Design house: Modern renovation of a 1990s farmhouse in Dutchess County, New York

After a brief stint in London, this forward-thinking couple – along with their three children – wanted to return to the US to set up a forever home for their family. With that in mind, they enlisted the help of Valerie Grant to turn their dream into a reality. 

Valerie’s passion for design is the driving force behind everything she does – from her career in the fashion industry to her extensive work designing home interiors throughout the tri-state area. 

Before establishing her own firm, Valerie spent over fifteen years in the fashion industry working at such renowned brands as Prada, Ralph Lauren, Coach and J Crew.

The designer uses this valuable experience to every home design project, customizing and tailoring selections to the aesthetic and budget of each individual client.

We speak to Valerie about the design project.

• Check out our page dedicated to the world's best homes for more a peek inside some more beautiful interiors

The 5-bedroom, 5.5-bathroom house is situated on a spectacular 90-acre site with horse stables in Dutchess County, New York. 

The owners were drawn to the site by both its natural beauty and the outdoor lifestyle it offers, and its relatively close proximity to New York City. 

See more: Living room ideas – 25 inspiring ways to decorate and furnish your space

Originally built in 1998, the 8,700 sq-ft house was broken up into many smaller rooms and did not take full advantage of the surrounding landscape. 

The renovation included reconfiguring the interior layout, opening up the kitchen, incorporating plenty of windows to let in the views, and adding bedrooms and outdoor areas for seating and entertaining.  

The parents and the children share interests in rugby, soccer, equestrian sports and art. The renovated house accommodates the tight-knit family’s lifestyle with comfortable shared spaces including a light-filled art studio, game room, a fully equipped, top-of-the-line home gym, a movie theatre, and a children’s play space. 

The new layout also focused on creating a designated bedroom and ensuite bathroom for each child as well as the guest suite. 

A previously unused space on the third floor was transformed into a wet bar area with an adjoining roof deck with panoramic views of the spectacular property.  

In keeping with the geographic location, many materials and elements were sourced or fabricated locally, including antique black walnut wood beams salvaged from an old farmhouse and incorporated in the kitchen and family room and the locally milled oak floors. All the cabinetry was made by a local, fourth-generation custom cabinet maker. 

Other custom features include the mica ceiling fixture in the living room, custom designed by Valerie Grant and crafted by an artisan in California. 

Special attention was paid to the fireplaces in both the living room and family room with custom surrounds designed to incorporate details such as metal with rivet edging and a custom antique mirror cabinet to hide the TV.  

Prominent throughout the house is Valerie Grant’s interest and keen eye for surface details and patterns, such as a graphic wallcovering on the ceiling in the wife’s office whose pattern was repeated in the window treatments in the master bedroom.   

With the addition of the family’s art collection, this structure was transformed into a sophisticated, comfortable, contemporary home while preserving and enhancing its local character. 

Architecture / Crisp Architects (opens in new tab)  

Interior Design / Valerie Grant Interiors (opens in new tab)

Photography / Antoine Bootz