The couple who has lived in this home for years are now empty nesters and wanted to modernize the house, which, other than a remodeled kitchen, had not been touched since the early 2000s.
The homeowners enlisted designer Darci Hether to tackle the remodel in the three-story 6,500-sq-ft Colonial home in Chappaqua.
Because the home had been left mostly untouched for almost two decades, the team paid attention not only to the interiors but the exteriors as well. “They loved their home, but it was in serious need of updating,” says Hether.
The design influence was a clean and serene aesthetic wanted by the client. Hether chose a neutral backdrop with texture and muted patterns, which provided visual interest and dimension. “My clients were looking to update and modernize their home, namely with color, texture, and pattern,” says Hether. “The main color palette throughout was to use varying shades of gray with accents in rich blues, soft brass, and warm wood tones.” The result is “clean and serene, welcoming, and approachable luxury.”
Almost every room was touched in some way — some more significant than others — making the entire home more modern and cohesive from one room to the next.
The Exterior
The front door, the doors leading to the outside deck, and the deck itself were painted in a soft black, which carries through to the interiors. “The goal of our clients was to update and modernize the home they loved and provide the perfect place to host friends and family,” says Hether. “Their love for entertaining, cocktail parties, intimate gatherings, and all things fitness and self-care are apparent in the various rooms throughout.”
Entry
“We ripped out the entry floor and installed large-format tile to help delineate the space,” says Hether. “Each piece of the tile has a gorgeous antique gold metal strip inlay. That detail is carried throughout the entry table that also has inlay gold banding.” She also added stair and hallway carpet runners to provide a layer of color, texture, and comfort. Add in a custom-made smoky glass multi-pendant with leather straps from Allied Maker and you’ve made a beautiful first impression on guests.
Living Room
The fireplaces in the living room and primary bedroom were redone with new, modern surrounds. “A new custom-designed fireplace surround updates the overall feel of the room and provides drama to the space,” says Hether. The sconces above the fireplace are chic and modern, as are the furnishings and accessories chosen for this space.
Family Room
“We painted all of the existing built-ins as well as the surrounding exterior door in a charcoal black color,” says Hether of the family room. “The backs of the bookcases were then papered with a soft grey grasscloth to add texture and depth.” She also added custom leather pulls to the doors to update the design. There is a custom sofa with chaise that is extra deep with built-in lumbar support to allow for extra comfort. Two large coffee tables sit side by side to accompany the surrounding seating. All the new furnishings sit atop a stunning charcoal rug (all rugs in the home are from Stark) with light grey asymmetric design.
Dining Room
A wallpaper with a small random gold-dot pattern was chosen for the dining room. “It provides subtle sparkle and visual interest,” says Hether. The gold is carried throughout the space in the modern chandelier, the sconces, the arms and legs of the dining chairs, the artwork, and accessories, adding the perfect touch of glamour. The dining room includes a large table with an extension for comfortable seating for up to 12 people. There is also a custom server for buffet service and plenty of storage for dinnerware.
Basement Lounge
In the basement there is a lounge area with built-in bar and a pool room with adjacent wine room. “[We chose] a large sofa sectional with a chaise and built-in side table,” says Hether. “There’s seating for everyone.”
Yoga Room
The guest bedroom on the main floor was turned into a yoga room. A window was removed and replaced with French doors that lead to a new private patio at the back of the house. In the “yoga bathroom,” there is a floral wallpaper that is both modern and soothing. “All of the new tiles, vanity, mirror, and lighting update and elevate this bathroom,” says Hether. “It feels like an at-home spa.”
Primary Suite
In the primary bedroom a custom fireplace surround was designed and added including new sconce lighting. There is an oversized bar cabinet with interior lighting, a seating area, desk, and the primary bath was completely gutted. The new bath features a freestanding tub and custom-designed vanity.
The Deck
Extending their entertainment space to the outdoors, the family room and kitchen open up to the deck, which was painted the same soft black color as the exterior trim and built-ins to tie everything together.
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