Architectural Cases

Just as fine bourbon requires years of aging to achieve its desired characteristics, the meticulous craft of interior design often demands significant time and patience. This principle is beautifully exemplified in the transformation of a historic Tudor Revival residence in Louisville, Kentucky. Over more than a decade, acclaimed designer Robert Stilin collaborated with Heather and Marshall Farrer to revitalize their estate, blending a rich array of global design elements with deep respect for local traditions. The outcome is a home that seamlessly marries classic architectural integrity with contemporary artistic flair, creating a living space that feels both grand and intimately personal, and which continues to evolve with the family's needs.

This extensive project involved a careful rethinking of the home's layout and aesthetic, moving beyond mere renovation to an artistic curation that reflected the homeowners' personalities and passions. The careful selection of each piece, from antique furnishings to modern art installations, underscores a philosophy that values enduring quality and personal connection over fleeting trends. The result is a testament to the idea that true design excellence emerges not from haste, but from a patient, collaborative process that allows every detail to mature and harmonize over time.

A Decade of Design: Blending Heritage with Modernity

In Louisville, Kentucky, designer Robert Stilin and homeowners Heather and Marshall Farrer embarked on a decade-long journey to transform a 1920s Tudor Revival into a modern sanctuary. This meticulous renovation blends global influences with local heritage, featuring a sophisticated materials palette, an eclectic art collection, and furnishings from various eras. The project emphasizes thoughtful curation over rushed decisions, creating a harmonious and evolving home that balances formal elegance with comfortable living.

The transformation of this historic Louisville estate into a modern sanctuary was a truly collaborative effort spanning over a decade, reflecting the homeowners' vision and the designer's expertise. Heather Farrer, a passionate art collector and world traveler, sought to infuse her home with a global sensibility while honoring Kentucky's rich traditions. The design philosophy championed patience and meticulous curation, eschewing quick trends for lasting quality and personal resonance. Each space within the Tudor Revival residence was thoughtfully reimagined, from the ground-floor public areas, which now boast a more open and gracious flow, to the private quarters, all while preserving the home's original character. Stilin and the Farrer’s carefully selected materials such as stone floor tiles, board-form concrete hearths, mottled plaster walls, and white oak paneling—a subtle nod to bourbon aging—to create a sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere. The integration of modern and antique furnishings, alongside a vibrant contemporary art collection, illustrates a dynamic dialogue between past and present. This enduring collaboration has resulted in a home that not only respects its storied past but also vibrantly embraces the present, continuing to adapt and grow with the family.

The Art of Intentional Curation: From Concept to Comfort

The Farrer residence showcases an intentional approach to curation, where every design choice reflects a deliberate balance between diverse styles and a deep respect for personal narrative. From the initial conceptualization, guided by detailed Pinterest boards, to the careful integration of both high-end pieces and cherished family heirlooms, the project prioritized meaning and longevity. This methodical process ensured that the home’s evolving aesthetic remained coherent and authentic, culminating in spaces that are not only visually captivating but also deeply comfortable and welcoming.

The design journey for the Louisville residence was marked by a highly collaborative partnership between Heather Farrer and Robert Stilin. Heather’s extensive preparation, showcased through meticulously organized Pinterest boards, laid a robust foundation for the project. Stilin, known for his distinct aesthetic, appreciated her input, empowering her to integrate her personal style. Architect Joel Barkley joined the team to optimize the layout, particularly the ground-floor public spaces, transforming a series of old-fashioned rooms into an elegant, flowing sequence that connects the gardens with the family, dining, and living areas. The chosen material palette—including stone, concrete, plaster, and white oak—skillfully bridges historical context with modern design. The interiors serve as a backdrop for a vibrant collection of furniture and art, combining significant pieces by renowned designers like Ettore Sottsass and Arne Jacobsen with contemporary works from artists such as Rita Ackerman and Wolfgang Tillmans. Crucially, the home also incorporates humble, meaningful items and local heirlooms, creating a balanced aesthetic where nothing feels out of place or overtly time-bound. This careful, unhurried curation process, which explicitly avoided impulsive decisions, has fostered a comfortable and inviting atmosphere that residents and guests alike find instantly appealing, making the home a truly timeless and evolving space.

