Connecticut Cottages and Gardens Celebrates a Decade at a Stylish New Venue

For the past ten years Connecticut Cottages and Gardens has been bringing the best of our state to its beautiful glossy pages. Each month (or two) editor in chief DJ Carey (now Editorial Director of the entire Cottages & Gardens family of publications) fashioned a book filled with glorious gardens, handsome homes and delightful discoveries. So it was not surprising that last Thursday a huge crowd gathered to celebrate a decade of great design.

Connecticut Cottages & Gardens 10th anniversary edition

In these challenging times, it is a testament to the quality of the magazine that a local luxury publication has not only survived but thrived.

Connecticut Cottages and Gardens Celebrates a DecadeAnd as the magazine looks forward to its second decade, it was fitting that it marked the occasion with four talented local designers in a new Connecticut establishment geared toward design professionals and aficionados. From formal 18th century finds to mid century classics to contemporary creations, the Fairfield County Antique and Design Center is the newest local source for furniture, decorative and fine art, jewelry and even vintage clothing and accessories. With over 100 dealers in a gigantic 20,000 square foot space, there is something for everyone.

Designers Catherine Clearle, Krista Fox, DJ Carey, Lynn Morgan, Lisa Hilderbrand Above, designers (from left to right) Catherine Cleare, Krista Fox, Lynn Morgan and Lisa Hilderbrand surround DJ Carey (in middle) at the event. The four designers were given free reign to comb the extensive venue and last Thursday evening their final vignettes were unveiled. Lisa Hilderbrand‘s space was a chic eclectic mix of styles and eras.

Lisa Hilderbrand for Cottages and Gardens at the Fairfield Country Antiques and Design Center

With a terrific sense of warmth and comfort, her space felt move in ready.

Lisa Hilderbrand for Cottages and Gardens at the Fairfield Country Antique and Design Center

I particularly liked this charming vignette of art and accessories.

Lisa Hilderbrand of Welhil Interiors

The power of scale made a huge impact in Krista Fox‘s space. The bold and graphic art played perfectly off the softer shapes as did the pop of color against the neutral palette of the rest of the furnishings. With a nod to mid-century, the vignette felt contemporary in a very organic way.

Krista Fox for Cottages and Gardens at the Fairfield County Antique and design Center

Catherine Cleare‘s space was full of personality. While Katy’s designs always have a timeless quality, she wasn’t afraid to inject a little playful fun into her room. Black and white was having its moment, as was seen in many of the recent runway shows.

Catherine Cleare for Cottages and Gardens at the Fairfield County Antique and design CenterLynn Morgan is known for her crisp often coastal inspired schemes and her space certainly conveyed her signature touch with clean lines and bright pops of color. The power of pairs was happily evident in her bedroom vignette.

Lynn Morgan for Cottages and Gardens at the Fairfield County Antique and design Center

And retro glam had a fun moment  in this corner with a great mix of textures and form within a pure palette of white with pops of turquoise.

Lynn Morgan for Cottages and Gardens at the Fairfield County Antique and design Center

There was thankfully time to peruse the vast offerings at the center and I include here three of my favorite vendor booths. Aquamarine (aquamarineandco.com coming soon) has a unique mix of decorative and distinctive offerings. From classic elegance to global chic it’s a sophisticated melange of fabulous finds from around the globe, informed by years of world travel and a Masters Degree in Decorative Arts. I know this because my sister is the eye behind Aquamarine’s stylish facade. With a bloodhound’s nose for the rare and remarkable and endless patience for the hunt, she has turned what started as a childhood obsession and continued as an avocation through a career in private banking into this new venture. And I am thrilled that the center has proven to be the perfect venue for her to finally share her carefully curated collection.

aquamarine booth at the Fairfield County Antique and Design CenterThese amazing architectural lamps almost didn’t make it into the booth as I enviously eyed them on their way to the center.

aquamarine booth at the Fairfield County Antique and Design Center

Another booth I admired was that of Nora Murphy Hunt Club. Evoking classic Connecticut themes, her space reflects her love of the low key elegance of country life. I was not surprised to learn that Nora spent her career in the furniture industry working for such distinguished brands as Ralph Lauren and finally as Executive VP of Style and Advertising at Ethan Allen. You can find Nora online where her lifestyle site celebrates the best of stylish country house living.

Nora Murphy Hunt Club at the Fairfield County Antiques and Design Center

And it’s impossible to miss the ebullient space of Matthew and Company. With a cheerful mix of color and pattern, Matthew Tyrrell always includes a great selection of lacquered pieces that add a dose of style and whimsy to any room.

Matthew and company at the Fairfield County Antique and Design Center

In addition to the dealers’ booths, the center also includes Leclerc Contemporary, a contemporary art gallery with rotating exhibitions lasting six to ten weeks. A great source for fine art, the space is also available for events and parties.

Leclerc Contemporary at the Fairfield Antique and Design CenterThe last aspect of the center to note is the Atypicalfind Auction. Every Wednesday at 6:30 pm, in conjunction with Westport Auction, a table auction with no reserves, presents consignors with antique, vintage or especially unique items. There is no phone of internet bidding and all items are sold to the highest bidder. There are always finds to be had at frequently appealing price points.

Fairfield County Antique and Design Center on 1stdibsAny questions about any items featured in the booths or vignettes should be directed to the center here. In addition, for those not local, the site is now on 1stDibs where you can peruse many of the center’s offerings from the comfort of your chair!

5 thoughts on “Connecticut Cottages and Gardens Celebrates a Decade at a Stylish New Venue

  1. I love this emphasis on cottage living! We actually live in what we call a “California cottage”, in Seattle, a bit disjointed, but we love it. These designers really did such a nice job of maintaining the charm but with load of style, Love it!! Pinning away!

  2. We’re so sorry we missed this fun event and would have loved to have seen the vignettes in person (as well as see you, of course!) We hope our paths will cross soon though.
    xxoo
    C + C

  3. Stacey the designers rooms filled with art and artful accessories are incredible as are the booth spaces! Thank you so much for sharing!

    xoxo
    Karena
    Stunning Fine Art Photography by Darryll Schiff

  4. Beautiful vignettes Stacey! I especially loved the one with the Chinoiserie lamps and the Imperial Trellis wing chair. Lynn Morgan is one of my fave, fave interior designers! xo, Laurel

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *