A Vision in Connecticut

Topsy Turvy has always favored quirky, individual, interiors. We love rooms that are not just a representation of an interior designer's taste, but a reflection of the people who live there, their lifestyle and interests. And we also feel strongly that interiors should respect and be appropriate to the architecture of a house. Not slavish representation of an era, mind you (we don't want to live in a museum!), but honoring the house's heritage while creating a home that feels of today.

Please click on any image for a larger view.

Designer Susan Winberg's approach is a perfect example of what we would aspire to in our own home. Susan and husband Ken Shewer have said that the 1836 Greek Revival house was not their style when they bought it, or contemporary enough.* But, with an artist's eye, and a fresh and whimsical flair, she has come up with a home that shows off a unique and inspired vision. Just our kind of place!

In the sunroom - antique wood chairs, an olivewood slate tile floor, and an 18th century Louis XVI daybed upholstered in Rogers & Goffigen linen. Bold pieces abound.

Susan Winberg's taste for strong rooms* is evident in
the living room as well. Cocktail table and armchairs are by York Street Studio.

The study's cocktail and side tables were all designed by York Street Studio. The leather rug is from Stark Carpet. We especially love the dressmaker-look curtains, the wonderful finials, and the fabrics chosen for the throw pillows.

We're definitely rethinking our own curtain rod finials after seeing the ones used here and in the study above. Does anyone know where to find these?

The mural was painted by Lyndon Andrews and Susan Winberg; the floor is painted in Benjamin Moore's Lancaster Whitewash and combed for a basket-weave effect. French antique chairs and crystal globe chandelier add to the dreamy mix.

The master bedroom stenciled wall decoration is by artist Lyndon Andrews. The headboard is covered in Kravet's Novasuede, by Susanna Stratton-Norris. An African beaded chair and a wicker porch chair provide unexpected seating.

An understated palette of neutrals and soft pastels is enlivened with bold gestures throughout.

Here's an idea we love: the kitchen cabinet panels were replaced with antiqued mirrors.
Susan credits Stephen Piscuskas of York Street Studio for the idea and the execution.

Toy poodles Jazz and Ozz rule the pantry. We're intrigued by the fabric on the chair in the in the kitchen beyond.

Painted wood table and chairs by York Street Studio on the porch. The black and white painted wood floor provides the punch for this room.

The home exterior, with large head sculpture on the lawn.

Susan, if you're out there, drop us a line. We'd love to see more of your work!

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*Elle Decor, Jun/July, 2002
Photos by Simon Upton for Elle Decor, Jun/July, 2002