HOME + DESIGN EAST COAST
STAR QUALITY STORY BY KATIE KEATING PHOTOGRAPHY BY PHILLIP ENNIS The traditional facade of this pretty antique colonial home does not betray the modern mechanical marvels found within. 50 www.echomeanddesign.com
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There seemed to be something magical about the winding staircase in the old New England home. Reaching upward, slowly rising through each floor as it connected one space to another. Rooms seemed to radiate off its gently curving spine as it reached for the stars. It had withstood the test of time, a focal point in the center of this grand old Greenwich home. One hundred years old, it was ready to meet the next century with a whole new outlook on life. The classic white colonial was built during the 1890 s and would soon become the new home for a young couple and their small children who had decided to make the move from Manhattan out to the suburbs. The turnaround time would be a short one by renovation standards, just seven months to expand, renovate and decorate by the time the family had to vacate their New York City home. While the outside of the home would remain much the same as it had been, two major additions would be added and the inside would go through an amazing transformation that would breathe new life into the charming antique. To perform this Herculean feat, they enlisted the help of New Canaan based builder, Jeremi Jablonski. Known for his attention to detail and high standard of custom building, Mr. Jablonski s goal would be to maintain the integrity of architecture, while at the same time, introduce a more open floor plan and infuse the home with new geothermal systems. So successful was he in his endeavors, that this project would receive a HERS 49 rating, (Energy Star Rating), one generally reserved for newly constructed homes. We are extremely excited about our Energy Star Certification Program, Mr. Jablonski stated. Using geothermal HVAC systems and the latest energy saving techniques, we are achieving amazing results in our building projects, both old and new. It helps clients lower their energy costs and can provide them with tax benefits as well. His clients can also take comfort in knowing that they re 52 www.echomeanddesign.com
We sought to complement the architecture through a vibrant palette of rich woods, sisals, silk and leather with strong elements of artwork and color, said Gerardi. She went on to say that they sought to respect the historical architecture of the structure, while incorporating the playfulness and freshness of transitional design In the family room, crisp white and deep blue accents mingle nicely with club chairs sporting zebra patterned upholstery. Billowy white drapery panels trimmed in coffee bean frame the windows in this light filled space. A black lacquered scrolled coffee table adds visual interest in the space. East Coast Home + Design 53
raising their children in an eco-friendly environment. The clients had a clear vision of what they wanted and were great at communicating the direction they wanted to go in, according to Jablonski. There was a great team approach to the project between the homeowners, builder and interior designers, Diane Gerardi and Alicia Connolly. The house had great bones which aided in the direction the project would go. The interior walls were removed to accommodate a new floor plan which opened up spaces and allowed for better circulation. The two new additions were designed to blend seamlessly with the style of the original home.the exterior walls or envelope of the home was maintained but older two by four supports were replaced with heavier duty, two by sixes. Open walls facilitated the installation of new wiring and plumbing systems as well as installation of the new geothermal HVAC system. Opening the walls also enabled the builder to spray in new foam insulation which provides better protection against thermal highs and lows. Energy efficient windows would replace the old ones giving the home an additional layer of thermal protection. While retrofitting an older home with these systems is more challenging than installing them in newly constructed homes, Jablonski handled the challenge in stride, right down to installing the geothermal systems beneath the driveway as not to disturb the beautifully landscaped property. To finish the interiors, New York City designer, Diane Gerardi chose to play off the traditional architecture with materials that were more organic, raw and natural. We sought to complement the architecture through a vibrant palette of rich Four inches thick, the island s counter top was fabricated from a reclaimed two hundred year old piece of wood. Carrara marble was used on the perimeter counters and on the backsplash as well. Callagaris bar stools surround the center island. Classically inspired custom cabinetry is timeless in white. 54 www.echomeanddesign.com
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A transitional dining chair seems juxtaposed against the fine mirrored surface and richly detailed inlay of the formal dining table. OPPOSITE Mohair dining chairs studded with nail heads surround the intricately detailed dining table. Grounded on a natural sisal area rug, it s illuminated from above by a Murano chandelier. East Coast Home + Design 57
