Modern Traditional
This 4,700 square foot traditional Ridgefield home, for a family of four was in need of a 1st floor interior renovation. We guided our client through every construction and design detail from exterior selections and updates, custom millwork and cabinetry, tile and stone selections, wall treatments, lighting selections, hardwood floor stain, door hardware, and custom furniture and finish selections.
We began the project by relocating the existing first floor laundry room which would eventually become a beautiful new mudroom off the kitchen with pool access. The next phase of the project was redesigning the remainder of the first floor, including the kitchen, family room, back hall and mudroom, powder room, living room and front hall. The renovation was extensive, existing doors and doorways were re-sized to 7 feet high, the existing architectural moldings were removed and replaced with new larger scale moldings, wainscot was installed in the front hall. The existing kitchen was demo’d down to the studs, the exterior windows and French doors were resized and replaced with new. Custom cabinetry was meticulously designed for the kitchen, mudroom and family room.
Photography: Ken Kast
Project Size: 4,700 square feet
A Modern Approach to Traditional Living
This Modern Traditional project in Ridgefield began as a thoughtful first-floor renovation for a family of four looking to elevate how they live every day. The home retained its traditional architectural roots — gracious proportions, classic moldings, and a welcoming rhythm — while gaining a renewed sense of clarity and function through intentional updates. Rachel guided the project from concept through finish, coordinating architectural selections, custom millwork, finishes, lighting, and furnishings to ensure a cohesive and seamless result.
Balancing Old and New With Purpose
The design began with a strategic reconfiguration of the first floor, turning an underused laundry area into a mudroom with convenient pool access, improving circulation and everyday functionality. From there, the project expanded to include a complete redesign of the kitchen, family room, back hall, powder room, living room, and front hall. Respecting the home’s traditional bones, existing doors and openings were raised, and architectural moldings were replaced with larger-scale profiles that feel right at home in a modern context.
Intentional Details for Everyday Life
Custom cabinetry was designed for the kitchen, mudroom, and family room, with careful attention to proportion, storage, and daily use. Each surface and finish was selected to feel timeless without being precious: warm hardwoods that age gracefully, architectural lighting that enhances mood and function, and materials that endure both style and use. These decisions result in spaces that feel elevated yet authentic, where tradition and simplicity coexist effortlessly.
A Home That Reflects Living Well
The Modern Traditional renovation embodies Rachel’s philosophy: design should respond to how a family lives, not just how it looks. The spaces feel familiar and grounded, yet refreshed and purposeful. The rooms welcome daily life and invite gatherings, rituals, and calm moments alike. Because when design supports real life beautifully, the home becomes more than a project; it becomes a foundation for how people live, work, and connect.