FERN HOLLOW - RENOVATING A HISTORICAL HOME WITH PATINA STYLE
- 5 hours ago
- 3 min read
When Steve and I sat down over 15 years ago to define our “Patina Style,” we spread out all of our design elements in front of us. On Steve’s side were pieces of antique leather furniture, wooden plaster molds, and fading old architectural sketches. On mine were Swedish chairs and armoires, vintage floral artwork, and weathered gilt. While these pieces fell on opposite sides of the masculine and feminine spectrum, they all shared one thing in common: an appreciation for the beauty that emerges with the passage of time.
And so, on that day, along with identifying a unified aesthetic that balanced rustic and refined, we also found a core tenet to guide our design decisions: a respect for history, which we believed would ground the homes we would go on to create together.
We typically use this principle to guide the construction of new homes, attempting to imbue each structure with a sense of legacy. Sometimes, however, we are offered the opportunity to work with historic homes. In these instances, we are called to respect the craftsmanship of the original space and the narrative it weaves, while intentionally updating certain elements to make it more comfortable for modern life.
Over 10 years ago, we were commissioned to renovate and reimagine the interiors of a historic home in Connecticut. The property was home to five antique structures, some dating as far back as the 17th century.
Our client loved the traditional architecture of the buildings and had originally used period interiors as their primary inspiration. After years of living there, however, they felt the home no longer reflected who they were.
So Steve and I began working through our design process, weighing each decision against its impact on the original craftsmanship. If it elevated what was already there, it earned our approval. Anything that detracted was set aside.
We began with small changes to the architectural details. Antique wood shelving was installed in the library, a wine room was added, and an antique wood closet was tucked into the attic. Our goal was to make each addition feel as though it had always been part of the original footprint, allowing the home to grow without interrupting its unfolding narrative.
When it came to the interiors, we wanted the space to feel calm and simple, allowing the original architecture to stand out. To achieve this, we refined the color palette, painting the walls in Farrow & Ball Pavilion Gray and Wimborne White, which brought a quiet luminosity to the rooms.
Many of our decisions involved subtracting rather than adding, allowing the home’s original materials to speak more clearly. Certain rugs were removed to reveal the beautiful original pine flooring. Older light fixtures were replaced with simpler designs, introducing a sense of modernity without overwhelming the space.
For the furnishings, we incorporated much of our client’s cherished antique collection to preserve its history within the home, while updating certain elements, such as upholstery, to create a more comfortable living environment.
Walking away, it felt as though this project embodied the true essence of Patina. We had honored the integrity of the home while making the thoughtful shifts that allowed our clients to live a life they loved within it.
If you would like to explore more homes guided by our signature Patina Style, you can purchase a copy of our book Patina Homes! If you order through our website, Steve and I can even personalize a signed copy for you or a loved one. We hope each project serves as inspiration on your journey to design your dream life.
xx,
Brooke
