Rowayton, a picturesque spot in Norwalk, Connecticut, has come a long way from its roots as a 17th-century fishing village. Bordered by the Five Mile River on one side and the Long Island Sound on the other, it’s now known for its storybook shoreline and historic charm.
Tucked within the neighborhood’s collection of old cottages, originally designed by Barbara Garfield, a relative by marriage to President James Garfield, is something unexpected.
A striking barn-style home brought to life by Elle Decor A-List designer Patrick Mele for two regulars at his Greenwich shop, Liz Gilbert and Ron Hammer, adds a bold twist to this quaint coastal scene.
1. Vibrant Colors
“Barbara was a legend around here,” Mele recalls. “She really got that some people want to downsize in retirement without giving up elegance or style.”
That mindset resonated with Gilbert and Hammer, who split their time between Rowayton and Charleston. When they bought the 1,645-square-foot home, they turned to Mele for something layered and deeply personal.
She wanted a touch of London’s eclectic charm. He brought memories of East Hampton summers and a mother who filled their home with art.
2. Functional Home Interior
To bring their vision to life, Mele blended custom creations with vintage finds, collaborating with a tight-knit group of local talents.
He sourced unique pieces from The Antique & Artisan Gallery with Mari Ann Maher and Bruce Wylie, garden designer Michael Trapp, and Montage Antiques up in Millerton and the Hudson Valley. His go-to artisans added the magic.
Matthew Tyrrell hand-painted lampshades, Stephen Dlouhy gave the guest loft bed a fresh look, and a Papier-mâché Agave by Van Gregory Wifvat and Kelly Bugden topped off the dining room.
3. Inviting Entryway
This home may be modest in size, but it delivers in all the right places. A private courtyard and sleek lap pool extend the living space outdoors, while bold design choices make every corner feel special.
In the dining room, over 125 pieces of blue-and-white china cover the walls, each one handpicked from shops across New England.
The main bedroom feels like a getaway in the Greek isles, complete with pale blue fabrics, whitewashed beams, and wall-to-wall leopard carpet. “It’s exactly what I’d build for myself,” Mele admits with a smile.
4. Charming Kitchen
In the kitchen, French doors swing open to reveal the pool deck just beyond, blurring the line between indoors and out. Cheerful yellow curtains made from two different Designers Guild fabrics frame the view, hanging from elegant rods crafted by Van Gregory & Norton.
Vintage Corinthian columns sourced from Michael Trapp Inc. add a touch of grandeur, while 125 decorative plates, gathered from across the Northeast, cover the walls.
A Papier-mâché agave adds whimsy, and 1970s Parsons armchairs in Jennifer Shorto fabric complete the scene.
5. Spacious Dining Area
The cabinet belonged to the homeowner, but Mele gave it a fresh twist. He brought in Matthew Tyrrell to paint it a vibrant blue, then added Shaker-style knobs, fabric panels in a rich Clementine hue, and a touch of chicken wire for texture.
A collection of vases was curated just for this spot, adding color and charm. The dining table, built in a classic Shaker style, pairs beautifully with modern chairs from DWR, each one upholstered in playful Jennifer Shorto fabric and backed with soft Designers Guild linen.
6. Guest Loft
The guest loft feels like a hidden retreat, anchored by an antique four-poster bed that Stephen Dlouhy of Floe Painting brought to life with a custom hand-painted finish.
Mele added his own creative touch by asking his upholsterer to install horizontal slats along the frame, creating the perfect backdrop for hanging soft panels made from deadstock fabric.
A Roman shade and a low, inviting settee—both covered in a textured Malabar fabric—complete the room with quiet charm and a layered, cozy feel.
7. Master Bedroom
In the primary bedroom, every detail feels considered and personal. The French 1930s bed, discovered on 1stDibs during a trip to Paris, is upholstered in a soft glazed linen from Rogers & Goffigon.
Mele sourced the end tables and lamps from his own shop, adding character and charm. A rich tapestry found in the Hudson Valley brings texture to the wall, while a cozy Donghia club chair in boiled wool by Holland & Sherry, finished with Samuel & Sons fringe, sits atop a bold leopard carpet by Patterson Flynn.
8. Cozy Living Room
The living room strikes a perfect balance between curated and cozy. A custom sofa sets the tone, layered with vibrant pillows made from Jennifer Shorto fabrics.
Vintage floor lamps add warmth and charm, each topped with a hand-painted shade by Matthew Tyrrell. On the floor, a one-of-a-kind kilim rug by Double Knot anchors the space with texture and color.
Built-in bookcases frame the room beautifully, while artwork by David Bell brings a personal, expressive touch to the entire setting.