Design for the Greater Good was the theme of this year’s Rooms With A View, presented by media sponsor CTC&G. Held in the library and great hall of the historic Southport Congregational Church, the multiday event—founded by late designer Albert Hadley, who had a home in Southport—revolves around a showcase of spaces created by 12 invited designers. Read on for the inspiration behind the designs.
SUMMER HOUSE
“My vignette was inspired by English follies or outbuildings used as artist/ writer studios or garden rooms. Color is the most important aspect of a space to set the tone, and I wanted to modernize a popular 1920s peacock blue by pairing it with chartreuse and aubergine. By collaborating with Christopher Farr Cloth and customizing a Raoul Dufy print, I created an updated feel to a traditional space. Also, I love incorporating and updating antiques and vintage pieces to give my projects charm, but more importantly to be sustainable.”—Amanda Essex, A.T. Essex Interiors
TRANQUIL HORIZONS
“Our space stands as a beacon of hope and healing, epitomizing the event’s theme, ‘Design for the Greater Good,’ by creating a sanctuary meticulously crafted to meet the perpetual need for well-being in the contemporary workplace. Acting as both a mother’s room and a retreat for employees, the design culminates in a neutral and peaceful sanctuary, a haven fostering a sense of calm and well-being for mind, body and spirit. It serves as a reminder that thoughtful human-centric design plays a crucial role in enhancing the lives of individuals, even in the often-overlooked context of the workplace.” —Parker Whitmore, Stacey Kleinberg and Adrianna Tingley, MKDA
WORLD-TRAVELER’S LIBRARY
“Kayla and I believe growing as an individual and achieving a greater good happens through literacy. By experiencing different cultures and contexts, even through the pages of a book, people are able to expand their minds. We immediately fell in love with the Twiggy sisal wallpaper by Schumacher. Its deep color, subtle texture and Eastern influence helped us achieve the mood we were seeking.”—Carissa Pintello, NYSID RWAV Scholarship Winner
“We believe storytelling is how generations connect, and we wanted that represented in our space. Plus, the Pershore ceiling light from Vaughan created the perfect glow against the rich high-gloss ceiling. It complemented the rest of the space exactly as we envisioned.”—Kayla Lowry, NYSID RWAV Scholarship Winner
GLOBAL EXPLORATION
“My interpretation of ‘Design for the Greater Good’ exhibits a space that evokes a sense of exploration. I used one of my beloved Connecticut Hitchcock chairs, an antique candlestick table, a well-traveled family burgee, an African prayer stool from Ghana and a console table my father made from a live-edge piece of cherry. The woven shade from India inspired the vintage window, which then led the design to a cozy banquette with leather straps. All items repurposed and put together to transport you to a familiar place, whether it be in your home, your favorite restaurant or on the water.”—Jennifer Gresinger, Jennifer Gresinger Design
FINE-FEATHERED NEST
“My concept was inspired by Christian LaCroix’s Prete Moi ta Plume wallpaper. I thought the sinewy shape, dramatic color combinations and the three-dimensional aspects would draw people into the experience. I tried to show the viewer that you can sleep (Murphy bed can be concealed behind grid wall), work (great zoom backdrop and ‘bar’ console as desk), and entertain in just 48 square feet. The velvet grid wall panel breaks up the dramatic wallpaper with softness and texture, while high-gloss paint on the trim and ceiling brightens an otherwise serious room. Faux-bois trunk tables and silver feathered sconces make reference to the forest and nature. This look can easily translate to a windowless corner in a NYC apartment or to a larger space—it is gender neutral and more importantly it doesn’t take itself too seriously.”—Robin O’Neil, Robin O’Neil Interiors
SOUTHPORT ROOTS
“My space recalls my younger years growing up nearby. The iconic tree of life fabric on the slipper chairs symbolizes deep roots as well as the continual growth and blossoming of the village. There are references to Southport harbor, sailing, horses and the colonial Connecticut style. The space is filled with elements of the past with an eye toward the future. The continued growth and evolution of a village such as Southport is for the greater good.” —Amanda Reynal, Amanda Reynal Interiors
GARDEN INSPIRED
“The concept for my space was to stay true to the Albert Hadley philosophy: ‘Decoration is really about creating a quality of life, and a beauty in that life that nourishes the soul, that makes life beautiful.’ I envisioned my space as a Southport garden room of sorts: tranquil and serene. Playing off the beautiful hand-blocked Abbotsford print from Hazelton House on the settee pillow, I brought in as much of a garden inside with larger-than-life flowers in the wicker urns and hydrangea prints on the walls. I found the pale blue antique lattice last, on a shopping trip down south a few weeks before the install. They were the perfect pièce de résistance.”—Lindsey Coral Harper, Lindsey Coral Harper Interiors
TARTAN PARTY BARN
“SMW Home specializes in tartans imported from Scotland, so we wanted to really bring our mission to life. We wrapped the room in our iconic Blackwatch tartan to give the space some needed drama, and then surrounded the room with equestrian-themed details. Understanding and celebrating one’s family heritage always brings about a greater good.”—Scot Meacham Wood, SMW Home
FAINTING ROOM
“My vignette was inspired by classical art and old-world elegance—a place for retreat and contemplation. The watery silk moire on the ceiling is a signature and was best showcased by the multiple light sources throughout the space. I wanted this to be a place to escape, to rest, but to also be inspired. Being surrounded by interesting and thought-provoking art and objets can produce big ideas, many of which move us forward and contribute to ‘the greater good.’”—Smith Gardner, Smith Gardner Design
RETRO CHARMER
“The design of this room draws inspiration from the vibrant aesthetic of the 1960s, capturing the era’s spirit and style. With the clever use of textures, dynamic movements and earthy colors, the room achieves a stunning visual impact complemented by the craftsmanship on display, which is a testament to the artisans’ dedication to their art, further enhancing the room’s allure. Having to ‘Design for the Greater Good’ aligns with my everyday practice of refurbishing vintage items from the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s, giving them a modern twist for timeless designs.”
—Erick Solano (with Carlos and Luis Solano), Stamford Modern
PALETTE PLEASER
“I was inspired by the historic homes of Southport and the cheerful palette found in the paintings of Pierre Bonnard—duck-egg blue, coral and saffron. The lily-pad wall murals were painted in my studio and then installed in the space. I grew up next to a botanical garden with a beautiful lily-pad pond. The rug is part of my collection for Makrosha: I designed this based on a Matisse sketch, modifying the scale and colors. It truly illuminates the floor. The room is an overall mix of antiques and custom items in a lively palette—color is uplifting and inspires everyone.”
—Ross Alexander, Ross Alexander Designs
UBER-CHIC DRESSING ROOM
“From the moment of entry, there is a sense of rich materiality in the Rug Company floor rug that interplays with the awakening ceiling House of Hackney wallpaper and captivating coral walls. A pearl-like strand chandelier lends an added air of opulence leading to her bathroom. The oval mounted bespoke velvet panels add texture to the room and a place to remove jewelry before entering the bathtub. Color is life! Color is for the greater good.”—Jasmin Reese, Jasmin Reese Interiors
