First Floor Plans:

It’s a first impression you won’t forget. See Merrywood’s own “masterpiece” as you pass through the Front Portico and into the entry hall. Andrew Tedesco will channel two of the world’s most famous painters for this art history-inspired interpretation: Leonardo Da Vinci and Michelangelo. Tedesco contrasts the two artists’ style for an entry hall worthy of a museum. The brilliance of Michelangelo’s colors meets the dramatic darkness of Da Vinci’s style to help introduce this Show House experience that is like no other.

The inspiration for the drawing room, designed by Rosemarie and Annemarie diSalvo was dictated by the scale and grandeur of the house. The architectural details create an aesthetic backdrop to the extravagant but sophisticated elegance of the space. The drawing room, as a more historical reference, has been transformed into a 21st century classic that envelopes each guest as they enter the room. The design and furnishings transcends period style with a more contemporary palette. The infusion of many fabrics and textures used in the upholstered furniture and drapery fabrics compliment the tones of the walls as the Baccarat chandeliers glisten in the sunlight.

Whether it’s sunny or cloudy, the east sun room beckons you to sit down, relax, look around and remember. Designer Lynn Garelick has filled this space with furnishings, art and objects from around the world—journeys of seeing, learning and collecting along the way. Extraordinary details make walls, floors and drapes come to life: The walls are covered in a textured paper from the Far East and the beautiful stone floors are covered with sisal and Oriental rugs. The window shades are from Southeast Asia and the graceful drapery panels suspended on iron rods are made of the finest imported linen. A blend of furniture includes a comfortable custom-made sofa along with rattan and antique pieces. Abject d’art and exotic touches, like a content Buddha, help create a place that offers an escape from the chaos of daily life.

Rich wood and colors bring New American Glamour to life in Jamie Drake’s library, the Idea Lounge. Drake, an ASID designer, layers surfaces, texture and antiques to develop a handsome room that encourages brainstorming. Walnut bookcases mingle with detailed wood paneling, accented by a color palette of French blue, brown and red.

Experience easy summer living and modern entertaining in the family room by Marcia Tucker. An open floor plan and plenty of natural light contribute to the “summer breeze” feel of this room, a comfortable family gathering place mixed with the latest technology. The state-of-the-art media center features a 50” plasma TV powered by Intel’s Viiv technology. White, light gray and navy blue fabrics lend to the airy feel, while the seating area is comprised of a custom-designed sofa and chaise lounges. Special accents include unique window treatments and ceiling moldings to cap off this stylish yet livable room.

The style of the past combines with the function of the present to create elegance and comfort on Merrywood’s grand veranda. United House Wreking Designer, Maria Karukas says that this is the perfect space to transform, adding that it “bespeaks the diverse mix of outdoor furnishings, statuary and accessories we love.” That mix includes wicker furniture alongside aluminum dining ensembles and bronze statuary with urns inspired by antique pieces. Cement planters and garden ornaments complement the architectural balustrades and provide a beautiful venue for the lush greenery.

Mary W. Delany's breakfast room is sunny and bright, full of color and personality. The use of McGuire furniture gives a slightly oriental touch, while a Welsh dresser full of Majolica adds a bit of old-world charm to the room. Hadleyware table settings bring the hand-made tradition of this Tennessee company to Merrywood. Be sure to notice other room details such as the chandelier made with birds and flowers, the hand-painted irises on the wall, the floor design, and the curtains. A lovely place to start the day!

It’s a classic look with a twist in this dining room by Vandamm Interiors. Comfort and drama are intertwined with the use of warm cocoa tones along with glowing metallics and bright colors. Since this public room is generally used at night, Victoria Vandamm combines taste and versatility to create a room ready for several entertaining options, from intimate cocktails by the fire to a larger group gathering. The incorporation of antiques shows that a new house can have a classic feel with the right finishing touches.

