2009 Cape May Designer Showhouse

General Information
The charming mid-19th century Carpenter Cottage, 511 Franklin St., meets 21st
century design at Cape May’s fifth annual Designer Show House, co-sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts (MAC) and South Jersey House & Home. The region’s top interior designers and suppliers have transformed the Carpenter Gothic style cottage into a homeowner’s dream. Cape May’s Designer Show House will be open for daily self-guided tours from June 26 through Nov. 1 and from Nov. 20 through Jan. 3, 2010. Through Nov. 1, tours are offered daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and evenings, Sundays through Fridays, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Visit the Designer Show House at Christmas and
discover the charming Carpenter Cottage decorated for the holiday season, Nov. 20 through Jan. 3. Tours at Christmas are offered daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Thursday and Friday evenings, 7 p.m. receive a full- color program book with information about the designers, products and vendors. Tours of the Designer Show House can be combined with breakfast, lunch and dinner packages and walking tours of Cape May’s historic district. Proceeds benefit the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts (MAC), a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of Cape May’s heritage. MAC also fosters the performing arts. MAC membership is open to all. For information about MAC’s year-round schedule of tours, festivals, and special events, call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278, or visit MAC’s Web site at www.capemaymac.org.

Tour Info
CAPE MAY – 21st century designers, suppliers and contractors have spent more than six months transforming the mid-19th century Carpenter Cottage, 511 Franklin St., into Cape May’s fifth annual Designer Show House, co-sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts (MAC) and South Jersey House & Home. Historical integrity and coastal charm meet modern design and seashore style at Cape May’s Designer Show House, open June 26 through Jan. 3, 2010. The Carpenter Cottage was the former home of lighthouse keepers, blacksmiths, farmers, innkeepers, and even an upholstery manufacturer. It stands on what was originally one of two lots (including #513 next door) sold by the Corgie family to Aaron and Elizabeth Garretson in 1853 and the house was presumably built shortly thereafter. Aaron Garretson was builder and owner of the National Hall Hotel, which opened in 1850 on the site of the current Post Office parking lot. Garretson’s hotel was, according to one historian, among “the largest and most important of the hostelries that dominated the summer resort activities in the early and middle parts of the 19thh century.” He was also a co- owner of the “Ocean Wave” newspaper in the 1870s.

Names on the 10 succeeding deeds include some of Cape May’s most prominent early families, such as Whilldin, Cresse, and Hand. From 1984 to 2000, the house was known as the William and Margaret Guest House, owned by Bill and Peg Madden. Since 2000, it has been the cherished Cape May homestead of Susan C. Priester and her family, including her father, William Carpenter, who began visiting Cape May in 1926 and bringing his family to spend summers in 1964. Priester and her Priester Family Foundation continue her family’s tradition of supporting MAC, and has generously offered her family’s home for Cape May’s fifth annual Designer Show House. The Carpenters and Priesters are also the most generous benefactors of the Cape May Music Festival.

The style of the home, “Carpenter Gothic,” was a common North American architectural style by the mid 19th century and was popularized by the publication of Alexander Jackson Davis’, “Rural Residences,” and from detailed plans and elevations in publications by Andrew Jackson Downing. The style was made possible with the development of the scroll saw (or jig saw), which allowed lumber companies to mass-produce scrolled woodwork. Prior to steam-powered saws, this woodwork would
have been carved by hand, making it very laborious and expensive. Features of the Carpenter Gothic style found on the Carpenter Cottage include its steeply pitched roof and gable, and its fancy gingerbread brackets and railings.

