FAIRFIELD — Award-winning Darien designer Carey Karlan was one of the featured designers for the Designer Showhouse on the Green presented by St Paul’s Episcopal Church, taking place September 19 to October 25. As part of her design, Ms Karlan also commissioned Newtown artist Joan Cone to create six original sketches of the historical buildings on the green.

Led by Design Chairman Ellie Cullman and Landscape Design Co-Chairs Diane Devore and Tara Vincenta, more than 15 designers turned the church rectory into a showcase of premier talent.

Built in 1834, the historic home was originally done in a Georgian style, but renovated in the late 1950s to Gothic Revival. It was in need of major interior and exterior restorations.

P&T Remodeling handled the construction work; Artemis Landscape Architects and Devore Associations did the landscape plan.

Proceeds from public tours, and a gala opening held in September, will help defray the renovation costs while also raising funds for the church’s community partner, Operation Hope. An opening gala took place on September 20, at which time the transformations featuring 18 designed spaces by the designers chosen to participate in the project were unveiled.

The event will benefit Operation Hope of Fairfield, a non-profit organization that strives to improve local hunger and homelessness.

Ms Karlan’s inspiration for her design was the historical St John’s rectory, part of the original 1834 construction, and other historically interesting buildings in the neighborhood.

“I wanted to do something fresh and current but also show respect for and appreciation of the rich history of the area,” she said.

“The nod to history brings interest and depth to a room otherwise furnished with modern selections,” said Ms Karlan.

“I imagined my room to be the guest bedroom: adult and comfortable, dignified but not boring, neither strongly masculine nor feminine, and with a sense of place. After all, the bishop could be visiting!”

With that in mind, Ms Karlan incorporated into the room a writing desk, bookshelves, a settee, and even a few stools at the foot of the bed.

Joan Cone was one of the decorative artists selected to showcase their skills across 18 different spaces in the house while remodeling the old rectory using the best in furnishings, fabrics, fixtures and garden design.

Ms Cone was tapped to create sketches of the Old Academy, the Sun Tavern, the Burr Manson, the Victorian Cottage, the Old Town Hall, and the church itself.

Adhering to the theme of old-meets-new, the sketches were drawn in a primitive style but framed with a modern aesthetic, with large white mats and frameless glass frames.

The showhouse will be open to the public for five weeks, to view and enjoy the transformation of the historic building.

Operation Hope was founded in 1986 when the local community became aware of local individuals who were unable to meet their own basic needs for food and shelter.

Operation Hope’s Food Pantry provides over 150,000 meals a year; its Supportive Affordable Housing provides permanent rental housing for previously homeless families and individuals; it offers shelter each evening to men, women and families; offer support services; and remains open 365 days a year.

St John’s Episcopal Church/The Designer Showhouse on The Green is at 690 Old Post Road, Fairfield. Volunteer docents will be on hand to discuss highlights of the project, and answer questions. The Showhouse is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 10 am until 4 pm; note, the final entrance is at 3:30 each afternoon.

No strollers, infants, children under age 6, or pets are admitted. The showhouse is not handicapped accessible.

Tickets are $35 each, which includes showhouse admission and a Journal. They can be purchased at the door or in advance at showhouseonthegreen.org (click on Tickets in the second red box on the left side of the page). For additional information about the Designer Showhouse Daily Tickets, send email to info@showhouseonthegreen.org.