Second Floor Plans:

Designer Beverly Balk promises "Panache” with this master bedroom suite. Instead of overwhelming the space with colors, Balk chooses a monochromatic palette. The result is a texture that is soft and pleasing to the eye. This style integrates comfort with a classic style for a design that will please today and tomorrow.

A trip to the “Voyages to the New World” nursery takes you on a magical adventure.

Designer Zoya Bograd, Professional ASID member, mother, and founder of Bograd Kids, Inc. says that design and education go hand-in-hand when creating children’s rooms and this peaceful, dreamy, boy’s nursery is no exception.

Three wall murals portray the historical American voyages of Christopher Columbus, Amerigo Vespucci, and The Mayflower. “It is never too early to have a history lesson” says Bograd. The quote by Christopher Columbus “…and the sea will grand each man new hope, as sleep brings dreams of home” painted above the crib - will give you Goosebumps.

The focal point of the room is an antique reproduction crystal ship chandelier, other nautical touches include a Chinese needlepoint rug with “Great Ships” and plenty of blue tones to represent the Seven Seas which give the room a special touch of sophistication.

Bograd didn’t have to look far to find the perfect pieces to fit the nursery, she used furniture from her New York Showroom to bring the right style and proportion to this space. A red glider chair and ottoman add a splash of color and the “Teddy Kapitan” on it completes this enchanted, maritime, and most sea worthy look.

Merrywood has a room fit for a princess, thanks to “Kate’s Ivory Tower Bedroom” by Designer Monica Webster.

The royal details start immediately with an antique crystal handle on the stained glass door. Don’t miss a hand-painted sunburst floral painted on the entry foyer floor. A glance upwards will be rewarded with the view of a pink crystal and pearl chandelier, while gilded cherub murals on the wall watch over Princess Kate. She slumbers on a four poster bed with Italian monogrammed linens, while other details include a needlepoint trellis carpet and silk dupiono upholstered walls.

There are no ruffles or lace in this gentleman’s bedroom. George Snead and Chris Gulotta have created a rich and warm retreat that offers a more masculine take on the elegance of Merrywood. To create a room that is more than just a place to lay one’s head, the emphasis is on animal, leather and warm tone-on-tone colors and texture. The designers use splashes of brick red and terra cotta as accent colors to demonstrate that comfortable and virile are very compatible.

This sitting room on the second floor offers a place for the Merrywood residents to relax, as well as showcase their favorite things. Designer Donald A. Rich depicts this family as collectors of fine American and English antique furniture, paintings, and accessories. This personal retreat offers a space to take a break from entertaining while enjoying the special pieces that pass from one generation to the next.

The Third Floor:

To complement the picture perfect view from this third floor guest room, designer John Douglas Eason has created a place you won’t want to leave. To showcase the picturesque lake and woods just out the window, the bed “floats” in the center of the room. The upholstered headboard and bed also draws attention to the high, gabled ceiling and mullioned windows that make this room so unique. One of Eason’s design aims is to create a complete living space within the room. A draped scrim of translucent fabric helps elegantly divide the “bedroom” portion from the dressing room and sitting room portion. A variety of other fabrics, including raw silk, Ottoman cloth, chenille and cut velvet, help define the understated “upscale hotel” feeling Eason wants to attain. The muted colors, mix of furniture and serene landscape out the window come together for a room any guest would be proud to call “home”.

Step inside this room and step back into a more glamorous time when at-home hosting meant putting on the glitz. In the reception lounge, earth tones are accented by gold and complemented by a gorgeous oriental rug. "The inspiration for the reception lounge comes from a more elegant and formal era, perhaps New York in the 30’s and 40’s,” says ASID member and United House Wreking Designer, Connie Courtemanche. “This was a time when a special viewing in a private ‘theater’ was an occasion to dress formally, sip martini’s, sample hors’ dourves served on silver trays and socialize with your peers." Antiques and reproductions create intrigue and depth, but this area isn’t just for looking. Plenty of seating means that the reception lounge lives up to its name. The elegance combines with nature, both in color and with the flowers and greenery designed to bring a bit of the outside in. Connie Courtemanche continues her design in Merrywood’s guest powder room. The mood of the reception lounge is extended into this “jewel box” of a space. A customized decorative finish on the walls and ceiling brings earth tones into the powder room and shows that style doesn’t have to stop at the bathroom door.

