Bittersweet Lane, Stamford, Connecticut
This week I was on my way to give you a Halloween inspired post. However, my virtual stroll down Halloween Blvd. in Stamford, Connecticut led me to Bittersweet Lane instead. Since Bittersweet is is at its prettiest in the fall, I figured you wouldn't mind a bit.
Stamford is 30 minutes outside of Manhattan, and so became a haven for summer homes in the late 19th century. This home has the charm of those older homes, yet it was built in 1970.
I think you'll agree, though, that it has elements that are timeless.
Since I mentioned Halloween and bittersweet, I've got you primed for orange and red, haven't I? Well no, how about a little chinoiserie style instead?
{Katie Rosenfeld- I changed her color scheme to better fit ours.}
Why chinoiserie? I was already intrigued by the house when I spotted the dining room chandelier:
The room has a good start toward being fabulous, but how fun is it to turn it up a notch?
{Martyn Lawrence Bullard}
Or maybe like this?
{Better Homes & Gardens}
Personally, I'd nix the wing chairs. By the way, I wonder what Martyn Lawrence Bullard would think of his design being in the running with one from Better Homes and Gardens?
The family room is already pretty large and cozy:
No, the dog isn't real, but I suppose he'd help potential buyers visualize their own dog in the space.
But in keeping with our theme, let's visualize a dog here instead:
{Rob Southern}
Wouldn't it also be striking with collections of blue & white porcelain on those chests?
Upstairs, the master bedroom might coordinate well with a bittersweet color scheme, if we had gone that route:
Since I said chinoiserie, though, I better stick to it:
{Rob Southern}
That's Fortuny fabric on the bed and loveseat. Sticking to a theme doesn't mean you have to sacrifice.
Meanwhile, let's turn our attention to the 5th bedroom, currently used as a den. Bonus points if you can tell me what that swivel-arm thing in the left foreground is.
I'm imagining a somewhat younger crowd using this space instead. Visualize a dog with bunny ears this time.
{source unknown}
Also upstairs is this enclosed porch with a view of a pond:
It's a pretty nifty space already, but I couldn't pass up the chance to make it niftier:
{via The Pink Pagoda}
Just imagine the upholstery in blue and white, although the green and white gets a thumbs up from me too.
Here is the pond, just so you get the full picture:
Happy Halloween!
