The Meaning of Home

The Meaning of Home

New Canaan-based photographer Jane Beiles has been photographing houses for decades. Along the way, she’s learned a few surprising truths about what defines a home. And while perfectly executed architecture and décor are common themes among the homes in her portfolio—most of which appeared in the The New York Times—Beiles says they are only part … Read more
Photographer

Photographer Jane Beiles’ New Book

New Canaan resident and renowned photographer Jane Beiles has been preparing for her career since childhood, when she would regularly visit museums with her mother. She went on to get a degree in art history at the University of Michigan, and worked as a fashion photographer, before eventually focusing on capturing gorgeous homes for the … Read more
Rebecca Taylor

Entertaining with Rebecca Taylor

Since the late ’90s, Rebecca Taylor has been a fashion fixture, designing feminine chic pieces, such as her signature romantic florals paired with downtown details. Today she has eight boutique storefronts, an e-commerce website, and her designs are sold at department stores from Bloomingdale’s to Barneys. Her new capsule collection features nine limited-edition pieces just … Read more
Gilles Clement

Gilles Clement: Interior Luxury

With a modern aesthetic and a penchant for seamlessly mixing old and new, Gilles Clement has gained a strong following in Fairfield County, with interior design showrooms and art galleries in Westport and Greenwich, CT. Here, he shares details of his background, unique style and recent projects. Stephanie Horton: You grew up in Paris in an … Read more
Winston

Winston Flowers: Holiday Chic

Bring the outdoors in this winter with floral design that takes its cue from nature. David Winston, co-owner of Winston Flowers says, “The trend we are seeing most right now, and my personal preference, is less traditional red and green, and more natural, woodsy materials such as pine cones, branches, pods and evergreens.” Channeling the … Read more
Horton

A Historic Farmhouse Renovation

When Serendipity’s home editor, Stephanie Horton, and her husband, John, came across a circa-1865 farmhouse in back country Greenwich after an extensive search, she knew it was the one. “It had a big covered porch and a relaxed feel that I connected with. It reminded me of the homes I grew up with in the … Read more
Range Hood

The Case for Hiding Your Range Hood

Large stainless steel range hoods have been all the rage in kitchens in recent years, but we are now seeing a move toward concealed hoods. This goes hand in hand with our increasing desire for streamlined kitchens of any style. Range hoods, which extract grease and cooking odors from the air, are useful and sometimes … Read more
Cabinets

Beautiful Blue Cabinets Bring Warmth and Character to These 3 Stunning Kitchens

Despite its popularity, white kitchen cabinets are a non-starter for many homeowners. If you’re one of these, consider going with warm blue or blue-gray cabinets. The following three kitchens show how refreshing, warm and joyful the color can be. Steinberg Custom Designs, original photo on Houzz 1. Traditional Designers: Sarah Steinberg of Steinberg Custom Designs … Read more
Greenhouses

Greenhouses: Beautiful & Functional

Early October is when many serious gardeners move their outdoor plants indoors—before the first frost. But others invest in greenhouses to keep their plants nice and warm through spring. “The purpose of a residential greenhouse is to provide an environment where tropical plants—or ones that won’t survive our winters—can flourish year-round,” explains James McArdle of … Read more
Gil Schafer

Designer Homes by Architect Gil Schafer

For Yale-educated architect Gil Schafer, the most successful homes are infused with classic charm and personality, and help owners live in a modern way and create memories. His brand of “comfortable classicism” uses traditional principles to facilitate a wide variety of architectural styles. Recent projects in his new book, A Place To Call Home: Tradition, … Read more
Gadgets

The Latest Gadgets to Make Your Home More Efficient

These new gadgets make day-to-day life easier, more efficient and less stressful. CONSERVE WATER The U by Moen swaps out twist-and-turn handles for a digital controller and app. The device adapts to your preferred shower temperature and pushes you to cut your water usage with customizable timers. U by Moen 4-Outlet Digital Shower Controller, $525, … Read more
French Ski

Dark Sophistication Warms Up a French Ski Chalet

Sitting on the main street in Val d’Isère, France’s noted Alpine resort, this spacious chalet is an avid skier’s dream. But a well-situated location is not the only string in this home’s bow. Its elegant design uses a mix of textural and contemporary materials for a stylish, softly masculine feel. Nicola O’Mara headed up the … Read more