WELCOME to Nest by Tamara blog

WELCOME to Nest by Tamara blog
Hi- It's Tamara. I'm happy you've stopped by, and since 2010 I've been sharing my passion for interior design, history, art, entertaining, travel & fashion. I am an interior designer, textile designer and writer living and working in New York City and East Hampton, Long Island. My musings have taken me to international design, art, antique and epicurean events and I have lots to share. I'm grateful to have been listed as the #1 top design blog, blogs to watch, top design blogs and named and awarded Rising Star of Design by the IFDA NY industry organization. Please feel free to reach out to our team for an interior design consultation at NestbyTamara.com -Tamara

Over the River And Through The Woods...A Carriage House In Connecticut


A Country Cottage gets tweaked
nestled in the warm community of Washington, Connecticut within the confines of a historic enclave, is this lovely compound.  My friends Sally and Bill bought the home a few years ago and added their unique touch to the landscape and interior design.  It's one of three homes on a historic parcel of land that apparently was part of the infamous Underground Railroad.  Their home was the former barn on the property.  Since Sally rides Arabian horses at nearby show stable Trowbridges, it seems fitting they made their country home a converted barn.  I've written on Nest before that I love barns, and although some are quite historic they have a decidedly modern appeal without many of the over the top accoutrements of more formal homes.  Because Sally comes from a large family of Florida citrus growers, there is also a southern charm weaving throughout the home. Bill adds his eclectic art collection to the mix.  With help from Florida interior designer Mary Washer Designs, garden designer Mary Miscikoski of Gardenkeep in Cornwall, and local landscape designer Beth Whitty, they created a warm and inviting home with interesting and cultural touches. Beth Whitty designed the pergola, stone walls, a treehouse for the children, as well as a fun, Bocce court in the back of the property.  The exterior renovations are well done and a good example of how to highlight a piece of property, rather than change it's integrity.  As you can see this place has "good bones" and the additions have added onto a well laid foundation. 
a planned walkway, lattice and leading to painted black door
stone walls were added to highlight the grassy areas and showcase the forest behind

I especially like this gate of reclaimed doors,
the hint of patina blue paint adds a nice touch and frames the property well
by Beth Whitty in Danbury, CT
the Georgian columns mirror the neighbors carriage house front porch and show the connection of the homes on the property, however, the reclaimed
wood pergola top continues the rustic charm on the brick patio
I love the use of trees to create a natural doorway -
a room with a view!
Sally beams when describing the back porch,
which has a Southern charm -
I can envision sipping sweet tea and looking out over a sunny day
a winter view of this lovely porch

A quick tour and we head to the barn for a ride...

Have you seen an Arabian horse canter? 
They have distinctive qualities
 and much different than other horse breeds.
Their free spirit is refreshing

Trowbridges Horse Stables on Champion Mount Captain
Sally recently won
the National Championship in her division
 and their hard work and talents were rewarded 
 back home for a comfortable lunch at the hearth...
One of the interior projects they took on was adding this natural stone hearth and fireplace mantle which keeps with the old world charm.  The equestrian influences tug with this
American Folk Art weather vane horse flanking the hearth. 
a gentleman's quarters -- a quiet library
from the entrance to an inviting guest room, the family's eclectic nature shines and not in an overly decorated fashion!
Interior Design by
of 
Stuart, Florida
a southern touch with pink and green palm tree fabric
(Brunschwig & Fils)
upholstered chair and custom pillow
both from my designs (Tamara Stephenson Interior Design)

Sally taking Championship - a supportive family cheers her on.  What I enjoy about this home is the
well lived in feeling that embraces you the minute you enter. 
The outside landscaping project has truly added to the ambiance of an already stately feeling
 and mirrors the integrity of the home. 
Now, that's a Makeover we love to see!