Mansion in May Visitors Choose Tulip Award Winners:

Curren Design Associates of Mendham and

Plumberry Designs of Florham Park

Mierop Design and Terra Graphics of Montclair

MORRISTOWN, NJ, September 28, 2020 – The Women’s Association for Morristown Medical Center is pleased to announce the winners of its Mansion in May 2020 Tulip Award. Interior Designers, Michael Curren of Curren Design Associates, Inc. and Richard R. Barr of Plumberry Designs, Inc., and Landscape Designers, Lisa Mierop of Mierop Design and Frank Contey of Terra Graphics, LLC were recognized with Mansion in May’s highest honor as selected by visitors who cast ballots for their favorite interior and landscape space at the end of their tours.

WAMMC’s 19th signature fundraiser, previously scheduled to be held during May, opened its doors to the public as “Splendor in September” and will be available for tours through October 4. All proceeds to benefit the expansion of the Gagnon Cardiovascular Institute at Morristown Medical Center.

“We are so very grateful to all of our interior and landscape designers who stayed with us and worked long hours to make this mansion a success,” said Pat O’Connor, Co-Chair, Mansion in May 2020. “They have done a spectacular job and we are thankful for their commitment to and participation in Splendor in September.”

“Our guests truly had a tough time when choosing their favorite spaces,” said Kathy Ross, Co-Chair, Mansion in May 2020. “Our visitors were so enthralled with the beauty of each space, which made the decision even more difficult.”

L to R: Louetta Shioleno, Co-Chair, Interior Design; Kathy Ross, Co-Chair, Mansion in May 2020; Michael Curren, Curren Design Associates; Richard R. Barr, Plumberry Design; Pat O’Connor, Co-Chair, Mansion in May 2020

According to designers, Michael Curren and Richard R. Barr, the pool house was inspired by the seaside town of Lerici, perched on the cliffs overlooking the Italian Riviera. Aptly named, “Far Niente,” the art of doing nothing, it was designed in a relaxed, chic summer-house style with a mix of contemporary and traditional. The space incorporates five key design elements: an open floor plan with an inside/outside flow to the pool and outside seating area; simple, clean comfortable furniture, fabrics and finishes that can withstand the elements; and a fully functional kitchen.

Richard R. Barr said, “We are grateful to the Women’s Association for providing us with the opportunity to give back to our front-liners and neighbors, especially this year, and be a part of Splendor in September in support of Morristown Medical Center.” 

Michael Curren shared, “I think every designer is a winner. Holding on and getting our spaces completed was not easy, and everyone did an outstanding job. For us it has been a privilege to participate alongside our fellow designers and an honor to support Morristown Medical Center.”

L to R: Pat O’Connor, Co-Chair, Mansion in May 2020; Kathy Ross, Co-Chair, Mansion in May 2020; Katherine Sheeleigh, Co-Chair, Landscape Design;Katie Nolle, Co-Chair, Landscape Design and President, Women’s Association for Morristown Medical Center;  Lisa Mierop, Mierop Design; Frank Contey, Terra Graphics. 

The winning landscape design team of Lisa Mierop and Frank Contey collaborated on the design of the “Luxe Farm to Table” space and created one grand outdoor living area. Their preference for healthy and eco-friendly living inspired them to create a beautiful and purposeful outdoor room with clear roots in Continental landscape design. Given current trends for organic food sources and vegetable gardening, reinforced by the realities of Covid, the luxurious ‘farm to table’ checks many boxes for today’s homeowner who aspires to harvest, cook, dine and relax within the privacy of their property. 

Lisa Mierop and Frank Contey shared, “This was our first experience with a Mansion in May showhouse and it has been our pleasure to participate with the Women’s Association and an extra honor to win the Tulip award.”    

Tyvan Hill, a 10,000 square foot U-shaped brick and stone house mansion was designed by the prominent New York architectural firm of Peabody, Wilson & Brown for John Wesley Castles Jr. and his wife, Dorothea Bradford Smith, and built between 1928 and 1929. It features beautiful details, such as a curved staircase, paneling and elegant moldings, as well as an outdoor pool and pool house. In 1931, the Architectural League of New York awarded its silver medal to Peabody, Wilson & Brown for the firm's designs of a group of country residences, prominently including Tyvan Hill.  

Mansion in May is the preeminent designer showhouse in the New Jersey-New York area, and typically held every two or three years. As a fundraiser for Morristown Medical Center, the event is known for presenting the area’s most unique and historic mansions, restored through the work of top interior and landscape designers.  Mansion in May Presents “Splendor in September” at Tyvan Hill will be open to the public through October 4, 2020.  All proceeds to benefit the expansion of the Gagnon Cardiovascular Institute at Morristown Medical Center. Tickets are $40 online and are sold in time slots from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  For tickets and more information about our safety protocols and Mansion in May, visit www.mansioninmay.org. 

Tulip Award Winner - "Far Niente"

Michael Curren, Curren Design Associates and Richard R. Barr, Plumberry Design

Tulip Award Winners - "Luxe Farm to Table" Lisa Mierop, Mierop Design and Frank Contey, Terra Graphics. 

ABOUT THE WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION FOR MORRISTOWN MEDICAL CENTER

Founded in March 1893 to provide financial support to Morristown Medical Center, part of the Atlantic Health System, the Women’s Association for Morristown Medical Center (WAMMC) helps enable the hospital to respond to the changing healthcare needs of the community. With a volunteer base of more than 400 members, WAMMC hosts a number of fundraising events, anchored by the flagship event, Mansion in May Designer Showhouse and Gardens. WAMMC also operates the hospital’s gift shops and The Bargain Box Thrift Boutique, as well as WAMMC Network TV, which created Calling All Kids and is the first in-house family television station for young patients and their families to enjoy during their stay at the hospital. WAMMC is an integral part of the hospital’s ability to continue bringing cutting-edge technology and superior health services to the community, and has raised more than $25 million to date to support this mission. For more information about WAMMC, visit http://www.wammc.org.