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Showcasing Litchfield County’s Design Professionals and Creatives

In this special section, we highlight some of the region’s design professionals and artists, whose creativity and craftsmanship shape the unique architectural and interior landscapes of Litchfield County. Read on to get an exclusive glimpse into their innovative work.

Revolutionary Restoration and Building

Revolutionary Restoration and Building has been crafting fine new homes and restoring historic properties for over 30 years in Litchfield County. The company is known for its dedication to architectural design and meticulous execution, making it a trusted partner for clients seeking second homes and estate properties.

The team places a strong emphasis on hard work, attention to detail, and delivering on commitments without excuses. Honesty and transparency are at the core of every project, reflecting the company’s high regard for its reputation.

What sets Revolutionary Restoration apart is its team of highly skilled and talented craftsmen. Their expertise ranges from constructing post-andbeam barn frames to crafting custom cabinetry and building cutting-edge modern homes.

With years of proven experience, the company efficiently brings the visions of architects and homeowners to life. Their collaborations with accomplished architects and designers on prestigious estates and properties enhance the value they bring to future clients.

While Revolutionary Restoration and Building was founded with a focus on restoring historic homes, particularly those from the Revolutionary War era— hence its name—it also takes pride in modern home projects.

The team’s forward-thinking approach ensures that they enjoy working on both historic and contemporary homes alike.

The company is owned by Tim Egan, who holds building licenses in Connecticut and is exam-certified in South Carolina, with reciprocity in several other states. His leadership and commitment to quality continue to drive the success of Revolutionary Restoration and Building. —revolutionarybuilding.com

Karen LeSage

How did you get started in art?
I have been making art since I could hold a crayon, always working from nature. In art school I studied design alongside fine art, which has served me well.

How would you describe the style of your paintings?
I do minimalist landscapes, color fields, and full abstraction. I love working large.

What do you aim to achieve in your paintings?
I seek to document a single moment of awe in my encounters with the natural world. I capture them outdoors, sketching quickly before the light shifts. I take those back to my studio and paint larger versions of them, where they become further simplified. I find a quiet power when I eliminate the non-essential.

How does your work intersect with interior design?
Interior design increasingly seeks to support the total well-being of its inhabitants. My work aligns well with the aim to create a sanctuary. It is exciting to see my pieces incorporated into masterfully orchestrated spaces. Art is now often selected in the early stages of a design project. One painting was purchased before the house was built.

Why do your paintings work so well in a variety of homes and public spaces?
I tread the line between realism and abstraction, so the paintings seem to happily skew either way. I have been told that they “play well with others.” Also, with their theme of stillness, who doesn’t need more of that?

How do you stay motivated and inspired?
Litchfield County’s beauty is endlessly captivating, and the level of support in this exceptional community is gratifying. The change of seasons keeps things fresh.

Where can people see your work?
My current showroom is at 15 Academy St., Salisbury, across from LaBonne’s market. —karenlesage.com

Dobson Pools

What type of service do you provide?
Based in the Litchfield Hills since 1968, we are a family-owned designer and builder of custom gunite pools. Our longevity is built on consistent innovation and valuing client relationships. While pools often start the conversation, our projects evolve to bring your entire vision to life.

Who is your ideal client?
We believe magic and memories happen around the pool. Whether for relaxation, recreation, fitness, or reflection, a pool can be many things—a rural sanctuary, time with family and friends, or a simple thing of beauty. A well-designed poolscape enhances your property’s full potential.

What are the core values and mission of your business?
It’s all about relationships. We aim to understand and honor your vision through detailed design, structurally engineered drawings, and collaboration with other project partners. The result is an exquisite pool and an exceptional experience.

How do you differentiate your business?
Working with Dobson Pools is a boutique experience. We treat each project with individualized care and clear communication. Brian holds national recognition as a Certified Building Professional, ensuring your pool is crafted with excellence and built to current industry standards.

What is your aesthetic?
A Dobson Pool is always sophisticated and sleek, featuring clean, modern designs that highlight your property’s natural beauty.

“When you are involved in an extraordinary occupation, you become absorbed in it.” Siblings Brian and Julie bring this passion to every project. We welcome you to share your vision so we can help write your property’s next story.

