Near & Far Aid Designer Q&A Series Part 4: Ariane Mermod

Tell us a little bit about your design style?

My husband says “I am very Swiss (I am in fact half Swiss) when I design our houses” because I need the rooms to be arranged in an orderly and logical way, and for the spaces to be balanced with lots of light and long sight lines. The Colonial vernacular really resonates with me. As far as decorating goes, we like to let our houses speak for themselves, so we try to keep the interiors pretty neutral. I am a big fan of the paint color “Snowfall White” by Benjamin Moore. The furnishings are a combination of family pieces that we move from house-to-house, mixed with upholstered pieces that we buy specifically for each house, which above all, need to be comfortable.

You and your husband “saved” the Gideon Wakeman Home from demolition. Tell us more!

We were in the process of renovating the Charles Bedford house on Greens Farms Road and I would drive by this house all the time and it intrigued me. It was on four acres, which would have been perfect for my horses, but by the time we had finished and sold the first project, this house had been bought by a developer and sub-divided. We made an offer literally weeks before the Historic District Commission stay (hold on demolition) was about to expire.

Is this your first restoration project?

This is our third historic home renovation. We renovated a Federal brick townhouse in Greenwich Village when we were first married, doing a lot of the work ourselves, and then the Charles Bedford House, c. 1909, and the Gideon Wakeman House, c.1782, both in Westport.

What builder did you partner with?

We used Buttendorf Construction for all of our structural work and to enclose the house. They are comfortable and experienced working with historic homes. I supervised the finishing of the interior and the landscaping myself.

In remodeling an 18th Century antique, what were some of the challenges you faced?

Craftsman who respect and understand the way a colonial house is built and can work around it are hard to come by. After the Buttendorfs addressed any structural concerns, I worked with a small, but patient and clever crew, who could tailor their work to the needs of this old house. My sheet-rockers thought I was crazy when I made them put up two layers of sheetrock to mimic the thickness of the old plaster walls.

Your style definitely reflects a global point of you. How are your travels represented in your design?

My family and my husband’s both come from Europe. I was also raised in the Virgin Islands. So our aesthetic is certainly formed by those memories, but also our work in fashion and finance took us all over the world and we picked up many small treasures along the way. One of my favorite souvenirs is a collection of sand from beaches we have been to all over the world. They are displayed in glass bottles; look for them on the mantle in the hallway that connects the living room to the great room.

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. It’s about the hue, intensity, contrast, proximity, balance and value. When designing a room, we choose one color to be used in larger amounts than others. If you try to use equal amounts of every color, the room will look unbalanced. We always have a main, or base color, and then use other colors to add interest. When I am putting together a room, if a color combination makes me slightly uncomfortable, I know it’s right and is going to be a show stopper.

You have a great eye for art! Do you have any favorite local artists that you like to source from for your clients?

Thank you!!! We work with many great local artists. Linda Colletta is amazing and also happens to be our art director. Allyson Monson is our go to for photography. Meighan Morrison is incredible as well. For pottery and wall installations, Jocelyn Braxton is a true genius.

There is so much new construction in town. How was it to help your client start fresh in a mid-century home and apply your own unique spin?

Mid-century design is my favorite. The challenge with this home was to keep the integrity of the midcentury design while bringing it into 2018. I didn’t want the design to be what someone would expect a mid-century home to be, by using all furniture of that genre or style. The house has amazing bones (it was built in the 1950s by a mid-century furniture designer) but needed an update. We gutted the entire house — inside and out — but kept the original details and made it modern and livable for this century. To top it off, we were just nominated for a 2018 CT&CIDA Award in the “Best Design Category.” We are so thrilled that this house resonated with people. This home is truly one of my very favorites and I could not be more excited.

If you could have lunch with someone who has influenced you in your career, who would it be and why?

I have many people who influence me. Kelly Wearstler is a master. She has a very successful business but still keeps true to her style.

