A Visit with Ann Rae
As you most likely saw from my pictures and video, we had a wonderful Fourth of July weekend. One of my favorite moments from the weekend was exploring Guilford, a quaint, historic town on the shoreline of Connecticut. During our exploration, we stumbled upon Ann Rae and her delightful home. She was out gardening and Cameron offered to help her pull some bushes. As Cameron got his hands dirty, I stood mesmerized by the exterior of her home. It was full of color and life with a perfect blue door and summer flower boxes. I couldn't help but snap a few pictures. She graciously invited us into the whimsical gardens behind her home. Every step we took, we became more and more amazed. It was as if we had stepped into the pages of "Home and Garden"...and that passing thought could not have been more correct. Her stunning 1820's home has been featured in this publication multiple times, showing off her personal decorating style, beautiful gardens, and three adorable dogs. We finished our tour of her gardens and she even let us peek inside her home, which made Brittany and I weak at the knees. It was as if our "Pinterest" boards came to life! We exchanged contact information and promised we would visit again. A few days later, I sent Ann a few questions that I had had during our visit and now I can share her answers with you!
1) Where do you find creative inspiration?
2) How would you describe your interior decor/artistic style?
3) Although you are innovative and create many of your own designs (the table in your yard, the shelves in your kitchen), where do you find/purchase most of your unique pieces? Antique stores? Boutiques? etc?
Ann: "Firstly, I would say I am an artist and grew up studying art. I also was raised by a family who embraced collecting art and antiques. My mother was a well known designer in her day.So things were always changing in our HOMES...all the time..We moved to different homes and all of them had character. Jim and I raised our family after two little antiques starter homes in a charming (when finished) substantial home in New Canaan where we lived for 35 years. When we stumbled upon this historic home on the Guilford green, well, it was PERFECT...and we went for it.While many of our friends were either downsizing to condos or moving to the south, we came up the shoreline and had great fun tailoring this most stunning 1820's home. We wanted to retain it's authencity and yet punch it a little with color and beautiful pieces, the feeling had to be compatible and comfortable. The style of my design project on this home is "high country"..I live mixing young and old pieces..art is number ONE and I shop all over the world to educate myself to be the best SELECTOR and and Placement person with the most experience in the Guilford and Shoreline areas!"
Although I just met Ann a few weeks ago, she has already become an inspiration. Brittany and I have made plans to visit her curated store "Junk to Junque" in Madison, CT, which she owns with a friend. See more of Ann's story and designs here!
