This English Tudor Home Proves Old-World Romance and Modern Design Can Coexist

In the pristine Conyers Farm community of Greenwich, Connecticut – which boasts grand, classical architecture and luscious landscapes – sits this 1900s home that has been lovingly reimagined to blend history with modern living.

'Even though the residence was only built in 1993, it had the heart of an estate built in the early 1900s,' says the interior designer Amy Aidinis Hirsch, whom the homeowners turned to to realize their vision. 'From the outset, the homeowners envisioned a complete reawakening of a traditional English Tudor – a house rich with history but ready for reinvention. Drawn to the romance of the home’s old-world architecture, the couple sought to honor its roots while infusing it with vibrancy and modernity.'

'They’re unabashed lovers of antiques yet equally captivated by contemporary art and objects with soul. Their vision called for a house where patina and polish could coexist – where storied pieces meet modern collectibles in a way that feels both unexpected and timeless.'

'The vision for this home sprang from the homeowners’ deep reverence for history, a passion for antiques, and a love of spaces that feel truly lived in – layered with the polish and vitality of modern design,' Amy explains. 'Though young, they carry the sensibility of old souls, drawn to objects with stories, materials that invite touch, and interiors that unfold like a curated narrative.'

The home's original features provided a strong starting point to build upon. 'All the wood within the core of the house was revitalized, as it was much darker and bland. We used a technique of sandblasting which opened the grain of the oak and lightened the wood. All the wood used within the newer areas was rift oak, and we matched the finish throughout for continuity.'

And while a feeling of heritage and charm runs throughout the home, it has been lovingly modernized with contemporary furniture, statement materials, and a sophisticated color palette. 'The homeowners’ aesthetic is a sophisticated blend of grandmillennial charm and modern luxury – a style that feels both storied and current,' says Amy. 'Luxe textures set the tone: walls and windows enveloped in sumptuous alpaca wools, custom rugs underfoot, and deep, inviting mohair that beckons touch.'

One of the key decor features is plaster walls, which were chosen to provide a sense of movement. 'The plaster technique required so many thick layers and wax to create the right buildup of patina and age we wanted. The beauty of the plaster is that when the light hits it, there is another layer and depth you did not see before. The plaster allows the light to dance on the walls and ceiling.'

Decorating with antiques is another prominent feature – a curated mix of quirky finds that is balanced and lightened alongside more modern furniture silhouettes. 'From the onset, the client wanted to infuse antiques within a modern sensibility of including artwork and other furnishings. There is a soul within the pieces, and the hunt is so rewarding.'

Stripping back the original woodwork, which was once much darker, was the first step in reimagining the entryway. 'This robust oak became a cornerstone for the home’s design, echoed in the kitchen and central spaces for cohesion,' says Amy.

This space instantly sets the tone for a home that's filled with antiques, from the chest to the mirror above it. 'Layered throughout are antiques from Balsamo, artifacts from Litchfield County, and discovered treasures. Each piece feels deliberate, creating a balance between history, artistry, and contemporary design.'

The living room opens out onto a porch, giving the space a light and airy feel, further enhanced by its neutral color palette. 'The plaster ceiling in the living room was the only item we kept from the original owner,' Amy explains. 'The detail is romantic and allowed a break from the other spaces. We intentionally added the ceiling lights to weave in another layer with a rich smoky-textured glass.'

The kitchen embraces open-plan living with a dining space and butler's pantry included. 'Every element was stripped back to create a seamless, open space that functions as a true living hub for the family,' Amy says. 'Steel windows frame the kitchen, bringing in natural light while offering a modern architectural edge – a theme repeated throughout the home, where all doors and windows were updated with sleek metal finishes.'

The materials in the kitchen were chosen to blend the old and new. 'Marble surfaces juxtapose steel for a sophisticated yet approachable sensibility.' The result is both functional and elevated, and Amy describes the room as 'a space where old-world charm meets contemporary elegance, designed for living, entertaining, and enduring beauty.'

The family room invites relaxation with its moody color palette and soft textures. 'The family room exudes a rich brown cinnamon color, which we embraced from the luscious Sandra Jordan alpaca curtains,' says Amy.

Painting the ceiling a similar warming hue to the curtains creates cohesion and makes the space feel more intimate. 'It would have been a disservice to leave the ceiling a light color; smoothing the entire space created a larger impact of sanctuary and relaxation.'

'With a tremendous amount of wood throughout the spaces, we decided to paint the paneling in this space a rich, deep saturated sienna tone offset with an evergreen Venetian plaster ceiling and walls above the paneling,' says Amy. 'This room is magical at night.'

To add balance to the dining room, the textiles were chosen in light colorways which contrast against the darker walls and ceiling.

'Situated just off the entry, this space nods to Ralph Lauren’s iconic aesthetic while embracing a fresh, unconventional approach,' Amy explains. 'Original woodwork was stripped and celebrated, complemented by Phillip Jeffries wallpaper, Holland & Sherry tartan on the ceiling, and carefully layered lighting to create depth and warmth.'

'Details like leather hardware from Turnstyle, the stitched leather light fixture, and the desk tucked behind the sofa introduce layers of texture and craftsmanship, blending classic references with modern, playful touches.'

The primary bedroom benefits from tall, sloped ceilings, which give it a sense of grandeur. 'This expansive, feminine space is defined by massive ceiling trusses that highlight the roofline,' Amy explains. 'Originally dark, the trusses were stripped back and paired with Venetian plaster to lighten and elevate the room.'

'A Restoration Hardware chandelier anchors the space, while a challenging wall of windows leading to a romantic balcony inspired a custom backdrop behind the bed, creating balance and continuity when the windows are closed. Sandra Jordan alpaca window treatments, a Jasper console, and an antique mirror layer texture and history, blending old and new seamlessly.'

'This suite was a complete refurbishment, fully gutted and reimagined with a European flair,' the designer explains. 'The door from 1stDibs, leading to the water closet, was carefully resized while preserving its embedded steel grate – a delicate operation that almost risked the door’s usability.'

'Porcelain floors replaced wood, providing durability while complementing the striking green BAS Stone, used for the countertops – a standout feature that harmonizes with Moroccan zellige tiles in the shower. The vaulted ceiling amplifies the spaciousness, creating a light-filled, elegant retreat.'

The speakeasy is a moody, decorative space that feels every bit playful. 'The space was envisioned as a swanky retreat,' Amy explains. 'The silk taffeta ceiling was painstakingly sourced with nearly 100 yards of fabric. Walls are adorned with ANANBÔ️️️️️ wallpaper, while a custom AAH banquette adds intimacy and elegance. Subtle European influences, from crackled wall finishes to curated lighting, evoke a refined, cypress-like provenance.'

'The billiard area retains original beams, refreshed and paired with new lighting, while floors were replaced to unify the space. The wine room, visible through glass on two sides, enhances the sense of openness.'

The goal for this home was to provide a retreat-like space. 'The clients love to entertain, and surrounded by family, they wanted this house to be a source of center and extension for others,' says Amy.

Beyond the functional design for day-to-day living, the elevated details are what bring it to life and achieve that initial vision. From the rich materials and textures to the antiques that tell a story, it's a home that invites conversation while promising refined luxury and grandeur.

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