I love the six degrees of separation to so many people that comes with writing a blog. I was recently bragging on my great friend, Christopher Spitzmiller, and the fact that some of his gorgeous lamps are featured in the new Elle Decor book Style and Substance.  Well the interesting story that resulted in my compliment was that not only are Chris’s amber gourds in the book, the home where they are showcased was the country home of some of Christopher’s close friends, jewelry designer Mish Tworkowski and architect Joseph Singer.

Well we all know how this six degrees thing works and within a day or two, Chris was emailing me the gorgeous photos that are the only momentos left of this former country home in Millbrook, New York.  So now here they are in bright and beautiful color as a part of my Style and Substance Give-away.  I hope you enjoy!

I combined several of the photos from the Elle Decor issue (May 2008), when the home was originally featured, to give a more complete look at the home.  If you get a chance to read the feature from that issue, you will learn about the interesting story of how Mish and Joseph purchased the two acres including a one room creamery and barn. The renovation took five years to transform into the gorgeous home and gardens you see here.

Poured concrete floors maintain the charm of the now shingle-style home, and the interiors created by Mish and Joseph were a compiliation of “many past lives” brought together to create a comfortable and inviting retreat.

 

The stunning electric blue walls in the entry gave the otherwise neutral home a cheerful way to welcome guests. Several of Christopher Spitzmiller’s fantastic lamps made handsome statements throughout the home.

Country Charm was also evident in the bead board walls of the bath and in the eclectic mix of artwork and furnishings in the master.

No house is complete without a little touch of animal print..yes, even a farm house!

It seems a bit sad that this home is no longer as shown in these photos, and is now the property of a proud new owner.  I am sure these gardens alone made it difficult for Mish and Joseph to sell.  Can’t you just imagine spending the summer here each year?  I know I can!

To see this fantastic project and many more that have graced the pages of Elle Decor over the years, be sure to visit my amazon recommendations and pick up a copy of Style and Substance.

To enter to win an autographed copy by Margaret Russell, please send your contact information to me at tobifairley@gmail.com with the subject line “Elle Decor Giveaway”.  Only one entry per person please.  The drawing will be held this Friday at noon CST.

Good luck to you and stay tuned for more about the talented Christopher Spitzmiller in tomorrow’s post.