The Carpenter Cottage escaped harm in the city’s disastrous fires of 1869 and 1878 and was enlarged over the years to accommodate modern conveniences like bathrooms and a kitchen. Before the renovations, this quaint but spacious house had eight bedrooms, four full bathrooms and two half bathrooms, a large kitchen, a living room, a dining room, a wrap-around front porch and outdoor garden spaces. MAC contracted with its restoration architects, Holt Morgan Russell, to survey the house and come up with a new floor plan, which includes seven bedrooms, four full bathrooms and one half bathroom, as well as a more spacious layout on the first floor with a dining room, a kitchen and a foyer bathroom, as well as a more spacious layout on the first floor with a dining room, a kitchen and a foyer opening into a living room. A side porch was added off the kitchen and a bike shed was added for additional storage. MAC contracted with the Beach Boys LLC to carry out the renovations. The house previously had no air-conditioning, but this essential summer utility was added to keep it cooler during Cape May’s warmer months. New electric, heating, plumbing and hardwood floors updated the house further. More than 20 new windows brighten the house with natural light and keep with the overall theme of bringing the essence of nature indoors. Wallpaper was stripped in almost every room and fresh coats of paint, murals, faux finishes and tiles have given the house a more modern feel. Thirteen regional interior designers and numerous suppliers transformed 16 areas and 2,500 square feet of space to make this year’s Designer Show House. The Cape May Designer Show House has become a much anticipated annual event. Every year features a different house, design aesthetic, architectural style, and group of designers that bring fresh ideas to inspire every homeowner. Last year’s Designer Show House was the Otis Townsend Residence, 115 Reading Ave., a beautiful Craftsman-style home owned by David and Myra Kurkowski. Local businessman Bill Saponaro owned the three previous Designer Show Houses including a 1915 Craftsman-style home on Washington Street, which he turned into the first Designer Show House in 2005. In 2006, Saponaro converted the 1879 Franklin Street Church into three luxury townhouse units and in 2007, he transformed the 1847 Memucan Hughes House and its rear carriage house on 608 Hughes St. Cape May’s Designer Show House will be open for daily self-guided tours from June 26 through Nov. 1 and from Nov. 20 through Jan. 3, 2010. Through Nov. 1, tours are offered daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and evenings, Sundays through Fridays, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Visit the Designer Show House at Christmas and discover the charming Carpenter Cottage decorated for the holiday season, Nov. 20 through Jan. 3. Tours at Christmas are offered daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Thursday and Friday evenings, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Admission is $20 for adults and $15 for children (3-12). Each visitor will receive a full-color program book with information about the designers, products and vendors. Tours of the Designer Show House can be combined with breakfast, lunch and dinner packages and walking tours of Cape May’s Historic District.

Proceeds benefit the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts (MAC), a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of Cape May’s heritage. MAC also fosters the performing arts. MAC membership is open to all. For information about MAC’s year-round schedule of tours, festivals, and special events, call 609-884-5404, 800-275-4278 or visit MAC’s Web site at www.capemaymac.org. For information about restaurants, accommodations and shopping, call the Chamber of Commerce of Greater Cape May at 609-884-5508.

 

House History
CAPE MAY -The charming Carpenter Cottage at 511 Franklin St., former home of lighthouse keepers, blacksmiths, farmers, innkeepers, and even an upholstery manufacturer, will soon be the home of the 2009 Cape May Designer Show House, sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts (MAC).

511 Franklin St. was originally one of two lots (including #513 next door) sold by the Corgie family to Aaron and Elizabeth Garretson in 1853 and the house was presumably built shortly thereafter. Aaron Garretson was builder and owner of the National Hall Hotel, which opened in 1850 on the site of the current Post Office parking lot. Garretson is, according to one historian, among “the largest and most important of the hostelries that dominated the summer resort activities in the early and middle parts of the nineteenth century.” He was also a co-owner of the “Ocean Wave” newspaper in the 1870’s.

Names on the 10 succeeding deeds include some of Cape May’s most prominent early families, such as Whilldin, Cresse, and Hand. From 1984 to 2000, the house was known as the William and Margaret Guest House, owned by Bill and Peg Madden. Since 2000, it has been the cherished Cape May homestead of Susan C. Priester and her family, including her father, William Carpenter, who began visiting Cape May in 1926 and bringing his family to spend summers in 1964.

The style of the home, “Carpenter Gothic,” was popularized by the publication by Alexander Jackson Davis, Rural Residences and from detailed plans and elevations in publications by Andrew Jackson Downing. Features of the Carpenter Gothic style found on the Carpenter Cottage include its steeply pitched roof and gable, and its fancy gingerbread brackets and railings.

The home, which escaped harm in the city’s disastrous fires of 1869 and 1878, was enlarged over the years to accommodate modern conveniences like bathrooms and a kitchen. This quaint, but spacious home has eight bedrooms, four full bathrooms and two half bathrooms, a large kitchen, a living room, a dinning room, a wrap-around front porch and outdoor garden spaces.

MAC contracted with the architectural firm, Holt Morgan Russell to survey the home and come up with the new proposed floor plan, which includes seven bedrooms, four full bathrooms and one half bathroom, as well as a more spacious layout on the first floor with a dinning room, a kitchen and a foyer opening into a living room. MAC contracted with the Beach Boys LLC to carry forward renovations. There will be about 15 designers transforming around 2,500 square feet of space when the construction and renovations are completed.

Susan C. Priester of the Priester Foundation and daughter of William and the late Patricia Carpenter, continues her family’s tradition of supporting MAC, and has generously offered her family’s home for Cape May’s fifth annual Designer Show House. The Priesters are also the most generous benefactors of the Cape May Music Festival.