The reception lounge walls are more than worthy of a second glance. The terra cotta-toned fabric from Eric and Veronique Thoman adds warmth and texture to the room while enhancing the colors used on the furniture. More than 100 yards of fabric in two different finishes will serve an aesthetic and functional purpose. This wide-width fabric is manufactured especially for walls and adds acoustic value to the room. With the Clean Edge System, the focal point is the fabric, not the fasteners needed to keep it in place. The Clean Edge System uses thick cotton padding and seamless fabrics which is exclusive to VE Thoman.

A must see! The Club Room, designed by Rosemarie and Annemarie diSalvo is a gentleman’s retreat where several friends can occasionally gather for an intimate drink while enjoying a game of pool. Even the ladies would feel very much at home playing a game of cards sitting in the custom banquette area.

The furnishings and color palette of the room are a testament to a 19th century English style club room, but yet, the design and furnishings of the room are still very much grounded into today’s more relaxed lifestyle. It’s a room that will appeal to all ages and gender. A fun but sophisticated place to hang out with friends.

The Lower Level:

While other rooms at the Merrywood Estate offer comfort and aim to relax, this room is meant to energize and invigorate.

Muralist Dominic Fusco created this gym and exercise area with explosive colors to create a fun and modern space that also includes a sitting room. Fusco’s arrangement of ottomans placed like stepping stones leads you to your final destination. After your workout, you are rewarded with a respite on the day bed near French doors overlooking the garden.

Three different storage spaces, three different solutions. Closet designer, Stephen Audet showcases attractive and efficient storage options in Merrywood’s garage, master closet dressing room and the second floor linen storage space.

It’s not just for cars: see how Merrywood’s active family can organize all of their equipment, from tools to sporting goods, in the garage. In the master closet dressing room, his and her needs are both met with a grand open storage closet system featuring cabinet grade birch construction. Custom moldings, base board and crown molding make this system attractive as well as practical. The high-end linen storage space in the second floor hall has the same Maple hardwood dovetail drawers and drawer fronts as the master closet dressing room.

See how this Show House makes even the smallest spaces useful in an elegant way!

This laundry room has a playful approach to what can be a tedious chore. Fine artists Tom Wolff and Isabelle Favette have created murals in every room of the house, but this example brings the outdoors inside in their space. The ceiling becomes a crisp, cloud-filled sky that encourages daydreaming. The clouds stand watch over a trompe l’oeil mural that will have you reaching out to ascertain what’s real and what isn’t.

The Grounds:

The Water Garden takes a tranquil approach to appeal to your senses. Andrew Loglisci sculpts a living medley of greenery that encourages you to stop and ponder. Relax as you hear the sound of multiple cascading waterfalls. Admire the extensive variety of perennial plantings. See how lush plants and colorful flowers take you out of a backyard and into an oasis. The water garden proves that the wonders of Merrywood aren’t limited to the inside of the house.

Landscape lighting designer, Thomas Kralovenec not only highlights Merrywood’s important assets with its lighting and irrigation systems, but also shows visitors how they work. The low voltage landscape lighting system makes Merrywood come alive at night. Accent lighting brings out the front entrance’s stone features and puts the spotlight on selected landscaping long after the sun sets. Visitors will see the step-by-step process of installing control wires, fixture mountings, fixture aiming and the how the system turns on and off. Another step-by-step installation is the front entrance irrigation system, which is controlled by an irrigation time clock and a sensor that activates the system depending on rainfall.

Merrywood’s gardens are restored and new ones are created, thanks to designing and installation by Roberto Fernandez. In addition to updating existing gardens, Fernandez has planted English gardens to complement the house. Formal plantings, trees and shrubs are just some of the ingredients used to help set Merrywood against a gorgeous blooming background.