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.                                                       

 

Vaillant House is showcased in both Passport Magazine and online in Connecticut Magazine. The article touches on the history, renovation, interior design and charm of this one-of-a-kind luxurious property. Here is a fun excerpt about the renowned architect Ehrick Rossiter.

"Ehrick Rossiter, though long dead, remains one of the most famous boldface names in Washington, Conn., in which far more than a shaker’s worth of notables are salted among the verdant hills where Bill and Hillary sometimes spend weekends, and where The Rolling Stones famously came to rehearse for the “Steel Wheels” tour.

The Clinton family may yield the nation’s next president and the Stones are as eternal as their namesake—but in Litchfield County the brand name Rossiter trumps politics and rock n’ roll."

The stunning showroom appears as an example of the tasteful, elegant restoration.

Stacey Matthews is quoted on the unique, sumptuous wine cellar:

“An exceptional example of the renovation is the basement which was dug out to create a truly remarkable wine cellar,” Matthews says. “This space is a wine connoisseur’s dream, featuring rough-grouted brick walls, a unique waxed oak raised panel ceiling treatment, and full temperature and humidity control for 1500+ bottles. Wide board chestnut planks found in the attic were repurposed to create the shelving. Along with a bar, 1/2 bath and media center, it is the quintessential man cave.”

The article in Passport Magazine, published by the Litchfield County Times, is available on newstands now.

 

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.