Editor’s Memo

Since speaking to Barbara DeStefano about feng shui (see page h20), I’m once again attempting to declutter. All this stuff I have piled up around me is more than likely blocking my “chi” (that’s energy, in case you don’t know). Feng shui is a fascinating subject, and although I’m not certain what it all means, I do understand Ms. DeStefano’s point about knowing when a room feels right.

I recently moved an untidy pile of magazines in my home office into a cupboard in the guest room where I can’t see them, and things are feeling better already. (I understand the point may be to remove the offending items completely, but I don’t want to rush into anything.)

Virginia Stern, whose house we feature on page h24, condensed five households’ worth of furnishings, collectibles and art into her madeover barn, which really took some doing. Her makeover project started out small, and grew as she and her archictect, Barry Price, dreamed up ways to really make the most of the place. Price usually works in a far more modernist style, but brought all his sound judgment about space and light into play for this project, and Stern couldn’t be more complimentary about him.

Another architect working outside his usual realm is also showcased in this issue. Anthony DiGuiseppe, who spends much of his professional life designing luxurious hotel interiors, has taken a keen interest in the old stone houses of Ulster County. After he and his wife, Danielle, completed restoration work on the one we feature, they invited local designers to style the rooms. The result, which you can see in our story on page h32, highlights the talents of all involved. And no clutter in sight!

If you follow Ms. Stefano’s advice to pare down, you may find space for something new from one of our many local furniture and homeware stores. That’s what I’m planning to do…

Enjoy these mellow, misty autumn days. And enjoy the issue!

Lynn Hazlewood

lhazlewood@hvhg.com