissions for the firm include a residence for a middle eastern royal family, a restaurant in Manhattan, as well as apartments and houses for celebrities and business leaders in New York City, London, Deer Valley Utah, Connecticut and the Hamptons.

The home featured in the photos below and in this month's House Beautiful, happens to be in Washington, CT. The lyrical quality of the design is evident in the chic wall coverings, fabrics and carefully edited decorative objets.

Here is a lovely living space with chocolate walls, exquisite art and fabric that gives a pop of color.

The wallpaper enhances the tones and finishes of the furniture in this stunning dining room. The blue and white pitcher is an elegant accent with a county casual floral arrangement

 

The photographs show the gorgeous mix of color, fabric, pattern and design elements. Please note all images are courtesy of House Beautiful.

 

 

 

We were able to ask Philip some questions about his life in Connecticut and about this current design project.

You have a house in Washington, what is it that you love about the town?

There is so much I love about Washington; where it is in the Litchfield Hills, the vibrant town and the community. Here, there is no need for house guests as there are the most interesting people among the locals and weekenders who are our friends.

What inspires you?

I am big gardener and my garden inspires as does Mother nature in general as well as travel.

What are the three most important elements of design?

Rooms need narrative, authenticity and of course actual design.

What designer from the past do you most admire?

David Hicks, he had a way of designing rooms referencing the past and with modern style. He had a great sense of the color, balance and scale. I also admire the work of Jean Michel Frank.

What are the different considerations for the interior design of the rooms in an older, historic house?

Whether it is a pre-war apartment, a modern house or a classic country home, you must think about the vernacular of the architecture. You have to be conscious of where you are and what you are designing in. It also is also important to have a collaborative relationship with the client.

What is your favorite restaurant, shop and outdoor activities in Litchfield County?

I love Community Table In Washington, CT. The food is extraordinary and it has a very hip vibe. I also enjoy shopping at Pergola in New Preston which is beautifully edited and curated. For outdoor activities, I am often found knee deep in my garden or running a loop around the country roads near my house. I also love shopping at the Elephant's Trunk flea market in New Milford or antiquing in general in the area.

Tell us about the project that was featured here in House Beautiful. Do you have a favorite aspect of the design?

I love the wonderful wallpaper story and the color palettes. It was also a collaborative effort with the client who had collected great decorative objets during travels and over time. It involved editing and styling as much as decorating. There is a larger narrative to the design but all the rooms communicate to one and other as well as telling their own story.

 

I hope you enjoy this virtual introduction to Philip Gorrivan and please take a moment to check out his web site, Philip Gorrivan Design.