The couple who bought an outdated, century-old Darien home saw past its disjointed layout and style. They sought a comprehensive redesign that would enhance the home’s virtues – its waterfront views and ample natural light – with a coherent design vision to support their modern family lifestyle. Also critical was to moderate the extreme fluctuations in indoor air temperatures, to make a more comfortable and energy efficient home.

The wife is an expert chef, so the reconfigured floor plan gives the kitchen special prominence. It was moved to the heart of the home, merged with the family space, and linked to the outdoors with a wall of French doors that open onto a waterfront patio. We designed the interiors in conjunction with the architecture, commissioning custom silk rugs, light fixtures, window treatments, and specially fabricated furniture in colors and finishes to enhance the overall design. With careful consideration of color, texture, natural light and views in each space, we also assisted the owners in curating works of contemporary art that add interest and warmth to each interior environment.

The exterior, which retains the original massing, was redesigned according to green best practices, and has new windows, shingles siding, and a metal roof. We developed a comprehensive, phased master plan, including temporary living quarters, so the homeowners were able to occupy the home during construction.