New Preston, CT
860-354-9227
dobsonpools.com

Montage Antiques

With a 6,500-square-foot showroom, five containers of antiques arriving from Europe a year, and public wholesale events associated with their arrivals, Montage Antiques is a unique source for retail clients and interior designers! They source from Europe and the United States, and work hard to supply a variety of styles and epochs. At Montage you will find a 19th-century French farmhouse table, classic mid-century design, authentic French 18th-century verdure tapestries, and everything in between!

Montage is a family business. Dana and Fritz Rohn have been in the antiques business for over 35 years (previously of Jennings and Rohn antiques in Woodbury). The innovative new arm of the business, Montage Antiques, was launched in 2015, as Dana saw a clear need to bring antiques back into relevance in the interior design world at the height of the minimalist trend. Dana and Fritz’s elder daughter, Chloë, joined the team as part of the newly opened Montage, bringing fresh eyes. In 2021, their younger daughter, Phoebe, joined the Montage team to manage the international sourcing, bringing a passion for the hunt.

The Montage family believes that interiors filled with unique antiques are the most stylish and sustainable option on the market. They work hard to maintain a price point that enables a wide variety of clients to fulfill their dreams of a home filled with antiques, all while never compromising style or authenticity.

25 Main St., Millerton
montageantiques.com
@montageantiques

Northeast Fine Floor Design

At Northeast, we are a fullservice flooring design company dedicated to providing an expansive selection of upscale flooring products in our newly renovated showroom. Our exceptional personal service ensures insightful design guidance, helping you articulate your vision and material preferences.

We specialize in crafting custom area rugs and stair runners from premium materials. We prioritize custom on-site fabrications that encourage client involvement in creative decisions while also providing broadloom installations.

Living spaces have become multi-functional, bringing interiors to life. There’s a connection between styles combining elements together creating a home that feels authentic, balancing comfort and harmony. We provide a broad range of styles and strive to achieve the aesthetic our clients are envisioning. In addition, we offer a variety of prefinished, unfinished, solid, and engineered hardwood flooring and provide existing hardwood floor refinishing with the option of low VOC water-borne finishes.

Integrity, quality, and customer service are the core values that fundamentally guide us in everything we do and are at the forefront of our business philosophy. We are committed to quality craftsmanship, ensuring every project reflects these principles. Our mission focuses on understanding, communication and execution, which we believe are essential for fostering successful partnerships with our clients.

Our customer base is vital to our success, encompassing both new and loyal repeat clients. We primarily serve residential homeowners and trade professionals, such as interior designers, builders and architects. Recently, we opened our new outlet building and serve customers seeking flooring products at value price points.

With decades of honed skills and hands-on experience, our reputation for exceptional craftsmanship, combined with best-in-class project management, distinguishes us in the industry. Our commitment to honesty and fairness governs our relationships, ensuring our reputation remains paramount as we build trust and deliver outstanding results.

280 Danbury Rd., New Milford
860-354-2600
—northeastffd.com

Samantha Gale Designs

Samantha Gale Designs is a full service home design and retail store focusing on vintage farmhouse home décor and design.

What services do you provide for your clients?
I have a unique sense of how to create exceptional spaces. The home design and retail store allow clients to see first-hand how I pull together different materials and items into a beautifully warm and cohesive space. Our custom creations can also be purchased off the floor. My success can be measured by the fact that clients continue to return for more after I’ve completed their first room.

What makes you different?
I’m obsessed with the power of design. Colors, patterns, textures, and moods fill my head 24/7. When I see a space, my mind is flooded with imagination. The room comes to life, complete with sounds and smells. I then meticulously select pieces, fabrics, wallpapers, tiles, wood, colors, and accessories to realize my vision. It’s like painting a picture with my mind. It’s an obsession.

What is your vibe?
Though I adapt to the specific needs and style preferences of each client, my love is creating Vintage Farmhouse Homes. My soul is stuck in the bygone age of the 1920s and 1930s. Upon entering Samantha Gale Designs, visitors are overcome with a sense of what once was. I use scents, sounds, colors, and textures to transport my clients through time. Whether it is a kitchen, living room, bedroom, or bath, I connect all these elements seamlessly, leaving clients with not just a beautiful room, but a home full of warmth, cohesiveness, and belonging as if it had been there for a lifetime already.

