Friday Favorites 6/28/2013

Erin Marvin, Associate Editor

No need to settle for your standard seating arrangement thanks to Moroso Asymmetric Sofa System Adorably Stitched—M.A.S.S.A.S—by Patricia Urquiola for Moroso. The new thirteen-piece modular collection of chairs and sofas can be configured any way you like, and the design’s exposed stitching and smooth surface will bring a custom contemporary flair into any home. Available through Montage in Boston.

Photos courtesy of Moroso

Stacy Kunstel, Homes Editor

Painted with recycled nail polish, these chandeliers are just a couple of the great finds at Bespoke Abode in Vineyard Haven on Martha’s Vineyard. According to owner Liz Stiving Nichols, they recovered a batch of rejected nail lacquer and used it to cover a number of fixtures in the store. Recycled chic!

Photos by Stacy Kunstel

Maria LaPiana, Contributing Writer

Connecticut loves her trails. They’re excuses, really, for meandering throughout the lovely state and stopping frequently to take in its attractions. My favorites include the Art Trail, the (unofficial) Antiques Trail, and the Wine Trail, but I have to admit I’m intrigued by the Chocolate Trail—and positively thrilled that the Connecticut Trust has recently minted a brand new trail for barn lovers. The Connecticut Barns Trail is designed to increase the public’s awareness of the historic importance of barns, large and small—and to encourage the preservation of the thousands of structures that dot the countryside. Funded by the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism, the new trail features seven routes highlighting barn sites that are open to the public, as well as many private sites that can be viewed from the road. The trail is available as a printed map and an iPhone app; the seven routes are: Northwest Hills; Fairfield County and the Western Shore, New Haven and the Shoreline; the Connecticut River Valley South; the Connecticut River Valley North; Thames River Valley and New London County, and the Quiet Corner—Northeast Connecticut. To learn more, visit connecticutbarns.org.

Photos courtesy of Connecticut Barn Trail