When my long time clients, Susie and her husband, shared news of leaving the DC area, I felt really bummed. When I found out they were house hunting in Connecticut, I was relieved. Still a bit sad, though. CT is about a 6 hour drive from DC, but at least it is on the East Coast. Plus, I visit CT quite frequently working with clients there.

Then came even better news: Susie and her husband asked me to help with their new home – a historic 1864 farmhouse that had been renovated and expanded. The farmhouse happens to be one of the original farmsteads in Fairfield, a county famous for its ‘Southport Globe’ onion fields. More on the onions later.

Of course I thought I had 3-6 months to tackle this project. Nope! Because they had sold their DC area home and their kids would be on summer break soon, I had a little over a month and a half to start furnishing the house and line up contractors and workrooms: painter, wallpaper hanger, electrician, carpet installer, receiving warehouse, windows and upholstery workrooms.

I couldn’t have accomplished this project without all of Tom’s help. Nor could I have done it without Susie’s support and trust. It has been a total team effort, and I’m grateful to them both!!

Tom and I just returned home from a big install. We will be finishing soon, and here is a preview starting with the conservatory.

Built in 2002, the grand conservatory with its French limestone mantel and leaded windows from England is my favorite room. The clubchairs and ottoman are temporary. I placed those there for the family to enjoy while we wait for the arrival of the sofas, rugs, etc….all coming very soon!

Cindy who made and installed all the curtains and shades did an amazing job. Thank you, Cindy!

Why did I choose the color blocked panels flanking the fireplace? See below photo of the room as decorated by the previous owner. (I took the photo on my first visit.) While pleasant, the adobe-like niches did not appeal to us. Instead of tearing out the niches (pricey and timely), I designed tall linen panels to conceal them and add softness to this room of exposed beams, glass and stone. I color blocked the bottom to break up the height.

 Below again is another photo I took during my first visit in early spring.
And look at the view outside the conservatory now: gorrrrr-geous and green!!!
As mentioned, this used to be a prominent onion farm. When the property was being cleared and landscaped, the vine covered stone walls were discovered to be the original fieldstone foundation of an onion barn.
Perhaps Susie will ask me to help refresh the gardens? 🙂
Back inside is master electrician, Rick, adjusting the new lantern for me. He did a great job hanging and centering the two drum fixtures over the new breakfast room. Thank you, Rick, for being so patient 🙂
When Susie discovered her home’s history of having been an onion farm, she decided to pay homage with a new collection of onion paintings found on Etsy. I took them all to my framer (her pretty hand, not mine) and selected various warm silver frames for the collection. And here are some of the onions hung salon style in the kitchen. Sorry for the blurry photos….took these with my old iPhone.
While the conservatory is sunny and warm, the original living room is cool and cozy. I chose pretty shades of blues, greens and aqua to complement the beaches in the area. The coral piece and French giltwood mirror were two of the earliest pieces Susie found at my shop – almost 9 years ago! We have pillows and more accessories coming so stay tuned.
Many thanks to Susie and her family for allowing me to feature their beautiful home!Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend ~ Loi