Samantha Gale Designs Vintage
Farmhouse Home
104 Main St., Torrington
—samanthagaledesign.com

Stoneleaf Construction

What services do you provide?
At Stoneleaf Construction, we offer personalized construction management services through our Premier Process to Deliver (PPD). We handle everything from the initial consultation to project completion, ensuring every detail aligns with your vision. Our services include precise construction oversight, real-time updates, post-construction support, and a dedicated warranty team to ensure we exceed your expectations.

Who is your ideal client?
Our ideal clients are discerning homeowners and developers focused on high-end residential or hospitality projects. We work with those who value craftsmanship and collaboration. Currently, we serve western Connecticut and the Hudson Valley in New York, but we’re expanding into new markets, partnering with clients who seek extraordinary results.

What are the core values of your business?
Our core values are Excellence, Transparent Communication, Innovation, Exceptional Service, and Teamwork. Our mission is to turn inventive ideas into valuable investments. Using cutting-edge technology and unmatched expertise, we redefine the construction experience, push boundaries, and deliver outstanding results.

How do you differentiate yourselves from your competitors?
We stand out by blending superior craftsmanship with a hospitality-inspired approach. We offer a single point of contact and real-time updates throughout the process to ensure precision at every stage. Our strong relationships with trades and vendors allow us to deliver exceptional quality at competitive prices, making us leaders in high-end projects.

Do you have a specific design style that defines your brand?
We bring diverse design visions to life, creating timeless, visually stunning spaces. Whether modernist, vintage, or avant-garde, we meet each client’s unique tastes and push design boundaries. Discover more reasons to build with us. Let’s create something extraordinary—contact us today!

4974 NY-22, Amenia
stoneleafconstruction.com
[email protected]

William McIntosh Design

What services do you provide?
William McIntosh Design offers full Interior Design services to our clients. Our projects range from design directing new ground-up residences to complete renovations and decoration of homes and apartments in New York City, the surrounding communities, and around the world.

Who is your target audience or ideal client?
Our clients range from first-time young families to more experienced, design-savvy individuals. The common thread is that our clients desire and appreciate the benefits of a good design and expert craftsmanship.

What is the mission of your design business?
We value the highest level of design integrity of each project, and the best quality possible within the project budget.

How do you differentiate your business from competitors?
Through the quality of our work both aesthetically and materially, as well as the organization and professionalism of our amazing team.

Do you have a specific design style or aesthetic that defines your brand?
All of our projects are rooted in modern ideas, which we tailor to a variety of tastes and styles depending on the clients.

What else should we know about your business?
We bring our breadth and depth of understanding and appreciation of architecture and interior design to each and every project. Also employing our knowledge of fashion, landscape design, design, art, and travel allows us to bring a vast body of references and associations to our clients’ projects.

27 W. 20 St., NYC
212-807-8030
williammcintoshdesign.com

Modern Supply

Modern Supply specializes in plumbing, heating, and lighting solutions, offering a wide range of high-quality products and services. Their experienced team provides expert guidance to homeowners, designers, builders, architects, and contractors, ensuring that every project, whether large or small, is handled with precision and care.

With a focus on innovation and customer service, Modern Supply delivers tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of each client. Their offerings include cutting-edge products for both residential and commercial spaces, with options spanning traditional, transitional, and contemporary designs.

As a trusted second-generation, family-run business, Modern Supply is committed to excellence. Their expansive showroom showcases the latest trends, and a full-service parts counter ensures that customers have everything they need for their projects. With large inventories and a fleet of delivery trucks, Modern Supply ensures prompt and reliable service.

Visit their modern showroom to explore the wide range of products, and discover how their expert team can help bring any project to life.

101 Danbury Rd., New Milford
800-241-3184
Modernplumbing.biz

Litchfield County Pools

What type of service do you provide?
Litchfield County Pools specializes in the installation, renovation, and maintenance of custom inground gunite pools. We collaborate closely with homeowners and architects to design pools that complement both property and lifestyle. Additionally, we offer services such as patio, wall, and fencing installations.

