A Design Bazaar in Connecticut Draws World Class Ideas, Talents

James Andrew in his gentleman's room

"Rooms with a View", a designer showcase in Southport that is a Connecticut tradition, celebrated its 15th anniversary by presenting views of rooms (the view referring to the designers' views, and not those from windows, ) and featured interior design vignettes created by twelve extraordinary designers, who previously included superstars Alexa Hampton and Eddie Ross. Named "The Next Generation", the event was a veritable "souk" of interiors, and also featured over 30 high-end vendors in its Marketplace, and special events throughout the weekend. Design legend Albert Hadley served as Honorary Chair.

At the Gala Preview Party, (we couldn't miss that!), one of Newport Seen's favorite designers, New York's James Andrew, created a smashing gentleman's room, highlighted with wonderful art by Scott Houston McBee. The design vignettes (stalls, really) created small room snapshots that were inventive, soothing, beautiful and creative by turns. Each designer was on hand to explain his creation and choices, while champagne flowed and divine passed hors d'oeuvres and buffet stations soothed and delighted the overflow crowd.

Melissa Makris, Design Chair & Diane Sembrot

NS particularly liked the edgy, urban room of Michael Adams that featured a faux view of a sooty New York City and a worn, torn leather chair, and the design vignettes by J.D. Peterson And Carmina Roth, of Belle Haven Interiors, Greenwich.

Reverend Laura Whitmore also served as co-chairman, and Newport Seen caught up Melissa Makris, Design Chair and Ann Franzen, co-chair of Graphics. The live auction featured a golf escape at The Trump Towers, all presented, temptingly, on a large screen with lively bidding.

Benefiting the Southport Congregational Church, the three-day long design extravaganza included a gourmet luncheon and Fashion Show & Luncheon featuring Snappy Gator, and on Friday, and a seminar, book signing wine & cheese reception, "The Design World of Jeffrey Bilhuber".

-- L.P.

Participating designers 2011:Michael Adams
Olga Adler
Sam Allen
James Andrew
John Todd Bishop
Connie Cooper
Allison Hennessy
Melissa Marcogliese
George Marshall Peters
James D. Petersen
Carmina Roth
Christopher Stevens