SARATOGA SPRINGS, NEW YORK

An historic, Victorian villa is given a new lease of life with the joyful and personal layering of pattern, contemporary craft and bespoke artworks.

Occupying a prominent corner plot in Saratoga Springs, Upstate New York, this handsome Victorian villa operated as a six-bedroom bed and breakfast when our clients took it on. Our brief was to transform a series of bland, lifeless rooms into a holiday home for a young family with a passion for horse racing and entertaining.

Guided by the client’s admiration for British contemporary craft and bold, richly layered interiors, we have focussed on creating a series of impactful rooms that delight the eye and encourage conversation and conviviality. In the sitting room, a handcrafted Lorford’s sofa sits beneath a bespoke artwork depicting the Saratoga Race Course by the artist Andie Dinkin. The picture is flanked by metal sconces by the Welsh maker, Jess Wheeler.

Next door in the drinks parlour, striking upholstered stools gather around a central table. The backdrop is a bespoke, hand-painted mural that incorporates local landmarks as well as portraits of the clients’ young children and pets. In the panelled dining room, a solid oak table with sweeping carved legs by the furniture designer, Alfred Newall, takes pride of place.

In addition to bringing comfort and purpose to the main rooms on the ground floor, we have reconfigured the rear entrance, creating an ample hallway, boot room and WC. This takes the pressure off the formal front entrance whilst servicing the demands of a full family life.

Upstairs, a soothing palette is enlivened by whimsical patterned textiles and wallpapers that lead the eye through the rooms, bringing joy to the furthest reaches of the house.