Bath | Jeffrey Kaufman of JMKA Architects Serene and spacious, this bathroom is refreshingly subdued, thanks to its pale palette. The inclusion of a vaulted ceiling, walk-in shower, freestanding tub, separate water closet, plus his-and-hers sinks and vanities make a grand statement, while oversized windows flood the space with natural light. JMKA Architects, Westport, (203) 222-1222, jmkarchitects.com.
interior design | Dominic Fusco Studios “Modern illusion” was Dominic Fusco’s inspiration for this room. He arranged vintage-modern furniture and accessories from the ‘40s through the ‘70s next to custom-contemporary pieces he designed, resulting in a clean, tailored look. To feign extra ceiling height, the designer cleverly used low-scale furniture with taller accessories. Dominic Fusco Studios, Fairfield, (203) 374-3465, dominicfuscostudios.com.
Landscape | Jennifer Scott of Group Works LLC Perched above the Hudson River, this house is the ultimate waterfront property. Jennifer Scott maximized the aesthetic possibilities of the water theme with a perimeter overflow spa and a negative-edge pool. The new waterscape complements the modern style of the house, perfectly blending the interior and exterior in a luxurious finale. Group Works LLC, Wilton, (203) 834-7905, groupworksllc.com.
Interior design | Aline Matsika Interiors This Bedford home’s interiors are an eclectic blend of colors, fabrics and styles, boldly mixed and matched by Aline Matsika. From Art Deco chairs to Moroccan rugs and an antique Venetian mirror, her carefully curated objects and furniture are arranged in an undeniably elegant and harmonious fashion. Aline Matsika Interiors, NYC, (646) 257-0150, alinematsika.com.
Kitchen | Martin Tratt, Deane Inc., and Alex Esposito, Alex Esposito, AIA, Architects Simple sophistication reigns supreme in this stunning kitchen renovation. Cabinetry—with flat-slab doors in a frameless construction—is the focal point; Deane Inc.’s custom design is second-to-none. The white countertops, chocolate-brown cabinet finish and red accents also create a pleasing contrast. Every last detail is clean, refined and fabulously functional. Deane Inc., Stamford, (203) 327-7008, kitchensbydeane.com, and Alex Esposito, AIA, Architects, Southport, (203) 319-1220.
Architecture | David D. Harlan Architects By repurposing garage bays into a den, bathroom and kitchen, David Harlan doubled the usable living space on the first floor. Dropping the level on one side of the first floor made the addition of a second floor possible, complete with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a wet bar and laundry room. David D. Harlan Architects, New Haven, (203) 495-8032, ddarch.com.
Architecture | Paulo Vicente, of Vicente-Burin Architects, LLC Paulo Vicente transformed this 1950s Cape Cod-style home by anchoring the sprawling layout with stone wings, creating new living space and giving its exterior a distinguished update. Charming details, such as the board-and-batten Tudor-style door, graceful eave brackets and timber-framed windows, make for a warm, Cotswold look. Vicente-Burin Architects, LLC, Fairfield, (203) 319-9571, vbarchitect.com.
Landscape | Cindy Rinfret, Rinfret Ltd. Interior designer Cindy Rinfret beautifully blurs the line between inside and out in her open-air living and dining area. Perfectly manicured English-style gardens surround the space on three sides and the ample stone fireplace (with authentic pizza oven) keeps the homeowners toasty (and well-fed) on cool summer evenings. Rinfret, Ltd., Greenwich, (203) 622-0000, rinfretltd.com.
Bath | Anthony Como of Luxe Interiors Every detail in this elegant bath—from clawfoot tub to crystal chandelier and wall sconce—exudes a classic, timeless quality. Anthony Como’s client wanted an updated English-manor look; this room is certainly fit for the lady of the house. Luxe Interiors, New Rochelle, NY, (914) 217-0637.
Kitchen | Sally Scott of Sally Scott Interior Design Sometimes, bigger is better. The increased functionality—and storage—given by the addition of the center island makes this kitchen more workable, while wraparound counters add sweeping expanses for prep work and other activities. The new layout is a boon for cooking and entertaining for large parties, creating a nice balance between utility and high style. Sally Scott Interior Design, Guilford, (203) 458-2903, ssidesign.com.
This article appears in the July 2011 issue of CTC&G (Connecticut Cottages & Gardens).