KIM&ABIGAIL@REALINDARIEN.COM                            REAL ESTATE IN DARIEN & ROWAYTON

Christmas Book List for 2014

Sunday, December 7, 2014

The book lists are out for Christmas and it is so fun to see what editors, reviewers and critics are recommending as “good reads” for under the tree. Naturally, we have our suggestions as well.  So, if you are considering a move, a renovation or starting from the ground up with a new build next year, here are some books that we think will inspire you to get started on your projects in the coming year!

Peter Pennoyer

An historicist at heart, Peter Pennoyer takes classic architecture to the right heights.

Gil-Schafer-Great-American-House

One of our favorites. A must have in any library for those interested in Architecture and design.

Another point of view on traditional architecture.  Ferguson & Shamamian are the team responsible for the recent listing on Shagbark that we LOVED.

Another point of view on the traditional vernacular. Ferguson & Shamamian is the team responsible for the renovation at 15 Shagbark. One of our favorite listings of 2014.

Still loving this old classic. If you dont own it already, you should.  I suppose the best affair you will ever have is with your house!

Timeless design. If you don’t own it already, you should. I suppose the best affair you will ever have is with your house!

This will make you whistle a merry merry!

Tom Scheerer will make you whistle a merry merry!

For the one who likes clean lines and

For the one who likes clean lines, Victoria Hagan has an exceptional eye.

Wildly Chic. A Must Have.

Wildly Chic. Miles’ book is A Must Have.

For all you TB fans, this book will blind you with her style and color schemes!

For all you TB fans, this book will blind you with her style and color schemes!

Let your hair down and do what you like!  Susannah's book is a glorious collection of rooms and ideas that will inspire you to do just that!

Let your hair down and do what you like! Susanna’s book is a glorious collection of rooms and ideas that will inspire you to do just that!

Whimsey and style at its best.  A wonderful book to get see how to jump into bold interior design.  LOVE!

Whimsey and style at its best. LOVE Katie Ridder!

Splendid new book by Markham Roberts.

Splendid new book by Markham Roberts.

A beautiful book that you will get lost in.  Sold addition for anyone who loves to garden.

Jane Garmey has put together a beautiful book that will transport you to some of Connecticut’s most lovely Eden’s. For anyone who loves to garden, this is a solid addition to your library.

A good gardening library starts with the basics.  I think this qualifies...

A good gardening library starts with the basics. I think Vita qualifies…

Why not do the complete series.

Why not do the complete series.

A stunning garden book that really does deserve the coffee table spot.  It will give you incredible ideas for your own garden.

A stunning garden book that really does deserve the coffee table spot. It will give you incredible ideas for your own garden.

Jack Staub also has this wonderful collection of books to read for your kitchen garden.

Jack Staub also has this wonderful collection to read for your kitchen garden. In addition to Exciting Vegetables, there is Remarkable Fruits and Exceptional Herbs. These are beautifully done books and make fabulous Hostess presents.

 

All these books can be bought or ordered at Barrett Books. They have other very good suggestions at their Noroton Heights location.  Call to order, or drop in and enjoy the experience of a great book store.

 

California Dreamin

Thursday, May 30, 2013

images

I recently got a peak at the new book, CALIFORNIA HOMES, by the acclaimed architect William Hefner and wanted to catch the last plane out of town.  The homes are beyond amazing and makes me wish we saw more variety here in town.  The book takes you on a private tour of nine extraordinary homes by his firm, Studio William Hefner, in a range of styles, from contemporary to historic, modern to traditional.   Their approach integrates architecture, interior design and landscape seamlessly.  He works in collaboration with his wife, Kazuko Hoshino, who inspires and designs the interiors.

p_carmelita_15-1

p_carmelita_28-1

p_friedman_03-1

p_friedman_08-1

p_hancock_16-1

p_hancock_23-1

p_mandabach_01-1

_MG_1258-1

p_bristolcircle_19-1

p_bristolcircle_27-1

The most GORG shower ever!

p_bristolcircle_36-1

p_bristolcircle_48-1

Oh the windows.

p_carmelita_23-1

p_friedman_10-1

p_hancock_9-1

Finally a kitchen that isn’t white!

p_hancockpark_2-1

p_hartwood_16-1

p_trousdale_3-1

p_hancock_27-1

p_hancock_26-1

p_hartwood_11-1

p_hartwood_15-1

p_mandabach_16-1

26 Kitchen

This book is a real departure from the look that seems to be duplicated over and over. The work is original and organic and would be a welcome sight in town.  Perhaps you could buy a tear down and fly William in!  This is a MUST PURCHASE book and is so hot that Amazon only had 2 left as of Tuesday!    Also make sure to check out their work on Houzz and their website, WilliamHefner.com.