ABOUT Denise Davies, Founder and CEO, D2 Interieurs

As D2’s founder and CEO, Denise leads the design and product teams at D2 Interieurs and is personally an avid collector of mid-century modern art, artifacts and furniture. Prior to launching D2 in 2010, Denise had a 20 year career as a fashion executive in New York City, Los Angeles, and Florence. An active member of the design community in Fairfield County, Denise has expanded the D2 portfolio to include over 75 residences in New York City, East Hampton, Southampton, Fairfield and Litchfield Counties as well as throughout New York’s historic Hudson Valley.

Denise founded D2 on the premise that active collaboration amongst designers, artists and craftspeople create signature homes that integrate style and function.  By assembling an eclectic and highly trained in-house team, D2’s signature portfolio includes artfully unique and supremely functional living spaces and home products that are accessible to a broad range of discerning clients.

For more information onD2 Interieurs, please follow themon instagram @d2interieurs and visit www.d2interieurs.com.

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Near & Far Aid Designer Q&A Series: Rich Pinto Design

What inspired you to make the leap from the Automotive Industry to Interior Design, and how did your experience there prepare you for your career today?

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 today.

5) You seem to love wallpaper as much as we do! Tell us some of your favorite places to incorporate this design detail.

The right wallpaper in the right place can transform an ordinary space into something really spectacular. I’m a huge fan of putting wallpaper in small spaces, especially ones you aren’t in for extended periods of time, for example a powder room or foyer. Wallpaper can bring great pops of pattern, color and even texture into a home, but you want to make sure it doesn’t overpower the space.

Near & Far Aid announced its 2018 Designer House Tour will feature six spectacular homes throughout Fairfield, Southport and Westport. New this year is a Champagne Brunch at The Patterson Club featuring an interactive presentation from award-winning architect Greg Tankersley of McAlpine in New York.

The 2018 Designer House Tour will help kick off Mother’s Day Weekend and will be held on Friday, May 11 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets for the Designer House Tour cost $65 if purchased in advance ($75 at the door), while tickets to the Champagne Brunch are priced at $75. Patrons may also purchase both tickets in advance for $125.

2018 Designer House Tour Offers Something For Everyone

In the months leading up to the House Tour, Near & Far Aid’s all-volunteer committee carefully curates a selection of unique properties to ensure that no two homes are alike. The six homes on this year’s tour have been recently reimagined by local designers and architects, many of which are are the designer’s own home.

“This year’s tour showcases architectural and design trends that can be appreciated by everyone,” said Jen Agne, co-chair of the 2018 Near & Far Aid Designer House Tour and Fairfield resident. “Patrons can expect antique homes, new construction dazzlers, fabulous outdoor spaces perfect for entertaining, mid-century modern at its best, and bold transitional and eclectic interiors done just right. Attendees will leave feeling incredibly inspired!”

“We’re so thankful for the support from our amazing team of volunteers, and our new and returning sponsors,” added co-chair, Vanessa Dembowski of Fairfield. “Every dollar raised goes toward funding programs that target poverty right here in Fairfield County.”

Sponsors for the 2018 Designer House Tour include: Jaguar Land Rover Fairfield; Tusk Home + Design; The Hatfield Insurance Community Fund; Circa Lighting; Henry C Reid & Son Jewelers; United Bank; Linda Blackwell – Houlihan Lawrence Real Estate; JP Franzen Associates Architects PC; Equinox Southport; and Exclusive Media Sponsor CTC&G (Connecticut Cottages & Gardens).

Please visit NEAR & FAR AID 2018 HOUSE TOUR for more information and to purchase tickets.

LET THE BIDDING BEGIN!

The Near & Far Aid Gala 2018 Silent Auction Catalog is open for preview and early bidding!  We offer an unparalleled collection of well-curated experiences and luxury offerings sure to entice.  Go ahead, start bidding and cross that must-have item or trip off the bucket list!

REGISTER TO PREVIEW AND BID!

PLEASE JOIN US FRIDAY, MARCH 2, 2018 FOR A GRAND AFFAIR!

LIMITED TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE HERE

Browse the information below for tips on how to bid online.  You can bid from your computer or mobile device all week long.  Here’s an insider tip we can offer to maximize your fun at Gala: set maximum bids for the items you REALLY want to win.  By doing so, the system bids on your behalf until it reaches your threshold or the auction closes.  No more constant checking or “babysitting” your bids; simply set your max and focus on the fun!

