Q&A WITH BONNIE PAIGE, BONNIE PAIGE INTERIORS

Q: TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOUR DESIGN STYLE AND INSPIRATION?

I always felt it important to utilize classic architecture styles in all of my designs. There you will find symmetry, proportion, color, pattern and technique. While using classicism as a guideline, we can scale down in a way that makes it esthetically viable for todays lifestyle, with cleaner lines, less detail, open spaces, and consistent color tones. I like to call my homes Modern Classics — a nod to the past, with an emphasis on how we want to live now.

Q: GRAY HAS BEEN SUCH A HOT COLOR TREND. DO YOU THINK IT’S HERE TO STAY? WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITES?

I think that gray is here to stay. It is the new black or the new white. Its neutral sensibility has a range from cool to warm and goes with every color in the spectrum. My favorite is Revere Pewter HC-172, by Benjamin Moore. It is a very warm gray that sometimes reads taupe, tan, or a medium gray dependent on the time of day and type of light. It is versatile and easy on the eye; a neutral that one will never tire of.

Q: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A CLIENT LOOKING TO UPDATE A VINTAGE HOME?

I would say to protect your investment. You can do this by working with the original character of the home. So many times people try to go too modern or on trend.  You want to utilize the original architecture from a design standpoint and tweak it for the way you want to live. It’s fun to use modern features in kitchens, baths, furnishings and in garden design. Create clean lines that add to the character and that will age timelessly. Most importantly, be consistent with your style.

Q: ARE THERE ANY SIMPLE ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVES HOME OWNERS CAN TAKE ON?

We are fortunate that there are so many options available today to not only protect the environment, but your health. My favorite for example, is renovating verses tearing down. It is probably one of the biggest recycling strategies one could personally take on. Consider donating old appliances, cabinetry, hardware, wood trim, etc. You are not only saving the environment, but helping someone at the same time.

To see one of Bonnie Paige’s very own Modern Classics, purchase your tickets for this year’s not-to-be missed Designer House Tour at HOUSE TOUR TICKETS and visit her Web site at http://www.bonniepaige.com to learn more.

Q&A WITH MICHELLE HOGUE, HOGUE ID

Q: TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOUR DESIGN STYLE AND INSPIRATION?

My clients inspire me and my greatest joy is in creating spaces that are functional and personal, warm and unique. My personal design style gravitates toward Modern Eclectic, with a love for natural fabrics, layered textiles and curated objects from artisans worldwide. The general rule, keep things around you that make you smile and serve a purpose.

Q: IS IT POSSIBLE TO HAVE A HOME THAT IS STYLISH, YET FUNCTIONAL FOR FAMILY LIVING & ENTERTAINING TOO?

The first hurdle is understanding that your style is what defines stylish! If your family is casual, let your home be casual and embrace it. Stop forcing a formal space if it will not be utilized. Let your home truly be an expression of how you and your family live fully, and you will find that you use every square inch of it — and love it — for family living and entertaining!

Q: WITH SO MUCH EXPERIENCE BUILDING HOMES FROM SCRATCH, WHAT ARE THE TOP THREE THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUILDING A NEW HOME?

(1) Lighting. Capture as much natural light as possible when positioning the house on the site.

(2) Use of space. Consider the flow of how your family lives when designing the interior. Would it make sense to have a secondary washer and dryer in the mudroom, on the first floor, or off of the garage? Would you like your informal living room to be to the rear of the house or in the front? Should it be sited near a pool?

(3) Maintaining Privacy. In terms of privacy, while still maintaining exterior architectural balance, be open to raising windows. For example, master bathrooms and powder rooms would benefit from higher windows that do not need to be dressed.

Q: WHAT’S THE COOLEST NEW DESIGN ELEMENT YOU’VE SEEN/ DESIGNED IN A NEW CONSTRUCTION HOME? 

LIGHTING. In soffits, automatic lighting in kitchen drawers to brighten dark corners, capturing natural light through architectural windows, through interior glass panels, solar lights and sconces!

KITCHENS. Smaller kitchens designed as cabinetry (large island/entertaining space) with larger butler’s pantries built-out for the major appliances.

COMMUNITIES. Walking communities with front door walking paths connecting neighbors, stores/ restaurants, community, more architectural details.

For a first-hand look at Michelle Hogue’s beautiful Westport home, purchase tickets online for the Near & Far Aid 2016 Designer House Tour: HOUSE TOUR TICKETS and follow Near & Far Aid on Facebook to stay posted on this exciting annual event!

Q&A WITH DANA FERRARO, MOLLY PATTON DESIGN 

For more information about Molly Patton Design, please visit MOLLY PATTON DESIGNS  or @mollypattondesign, or see her unique designer perspective first hand as part of the Near & Far Aid 2016 Designer House Tour. Click here to purchase tickets PURCHASE TICKETS

Blue Zebra Wallpaper Ceiling by Molly Patton

THANK YOU!

On behalf of all of us at Near & Far Aid, thank you for helping to make the Spring Gala such a huge success! It was truly a magical evening, and thanks to the generosity of our guests, sponsors and supporters, the funds raised will help target poverty and change lives in Fairfield County. Please Click the Link to see all the photos from the gala VIEW PHOTOS HERE!

If you would like more information on the event, or how to get involved with Near & Far Aid, please visit  www.nearandfaraid.org.

IT’S THE FINAL COUNTDOWN!