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.                                                       

 

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.

Photo:Wendy Carlson

I was excited to see the holiday issue of Litchfield magazine and the story on my ladies holiday party with good friends Susanna Salk, Marcia DeSanctis, Jessica Travelstead, Karen Davis and Cara Hodges of Oliphant Design. I had a great evening discussing our memorable holiday stories with the writer Wendy Carlson.

Here is an excerpt from the article:

'One afternoon just weeks before the Christmas season, Stacey Matthews invited professional women of every ilk- designers, writers, and retailers- to her Roxbury home to clink champagne flutes and kick off the holidays. Well, sort of.

"Actually, we do this all the time," says Matthews, of the impromptu soiree. The holiday season, however, can be an especially hectic time for Stacey, who with husband Pels is co-principal of The Matthews Group, part of William Raveis. "It's a total myth that the market is not busy here in the winter. I think a lot of agents like to spend the winter in Florida and perpetuate that myth," says Matthews. "But our weekend buyers tend to get their bonuses in December and January, so they want to buy then," she adds.

To read the entire story, please click here.

"A man, fallen on hard times, sold his art collection but kept his wine cellar. When asked why he did not sell his wine, he said, 'A man can live without art, but not without culture.'"

- Anonymous.

This Wine Cellar at Vaillant House is expertly designed to be both functional and extremely attractive. Wine cellars protect wine from harmful external influences by maintaining a consistent temperature. Wine like food is a perishable product. If wine is exposed to too much heat, light, or humidity, it can spoil. A good cellar helps the wine maintain its quality but may also improve both the aroma and complexity of a particular vintage.

Wine cellars have been in existence for over 3,700 years. Many Americans travel to France, Italy, Spain, Germany and Portugal to visit famous wine cellars and taste premier vintage wines. Wine connoisseurs who appreciate and collect wine, particulary grape wines from certain regions, can truly appreciate a wine cellar. Is there a wonderful spot to sample a favorite wine than this sitting area outside this cellar?

Wine Spotlight from the Wine Spectator to try over the holidays:

Shiraz McLaren Vale Carnivale of Love 2012:

Sinewy, lithe and expressive, packing red berry, black cherry and cardamon aromas and flavors into a tightly focused package. The finish expands and powers up, driving a long and meary finish, displays muscle and poise. drink though 2022. From the McLaren Vale, Australia with an issue date of June 15th, 2014.

Here is an interesting article on the property that was featured in Rural Intelligence.

Cheers!