Who are your clients?
We serve residential properties across Litchfield County, from full-time homes to weekend retreats. One of the greatest rewards is experiencing diverse properties and building lasting relationships with clients long after projects are complete.

What are the core values and mission of your business?
We prioritize high quality, transparent communication, and unwavering integrity. Our pools are built to last, and through clear communication, we ensure clients fully understand their pools. We believe there’s always a solution to every challenge and strive to deliver the best results by putting ourselves in our clients’ shoes.

How do you differentiate your business?
As a family-owned business since 1987, we take a personalized approach to every project. By limiting the number of projects we take on, each one gets the attention it deserves. We focus on your family’s needs—whether you want a lap pool, a family pool, or a relaxing retreat—and create a custom design that enhances your property.

Do you have a specific design style or aesthetic?
Our goal is to seamlessly integrate your pool into your property, ensuring it feels like a natural extension of the space. We accomplish this through thoughtful design and carefully chosen materials.

What else should we know about your business?
We have a truly exceptional team at LCP, from our office manager and project managers to our servicing and construction teams. They all contribute to our clients’ ultimate satisfaction and the respected reputation that we carry.

lcpools.com
860-355-8547

Sonia Bodie Designs

What type of service do you provide?
We are a creative, full-service design studio, with an integrative approach to interior architecture and landscape design, serving as the foundation for creating holistic environments that weave together interior and exterior spaces.

Who is your ideal client?
We are so grateful to have found clients that have an enduring commitment to this region. There is a beautiful and quiet movement in our area— one of connection to the land, of being in relationship with a place, and the shared experience of that. That sense of belonging to a place builds stewardship, accountability, and a vested interest in the ongoing well-being and endurance of that place.

What is your mission?
Our philosophy is grounded in the belief that our well-being and quality of life is greatly enhanced through our relationship with nature. We are passionate about creating places of meaning and beauty that connect people to the natural world— poetic spaces and landscapes that create a sense of place, that are deeply rooted in their natural and cultural histories, and that become the unique expression of that place.

What is your design process?
Our design process is place inspired— we create environments that connect people to place. It’s rooted in cultivating an awareness of the value of being in relationship with our surrounding environments and the natural world. We believe in the power of place to create awareness and connection, enriching the lives and communities of those who live there.

What else should we know?
We see design as a collaborative process with our clients, which allows for open and creative exploration, leading to meaningful, sustainable, and environmentally sensitive design solutions.

203-829-6345
soniabodiedesigns.com

Nutmeg Table Company

What service do you provide?
Nutmeg Table Company specializes in custom dining tables, coffee tables, and butcher block islands. We also work with clients to create unique pieces like plinths, vanities, and dressers. Each piece is crafted from sustainable, solid American hardwoods in our Connecticut workshop.

Who is your target audience or ideal client?
Our clients include homeowners, interior designers, and anyone seeking heirloom-quality furniture. We cater to those looking for custom pieces that align with their home’s style and functional needs. Whether you have a specific design or want something unique, we’re open to all ideas and creativity.

What are the core values and mission of your design business?
At Nutmeg Table Company, craftsmanship and attention to detail define everything we do. Our mission is to create furniture that stands the test of time, made by skilled artisans using the finest American hardwoods. From material sourcing to final finishes, every step reflects our commitment to excellence and longevity.

How do you differentiate your design business from competitors?
Each piece is custom-made in our workshop, where clients can influence every design aspect. We offer a personalized experience, with direct contact between clients and craftsmen. Our pricing is competitive, but we deliver higher quality with solid American hardwoods—no veneers or engineered wood.

Do you have a specific design style or aesthetic that defines your brand?
We blend traditional craftsmanship with modern design, emphasizing clean lines and the natural beauty of wood. Our style ranges from traditional to contemporary, always focusing on high-quality, custom pieces that reflect each client’s vision.

