CTC&G and the Junior League of Hartford present the 16th Designer Show House—the Junior League’s signature fundraising event. Last May, more than 20 designers united with Design Chair Matthew Patrick Smyth to transform the Tudor-style home. The show house highlights a successful blend of preservation and innovation, while also raising critical funds for local nonprofits. A big thanks to all who toured the home, participating designers and the generous design sponsors, including AKDO, Ethan Allen, Hudson Valley Lighting Group, JennAir, John Boyle Decorating Centers and Tile America. For more designer rooms, click here.
McCORY INTERIORS
LIVING ROOM
Inspired by the original architecture of the space—along with the leaded glass doors and windows—McCory Interiors’ goal was to lean into history, classic elements, rich texture and pattern to create a dynamic blend of eras. “One of our favorite focal points in the room was the fireplace mantel, which included hand-painted plaster tortoise shells and obelisks by Floyd Paint and Paper, a vintage mirror from Anastasio Home, and the fireplace surround, which was marbleized by me, as I tapped into my history and knowledge of decorative painting,” says Kristen McCory.
McCORY INTERIORS
LIVING ROOM
Inspired by the original architecture of the space—along with the leaded glass doors and windows—McCory Interiors’ goal was to lean into history, classic elements, rich texture and pattern to create a dynamic blend of eras. “One of our favorite focal points in the room was the fireplace mantel, which included hand-painted plaster tortoise shells and obelisks by Floyd Paint and Paper, a vintage mirror from Anastasio Home, and the fireplace surround, which was marbleized by me, as I tapped into my history and knowledge of decorative painting,” says Kristen McCory.
KATHRYN HUNT STUDIO
DINING ROOM
The Tudor Revival style of the home was the inspiration for Kathryn Hunt’s dining room design. “We started with the curtain fabric, which was from Cowtan & Tout, Rose Hydrangea,” says Hunt. “We used our Rib box rug from the Kathryn Hunt Studio rug collection and our Kathryn Hunt Textiles’ After the Storm grasscloth in Meadow on the ceiling. The dining table was vintage as well as the chairs, which we re-covered in Fortuny and leather. We added a painted floor border, which was typical of this style of architecture, as well as a display fireplace to add a little ambiance to the room. The center chandelier was from Arteriors and the sconces from Hudson Valley Lighting Group with shades covered in Fortuny. The pottery and decorative wall plates are both antique from my personal collection.”
A MATTER OF STYLE KITCHENS & INTERIORS
KITCHEN and MUDROOM
In many houses, the hardworking mudroom entrance can be an afterthought. But Martha Gargano of AMS Kitchens & Interiors deftly turned this small space into an inviting area bathed in rich hues, textures and patterns. “I wanted to create a beautiful back entrance to the home with vibrancy and a comfortable cottagecore feel,” notes Gargano. “Then, carrying these elements into the kitchen with inspiration from springtime in Hartford with Elizabeth Park right down the road.” Visible through a connecting door, the green and blue hues in the Thibaut wallpaper in the mudroom are echoed in the kitchen, while a mosaic tile backsplash and porcelain-slab countertops through AKDO complement JennAir appliances.
KATE SMITH INTERIORS
LIBRARY/STUDY
For the library, Kate Smith wanted to design a space that sparks creativity. “The Brunschwig paper was the jumping off point for the entire design,” explains Smith. “I love how the blues/aquas, greens and pops of yellow feel so lively, while it has some calming neutrals in it to ground the print visually. Since it’s such a small footprint, I had to think about ways to incorporate multifunctional use in such a small space. The secretary desk is the perfect flex piece that can be used for work, but then also tucked away when it isn’t needed. Two custom swivel chairs create a cozy spot to curl up with a good book, or to relax in with a glass of wine.”
GRACE GALLOWAY DESIGN
SUNROOM
“When I first walked through this space, it was being used as the children’s art room, which immediately sparked the design concept: The Artist’s Lounge,” says Grace Galloway Soong. “Bold works by local artists from Connecticut and Massachusetts (along with one of my own pieces and a contribution from my two-year-old daughter!) set the tone for the color palette. My favorite element is the wallpaper border that wraps around the room just below the ceiling—yes, it’s wallpaper, not tile! The graphic pattern adds architectural interest and draws the eye upward, giving the space a playful yet refined feeling.”
ETHAN ALLEN
BEDROOM
A large-scale photo of an elephant inspired the design of this bedroom by the Ethan Allen design team of Rondell Goorachan, Michael Curulla, Mark McIntyre and Kelly Hernsdorf. “We pictured the room’s inhabitant as an adventurer and photographer, with surroundings that would nod to a love for travel. The Cayman bed and night tables, with louvered and caned details, speak to a love for the islands, further realized in the verdant wall color and the bold, botanical wallpaper in the ensuite lavatory. We also pictured some- one accustomed to life’s finer things. Rich wood finishes, chairs tailored in embossed leather, crisp black and white textiles, and a handcrafted bar cart befit a person of refined, impeccable tastes. The furniture in this space was custom-made by Ethan Allen craftspeople; other accents were made by a curated coterie of hand-selected artisans.”
