Recently, we attended the Southport Congregational Church’s 25th Annual Rooms with A View (RWAV). Developed as a fundraiser by the Southport Congregational Church committee and Chair Albert Hadley, Rooms with A View is a mini designer showhouse. Twelve talented and revered designers from Connecticut and New York each create small (6’x8’) “vignettes” for the community to enjoy, while supporting 18 local and regional charitable causes. Distinguished alumni include Albert Hadley, Thom Filicia, Bunny Williams and Alexa Hampton.
Maximize a Small Space
Here’s a peak at some of the designers’ ingenious ideas, offering plenty of ways to incorporate inspiration or maximize a small space in your own modern cottage.
An Entry Vignette
Barbara Lewis of The Lewis Design Group creates a classic, yet current, Entry vignette inspired by Albert Hadley. Lewis flanked the vignette entrance with drapes in an archival Cowtan & Tout fabric that was recently re-introduced from decades past in new color ways. Continuing the vintage elegance are two pillars, which not only serve to ground the space, but pay tribute to Albert Hadley, who often used this design element in his work.
Custom Watercolor
Another nod to Hadley appears in a custom watercolor that The Lewis Design Group created in collaboration with local artist, Lucy Clare Spooner. It depicts Hadley’s weekend home in Southport, Connecticut.
Stand the Test of Time
“It was important to me that I pay tribute to Albert Hadley, but in a way that illustrates my classic yet current look and signature feminine touches,” says Lewis, who was inspired by the 25th anniversary of Rooms with A View to create a vignette that harkens back to an earlier time.
“Everything in this space feels like it could have worked in a home 25 years ago, but it still feels current — that to me is the ultimate test of great design — does it stand the test of time. I always strive to create timeless elegance in my work.”
Live a Great Story
Moss Design was thrilled to have been included as a “newcomer” in the 2019 Class of Designers for Rooms with A View. Principal Designer Meghan DeMaria and Interior Designer Courtney Yanni created “25 Peaks #apresski” as their vignette theme, inspired by an epic ski trip they took to Zermatt Switzerland. Here, the two discovered the true art of après. While you may need talent to ski The Alps, après is about enjoying family and friends slopeside.
Inspired by their adventure and motto “Live a Great Story,” Moss Design’s RWAV vignette is a sophisticated gathering space that captures the essence of après. It featured custom furniture and pillows, wrapped in layers of luxurious textiles and their signature love of color. Featured artwork was curated by Betsy Biscone Art Advisory and the wall covering with tiny skiers by Gray Malin is just perfect.
Parisian Chic
This is Christina Roughan’s, of Roughan Home & Interiors, second time designing for RWAV, and this time she pays homage to RWAV founder, Albert Hadley, by creating a timeless, yet timely, Salon.
“My understated design is, inviting, warm and curious,” Roughan explained. “The way a space should make a person feel is received through the elements in the room. Does each piece have significance? Where is the story?”
Roughan’s salon emits European charm, from the timeless caramel, black, and ivory palette, to the 1954 Italian light fixture by Italy Stilnovo, and the playful drawings and ink sketches by Jean Cocteau circa 1957 and 1961.
Create Texture
Creating texture in the environment with base molding, choosing curated pieces that were sourced with intent, such as the plaster cast coffee table of Stephen C. Antonsen (from Liz O’Brien Gallery), and adding unique depths by utilizing Nero Marquina marble breaks up the monotony of the small space. The curved sofa done in Donghia textured ivory fabric had to be rather small, clean, chic, and functional. As Roughan sees it, “I have to fall in love with the furniture, sculpture, and decorative objects. Like a song they need to resonate in your soul and become a part of you.”
Entry Vignette Photos by Neil Landino
25 Peaks #apresski Vignette by Alan Barry Photography (not including wallcovering)
