Who: Owner/Principal, Studio Dearborn, Mamaroneck​
Design Philosophy: I consider myself a conduit for the clients’ tastes. I absorb what they are drawn to and translate that into their new space, and then I work in details and finishes that they never would think of on their own.
Inspiration: Everything. I scour magazines, other designers’ websites, flea markets, real estate listings — you name it.
Hottest Trends: White kitchens are no longer the default. Think warmer off-whites, grays, and greiges for cabinetry with textural wood accents, but also more daring color combinations of black, blue, gray, and darker stains.
The maker movement. The most recent manifestation of “custom” in cabinetry is mismatched: multiple styles and finishes in one kitchen, sometimes with freestanding, furniture-like pieces.
Organic modernism. Reclaimed woods; antique and salvaged items; and clean, no-nonsense millwork details impart character to a space.
Top Tips: Get started early with a kitchen designer. Begin with idea books on Houzz or Pinterest and scour magazines for ideas.
Don’t overthink the process. Often your first ideas for color, style, and layout are the best.
Invest in organization. Custom cabinetry allows you to get the most efficient storage out of every square inch, allowing for more windows and wall space.
One of the beautiful spaces designed by Sarah Robertson.
Go-To Home Design Sources:
Shelter Magazines
(Other than Westchester Home):
Elle Decor
House and Home
NYC&G
House Beautiful
Websites and Blogs:
www.houzz.com
Instagram
www.remodelista.com
www.thegirlwiththegreensofa.com
TV Show:
Queer Eye. I believe strongly in its message of tolerance and compassion, mixed with goofy humor, and awesome before-and-afters.
Kitchen & Bath Resources
Westchester Shops/Showrooms:
Best Plumbing (Scarsdale)
Walker Zanger (Port Chester)
Casablanca Tile and Stone (Harrison)
Rye Marble (Rye)
Katonah Hardware (Katonah)
Kitchen & Bath Brands/Designers:
Thermador and Dacor (refrigeration)
Wolf (cooking)
Jenn-Air (cooking)
Bosch (dishwashers)
ROHL, Newport Brass, and Kohler (plumbing fixtures)
Watermark (plumbing)
Schoolhouse Electric (lighting, hardware)
Rejuvenation (lighting)
Circa (lighting)
The Urban Electric Co. (lighting)
Schaub, Alno, Emtek, Armac Martin, and RH (hardware)
Walker Zanger (tile, stone)
Heath Ceramics (tile)
General Home Design Resources
Westchester Home Design Shops/Showrooms:
Old New House (Katonah): antique rugs, vintage accessories
Village Mercantile (Larchmont): unique and ever-changing mix of gifts, housewares, decorative items;
Lanera Decorating (Mamaroneck): upholstery, window treatment
Rye Art Gallery & Framing (Rye): artwork, framing
West Elm (Scarsdale): affordable and on-trend rugs, stools, lighting
Other Home Design Shops/Showrooms:
Pratt and Larson (Portland, Oregon): handmade tile with hundreds of glazes and patterns
Etsy: vintage furniture and objects, vintage and exotic fabrics, handmade and custom items
Thompson Traders (Greensboro, NC): metal sinks, range hoods
Terrain (Westport, CT): indoor and outdoor plants, housewares, vintage items
RangeCraft (Fair Lawn, NJ): range hoods
Fave Products
Queslett Pull by Armac Martin
Katonah Hardware, Katonah
Malplaquet Pendant in White and Brass
urbanelectricco.com
Oh Dier Maple/Walnut Cutting Board
Old New House, Katonah​
“Its handmade feel, beautiful inlaid butterfly joints, and contrasting woods make this a beautiful piece to just lean against a backsplash.”
Phillip Jeffries Manila Hemp Grasscloth
Home Works, Port Chester
Cherner Counter Stool
Design Within Reach, Stamford, CT
“A sleek and minimalist style with sexy curves.”
Kazi Woven African Baskets and Bowls
Village Mercantile, Larchmont
“These beautifully woven baskets and bowls bring a little tribal color into the kitchen or bath.”
Secolo Porcelain Slab in Calacata Classic by Florim
Walker Zanger, Port Chester
Meander Wall Sconce
Avantgarden, Pound Ridge
Case Study Fiberglass Shell Chair
modernica.net
“Available in many colors, they are durable and add classic, midcentury style to the breakfast area.”
Vintage Rugs and Runners
Old New House, Katonah
Jenn-Air Smoke-and-Brass Limited-Edition 48” Range
Royal Green Appliance Center, White Plains
“Robust fabrication and performance with edgy styling.”
Custom Tea Drawer
Studio Dearborn, Mamaroneck