 Photos courtesy of Studio William Hefner.

Farrow and Ball opens in Westport

Friday, September 14, 2012

And, Real in Darien was there!  We love the colors Farrow and Ball bring to us each season and the colors for 2013 continue to dazzle us.  We came home with a sample of the newest Black Blue which will absolutely transform any space. I am thinking in the dining room, or transforming a Bar area. Gorgeous! In addition, they are thrilled to introduce French grey, Stone Blue, and Cornforth White.  Check out all the color schemes they have to offer, as well as the sensational wallpaper!

What a beautiful arrangement, with colors chosen to show the subtleties of the F&B colors.

The scene last night at Farrow & Ball. Lots of local excitement about the new location at 391 Post Road East in Westport, CT.

The shop is lined with examples of Wallpaper and paint boards demonstrating the range of options you have (can you see the two boards in the background?)

Announcing the key colors for 2013.

Of course we ran into our dear friends from the Antique Center (Stamford) at the opening.

 House Beautiful threw a great event for the store opening!  It is so nice to have this sophisticated and sexy paint line now available in Westport.  Go check out the store.  You will have so much fun developing your new color scheme here.

Farrow and Ball exterior door paint competition!

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

 

Have you seen the Farrow and Ball Great Outdoors competition for the best exterior door makeover? I have been planning on painting my house and was always going to keep my high-gloss black door. But this contest had me thinking, should I think outside the box a little more? Perhaps paint my door a whole new kind of color? A Parma Gray, Plummett or even Brassica (three of my favorites)? I saw a home on Delafield Island that was white brick with gorgeous blue-gray shutters. They were so elegant and unique; not blue yet not grey. Perhaps they were a Farrow and Ball color? Lamp Room Gray or Light Blue?

 

Love the curb appeal with the black shutters and green door

 

Farrow and Ball wants to see a picture of your exterior door showing the before and after difference. Whether it is your beach house, shed, front or back door, just take a photo and post it online by April 12th for a chance to win.

 

So instead of Spring cleaning, paint that door. It is amazing what a simple change can make for your whole house and the front door sets the tone for your curb appeal. They show you exactly how to do it and include a step-by-step guide (and would love even more if someone actually paints it themselves). Perhaps we will have our very first winner.

Welcome, Darien, to the Front Door

Saturday, March 10, 2012

HOLLY’S FRONT DOOR

 

What a perfect metaphor for the launch of our blog “Holly’s front door”.  Holly Hurd has been essential to our launch.  Not only very encouraging, Holly has been a resource of information that has been vital to our planning and the direction of our blog.  Her experience with her own business, VentureMom has been a guiding force for us.  She represents the “front door” for “Real in Darien .

To that end, Holly’s front door is somewhat of a symbol for us. Holly’s house, on Stephen Mather (for sale through Kelly Associates in Darien, CT) has many wonderful qualities that we like and are certain buyer will agree.  The front door is an example of how when doing a front door renovation, the details, can have an enormous impact on first impressions.  Holly wanted to have a door that represented the quality and esthetic of the 1930’s.  She researched and found just that.  The door knob, the key in the lock,  the weight of the door, the lead detailing in the custom windows surrounding the door all create the impact that we love to an entry way.   (Details on resourcing this kind of front door to come).

Notice detail in rosette

Looking out

We are so excited to launch this blog.  Thank you to Holly and all those who have supported and encouraged us.  “Like” us on Facebook, tell your friends, and read our posts on Facebook.  This is a work in progress, a journey through one open house at a time!

Lock and Key