MORE INFORMATION ON HOW TO BID

Check your calendars and talk with friends and family; it is nearly time to bid at Near & Far Aid’s Live Auction on March 2, 2018.  As always, our auction features several amazing travel opportunities and unique experiences that will surely intrigue and inspire.  Take a sneak peak at five of our live auction offerings below. Remember, you must be present to bid at the Live Auction so buy your tickets today!  PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

SURF’S UP COSTA RICA!

Sunshine and surf are unlimited on this 5 night vacation package for 4 people in Nosara, Costa Rica.  Enjoy a luxury suite at the sustainable, boutique Olas Verdes Hotel, known for its outstanding service.  Your stay will include transportation from Liberia, daily breakfast, nightly dinners and a choice of daily yoga, massage, horseback or mountain bike riding, and of course, surfing.  Safari Surf School invites you to ride the waves with them at your daily 90-minute private surfing lesson. You will be taking off on the clean waves and hanging loose with the local pros by the end of your stay!

Valid dates: May 1^st to June 30^th, August 18 – November 15, 2018

Retail Value: $7,800 / Safari Surf School, Olas Verdes Hotel

BIG SKIES & BIGGER ADVENTURES

According to Vogue, “There is no better place to fulfill a fantasy of riding off into the sunset together!” Welcome to Averill’s Flathead Lake Lodge, a historic family-owned and operated Guest Ranch located directly on the shores of Flathead Lake in Bigfork, Montana. The Averill family has been hosting guests from around the world for over 65 years and you are invited experience the all-inclusive Montana dude ranch vacation of a lifetime! This trip for 4 includes 7 nights of lodging, all meals, an all-you-can-ride horseback program, unlimited water recreation, guided hikes and sailing aboard an historic 50’ racing sloop. Enjoy unmatched Western hospitality by the Averill family and staff and a truly priceless family experience.

Valid dates: June 10-17, 2018, August 19-26, 2018 and September 2-6, 2018, subject to availability.

Value: $12,500 / Flathead Lake Lodge, The Averill Family

SHOE OF THE MONTH CLUB

Carrie Bradshaw once said, “Sometimes it’s hard to walk in a woman’s shoes.  That’s why we need really special ones now and then – to make the walk a little more fun.”  Get yourself some really special shoes, one pair each month, selected at Mitchells of Westport.

Designers to be determined.

Value: $7,000 / Mitchells

A GRAND AFFAIR FOR 20

Sit back, relax and enjoy an experience of food, wine and friends.  Local culinary talents Dave Moore and Tim Schmidt will prepare a 5 course Italian meal for your party of 20.  Pick an evening this summer and the stage will be set at Saugatuck Harbor Yacht Club where the sounds of the band, the laughter of friends and the aromas of authentic Italian will mingle with a beautiful summer sunset and view of boats in the harbor.

Mutually agreed upon date in summer 2018.

Value: $6,000

THE CHAMPAGNE OF TENNIS & SHOES

We present to you two sparkling and priceless experiences packaged together for one amazing adventure in London.  Sit Centre Court on July 14, 2018 for the Ladies’ Wimbledon Finals.  Your 2 VIP tickets include private lounge amenities not accessible to the general public.  While in London you are invited to Manolo Blahnik’s elegant shoe salon to design a custom pair of shoes signed by Mr. Blahnik himself! Two nights of 5 star accommodations in central London are provided.

Tickets are for date specified only.  No exchanges or deferrals.

Value: Priceless / Anonymous, Mitchells

Invitations are in the mail and tickets for Near & Far Aid’s Gala 2018 are NOW ON SALE!  Our March 2^nd event, themed A Grand Affair, will transport you back in time for an evening of glamour, fanfare and 1920’s decadence!  Come draped in pearls, wear your bowler hats. Sip flowing champagne & spirits, enjoy passed hors d’oeurves & standing dinner, and swing to a live Harlem jazz band. The Gala also features luxury live and silent auctions, the crowd favorite “Best of Spring” fashion show, and our own late-night speakeasy.

