"We are modernists," says Russell Groves of his New York-based architecture firm. "But for me, with this project I wanted  to preserve a warm, welcoming space." His clients, a couple with two young children, are similarly drawn to a modern aesthetic. "We tried to marry the old with their modern lifestyle and art collection," says Russell, who has worked with the couple on two of their houses in New York.

In this case, the 'old' is a barn that previous owners had bought and deconstructed, moved from Canada to Connecticut, and then converted into a residence. Russell updated the mechanical, electrical and data systems but saw no need to structurally alter the residence. "The bones were there," he says. "It's a perfect saltbox from the outside, so that appealed to my purist, or modern, sensibility. Inside, there's a Shaker quality. And there's drama, with some double-height spaces that are quite exciting. We just need to bring it to the next level and align it more with their lifestyle."


Natural beauty In the entryway, an oversize Capiz-shell globe chandelier complements the double-height ceiling. The cerused oak credenza, designed by Russell, has a driftwood quality. "Its finish enhances the grain of the oak, making it very textural," he says.

 

Architectural beauty The substantial architectural mass of the central stairway is offset by the delicate profile of a contemporary bench.

 

 

Steel fireplace The steel fireplace surround was finished with an oxidizing process that darkened the metal, giving it "a lovely patina -- coppery in some places and jet black in others," says architect Russell Groves.

 

Modern seating Cushions in olive and fern green add a subtle punch of colour to the oatmeal-hued contemporary sofa, keeping the setting subdued and the focus on the artwork on the wall.

 

Dining space Rough-hewn floors and beams and the rustic flagstone fireplace are balanced by the simple linear dining table, which offers plenty of seating when the family entertains.

 

Kitchen The Shaker-like simplicity of the kitchen was preserved by keeping material variations to a minimum and by using a beadboard cabinetry painted a soft grey green. On two walls, a mosaic marble backsplash extends to the ceiling, emphasizing the room's height and airiness in a modern manner. The countertops along the walls are zinc, while the island is topped with Caesarstone.

 

Bathroom "The husband is tall, so the couple requested a bathtub big enough for him to recline in," says Russell. The custom tub's modern silhouette adds a sculptural touch to the ensuite.
Bedroom "We had a lot of fun with the bedroom," says Russell. "We worked with a local workshop known for its Shaker furniture, which is already streamlined, but we streamlined the bed even more and ebonized it so it's dark, giving it a modern edge." Open shelving offers plenty of storage and display space.

 

Guest house The mix of traditional and contemporary elements extends to the decor in the guest house. Here the living room boasts the same mellow, natural tones and contemporary furniture as in the main house. The tree graphic on the throw cushion echoes in the wooded area beyond.