1691 Thomaston Ave.,Waterbury
203-519-5507
nutmegtablecompany.com

 Abigail Horace Designs with Wellness in Mind
By Jamie Marshall
Photographs by Nick Glimenakis 

 Abigail Marcelo Horace came to design at a young age. Growing up in Queens, she spent weekends exploring Manhattan’s iconic buildings with her father, an avid photographer. What she loved most was seeing the interiors. As a teenager she watched home makeover shows incessantly, and frequently changed her room around on a whim—even down to the paint color. “It drove my parents crazy,” she says. These experiences taught her to design with joy and exuberance—and taught her the importance of following her gut. 

Horace graduated from the New York Institute of Technology with a degree in interior design in 2010. She spent nearly a decade working for residential firms in New York City. It was fast, frenetic and stressful—“there was an urgency to every project,” she says—and by 2019, she and her husband knew they wanted a different quality of life.

They took a leap of faith and moved to Falls Village, not far from a college friend. She spent a year as a senior designer at Hendricks Churchill in Sharon before taking another leap of faith and launching her own firm, Casa Marcelo.  

Initially she worked out of a space in Falls Village, near where she and her husband were living. She has since moved the business to a spacious, light-filled historic building in Salisbury. As a testament to her talent and hard work, the 37-year-old designer was named to Frederic Magazine’s 2024 It List of young designers. “It means a lot to me to be recognized for my designs based on merit and not as a popularity contest,” Horace says.

Although her personal style runs to mid-century modern, over the years she has found inspiration in the work of numerous designers, including Charlotte Perriand, Chango and Co., and Kelly Wearstler. “Kelly is very good at designing unique furniture and lighting,” Horace says. “I source her items constantly to get a unique look into a space.”

One of the things that sets her apart as a designer is her commitment to wellness in all areas of her life, especially when it comes to a work-life balance. “There have been times when I’ve been completely burnt out in my career. It’s about giving myself grace,” she says.

She gives her clients grace, too. “Renovation projects can be overwhelming,” she says. “A lot of my clients are working moms. If I can take one thing off their plate, that’s huge to me. My goal in design is to create a comfortable, effortless, and serene space for my clients.”

That’s something she experienced growing up as the daughter of first-generation Americans (she is part Panamanian and part Dominican), especially from her Dominican grandmother. “She had ten kids in the Dominican Republic, and she still found a way to feed the rest of the kids in the neighborhood who were hungry,” says Horace. “She was giving and warm and kind, and those are the kinds of characteristics I want my clients to feel.”—casamarcelo.co

A Chic Boutique Hotel with a Storied Past Debuts in Litchfield

By Jamie Marshall

Photos courtesy of Salt Hotels

David Bowd recalls the day in 2020 that he got a call from Marty Kenny, the founder of Lexington Partners, a Hartford-based development firm, pitching him a potential hotel property in northwest Connecticut. As the co-founder and CEO of Salt Hotels, which includes four historic properties in highly sought-after locations (Nantucket, Charleston, South Beach), Bowd is used to getting random inquiries. “In most cases I ignore them,” he says. “But this time was different. He mentioned the town of Litchfield. That got my attention.” 

Bowd’s mother had owned a café in Litchfield, England, years earlier and he had fond memories of working there. So, he and his partner, Kevin O’Shea (Salt’s chief creative officer), drove from Provincetown to check out the building in question: the former county courthouse, built in 1890. The building had been shuttered in 2017, when the courthouse moved to nearby Torrington. 

One look at the commanding stone façade and Colonial-style clocktower, and they were sold. That was four years and one global pandemic ago. It was worth the wait. The Abner opened in September of this year. It was named for the Rev. Abner Reeve, whose son, Tapping Reeve, founded the nation’s first law school, in Litchfield, Conn., in 1772. 

Now a chic 20-room boutique hotel, the Abner strikes all the right notes: a seamless blend of historic elements, modern amenities, and whimsical touches. The former vaults are now part of the interior décor, for instance; the site of the former holding cells has been repurposed into a conference space that can be rented by the day or the hour. 

As minority owners and fulltime operators in the property, Salt (and Lexington Partners) worked closely with the town’s historical society to maintain the building’s integrity, while bringing the property up to code. Among the biggest logistical challenges was getting food from the basement kitchen to the restaurant, situated in the second-floor courtroom. The solution? A mechanized dumbwaiter, wait staff with radios, and runners on both ends to make sure everyone’s meals arrive in a timely manner. 

