Step inside this characterful Upstate New York farmhouse reimagined for empty-nesters looking to design a home that never dates

Nestled amid luscious greenery in the idyllic neighborhood of Bedford, NY, you'll find a traditional home that's filled with country charm. When appointed to redesign the property, the interior design firm was steadfast on staying true to the building's long-standing history, enhancing its traditional features with contemporary, sophisticated touches.

Acknowledging the Colonial style of the house, interior designers Keren and Thomas Richter of White Arrow gave the home a characterful revamp that honors its age, creating a modern farmhouse style scheme mixed with more traditional touches.

On a mission to create a timeless home that never dates, Keren explains, 'We transformed a timeless residence into a well-appointed and sophisticated forever home for our “empty nester" clients. Our goal was to refine the home’s existing architectural details and finishes, rooted in old-world millwork and timeless craftsmanship, design chic updated bathrooms, and rethink the home’s layout and functionality.'

Expected in a Colonial-style home, the property is filled with traditional architectural features. Wood paneling has been used throughout, in harmony with the building's exterior, giving each the space a cozy, lived-in feel.

Greeting you as soon as you walk in the door, the entryway entices and welcomes. The blue and white color scheme is so fitting for the traditional style of the home and ties in with the nostalgic feel that's apparent throughout.

Mirroring the exterior, the designers have used cream shiplap to create a handy built-in bench for guests to use when departing and arriving. Like all good entryways, storage is ample, fitted with two cupboards to keep coats and shoes out of sight. Matching the whimsical floral wallpaper, the designers have scattered pops of vintage pattern from the gingham cushion to the framed floral botanical print.

Undoubtedly a farmhouse kitchen, this space feels contemporary and sophisticated. Ensuring to make the space as light as possible, it has been decorated in creams and white, balanced with rustic touches like the wood bar stools, rustic ceramics, and pleated pendant lights.

There are plenty of luxurious finishes, from the marble kitchen island to the subway-tiled backsplash that together give the space a sense of heritage and timeless patina. It's an elevated space that honors the traditional architectural style while still feeling fresh and current.

White kitchens can feel clinical, White Arrow has ensured the space is as authentic and integrated as possible, fitting cream cabinets that seamlessly blend with the original wood paneling.

The ceramic sink is an authentic addition that ties in with the classic wood cabinetry and brass hardware, mirroring a traditional kitchen without the fusty, outdated feel. It's a seemingly simple yet elegant space that invites its occupants to cook, relax, and enjoy their surroundings first thing in the morning and last thing at night.

Ensuring the whole home feels cohesive and aligned, the breakfast nook has been fitted with millwork and built-in cabinetry that connects to the exterior's wood paneling. The space has been sparingly furnished, but these architectural details give the room interest and character.

The dark wood floor balances the cream walls and cabinetry, matched with the antique-style round dining table and charming rattan dining chairs. Framing the arrangement is a low purple pendant light that brings the perfect amount of color and charm.

Providing an alternative to the more relaxed feel of the breakfast nook, the designers have created a more traditional dining room that honors the property's Colonial style. A large, impressive space with a high ceiling and plenty of tall windows, the architecture is accentuated by classic heritage wallpaper, timeless blue drapes, and an antique dining table and upholstered dining chairs.

The blue and white color scheme is used throughout the project, drawing upon the traditional, Americana aesthetic. It's an understated choice that evokes a sense of grandeur and sophistication, without going overboard.

The dining room has been decorated with subtle yet impactful gold accents, from the curtain rails to the pendant light, bringing a sense of luxury without edging towards the overly ornate.

'When designing our client’s home in Bedford, New York, our goal was to bring the outside in,' says Keren. 'The house is surrounded by beautiful nature on all sides, and we loved incorporating botanical references throughout the home.' Decorating with pattern, the designers have incorporated a variety of nature-inspired wallpapers and soft furnishings, giving every room a refreshing feel. The dining room is an example of this, and the cozy living room has a similar heritage feel with its Toile de Jouy wallpaper.

The living room has been decorated in darker shades, and the result is a welcoming, snug space that leans into the more traditional feel of the home. For some contrast, they've incorporated an unexpected red with the painted dresser and pleated pendant light, traditional colors that radiate richness and sophistication.

'We achieved a richly layered and comfortable interior by incorporating architectural salvage and custom millwork alongside a mix of British and Scandinavian patterning and textiles, bespoke upholstery and rugs, and a collected mix of vintage and antique artwork and furniture, alongside collected contemporary pieces,' explains Keren.

The rich navy blue armchair and the painted bookshelves provide a sense of luxury that's matched with wallpaper and antique furniture. It's the perfect reading corner that entices you to sit and relax in the evening, cocooning you with warmth and richness.

The shelves have been balanced with rustic vases and ornaments and a selection of vintage books, transforming a plain shelving unit into an artful arrangement that feels balanced rather than cluttered. The subtle pops of white contrast with the dark blue shades, honoring the classic color pairing that's used throughout the home.

A refreshing, serene escape, the bedroom has been designed with comfort and relaxation in mind. From the muted yellow grasscloth walls to the subtle pops of blue, the scheme feels colorful yet still subdued. The four-posted bed ties in with the traditional nature of the property without taking this theme too literally, instead nodding to its heritage in an understated way.

Reminiscent of a coastal bedroom, the pale blue and white bedding is a classic pairing that pairs beautifully with the dark wood accents, creating a refreshingly elegant arrangement that beckons you over.

One of the most luxurious rooms in the house, the marble bathroom fuses timeless sophistication and contemporary finishes. The wood and marble vanity unit paired with the marble shower is an unbeatable combination that frames the space and makes an everyday room feel extraordinary.

It's Keren's favorite space in the project. 'I love the primary bathroom – we thoroughly redesigned it and created a new, light-filled, spacious interior. The room features custom millwork, a luxurious walk-in shower clad in marble, a statement soaking tub, and even a lovely, quiet, art-filled moment when you first walk into the room.'

The built-in architectural details are a consistent theme throughout the home and are perhaps best displayed in the dressing room. Keren explains, 'We wanted the interiors to feel rooted in the past but with a modern perspective – we designed custom millwork throughout the home (library, dressing room, home office, primary bathroom) that seamlessly connects with the home’s original finishes.'

'We updated room layouts and functionality by designing a luxurious new primary bath and dressing room, creating a new pantry, laundry, and a home office with an ensuite lounge.'

There are endless heritage patterns scattered throughout the home, from the Toile De Jouy wallpaper in the living room to the gingham and pinstripe upholstery fabrics on the seating. The guest bathroom is no different; decorated with a whimsical clover-printed wallpaper, providing the perfect amount of intricacy and playfulness.

To keep the scheme balanced, the designers have incorporated cream wood paneling and vintage accents from the pedestal sink to the round mirror and the brass door handle.

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Keren and Thomas have undoubtedly honored the long-standing history of this Bedford home, incorporating plenty of beautiful and ornate architectural features and finer details. The project is a lesson in refreshing a period space without stripping it of its character.