Near & Far Aid Makes Million Dollar Impact on Poverty At Monday’s Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors, Treasurer Paige Fairbaugh announced a final grant total of $1,151,500 for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2018.  Recipients include 106 of the county’s most effective agencies serving the impoverished and working poor.  “Our granting guidelines and mission are designed to fund the programs that can make the biggest impact on the lives of individuals and families who struggle to make ends meet in Fairfield County, home to one of the largest income gaps in the nation,” said Joan Panagos, Chairman of Grant Reviews. Of the 106 agencies receiving funds from Near & Far Aid, 46% service Bridgeport where the largest population of under-served individuals reside in the county.  Stamford and Norwalk follow closely receiving 16% and 14% of grants, respectively. Funds are directed across the spectrum of poverty to assist families and individuals at risk or in crisis, educational opportunities for children and adults, job training and community health efforts. With an eye toward the upcoming year, President Kim Meier encouraged board members to renew their commitment to the large volunteer base on which the organization depends.  “Embrace and empower this talented force of volunteers,” she urged. “Our volunteers are […] Read More

Near & Far Aid Designer Q&A Series:  t h e  m a r a i s   While you didn’t begin your career in design, you are clearly both incredibly talented! Tell us a bit about how/why you decided to make the switch from life in corporate America to collaborate together in the interior design world. First of all, thank you so much for paying such a nice compliment. It means the world to us. To answer your question, in a nutshell, we both started families soon after leaving our former positions as a lawyer and as a c-suite executive. We had different journeys in the years proceeding and after our babies’ births, but our postpartum search was identical. As forever changed women, we wanted a leading role in the day to day responsibilities for our children, but we also wanted a career. The never ending debacle. No doubt, we were looking for more than a hobby, a friend or busy work. We both wanted to build something. Today, that is exactly what we are doing together. Our vision stretches far. Hopefully, our process gives like-minded women a forum for empathy, camaraderie and inspiration. How would you describe your design esthetic? The Marais is a casual, collected and seriously cool lifestyle brand. Curating a collection of home furnishings that blends clean lines of Scandinavian design with natural beauties reminiscent […] Read More

Near & Far Aid Designer Q&A Series with Denise Davies, Founder & CEO, D2 Interieurs   How you would describe your design style? In our seven years of doing business, we have developed a niche by moving young families from New York City to the suburbs. We create environments that are fresh, modern, livable and current. With that being said, we do work with clients of all different backgrounds; for example, we were hired to completely renovate and decorate this midcentury modern house, which is owned by couple who live in NYC and use this home as their weekend getaway. All of our work is carefully tailored to suit each client, using influences of European design and a mix of eclectic styles from around the world. We really work hard to give each client a unique home and I do not use the same things twice. I would say our style is fusing modern sophistication, timeless style and a dash of rock and roll attitude. D2 projects are easily identifiable (for fans!) thanks to your love of color and playful pattern. Is there a color palette you would consider a D2 signature? We don’t have a signature color palette per se, color is a very tricky thing to get right. […] Read More

Near & Far Aid Designer Q&A Series: Amelia Johnson Design   1) How would you describe your design style? Colorful, fun, eclectic, livable and of course, family friendly. 2) Do you have a signature color or palette that you tend to gravitate towards? Blue, for sure! I’ve always loved blue — and as a mom of three boys — our house just naturally evolved into a house of blues. I also love white as it provides a blank canvas for me to infuse any color into a room.   3) Where do you draw your inspiration from when approaching a new client project? When beginning a new project, I like to focus on the “bones” of the space I’m designing to stay true to its original form and location.  It’s also essential to ensure my client’s lifestyle and taste are reflected in the space as it’s truly a collaborative effort. 4) You lived abroad in London. Tell us how this experience helped shape you as a designer? Living abroad provided me with the opportunity to see and learn from many different cultures and their unique design styles. I always loved shopping in the boutiques and flea markets during my travels and still source from many of these places […] Read More