Launched in 2005, WellesleyWeston Magazine is a quarterly publication tailored to Wellesley and Weston residents and edited to enrich the experience of living in two of Massachusetts' most desirable communities.
Issue link: https://wellesleywestonmagazine.epubxp.com/i/819093
Wellesley and Weston to achieve a range of distinctive exterior living areas. "We've created terraces with fireplaces as inviting spaces for fam- ily and friends to congregate closely around," he said. "They are optimal for evenings and add the natural ambiance of sound, smell, and warmth to the suburban landscape." Another trend is a move toward outdoor kitchen and dining areas. For one client, MacDowell created a unique space that transports the comforts and conveniences of indoor dining outside. It features an open-air cabana with Greek architectural influences that is warmly lit by a bold, cast iron chandelier to create an elegant ambiance. Instead of a rug, colorful ceramic tiles warm up the dining space as a practical, water-resistant alternative. And the columns and rooflines of the structure boast Tuscan styling reminiscent of Italian piazzas. But clients don't need to have acres of land or endless budgets to cre- ate inviting outdoor space. "Many times it's the smaller projects, whether The She Shed While the term "she shed" is relatively new, the idea is not. In 1912, Alva Vanderbilt (yes, that Vanderbilt) had an elaborate Chinese Tea House built on her sprawling Marble House property in Newport, Rhode Island. Alva used the space for political rallies and social teas to raise money for "Votes for Women." Now, "she sheds" are popping up anywhere there's space and desire for them, not just at the most elite homes. Some women use their "she sheds" for art or music studios, pool houses, to practice yoga, as a reading or writing nook, or as a place to retreat for some well-deserved solitary peace and quiet — just footsteps from home. Others use them to gather with friends, socialize, and relax — not just in summer, but all year round. No matter what they are used for, there's no denying that their popularity has begun to soar. The she shed in Weston shown in the accompanying photo is anything but a shed. Originally built as a pool house in the 1920s, this elegantly appointed room reflects the owner's sensibility to Old World spaces. Its soaring Palladian windows bring in rays of natural light; and the bright, floral décor in this intimate hideaway is as sophisticated as it is feminine. In the summer, the fully recessed doors have hidden screens that enhance the indoor-outdoor feel of the room. The trellised ceiling is reminiscent of a gazebo, and the hand-painted flowers that run along the border were inspired by the owner's love of roses. Interior of Westover Poolhouse C O U R T E S Y O F J U S T I N A N F U S O 54 W e l l e s l e y W e s t o n M a g a z i n e | s u m m e r 2 0 1 7 Bringing the Indoors Outdoors