A Layered Westchester Townhouse Designed for Family Life

What followed was a deeply personal, three-and-a-half-year renovation that unfolded alongside major life moments — welcoming two children, growing a design studio, and navigating the rhythms and realities of family life.

Originally a two-bedroom home with an inefficient layout, narrow galley kitchen, and little architectural character, the townhouse was transformed into a layered, lived-in three-bedroom home designed to support the way Stephanie’s family actually lives. The result is a space that feels collected, storied, and rooted — one that draws from coastal New England, English cottage sensibilities, and Stephanie’s travels through England, Spain, and Portugal without ever feeling overly themed.

“This project is especially personal because the client is my own family,” Stephanie shares. “Because I was designing for ourselves, I was able to take creative risks and push ideas further than I might in a client project.”

Design: Stephanie Perez Studio | Photography: Kirsten Francis

Reworking the Floor Plan

The renovation was a full gut in every sense, beginning with a complete reconsideration of the home’s layout. One of the most significant changes was converting the original two-bedroom floor plan into a functional three-bedroom home for a growing family.

Stephanie split the oversized primary suite in half to create two children’s bedrooms, relocated the bathroom entry to the hallway to create a shared kids’ bath, and carved out additional square footage for a new closet. The former secondary bedroom and ensuite were then transformed into a new primary suite.

With no architect involved, the full interior architectural scope and design were led by Stephanie Perez Studio. Stephanie also managed the construction process, hiring and coordinating subcontractors throughout the renovation. Much of the carpentry and build work — including the custom island, cabinetry, molding, millwork, and bedroom reconfiguration — was completed by William Woodworks.

Creating a New Heart of the Home

The kitchen and dining areas were among the most dramatic transformations. Stephanie removed the wall separating the original galley kitchen from the formal dining room, trading a traditional dining space for a more open, functional layout centered around daily life.

In place of the formal dining room, she designed a built-in banquette that now serves as one of the home’s most-used spaces. It is a place for early morning bottle feedings, family meals, casual work sessions, and dinner parties — a true command center for the home.

The kitchen itself was redesigned with custom cabinetry, integrated appliances, a furniture-style island, and a custom checkerboard floor created by cutting down marble and limestone field tiles. Sherwin-Williams “Creamy” on the cabinetry gives the space a warm, timeless foundation, while handmade zellige tile from clé adds subtle movement and texture to the backsplash.

Adding Architecture Where There Was None

Because the condo began as a relatively plain white box, Stephanie used millwork, paneling, built-ins, and tonal paint to give the home a stronger sense of architecture and permanence.

In the living room, Benjamin Moore “Fossil” on the millwork and trim creates subtle depth, while Farrow & Ball “Light Blue” on the ceiling adds softness and dimension overhead. The space was designed to work hard for the family, functioning as a playroom during the day and a more layered evening retreat at night. Concealed storage keeps toys tucked away, while a reworked fireplace and thoughtful lighting make the room feel polished and inviting.

Nearly half of the home’s furnishings were sourced vintage, giving the rooms a collected-over-time quality that helps balance the newer construction and custom elements. Rather than relying on one singular style, Stephanie layered references from coastal Americana, English cottages, and European interiors to create a home that feels familiar, personal, and difficult to place in the best way.

A More Personal Approach to the Private Spaces

The new primary suite was designed to feel calm and classic, with Farrow & Ball “Slipper Satin” on the bedroom walls creating a soft, serene backdrop. In the primary bath, which lacks natural light, Stephanie leaned into the feeling of a classic prewar New York interior with marble surfaces, picture-frame molding, layered lighting, and fabric details, including a custom cornice and drape.

The kids’ bath required a more inventive solution. Because the vanity needed to sit beneath the window, Stephanie suspended the mirror from the window casing — a detail that feels both practical and charming.

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