Every detail is exquisite, from the rooftop bar with its sweeping panoramic views and classic New England vibe to the stylish guestrooms and suites. Each is done in a rich ochre that evokes pages of the old law journals discovered onsite, and accented with black, dark blue, and tomato red. There are sustainably sourced toiletries from Further Products and Palermo Body, and kimono-style robes made by the African company Tensira.

In the public spaces, delightful surprises turn up around every corner. Local resident Lori Bookstein, who owns the Manhattan gallery Bookstein Projects, curated the art collection.. A custom lamp by Bantam-based ceramicist Charlie Dumais, inspired by the clocktower, sits on the hostess desk (a repurposed jury box) outside the restaurant, where the original benches were given new life as sumptuous leather-topped banquettes.

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“I am a huge preservationist at heart,” says O’Shea, who managed every aspect of the interior design. “The challenge is always how can we respect a building’s past and get to the outcome we are trying to get to?” 

For all its contemporary comforts, the past is never far away. The property’s historical significance is a lynchpin in a town that was settled in 1719. Plans are in the works to mount a permanent exhibition that will trace the timeline of the courthouse and its role in the town’s history. 

“We are so excited to revitalize this important piece of historic architecture, and to create a vibrant gathering place for Litchfield’s local community and our future guests,” says Bowd. “It’s ironic that for so long people were desperate to get out of this place and now they can’t wait to come in.” — The Abner Hotel, 15 West St., Litchfield

theabnerhotel.com

J. Seitz, a family-run design store in New Preston, CT, is led by mother-daughter duo Joanna and Amanda Seitz. Offering sustainable, artisan-made home goods, furniture, and fashion, the store blends timeless charm with modern touches, remaining a beloved destination for high-quality, distinctive products.

1. How has the HomeGoods and furniture industry evolved over the past 30 years?
   The market has become more homogenized over time, with chain stores dominating and small, creative, owner-operated shops becoming less prevalent. The same applies to products and furniture. It takes more effort now to find distinctive merchandise, but we’ve maintained our commitment to sourcing unique, artisan-made goods that offer our customers something truly special.
2. What brought you to Litchfield County, and how has it influenced your business?
   We bought a home here 45 years ago to escape the hustle of Manhattan and suburban Connecticut. The natural beauty of Litchfield County, particularly Washington, immediately captivated us, and we restored an old farmhouse. This area has greatly influenced our business philosophy. It inspires our commitment to sustainability and our love for creating warm, inviting spaces that mirror the beauty of the surrounding environment.
3. Can you share a memorable moment or experience from your decades in business?                                                                                       One memorable moment was when Jane Fonda visited the shop and pointed to an eccentrically dressed client from the lake, asking, “Is she someone famous?” Also, getting hugs from rock stars is always fun!
4. How do you stay current with trends while maintaining your store’s unique identity?
   We balance trends with timeless appeal, evolving while maintaining sustainable, high-quality pieces that keep clients returning.
5. What do you believe has contributed most to the longevity of your store?
   Our client-driven philosophy has been crucial. We treat everyone who walks through the door with friendliness, honesty, and respect. This, combined with our dedication to sourcing artisan-made and sustainable goods, has built a loyal clientele who appreciate our commitment to quality. Many of our customers have been shopping with us for years, and we’ve even dressed and furnished the homes of three generations!
6. How do you curate the selection of items you sell, and what role does sustainability play in that process?
   We curate with care, always seeking products that are distinctive, sustainable, and high-quality. Sustainability has always been at the core of our philosophy, long before it became a buzzword. Whether it’s furniture, apparel, or apothecary items, we prioritize safety and eco-friendliness. We’ve received accolades from organizations like the Sustainable Furniture Council, and we continue to ensure that the items we offer are as kind to the environment as they are to our clients.
7. Have customer habits shifted with the rise of online retail?
   While many shop online, we’ve been fortunate to maintain a loyal customer base. People keep coming back, bringing their families and friends. Most of our interior design projects come through referrals, and some have been featured in national magazines, which generates further interest. Our clients appreciate the personal touch that online retail just can’t provide.
8. What do you love most about owning and running J. Seitz?
   The people. Meeting incredible clients, staff, vendors, and artists keeps us passionate, making the human connection the most rewarding.