Please join us for an inspired evening of fundraising to Target Poverty & Change Lives in Fairfield County.

Friday, March 2, 2018, Mitchells of Westport, 670 Post Road East, Westport

Tickets ON SALE HERE

Premium seating for the live auction and fashion show is $400, and tickets for standing room only are $350.

Near & Far Aid, a fundraising and fund-granting organization with more than 60 years of history in the community, held their annual meeting September 18, 2017.  Key points of business included granting budgets, transfer of presidential power and election of new members to the Board of Directors.  For the fiscal year concluding August 31, Near & Far Aid granted $1,172,500 to 107 agencies throughout Fairfield County who meet the organization’s mission of targeting poverty and changing lives.  The agency fielded more than 150 grant requests this past year and anticipate inquiries to increase in coming years as state budgets continue to contract.  As a funder, Near & Far Aid works with grantees advising them on issues of financial security and sustainable growth, connecting agencies when prudent in order to eliminate redundancies and ensure constituencies’ needs are still met.  The changing landscape of budgetary constraints proves to be a challenge for all but Near & Far Aid remains committed to finding and funding the best agencies and programs with proven results that will effect lasting change.

Outgoing President Joan Panagos passed the gavel to incoming President Kim Meier. Of her time as President Panagos remarked, “The most rewarding experience of my term was my involvement with the agencies we fund and the clients they support.  Meeting the people in our community that are benefiting from our efforts is an extraordinary gift.”  Meier, who served the last two years as Vice President and has served prior years in other capacities including Corporate Sponsorship Chair, accepted the gavel with recognition of the vast amount of institutional knowledge in the room, including several past presidents in attendance including Laura Wilbur, Susan Bonner, Jeanne Burris and Bitsy Higgins as well as Advisory Directors with decades of service.  Meier anticipates the work of Near & Far Aid to be transformative in every way, yet remain true to the mission and roots of the organization.

New members were elected to the Board of Directors, bringing the total number of seats held to 25.  New directors are Katie Dresch (Fairfield), Kelly Imschweiler (Fairfield), Sarah Parsons (Fairfield), and Jaclyn Picarillo (Fairfield).  Visit the website or more information on the work of Near & Far Aid.

The Near & Far Aid Golf Classic was held on Thursday, September 14, 2017 and once again brought out the best in serious golfers and the casual linksman.  The Country Club of Fairfield provided the stunning backdrop for this annual fundraising event.  The field of golfers arrived early to check in, enjoy a BBQ lunch on the patio and purchase a “Crush Poverty” kit – a means to donate directly to Near & Far Aid and receive a prize chance entry, admission to the putting contest and an all-important Mulligan chit.

We thank our long-time Title Sponsor – Fairfield County Bank – who have supported the Golf Classic for many years.   The Fairfield County Bank foursomes always set the pace for fun and competition on the course.    Our Presenting Sponsor – Jaguar Land Rover Fairfield sponsored TWO chances to win a car lease for a year on two different par three holes.  Even though everyone brought their A game, sadly no one took home the beautiful Land Rover or Jaguar F-Type.  Presenting sponsors J.P.. Morgan Private Bank and Moffly Media supported the event again this year along with Bank of America, U.S. Trust Private Wealth Management and FactSet as Leader Sponsors.

The tournament featured a new format for the “Beat the Pro” competition with friendly wagering that went to benefit the cause.  Everyone tried their hardest to best each other in longest drives, closest to the pin, lowest gross  and lowest net which was won by the team of Ari Kleinman (host from sponsor Crystal & Co), Mike Barr, Max Lepivert and Brian Broesder. The afternoon festivities continued off the course with a cocktail party and buffet at the clubhouse.  Golfers traded tournament stories while browsing and bidding on the silent auction items that ranged from rounds of golf at prestigious courses to a full golf wardrobe.  We thank all our event sponsors, volunteers and especially our chairmen of the event – Meaghan Gay, Lauren Healy, Tim Powers, Ari Kleinman and Mark Hale.