Situated in a beautiful, 100+-year-old Tudor-style residence in Hartford, CT, is the 2025 Junior League of Hartford’s Designer Show House. “Funds raised directly support the Junior League’s mission and charitable initiatives, primarily addressing the impact of systemic poverty on women and families in Greater Hartford,” says Jeanne Barber, owner of Camden Grace Interiors.

On the second floor, Jeanne’s design firm has created a vibrant music lounge. “A well-traveled power couple lives here,” Jeanne says. “They wanted this room to feel like a tiny Parisian café tucked inside their 100+-year-old home—a moody, romantic escape layered with stories. Most evenings, you’ll find them here unwinding, listening to vintage records on the gramophone, sipping bourbon hot toddies by candlelight, and planning their next overseas adventure.”

When designing the music lounge, they sought to highlight the work of talented Connecticut-based female artists. “We started with two key elements: a leafy, organic grasscloth wallpaper by Sarah Von Dreele, based in Goshen, and an original painting by West Hartford resident Sandy Welch titled ‘Torch Singer,’” Jeanne explains. “Sandy’s portrait became the major inspiration for the room’s color palette and overall vibe. The woman in the painting is effortlessly at ease, completely in her element—confident, expressive, and lost in the music.”

Now, the space evokes a sense of nostalgic relaxation. “If cigarettes were still in vogue, this would be the room where you’d light up and lean back,” Jeanne says with a laugh.

Explore the space in the slideshow.

Design by the Team at Camden Grace Interiors:
Jeanne Barber, Owner
Brigid O’Loughlin, Designer
Julia Zajac, Designer
Corey Hunton, Designer

Credits:
Art: “Torch Singer” by Sandy Welch
Art: ‘Symphony’ and ‘Orchestra’ on raw linen by Heather Blanton
Farrow & Ball Paint: Sulking Room Pink #295 (ceiling) Brinjal 222 (trim)
Wallcovering: Sarah Von Dreele via The Seward Group