She was once a little girl fascinated by her grandfather’s sprawling garden; childhood photos capture images of her holding flowers wherever she went. Today, Brenda Christie is an award-winning florist recognized for her innate ability to infuse timeless designs with modern glamor and classic elegance.  

“Flowers and decor set the mood and create a memorable atmosphere that will be long remembered after an event,” explains Christie, owner and creative director of Bouquets & Beyond, a luxurious floral boutique in Woodbury. “They are a universal language that allows us to express love, support, celebration, sympathy, and care when words are not enough.”

Initially, a 10-year corporate career involved overseeing event decor, but instead of ordering floral arrangements, Christie would gather individual pieces and assemble them at her desk. Passersby noticed her passion and talent, and encouraged her to pursue florals. 

Ultimately, “drawn to the industry by a desire to bring joy and beauty into people’s lives and make an impact in the world,” she opened a home-based studio in Woodbury, and 15 years later, in 2017, the boutique. 

Whether assembling corsages, a couture single rose, 10-foot tall vase designs, or wedding arches towering 15 feet, Christie “delivers an experience, not just a product.”

Voted Best Florist of 2024 in Litchfield and New Haven counties, she was also honored as Northeast Floral Designer of the Year a few years ago. Accolades are appreciated, she says, but seeing clients’ excitement when their visions become reality is what fuels her.

From “intimate soirees to lavish extravaganzas,” weddings have been Christie’s specialty for nearly 20 years. Though incredibly rewarding, the behind-the-scenes work is challenging depending on event size and complexity. Large weddings encompass an entire week of unboxing flowers, quality control checks, processing and conditioning, and design prepping, followed by the actual design. Smaller-scale events can be executed in a couple of days but follow the same process. 

Because color influences emotions, captivating arrangements must incorporate the right palette. Jewel tones are Christie’s favorite, featuring purples, fuschia, indigo, blues, and reds “bursting with regal drama, and strong and rich velvety brilliance.” She also loves the classic white/cream palette.

Flowers are sourced locally when seasonally available or arrive daily from around the world. Orchids are a favorite year round, Christie notes, effortlessly naming preferred varieties, including Vanda, Lady Slipper, Phalaenopsis, and Hawaiian Dendrobium. They create the innovative, luxurious, and elegant aesthetic she is known for, whether she is designing for holidays, corporate events, sympathy tributes, or any other occasion.

“I fell in love with flowers, gardening, and nature at a very young age,” Christie reflects. “I was surrounded by and fascinated by the intrinsic beauty of all plants my entire life.”

Grateful to have a special part in helping people celebrate and express their love through the language of flowers, she emphasizes “the natural architectural beauty of every floral and non-formal element.”

“It’s an honor to be a part of the best, and even the worst, moments of our customers’ lives,” says Christie.—bouquetsbeyond.com

Bouquets & Beyond
When the Language of Flowers Defies Words

By Clementina Verge

Country Estates & Waterfront Home Specialists

By Clementina Verge

From breathtaking views to direct water access, Litchfield County offers a unique blend of luxury, elegance, and tranquility, and a recently-formed team of national award-winning agents provides unparalleled expertise in welcoming you home.

Founded by Diana Imperatore Bisselle, The Legacy Team at William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty features a compilation of unique backgrounds facilitating seamless transactions for qualified buyers and sellers. For the first half of 2024, the team was recognized as #1 in both dollar volume and units in the Salisbury brokerage.

The team name honors Diana’s parents, Philip and Dobrila Waugh, who owned Waugh Real Estate—a preeminent brokerage covering the Tri-State area for over 30 years. 

As a third generation Sharonite and second generation realtor, “this exposure instilled in me the importance of superior client service and professional integrity, core values that define The Legacy Team,” explains Diana.

Prior to her role as global real estate advisor, Diana worked in New York City for several international investment banks and a hedge fund specializing in Russia, Eastern Europe, Turkey, and the Middle East, as an equity salesperson and emerging markets portfolio manager for over 20 years. She returned to the Northwest Corner’s familiar and peaceful setting where clients benefit from her deep knowledge of the area.