ETHAN ALLEN
BEDROOM
A large-scale photo of an elephant inspired the design of this bedroom by the Ethan Allen design team of Rondell Goorachan, Michael Curulla, Mark McIntyre and Kelly Hernsdorf. “We pictured the room’s inhabitant as an adventurer and photographer, with surroundings that would nod to a love for travel. The Cayman bed and night tables, with louvered and caned details, speak to a love for the islands, further realized in the verdant wall color and the bold, botanical wallpaper in the ensuite lavatory. We also pictured some- one accustomed to life’s finer things. Rich wood finishes, chairs tailored in embossed leather, crisp black and white textiles, and a handcrafted bar cart befit a person of refined, impeccable tastes. The furniture in this space was custom-made by Ethan Allen craftspeople; other accents were made by a curated coterie of hand-selected artisans.”
KAITLIN SMITH INTERIORS
PRIMARY BEDROOM
The primary bedroom draws inspiration from the architecture of the home and pays homage to the English Cottage aesthetic made popular by Nancy Lancaster and Mario Buatta. “Antique furnishings paired with country florals set a traditional tone, while more modern and natural elements like the Lucite bench and wicker lamps speak to my love of layered interiors,” notes designer Kaitlin Smith. “In collaboration with my workroom, Eileen and Taylor, I designed several custom pieces like the velvet sofa and upholstered cornice above the bed. The space feels both curated and cozy, capturing the spirit of a timeless English home.”
KAITLIN SMITH INTERIORS
PRIMARY BEDROOM
The primary bedroom draws inspiration from the architecture of the home and pays homage to the English Cottage aesthetic made popular by Nancy Lancaster and Mario Buatta. “Antique furnishings paired with country florals set a traditional tone, while more modern and natural elements like the Lucite bench and wicker lamps speak to my love of layered interiors,” notes designer Kaitlin Smith. “In collaboration with my workroom, Eileen and Taylor, I designed several custom pieces like the velvet sofa and upholstered cornice above the bed. The space feels both curated and cozy, capturing the spirit of a timeless English home.”
ALISON V. CUMMINGS MURALS & INTERIORS
HOME OFFICE
A colorful bespoke mural by decorative artist Alison V. Cummings lines the walls of the home office. “Inspired by the peaceful beauty of Elizabeth Park, I painted the landscape mural to bring the calm of nature indoors, creating a serene, art-filled workspace where tranquility meets an eclectic mix of color, pattern and creative energy,” notes Cummings, who pairs her passion for interior design with her talent for creating art. Cummings also painted the floor and the canvas artwork hanging in the room, which complement her furniture and furnishings selections. Paint was provided by John Boyle Decorating Centers.
ALISON V. CUMMINGS MURALS & INTERIORS
HOME OFFICE
A colorful bespoke mural by decorative artist Alison V. Cummings lines the walls of the home office. “Inspired by the peaceful beauty of Elizabeth Park, I painted the landscape mural to bring the calm of nature indoors, creating a serene, art-filled workspace where tranquility meets an eclectic mix of color, pattern and creative energy,” notes Cummings, who pairs her passion for interior design with her talent for creating art. Cummings also painted the floor and the canvas artwork hanging in the room, which complement her furniture and furnishings selections. Paint was provided by John Boyle Decorating Centers.
QUIVER SPIRITS
BAR AND LOUNGE
The Hive Speakeasy & Lounge is the vision of Quiver Spirits cofounder Tomas Nenortas, a proponent of historic preservation with strong ties to Hartford, where his father’s family settled more than 75 years ago. Evocative of the year 1921—the year the Junior League of Hartford was founded—the walls of the Hive highlight the histories of independent and resilient women, and some of Nenortas own family. Their stories align with the mission of the Junior League of Hartford to empower women and positively impact the communities of Hartford. The lighting is from Hudson Valley Lighting Group, the bar tile is through Tile America, and the paint was provided by John Boyle Decorating Centers.
ETHAN ALLEN
TERRACE
This outdoor living space was designed by the Ethan Allen team of Aileen Kennedy, Oxana Sinigur and Marjorie Satell. In a soothing palette of rich blues and crisp whites, the furniture and accents from Ethan Allen transform a simple patio into a peaceful retreat. Designed with both family and entertaining in mind, the space includes a graphite dining table surrounded by matching chairs and blue and white cushions. A grouping of Bridgewater teak lounge chairs create a destination for socializing or relaxing alongside a small pillar-shaped fire pit.
ETHAN ALLEN
TERRACE
This outdoor living space was designed by the Ethan Allen team of Aileen Kennedy, Oxana Sinigur and Marjorie Satell. In a soothing palette of rich blues and crisp whites, the furniture and accents from Ethan Allen transform a simple patio into a peaceful retreat. Designed with both family and entertaining in mind, the space includes a graphite dining table surrounded by matching chairs and blue and white cushions. A grouping of Bridgewater teak lounge chairs create a destination for socializing or relaxing alongside a small pillar-shaped fire pit.