With a long history in the world of design and retail, Michael DePerno has been designing spaces and owned well regarded shops on both coasts. But it was in 2013, when living in northern California, that he longed for the east coast again. Settling in Litchfield County, he found the perfect old house to renovate and make his own. It was then that he met Andrew Fry, whose background in fashion echoed the same aesthetic qualities Michael cherished in interiors – quality, craftsmanship and an understated refinement. Together they have created a home of simple, elevated country elegance. Please join Susanna and me at home in Connecticut with Michael with Andrew at their charming country home.
With a love of collecting, nature and clean lines, Michael and Andrew have filled their supremely edited house with vintage and modern pieces that share clean lines and an artisanal authenticity.
And whileMichael and Andrew have similar aesthetics, their visions diverge when it comes to Michael’s penchant for maximalist collections versus Andrew’s pared down minimalism. Yet they have married their preferences with a perfectly edited mix of clean, sophisticated and elevated country chic.
Coralling collections onto shelves and in cabinets helps tell their story with while still allowing the living spaces to feel open, celebrating purity of architecture, materials and the clean lines they admire.
And perhaps the pièce de resistance is their screened house set amid their lush summer garden.
Nearby Michael and Andrew continue their passion for retail with their lifestyle shop PLAIN GOODS. Originally in a small space in the popular shopping mecca of New Preston, they more recently moved into the iconic 1897 Pavillion Hall, which sits proudly in the center of town. Their extensive and sensitive renovation of the property earned them an award from the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation.
The history and restoration of the building echoes Michael’s and Andrew’s interest in fine craftsmanship and artisanal quality that is also reflected in their thoughtfully edited merchandise.
Shopping at PLAIN GOODS is a zen-like experience – exploring the airy beautiful space filled with everything from Japanese fashion to children’s clothes,
vintage and new home furnishings and provisions,
as well as carefully culled antiques.
all photos by Stacey Bewkes for Quintessence
Here the intersection of timeless and contemporary exemplifies a soulful and classic style that suits our modern times. So thank you Michael and Andrew – we loved visiting you at home in Connecticut!