Last year’s Designer Show House was the Otis Townsend Residence, 115 Reading Ave., a beautiful Craftsman-style home owned by David and Myra Kurkowski. Local businessman, Bill Saponaro owned the three previous Designer Show Houses including a 1915 Craftsman-style home on Washington Street, which he turned into the first Designer Show House in 2005. In 2006, Saponaro converted the 1879 Franklin Street Church into three luxury townhouse units and in 2007 he transformed the 1847 Memucan Hughes House and its rear carriage house on 608 Hughes St.

Design Profiles
Meet the designers involved with Cape May’s fifth annual Designer Show House
Cape May – The region’s top interior designers, artisans, craftsmen and suppliers have transformed the Carpenter Cottage, 511 Franklin St., into Cape May’s fifth annual Designer Show House, co-sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts (MAC) and South Jersey House & Home.

Modern design techniques and stylish shore décor merge with historic charm at this year’s Designer Show House. From the wrap-around porch to the laundry room, every space and area of this charming seaside home will bear the decorative stamp of these talented women and men.

Here are the designers who have had a hand in creating this year’s Designer Show House:

Nora Pascarella, owner of the Cape May Linen Outlet, a retail home furnishings outlet, designed the front porch and side patio. Pascarella is a graduate of The Fashion Institute of Technology, in New York City where she studied fashion merchandising and marketing. In 1989, she opened the Cape May Linen Outlet. For her space, she chose a traditional floral bird pattern called “Mystique,” by Waverly that stands up to the outdoor elements and guards against mildew. The indoor-outdoor rugs complement the pattern and are made of an appropriate easy-care fiber. The flowers, plants and furnishings enhance the fabric choices, and bring a garden-like feel to the outdoor living space.

Jim Buck, owner of TerraScapes in Stone Harbor, South Jersey’s premier landscape and hardscape company, designed the front and side yards. TerraScapes has been serving the community for more than eight years, and
Meet the Designers/Page 2 of 6 has built its reputation on quality work, craftsmanship and customer satisfaction. TerraScapes can install a beautiful landscape or a magnificent hardscape such as walkway or driveway, sweeping arches, a full outdoor kitchen area, raised patio, pool deck, and elaborate backyard retreats.

From Design Home Interiors in Montgomeryville, PA, Mark D. Little, co-owner and senior designer, and Danielle Barnes, interior designer, designed the first floor study. Little brings a vast array of consultative design services and leads the company’s efforts in regional design showcases and designer houses. His talent lies in capturing the clients’ visions and melding form and function to create spaces that reflect their individual lifestyles. Barnes believes the key to beautiful design is using styles, colors and objects that are truly a reflection of her clients and their lifestyles. Their study is a serene oasis of warm wood tones against soft neutrals and gentle curves inspired by the sandy beaches of the coast.

Carole Roach, ASID, NCIDQ of Barlow Tyrie, Inc in Moorestown, NJ designed the living room. Barlow Tyrie, Inc. is a family-owned manufacturer of marine-quality outdoor furniture established in 1920 in England. The firm is known worldwide for its quality craftsmanship in outdoor teak, woven, stainless steel and aluminum cast benches, tables, deep seating and other outdoor accessories. Roach is the Barlow Tyrie trade sales manager and also an interior designer. She brought the beach into the living room with a dune day bed and matching dune arm chairs, dune-inspired area carpets and shell-colored wall paint.

Karen and Jeffrey Holloway from Holloway Home Improvement Center in Marmora, NJ designed the kitchen. Karen and Jeffrey Holloway CKD, CBD lead a team of design professionals with a common purpose: Creating a personalized kitchen environment that reflects your taste and meets your needs. The Holloway “guild” includes architects, cabinet and appliance manufacturers, tile and countertop craftsmen, lighting designers, interior decorators, window treatment specialists, faux painters, and licensed and insured plumbing, electrical and drywall professionals. Their kitchen incorporates all the new essentials: a personalized style, comfort for all members of the family, and ease of use and energy efficiency.

Susan Zipper of Earthly Delights Design in Eldora, NJ designed the laundry/utility room. Zipper’s sense of design is intuitive and eclectic. Always using the best materials, she strives for attention to detail and client satisfaction. She has used mosaics and casting techniques to embellish greenhouses, pathways, archways, and walls. Decorated birdbaths, planters, and fountains, as well as other outdoor pieces, are created using weather-resistant materials. In her space, she used mosaics and incorporated natural materials like glass, pottery, stones, shells, and discarded items such as old buttons, marbles, broken jewelry, foil and findings into her decorative design, making a simple mud and laundry room dynamic, functional, and aesthetically pleasing.

