An 1830's Farmhouse Gains a Modern Sensibility Through an Unlikely Blend of Beloved Antiques, Contemporary Furnishings, French Textiles and Bold Color

Architect Douglas Wright refurbished an existing 19th-century clapboard farmhouse and updated the property with the introduction of a contemporary black barn. The rough-sawn pine structure includes a standing seam metal roof and 18-foot-high doors that slide closed over the windows and doors to block the morning light into the second-floor master suite.

A porch addition to the original white gabled structure created a welcome summer amenity on the west side.

Bifold doors open to the lower-level family room, which is a favorite hangout for the owners and their sons.

The existing garage got a new roof and a fresh coat of black paint to match the barn.

The new screened-in porch is furnished with simple director’s chairs from RH and a pair of 19th-century Swedish drop-leaf tables from M. Naeve Antiques. A 1920s US Industrial Pendant supplies lighting.

Cabinets in Farrow & Ball’s Babouche and ceiling tiles from Brian Greer’s Tin Ceilings brighten the eat-in kitchen. Table and chairs are from the homeowner’s collection. Apron-front sink is Franke; refrigerator is GE Café Series. The pendant light is from Gallery L7.

A 1940s bronze chandelier from a Paris flea market lights an heirloom 1920s mahogany dining set. English slipper accent chairs are from English Accent Antiques. Wall color is Farrow & Ball’s Castle Gray, mantel color is Lichen.

In the bar/pantry, White Moth wallpaper by Timorous Beasties adds a humorous touch. The vintage Stilnovo light fixture is from Mass Modern Design.

In the living room, a cotton straw rug painted white from Stark Carpet complements a 19th-century Louis Philippe side table from Robuck and Company Antiques and a sofa with pillows wearing Holland & Sherryt fabrics.

A red Cappellini sofa and bright blue coffee table from Bloomfield enliven the family room in the new barn. The white chair is from Design Within Reach, and the black side tables and light fixture are from a local antiques store. The 1960s Danish teak dining set is a family heirloom with the chairs featuring custom leather upholstery by Fawn Galli Interiors.

In lieu of a carpet runner, the designer had the back staircase painted to make it durable and give it personality.

The architect turned the long, narrow room between the living room and mudroom into a warm, winter gathering place. The seating that flanks the fireplace and the banquette cushions by Ritz Upholstery wear cotton velvet by Osborne & Little with pillows fashioned from vintage French textiles. Framed family photos and vintage Paris Review posters line the fireplace mantel.

In the master bedroom, the 1950s ceramic top coffee table is French, and the director’s chairs are from RH. A vintage map of Venice hanging above the bed takes the place of a headboard, and the mesh disc on the wall is an art piece by Jan Baracz. Snake wall sconces are from Fabbian. Red sconces are by Desdirot.

With a Kohler tub perfectly situated to enjoy the view. The master bathroom features a vintage Montel sink from Wyeth fitted with a Harrington Brass wall-mount faucet.

The kids’ bathroom features an Alape wall-mounted sink, an RH medicine cabinet and Nemo wall tiles. The green deco-style sconces are from School House Electric, Co.

In the attic, colorful linens and rugs from Ikea signal party time. The 1970s sofa is Cappellini, and the throw pillows are topped with vintage French textiles.