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“The Quincy Lift”

November 10, 2022

When you live at the beach you stay at the beach has been the motto of many Fairfield, Connecticut residents. I can’t tell you how many people I know (including my own family!) who have moved from one house to another in the same beach neighborhood for a little more room or less. Upon meeting this family of four, we knew immediately that we were going to build a dream home with them and couldn’t wait to get started. First things first, in order to make the extensive renovations they wished for we’d have to lift the house, per FEMA requirements, and the journey begins from there.

Project Details

interiors + exteriors // GLDESIGN

location // FAIRFIELD, CT

builder // TOWLE BUILDERS

photographer // FRANCES ISAAC (FVIPHOTO)

architect // CHRISTIAN RAE STUDIO

The homeowners loved their location set atop a dune in the heart of Fairfield beach and preferred a renovation over a demolition to preserve the character of the home originally built in 1928. In order to reconfigure the existing floor plan, the architect expanded the square footage to accommodate a new kitchen and primary bedroom addition.The white quartz countertops against the neutral square tile sets the tone for the palette of the home.

The floor to ceiling MARVIN® windows enveloping the eat-in-kitchen and the character touches throughout the first floor truly reflected the old meets new elements the homeowners wanted to showcase. Thanks to Monogram® Appliances the kitchen design remained sleek yet inviting.

When selecting the palette of the home, we stayed true to neutrals with subtle colors like Balboa Mist by Benjamin Moore on the kitchen island and Chantilly Lace in the rest of the home letting the millwork speak for itself. The homeowners have always admired local artist Jen Scully so we commissioned her signature East Coast piece to anchor the living room.

We had some color fun in the mudroom, powder and laundry to add personality to frequently used areas of the home but kept the majority of the home soothing and clutter free. The lockers include a metal mesh to add character but still provide cover from the chaos.

When designing a home, we collaborate closely with the family to get a sense for what their children hope for in their bedrooms and of course you know we take into account the furry pets too! For this sweet girl we chose Intimate White by Sherwin Williams for a subtle pink with muted rainbow decals and our swinging chair favorite, and for the construction lego loving boy bedroom we went with Coventry Gray stripes and a dash of red and navy.

For the shared bath, we went with our go to favorite penny tile in navy and well the design speaks for itself… we had some fun in here! Tile was sourced by New England Tile.

For the primary suite, we designed a true retreat with a subtle touch of shiplap on the vaulted ceiling, bright whites and warm woods for that well deserved escape all parents need once in a while.

Follow along the Quincy Lift journey in this video produced by Alex Taylor and watch the magic happen as the dream team led by Towle Custom Builders collaborated to make this beach house vision a reality.

xo, gaelle

Get the Look

DOWNING ROUND DINING TABLE // SHOP

POLY AND BARK WEAVE CHAIR // SHOP

TUCKER COUNTER STOOL // SHOP

STRAW WALL HAT DECOR // SHOP

RIVIERA BACKLESS BENCH // SHOP

THEODORE COASTAL TAUPE WOVEN FIXED CUSHION MAHOGANY DINING SIDE CHAIR- SET OF 2 // SHOP

MARKET COFFEE TABLE // SHOP

KENTFIELD LONG CHANDELIER // SHOP

GOODMAN PENDANT // SHOP

CADENCE SEMI-FLUSH MOUNT // SHOP

LA GOMERA JUTE RECTANGULAR MIRROR // SHOP

GRIZZLY CAST IRON UTILITY SINK // SHOP

TEAK STEP STOOL // SHOP

ATELIER SIDE TABLE // SHOP

SOUTH SEAS CONSOLE // SHOP

ADELAIDE HAND KNOTTED RUG // SHOP

WELDON ARMCHAIR // SHOP

ARTIFICIAL OLIVE TREE // SHOP

HEADLANDS BELL PENDANT // SHOP

WHITE DIPPED RATTAN BASKETS // SHOP

PAULOWNIA FOOTED BOWL SET // SHOP

NATURAL HANDWOVEN JUTE-BLEND AREA RUG // SHOP

MUTED BOHO RAINBOW WALL DECALS // SHOP

RECYCLED GLASS DEMIJOHN VASE // SHOP

BEACH HOUSE SLIPCOVERED BED // SHOP

ROUNDED RECTANGLE METAL FRAMED MIRROR // SHOP

CHARLIE BED // SHOP

CHARLIE EXTRA-WIDE DRESSER // SHOP

GEMMA METAL NIGHTSTAND // SHOP

CLASSIC DOME SHAPE BATH LIGHT // SHOP

CARSON 12″ SEMI-FLUSH FIXTURE // SHOP

ELSIE BED // SHOP

HANGING RATTAN CHAIR // SHOP

HEADLANDS ROUND PENDANT // SHOP

SCALLOPED METAL FLUSH MOUNT // SHOP

ELSIE EXTRA-WIDE DRESSER // SHOP

NATURALIST MIRROR // SHOP

WHITE JUTE SIMPLE BORDER AREA RUG // SHOP

YOUNG HOUSE LOVE FARMHOUSE PENDANT // SHOP

EMBOSSED METAL WASH & DRY SIGN // SHOP

“Forever Farmhouse”
“Modern Hillside”

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I have so much to say… I guess this has been a r I have so much to say… I guess this has been a re-discovery of sorts. One I didn’t expect I needed. Here I thought I was a French girl living in America with an affinity for Paris (where I was born) but it turns out, this whole time without me knowing, I’m a French girl living in the States with roots from the French Riviera (where we summered). It is starting to come together… at 50. My heart is exploding and my full circle looks even more beautiful than I ever could have imagined. ❤️
DAY ONE. How has it been over 15 years since I’v DAY ONE.
How has it been over 15 years since I’ve visited you my beautiful South of France. Today is a day I will forever remember. 🇫🇷 On our way to our work retreat but had to stop into Cannes to pay homage to my family’s summer house. Overwhelmed is an understatement. Such a special moment. So grateful for such a beautiful life. Je t’aime pour toujours ❤️
It’s happening!!!! Can’t wait to head overseas It’s happening!!!! Can’t wait to head overseas to attend @boxwoodavenue design retreat en Provence and of course… had to tack on a quick trip to Paris! Bringing my bestie @mackenziepretty and senior designer to my home country is truly a full circle moment and  we can’t wait to share all these new beginnings with you as we expand GLDESIGN and beyond! 🇫🇷 

(oh and yes I’ll be sharing all outfits and more, promise!! packing is my nemesis so give this French girl a minute but promise!! 🤣)

A bientot mes amis! xo
Armed and ready with whatever the day (or contract Armed and ready with whatever the day (or contractor) throws at me 🙌🏻 #designerlife
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