Jane Spickofsky, owner of the Inside Advantage in Avalon, NJ, designed the second floor bedroom (suite #1). Spickofsky enjoys working in every phase of the design process, collaborating with her clients to create a space that fulfills their needs and their vision. With a wide array of products and services she has accumulated over the years, she is able to create beautifully decorated spaces that fit many styles. Her bedroom combines the past and present to create a casual elegance that embodies Cape May. Fresh paint and new fabrics bring the bedroom up to date.

Viviane Rowan of Viviane Rowan Design LLC in Titusville, NJ, a residential interior designer since 2000, has designed the second floor bedroom (suite #2). With residences in both Cape May and the Princeton area, she services a large and diverse territory. She works with a variety of outstanding craftsmen, from faux finishers to custom cabinetmakers, all of whom are extremely professional. Rowan’s philosophy is to give the client a beautiful and functional space by mixing old and new, lavish and reasonable. This bedroom is a study in cooler tones to contrast sultry days at the beach. The metallic accents remind one of the light reflecting off the ocean and the blues and violets evoke the sea and the sky.

MJ Soens, owner of MJ Designs in Cape May Court House, designed the second floor hall bedroom. Soens started MJ Designs in 1981 doing fit-outs for rental units in Avalon, NJ. This included everything from kitchen utensils to the entire home. Working with an architect, MJ found she wanted to learn more, and enrolled at Moore College of Art and Design. She has worked on commercial and residential projects and is NCIDQ certified. Island life was the concept for her bedroom. The colors of the coastal beaches are symbolized throughout the room. Blues, greens, oyster, beige, and brown are borrowed from the coastal beaches. The chrome accents of the hardware are from the fishing and boating industries. Seashell and coral accents are found in the trimmings.

Betsy King of Jupiter Dunes Designs in Ocean City, NJ, designed the second floor rear bedroom. King is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University with a BFA in textiles, jewelry and ceramics. In 1997, she began working with Stephen D. Bradway, a coppersmith in Rio Grande, NJ. There, she assists in creating a wide array of copper designs for the home, as well as designing and operating the retail gallery space. King also has experience in fabric design, upholstery, furniture sales, and gallery management. She studied Interior Design and Decorating at Philadelphia University. The Beatles song “Octopus’s Garden” inspired King’s design in the Show House. Sea green waterscape walls and hazy muted visions of ocean life envelope this cozy back bedroom. Natural wood accents contrast with the aqua elegance of the walls and floor. In a little hideaway beneath the waves, copper and golden tones float above and touches of translucent glass reflect the morning sun. Gently twisting vines surround the recessed sleeping area of rich, textured fabrics and fluffy pillows.

Susanna Greenberg of Chestnut Ridge, NY, specializing in interior design and decorative painting, designed the dining room and second floor hall bath. Greenberg grew up in Rome with her mother who was a very famous painter. She had her first art show in Rome at the age of 14. She graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts of Venice and later moved to Milan, where she got her master’s degree in interior design at the European Institute of Design (I.E.D.). She has worked with architects, developers and contractors helping clients with everything from furniture and accessories to window treatments and floor coverings. Her inspiration for the dining room was a neoclassical European style modified by rustic Scandinavian charm with a soft color palette and clean lines. She incorporated a mix of antiques and vintage pieces into the room whenever possible. In the second floor bathroom she used elegant yet whimsical wallpaper from Thibaut with a bright yellow background. She hand-painted the custom made vanity, used a classical cornice on top of the tub and added fabric curtains in place of a shower door.

In addition to these designers, many others contributed their time, talent and products to the Designer Show House.
This year’s Cape May Designer Show House will be open for daily self-guided tours from June 26 through Nov. 1 and from Nov. 20 through Jan. 3, 2010. Through Nov. 1, tours are offered daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and evenings, Sundays through Fridays, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Visit the Designer Show House at Christmas and discover the charming Carpenter Cottage decorated for the holiday season, Nov. 20 through Jan. 3. Tours at Christmas are offered daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Thursday and Friday evenings, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Admission is $20 for adults and $15 for children (3-12). Each visitor will receive a full-color program book with information about the designers, products and vendors. Tours of the Designer Show House can be combined with breakfast, lunch and dinner packages and walking tours of Cape May’s historic district.
Proceeds benefit the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts (MAC), a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of Cape May’s heritage. MAC also fosters the performing arts. MAC membership is open to all. For information about MAC’s year-round schedule of tours, festivals, and special events, call 609-884-5404, 800-275-4278 or visit MAC’s Web site at www.capemaymac.org. For information about restaurants, accommodations and shopping, call the Chamber of Commerce of Greater Cape May at 609-884-5508.