Rooms with a View, 2016 + 2019

Southport Congregational Church, CT

Rooms with a View, a distinguished New England showhouse, was founded by the legendary interior designer Albert Hadley. This unique boutique event was conceived to spotlight the talents of twelve interior designers, each tasked with creating an exquisite vignette within the grand hall of a historic church. More than just a showcase of design, Rooms with a View is deeply rooted in philanthropy, with all proceeds benefiting eighteen deserving Fairfield charities. This highly anticipated four-day weekend is a vibrant tapestry of design lectures, engaging book signings, and elegant canapés, fostering an atmosphere of camaraderie and celebration.

Our second vignette, presented in 2019, envisioned a chic French-American boutique. This design journey transported visitors to a bygone era with a captivating collection of 1970s barware, notably featuring pieces by the renowned Italian designer Aldo Tura. Sculptural elements and a monumental photograph by David Yarrow anchored the vignette, providing a powerful focal point. The color palette was deliberately soft and nuanced, with hints of lavender and crimson brown subtly woven into a predominantly white scheme, creating an atmosphere of understated elegance and sophisticated charm.

In 2016, the chosen theme for Rooms with a View was “Comfort & Joy.” Our contribution was an intimate 8 x 8-foot vignette transformed into a sophisticated library setting. The space was defined by sumptuous black lacquered walls, providing a dramatic backdrop for custom-built bookcases. This design was an ode to the captivating world of fashion photography, featuring iconic images from master photographers like Albert Watson and Slim Aarons.

The visual narrative was further enriched by a carefully curated selection of decorative smalls from the Roughan Home collection, adding layers of texture and personality. Our intention was to create an inviting environment, encouraging visitors to linger and relax in our exquisite mid-century furniture, truly immersing themselves in the “Comfort & Joy” of the space.2019: A French-American Boutique with 1970s Flair.

Designing for Rooms with a View has consistently been a source of immense joy and creative fulfillment. The collaborative spirit and camaraderie among the participating designers are truly remarkable, fostering a supportive and inspiring environment. Over the years, this premier event has been graced by the contributions of many notable designers, each leaving an indelible mark on its success. Among them are luminaries such as Victoria Hagan, Brian McCarthy, Parker Rogers, Charlotte Moss, and Bunny Williams, whose collective talent has solidified Rooms with a View’s reputation as a cornerstone of the New England design landscape.