In the vibrant heart of Brooklyn Heights, an extraordinary transformation has unfolded within a historic penthouse apartment. Designers Raychel Wade and Berg & Forster Architects embarked on a journey to revitalize the top two floors of a 19th-century Italianate townhouse, once the residence of a prominent hardware merchant. This ambitious project, initiated by Sabrina Gleizer and Jonathan Keehner, sought to seamlessly integrate contemporary living with the inherent grandeur and intricate details of the Gilded Age. The outcome is a home that not only honors its rich past but also thrives as a dynamic, welcoming space for modern life and entertaining.

The residence, perched atop a building along the iconic Brooklyn Heights Promenade, has long been a source of fascination for onlookers, its interiors often hidden from public view. The opportunity to renovate this unique space was a dream for Raychel Wade, who describes the apartment as a "storybook castle." Initially approached for a bathroom update, the project soon expanded to include the kitchen and, eventually, a comprehensive overhaul of much of the property. This expansion allowed Wade to delve deep into the home's distinctive character, unveiling a world rarely seen in New York City apartments. The renovation journey involved a delicate balance: preserving the historic integrity while introducing modern functionality and aesthetic appeal.

A central focus of the redesign was the expansive great room, envisioned as the primary gathering space for the family and their guests. Recognizing its frequent use, the designers approached this area with careful consideration. The room's inherent quirks, including a compact turret affectionately dubbed "the tower" and a distinct, self-contained bar, presented both challenges and opportunities. Wade masterfully reconfigured the space to define five unique zones, each harmonizing with the others while serving distinct purposes. The addition of French doors leading to a lower deck and an impressive fireplace significantly enhanced the room's connectivity and overall livability.

Throughout the renovation, the design philosophy revolved around complementing the apartment’s original features rather than competing with them. This guiding principle was evident in the material selections and structural enhancements. For instance, the original flooring was replaced with white-oak herringbone parquet, a choice that resonated with the building's prewar aesthetic. A darker perimeter stripe was subtly incorporated to echo the room’s intricate hand-carved wood paneling, providing visual continuity and depth. Instead of attempting to lighten the existing dark paneling, Wade embraced its richness, opting for a deep blue-gray mohair sofa and a gray tweed ottoman to create a sophisticated and inviting ambiance around the fireplace. The intention was to enhance the inherent character, making the space feel "dark and sexy" rather than overly bright or sterile.

Beyond the great room, moments of vibrant color and playful design were introduced in other areas. The circular entryway now captivates with a checkered limestone floor and whimsical hand-painted botanical wallpaper, setting an imaginative tone upon arrival. Upstairs, the loggia, a roof-level space dating back to the 1860s, was transformed into a versatile "three-season room." Bathed in a soft pink hue and framed by elegant arched glass doors, this area offers breathtaking panoramic views, providing an ideal setting for both indoor and outdoor gatherings. The integration of a kitchen in the loggia further underscores its role as a premier entertainment space.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the renovation was the meticulous attention to detail in every corner of the home. In the daughter's room, Wade maximized the compact footprint by designing a custom built-in bed and adding playful drapery, creating a youthful yet adaptable space. The bathroom underwent a complete transformation, featuring a custom vanity, a stylish medicine cabinet, and carefully selected tiles and hardware. Even seemingly minor elements, such as surplus marble from the bar, found new life as a console in the foyer, demonstrating a commitment to thoughtful design and sustainability. This comprehensive approach ensured that each room, from the grand entertaining spaces to the intimate private quarters, contributed to the overall narrative of a historically rich home reimagined for modern comfort.

Ultimately, the objective was to craft a residence that married modern comfort with enduring grandeur, ensuring its ability to gracefully withstand the test of time and daily living. The philosophy embraced the natural aging process of materials, allowing elements like brass to acquire a deeper patina and marble to develop character through use. The result is a home that, despite its showpiece quality, remains remarkably durable and comfortable, a testament to thoughtful design that values both aesthetics and practicality. This harmonious blend of old and new has successfully transformed a historic dwelling into a timeless sanctuary.