Rich chocolate trim frames the deep red walls of this cozy family room. Wall to wall carpeting is by Stark. woods, sisals, silk and leather with strong elements of artwork and color, said Gerardi. She went on to say that they sought to respect the historical architecture of the structure, while incorporating the playfulness and freshness of transitional design. Floors stained a rich ebony hue, make a bold statement throughout the home. A similar tone can be found on the banister of the beautifully restored circular staircase and seems juxtaposed against the creamy white of the balustrades it frames. Stark carpeting in a transitional geometric pattern covers the stairs adding warmth and light as it continues up each flight. Soothing neutral walls provide the backdrop for this dramatic architectural element. Gerardi s artful use of color and texture can be seen throughout the home. In the living, warm orange silk draperies combine with a pair of orange Baker chairs to add a pop of color in the otherwise neutral space. In the dining room, the walls above the chair rail have been finished with Thibaut wall covering. The organic design on the paper sits against a field of olive green. Full length silk drapery panels in the same green frame the windows adding a dose of formality to the space. Mohair dining chairs finished with nail heads surround the beautifully detailed table which has been grounded on a natural sisal carpet. An antique glass Murano chandelier illuminates the room and adds a bit of old world charm. Zebra chairs add a bit of whimsy to the blue and white themed family room. Light walls and bright white trim provide the perfect backdrop in this light filled space. A deep blue sofa trimmed in white plays off nicely opposite the brilliant blue back wall of the built-in white cabinetry. Billowy white drapes finished with coffee bean trim create soft fabric columns between the French doors. A scrolled black lacquered coffee table picks up the geometric theme in the fabric trim adding a curvilinear element to the predominately rectilinear space. Over sized black pillows 58 www.echomeanddesign.com
Luxurious silk drapery panels in a vibrant shade of orange dress the windows in the living room. A pair of Baker slipper chairs in a similar shade offer comfortable seating. Floors have been stained a rich ebony tone. East Coast Home + Design 59
rary pendant style light fixtures provides lighting above the center island. Callagaris bar stools offer contemporary seating around the island. A reclaimed two hundred year old piece of wood was used to fabricate the island counter top. Four inches thick, it has been stained in a deep tone that mimics the ebony stain used on the floor. Professional grade stainless appliances have been used throughout. The master bedroom and sitting room offer a quiet retreat at the end of the day. Soft blues and warm light browns set the tone. Windows have been dressed in a luxurious silk floral from Fabricut. Large scaled roses dance across the pale blue field of silk. Gently pleated Roman shades fall softly against the crisp white trim of provide casual seating for larger crowds. A blue and white woven area rug completes the room. Deep red walls and chocolate trim drive the design in the library. Silk striped Roman shades introduce gold and orange tones to the room which have been continued on the sofa and sofa pillows. A leather club chair by Ralph Lauren and leather topped coffee table add an additional layer of texture to the space. The wall to wall carpet is by Stark. The kitchen offers a departure from the warm saturated colors found in some of the other rooms. The predominately light room offers timeless white cabinetry, carrara marble counters with a matching carrara tiled backsplash. A pair of contempothe windows. Paired with classic drapery panels, they frame an inviting blue velvet window seat. Chenille club chairs in the sitting room boast the same color and have been paired with a custom tufted ottoman in a charming brown and blue floral print. The walls have been treated in a pale blue trellis wall covering. In the master bath, we find a mix of classically inspired fixtures, natural stone surfaces and contemporary elements. Carrara marble provides the stage for this spa like room that includes an over-sized modern tub, walk in glass shower and classic marble topped porcelain and silver satin double sink. Three contemporary vertical lighting fixtures illuminate the understated silver framed mirrors above the sink 60 www.echomeanddesign.com
if there is one element that sets this home design apart from others, it is the level of commitment all parties showed and the positive energy we all brought to the project area. An elegant glass chandelier adds a dose of romance to the room. An expansive lawn and mature plantings surround the home. Stone walls, majestic oak and maple trees and a circular drive welcome you to the timeless home. Out back, a flagstone patio offers additional space for seasonal outdoor entertaining and an opportunity to take in the verdant property. Solid teak furnishings by Kingsley Bates make up the seating arrangements. In summing up the project, Gerardi stated that if there is one element that sets this home design apart from others, it is the level of commitment all parties showed and the positive energy we all brought to the project. The combination of a talented, environmentally aware builder and an inspired designer, really took flight from the energy of this wonderful young family. Katie Keating is an interior designer and freelance writer and can be reached at 203.339.5820 or katiekdesign@yahoo.com Modern fixtures, cool marble surfaces and an oversized glass shower provide spa-like amenities in the master bath. OPPOSITE In the master bedroom, a cozy velvet window seat framed in floral silk, beckons you to sit and offers a quite retreat to relax or read. East Coast Home + Design 61
RESOURCES Jablonski Associates Jeremi Jablonski 59 Grove Street, Suite 1B New Canaan, CT 06840 203.966.3636 jablonskiassociates.com Diane Gerardi Design Diane Gerardi 565 West End Avenue New York, NY 10024 917.915.9516
French doors from the cheery family room open out onto the rear patio. Classic six over six windows dot the rooms above allowing natural light to fill those spaces. Teak furnishings by Kingsley Bates provide comfortable seating on the raised flagstone patio. East Coast Home + Design 63
Strong architectural details adorn the front portico. Dentil molding, Doric columns and classical urns help make up the design. 64 www.echomeanddesign.com OPPOSITE Standing proud, an equine sculpture casts his watchful eye upon all those who enter.