Farmhouse Facelift

Published on March 13, 2020

Farmhouse Update

This Connecticut farmhouse hadn't been updated since it was built in 1950s, but the homeowners were undaunted. Through the renovations, they preserved the home's charming simplicity but also brought it into the 21st century by opening the home's layout and adding French doors and windows for extra light. The result is a timeless home with modern amenities that cater to its family's lifestyle.

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Welcome Home

Traditional details—including the gray-stone paving and multipane windows—mix with ageless accoutrements such as the wooden bench to create an inviting walk up to the humble farmhouse.

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Straightforward Foyer

The original staircase received a minor facelift thanks to chunky newels and balustrades, as well as Shaker-style wainscoting. A paneled mirror casually leans behind the table, tricking the eyes into believing the room is bigger than it actually is.

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White and Light

The homeowners installed six sets of double French doors throughout the home, including one here in the living room, allowing natural light to flood the spaces. Another recurring look: white. The home’s white neutral palette leaves room for season-appropriate accent colors in pillows and other decor.

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All in the Details

The homeowners opted to swap in a more detailed mantel for the original one, then paneled the rest of the fireplace wall—upping the house’s classic aesthetic even more. Bronze starburst mirrors bounce light and complement the touches of brown throughout the room—in the chairs' piping and on the legs of the coffee table.

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Wide Open

Eliminating walls and uncluttering spaces was key in the home’s renovation. In the kitchen, the owners added an island and breakfast bar in the middle of the room and moved all major appliances to the walls. Enlarging the doorway between the kitchen and the dining room further connects the spaces and continues the homeowners’ vision for an open and relaxed home.

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Smart Storage

Tucking away kitchen essentials, such as the microwave and cookbooks, into the island render them as accessible as ever while cutting down on countertop and visual clutter.

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Simply Put

kitchen with white cabinets and hardwood floors

With no need for a chef’s kitchen, the homeowners opted for a simple kitchen and incorporated smart storage and cozy cottage style into the kitchen’s design. Wood floors and a walnut top on the breakfast bar warm up the all-white space.

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Casual Family Room

Another major alteration the homeowners made was to the family and dining rooms. They converted the formal dining room into a library, turned the screen porch into a casual dining space, and knocked down a wall separating the family room from the new dining room. The result: an open space for the whole family.

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Buttoned-Down Dining Room

Postrenovation, the dining room is connected to the family room. French doors and minimalist furnishings prompt interactions between family and friends and allow for casual mingling.

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Easy Access

Opting for gravel or stone over concrete increases a home’s rustic and timeless ambience—as it does with this outdoor walkway. Other touches, such as the cupola and columns, draw attention to the front entrance.

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Outdoor Appeal

In their planning, the homeowners were all about creating spaces for conversation—both indoors and out. The French doors throughout the home encourage that, with easy access to a variety of patio seating, garden furniture, and a fire pit.

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