In 2020, her husband Andrew joined The Legacy Team. After 10 years in business development for health care systems in Connecticut and Vermont, and a 20-year career in private education, appreciation for relationship building is a hallmark of his refined approach to real estate.

Earlier this year, the team expanded, welcoming an exceptional agent: Alan O’Doherty. Hailing from Ireland, married to a Parisienne, and educated in London where he spent two decades in the real estate sector as a lawyer and/or real estate broker, O’Doherty brings a European sensibility to the Northwest Corner, along with passion for the area he now calls home.

Former New York City dwellers, he and his wife were drawn to the region’s natural beauty and tranquility, and now enjoy water sports on Candlewood Lake. Specializing in waterfront properties, his combination of practical, detailed knowledge and legal astuteness is a powerful force when negotiating on behalf of clients. 

“Being an integral part of a major life event like a real estate purchase is highly rewarding,” O’Doherty reflects. “Introducing clients to this very unique and sophisticated part of the country is a real honor. Opening doors both literally and figuratively for clients who are eager to be a part of this spectacular community makes each day that more exciting.” 

With offices in Kent and Salisbury, the team’s financial acumen and negotiating skills are derived from their combined international experience on both Wall Street and Chancery Lane.

“As country estates and waterfront home specialists, we have a deep understanding of the intricacies exhibited by these special properties, leveraging our team’s extraordinary resources. We look forward to being your trusted advisors in the Northwest Corner’s golden triangle and are proud to be affiliated with Sotheby’s global network,” notes Diana. —sothebyslegacyteam.com

A Design Firm Creates Timeless Spaces
By Michelle Madden
Photographs by Rana Faure

“If you use materials in their authentic state, you will never grow tired of them,” says Sarah Bader, running her hand affectionately over a backsplash of Moroccan Zellige tile. “It’s when they get mass produced and cheapened that they lose their appeal.” Bader and Matt Rink are the wife/husband founders of New Antiquity, a design-build workshop that specializes in architectural millwork, metalwork, and bespoke furniture, serving both commercial and residential clients.

Three years ago, they purchased what had been the Braxton Manufacturing building, founded in the 1960s to make machine parts. Their 3,000-square-feet Woodbury studio, with soaring ceilings and industrial machines, is an ode to their passion for the trade—a passion that runs for generations. 

“Both our fathers were in the trades,” explains Bader. Rink’s father was a general contractor and carpenter for more than 50 years; he eventually came to work with them before he retired. 

“As a young girl I went to jobs with my father. He was a building manager and jack of all trades.” Their fated paths eventually crossed at art school, where they each pursued a BFA. 

Bader and Rink transform spaces so that they are purpose-driven, as well as being magnificent to behold. Their design philosophy is highly influenced by the Craftsman style of letting the materials speak for themselves; as well as Bauhaus, where form follows function. Their emphasis is on clever detailing, such as hidden storage in a coffee table, or beautifully rounded curves on a built-in breakfast nook or a restaurant bar. They incorporate “forgotten techniques” into their work, like wire brushing (using a metal abrasive to remove part of the wood’s grain).

They design without considering trends, in an approach they call “non trend” design. In other words: timeless. There is a reverence to every object they design: A brass door pull becomes an object of sculptural beauty. Marble is used to dramatic effect. Wood is curved into spectacular submission.

Their passion is not only for the material but for educating their audience. On Instagram, it’s not simply the jaw-dropping images that your eyes want to soak in, but their writing that keeps you coming back, as you’re treated to a masterclass on how the brilliant design mind works. “Layer your materials, use multiple shades of tile, or mix metals; this adds warmth and depth to your space.” It will come as no surprise that they built their own couch.

As further testament to Rink’s talent and magic with metal, in tribute to Connecticut residents who died on 9/11, he was commissioned to create a memorial using pieces of the buildings, combined with new material. 

Beauty does not come cheap. “Thoughtful design is an investment. When you live in the space and it functions effortlessly, it lowers your stress and just makes you happier,” says Bader. So, “Remove those modern giant closet voids that don’t function for you or your family, and create something that allows you to live a better life.”—Newantiquity.com