Rediscover the Charm of an Upstate New York Farmhouse, Tailored for Empty-Nesters Seeking Timeless Home Design
That old-time charm is still alive and kicking in the picturesque neighborhood of Bedford, NY, where a traditional abode gets a savvy, contemporary revamp courtesy of White Arrow Interior Design. Keren and Thomas Richter, the genius minds behind the firm, took great pains to preserve this house's time-tested history with a dash of modern panache.
This Texan duo was dead set on imbuing this Colonial-style home with a fresh, contemporary vibe, transforming it into a perennially chic, forever home for their empty-nester clients. Their mission? To refurbish the home's original architectural features, combining old-world millwork and artisanal craftsmanship with sleek, updated bathrooms and a forward-thinking layout.
As soon as you step inside, you're greeted by a cozy, inviting welcome in the form of the classic entryway. The blue and white color scheme is reminiscent of a quaint seaside cottage, setting the stage for the nostalgic, timeless feel that pervades the home.
The loving nod to tradition is evident in every nook and cranny. Cream shiplap adorns the walls, providing the perfect spot for a built-in bench where guests can sit and chat. A hint of vintage whimsy creeps in through floral wallpaper and playful pops of pattern from the gingham cushion to the framed blooming print.
On the kitchen front, this ain't your grandma's farmhouse! Elegant, trendy, and loaded with luxurious finishes, this space was designed with a sophisticated twist. Marbled countertops meet subway-tiled backsplashes, creating a sense of opulence and timeless grandeur without the stuffy, outdated feel.
White Arrow took care to ease the harshness of all-white spaces by incorporating cream cabinets, a clever move that seamlessly blends the original wood paneling with contemporary chic. A vintage sink and brass hardware give a well-worn, authentic feel. Delight in this unassuming yet striking space where relaxation and enjoyment are the main events.
The breakfast nook exudes cozy warmth, thanks to an abundance of classic millwork and built-in cabinetry matching the home's wood paneling. A rustic, round dining table and comfy rattan chairs set the scene for relaxed, family-style breakfasts. A low purple pendant light adds just the right amount of color.
Contrasting its laid-back counterpart, the more formal dining room oozes classical elegance. With high ceilings and tall windows, the architecture takes center stage, enhanced by eye-catching wallpaper and chic blue drapes. Tasteful gilded accents elevate the space to the epitome of sophistication, without crossing over into gaudiness.
'Our aim in designing our client's Bedford, New York abode was to invite the beauty of nature indoors,' explains Keren. The designers' clever use of nature-inspired patterns in wallpapers and soft furnishings lends a refreshing flair to each room.
Step into the living room, where darker hues reign, creating an enticing, intimate ambiance. An unexpected punch of red is introduced through a painted dresser and pleated pendant light, enriching the space with warmth and elegance. This plush, velvety haven draws you in for a cozy evening spent immersed in a good book.
'We strived to create a heartfelt, layered, and cozy interior by combining architectural salvage and custom millwork with a mix of British and Scandinavian patterns and textiles,' Keren explains. The result is a space that's a seamless fusion of the past and present, integrating vintage and antique treasures with contemporary touches.
The rich navy blue armchair and painted bookshelves contribute to the overall sense of luxury, perfectly balanced with the classic color pairing seen throughout the home. A subtle collection of vintage books, rustic vases, and delicate ornaments round out the space, creating a stylish, thoughtfully curated vignette.
Pull up a chair and lose yourself in the tranquil refuge that is the bedroom. With a subtly vibrant yellow grasscloth wallpaper and calming shades of blue, this room is a soothing retreat that invites you to unwind and rest. The four-poster bed is a nod to the home's heritage, while the coastal-inspired bedding completes this idyllic haven.
The spa-like marble bathroom transcends the everyday, combining timeless sophistication with contemporary elegance. The marble vanity unit and walk-in shower are a matched pair of luxury, their sleek, unadorned surfaces serving as the perfect blank canvas for a striking, statement space. This is Keren's favorite part of the renovation, and it's easy to see why.
A refined, livable space, the dressing room is no exception to the home's carefully curated blend of traditional style and modern elegance. Custom millwork throughout the home connects seamlessly with the original finishes, creating elegant built-in shelving units that display a collected mix of vintage and contemporary artwork and furniture.
White Arrow truly paid homage to this Bedford home's long-standing history, while seamlessly incorporating the contemporary touches needed to keep things feeling fresh and renewed. This renovation serves not only as a lesson in preserving a home's character but also in marrying tradition with modern sophistication.
- The interior design project by White Arrow Interior Design in Bedford, NY, was aimed at preserving the house's historical charm while introducing a contemporary vibe, demonstrating a successful fusion of sustainable living and home-improvement strategies.
- The living room, in this renovated home, showcases a layered and cozy interior design approach, combining architectural salvage and custom millwork with a mix of British and Scandinavian patterns and textiles, symbolizing the balance between past and present lifestyles.
- The bathroom of the renovated home, with its marble vanity unit and walk-in shower, is a testament to the seamless integration of old-world millwork and artisanal craftsmanship with sleek, updated features, promoting a lifestyle that values both tradition and modern panache.
