Fairfield-based Amy Courtney Design was brought onto this project while it was still under construction as a spec house. “We had the unique opportunity to make it feel completely custom and tailored to our clients,” Courtney shares. “Every detail became an intentional decision made collaboratively, from the wood floor stain and paint colors, to the kitchen countertop material, and all plumbing and light fixtures. We also worked closely with architect Judith Larson to layer in architectural character and personality.” Learn more about the project, which was built by Christopher Montanaro of Redcoat Homes, below.
How would you describe this home in three words?
Timeless, polished, vibrant.
Were there any changes made to the original plans?
Details like raised-paneling in the stairway and custom millwork in the office were not part of the original spec, but helped elevate the home beyond a standard build. Being brought in at that stage allowed us to refine and personalize every layer, ensuring the final result felt thoughtful, cohesive, and entirely bespoke.
Do you have a favorite space or feature from this project?
The kitchen is my favorite space. The Helena stone on the countertops and waterfall island makes such a statement. Bold and striking, yet still calming and timeless. There’s a balance of drama and softness in that room that feels especially special, and that balance really captures the spirit of the entire home.
What was the overall design directive for the kitchen?
The directive for the kitchen was to create a space that felt elevated yet incredibly functional for daily life. The layout was designed by Judith Larson, with a meticulous focus on flow, incorporating large appliances (including both a prep sink and a main sink), and ensuring everything works seamlessly. From there, the cabinetry frame style, color, and detailing were developed in collaboration with Iris Michaels of Karen Berkemeyer Home. We wanted the kitchen to feel refined but still warm and livable.
Where did you source the kitchen’s stone and pendants from?
The island stone is Helena from Brazil, sourced through BAS Stone. Its movement gives the room energy without overwhelming it. The pendants are from Hudson Valley Lighting Co. They are sculptural enough to anchor the island, while still feeling timeless.
How did you choose the lighting fixture in the dining room and where is it from?
The dining room fixture is the Cloud from Galilee Lighting. Our clients loved the historic character of the home’s exterior but wanted the interiors to feel modern. We were searching for a fixture that could bridge that tension—something contemporary and sculptural, yet soft enough to sit comfortably within a traditional envelope. The Cloud struck that balance beautifully. It adds presence without overpowering the architecture.
How can millwork transform a home?
Millwork transforms a home by adding architectural substance. It defines spaces, creates rhythm and proportion, and brings dimension to rooms that might otherwise feel flat.
Can you share details behind the millwork throughout this home?
The millwork was designed to balance traditional architecture with contemporary living. In the dining room, we introduced arches within the glass cabinetry as a nod to classic detailing, while keeping the cabinet doors slab to maintain a modern edge. That juxtaposition creates depth and interest. The den millwork was designed around the client’s love of coffee table books, making it feel personal and curated. The office leans more traditional in its detailing to feel grounded, while the bathrooms are intentionally clean and contemporary.
Who created the ceiling medallion and why was it included?
The ceiling medallion was created by Joshua & Co. with craftsmanship by Ken Wildes. Ken spent hours calculating the burst and scale to ensure it was perfectly proportioned. It wasn’t simply decorative; it was architectural. The den is the first room you see upon entering the home, so we wanted a feature that would immediately draw you in. The medallion anchors the seating area, adds incredible texture overhead, and creates a sculptural focal point. It was inspired by a project by Jessica Helgerson that our client admired, and we worked to reinterpret that inspiration in a way that felt authentic to this home.
I love the banquette vignette. Can you share details on the fabric and artwork?
Thank you! The banquette was designed with a curved silhouette—another intentional contrast against the board and batten in the room. The softness of the curve prevents the space from feeling rigid. The fabric is from Eskayel, known for its organic movement and subtle patterning. The artwork is by Richard Smith and comes from our client’s family collection, which makes the vignette even more meaningful.
How did you decide where to incorporate color versus using a neutral palette?
Our clients were drawn to a neutral foundation but were excited to bring in bold, intentional moments throughout the home. We kept the primary living spaces refined and neutral to create a calm, polished backdrop. From there, we layered in stronger color and pattern in smaller, more intimate spaces like the butler’s pantry and laundry room. The living room perfectly reflects our client’s taste—neutral furnishings anchor the space, allowing a vibrant yellow portrait of Barbra Streisand to take centerstage as the focal point. Color was used strategically, never randomly, always to highlight something meaningful.
What is the shade of blue and the wallcovering in the butler’s pantry?
The paint is Farrow & Ball No. 307 Kittiwake. The wallpaper is Raphael Light Blue by Sandberg Wallpaper.
What about the paint color and wallcovering in the laundry room?
The paint is Benjamin Moore Old Country OC-76. The wallpaper is Flora Fantasia Ecru by House of Hackney.
