Day of Design returns to the Mayflower Grace on Saturday, June 13th when renowned interior designers, stylists and writers will take part in a series of panels.
“The details are not the details. They make the design.”
-Charles Eames
Was it the wallpaper? The choice of color? A bold piece of furniture or art? Details matter and the elements of design speak to each other to create the narrative of an exquisite interior. Designers hone their skills with a study of historical design elements, travels, an appreciation for art, a love of architecture and even individual objects. For the professionals and enthusiasts alike, design is a voyage of discovery that includes layering colors and textures, collecting what we love and incorporating fine pieces that make our houses, homes.
On Saturday, June 13th, a select group of design professionals will gather again at The Mayflower Grace to take part in a ‘Day of Design’, The unique and talented design experts who live or have weekend homes in our historic towns will joined by NYC-based designers to share some of their secrets during a full day of panels, an al fresco lunch and a ‘Meet the Designer’ cocktail party. There will be a book signing with Robert Couturier with his luscious book, ‘Designing Paradise’ and Susanna Salk with several of her new design book titles including “Be Your Own Decorator’ and ‘Decorate Fearlessly’.
The first morning panel, ‘Styling the Collection’ will bring together Kathryn McCarver Root of KMR Arts Gallery, designer Alan Tanksley and the Editor in Chief of New England Home Magazine, Kyle Hoepner to discuss how to curate, style and display collections. The talk cover very different collections from fine art photography to accessories and antiques. The second morning talk covers ‘Bold Moments in Design’, a subject that examines those elements of design that make a statement and elevate design to unique beauty. The three panelists have rich backgrounds; Stacy Kunstel is a designer, stylist and a writer for national magazines who also founded the design company Dunes and Duchess with her husband, photographer Michael Partenio. Kati Curtis and Justin Shaulis are young energetic interior designers recognized in the press for their eye for what is fresh, bold and chic.
After lunch, the afternoon continues with more engaging panels. First up is ‘The Narrative of Wallpaper’ with dynamic interior designer Philip Gorrivan and Melissa Mittag who is Managing Director for North America for Fromental, a global luxury brand specializing in scenic wall coverings and fabrics. They will give an informative talk on how wallpaper can transform modern interiors and tell a unique story in contrast to other wall treatments. Following this panel is a discussion of ‘Designing Paradises’ with internationally renowned Robert Couturier who is included in Architectural Digest’s prestigious annual list of the best decorators. From Morocco to South America to the Litchfield Hills, the residences that Couturier has built and decorated are the houses of our dreams.
The moderators for the panels are two of the most preeminent style setters and design mavens in the industry. Susanna Salk, a Litchfield County resident is a prolific author of highly regarded design books including her latest publication, ‘Decorate Fearlessly!’. Stacey Bewkes, founder and writer of Quintessence, has a mantra to ‘Experience, inspire, inform – it’s all about living well with style and substance.’ After 17 years as an art director in New York City, she left the corporate world for Connecticut. She adds, “It is a continuing love of design that led to the creation of this lifestyle blog, a discerning online guide to those special discoveries that make life just that much better.”
The event is presented by John-Richard, a Mississippi-based company, specializing in luxury furniture, lighting, accessories and art. Other sponsors include New England Home Magazine, The Matthews Group at William Raveis Real Estate, The Cooper Group and Alan Barry Photography.
Kyle Hoepner, Editor in Chief of New England Home magazine summed it up perfectly, “New England Home magazine is delighted to be a sponsor of the 2015 Day of Design at the Mayflower Grace. Just like last year’s very successful event, the Day of Design this year will bring together designers and design lovers from our region with figures of national and international stature. It is sure to be a time filled with beauty, style, and—best of all—the sharing of knowledge and delight, all in the bucolic setting of Washington, Connecticut.”
The cost for the day is $170 which includes entry to both morning and afternoon panels, refreshments, lunch and a VIP cocktail party. Reservations are required and can be booked by calling Christine Afiouni at The Mayflower Grace: 860-868-9466
