This 4600 square foot house was built in 2012 as a developer’s spec house in the New York suburb of Larchmont. We were hired during the construction to help provide architectural direction in the form of space planning and the selection of finishes and then ultimately to provide interior design guidance. With a second child on the way, the family was moving out of New York City for more space and a backyard. The challenge was to create a family friendly home that was also “green.” Due to certain health issues, my client required that all materials used in construction, as well as all furnishings had to be non toxic and sustainable.

The real estate broker described the house as “English Farmhouse” style. The client likes to describe it as “Modern Farmhouse”. Spare and clean were her directives. The Kitchen is the hearth of the house and right off the kitchen is a casual dining nook and family room. The family would spend a lot of time dining, drawing and talking together in the dining nook so that had to be a place where one could sit for extended periods of time. Thus a custom banquette was developed with comfort in mind. Much time was spent sourcing green products. The kitchen cabinetry was custom built by Pure Kitchen in Brooklyn with sustainable wood, non toxic glues and finishes and the oak plank flooring was provided by LV Wood Floors. All fabrics were naturally died. The Family Room sectional was provided by Cisco Home who offers non toxic green fillings in their upholstered furniture. Carpets were minimally used as they tend to be dust collectors. Window treatments were fabricated from natural sheer linen fabric.

The combination of natural materials and spare design help to create a very zen like atmosphere in the house. Light wood floors and sheers at the large windows provide a light and airy feeling. One could say we brought the natural elements of the outside, inside.