Soaring 20′ Ceilings Create a Vibe in This Airy Modern Farmhouse
While the term “modern farmhouse” might feel like a throwback to 2015, there’s nothing irrelevant about this new build set in coastal Southport, Connecticut. In fact, this project led by GLDESIGN lends an entirely fresh perspective to the hallmarks of modern farmhouse style—shiplap accents included. Over the course of 15 months, the design studio worked on all 5,000 square feet of the home, bringing warmth and character to a sprawling open floor plan featuring 15-foot ceilings. The juxtaposition of dark and light provided the guiding inspiration, resulting in the airy yet anchored space of the homeowner’s dreams.
A Modern Farmhouse in a Historic Coastal Village
THE OVERVIEW:
Location: Southport, CT
Year Built: 2022
Project Timeline: 15 months
Architecture Style: Modern Farmhouse
Scope of Work: New build design + full furnishings
Tell us more about this project and the scope of work involved.
When hired by repeat clients of ours to design and build their 5,000-square-foot dream home, we jumped into high gear. Unlike their beach home, which we had designed a few years back, this home’s vibe called for a moody, industrial farmhouse.
The homeowner’s brought our team in upon hiring the architect and chartered us to help with design, layout, and construction. We worked closely with the builder to execute detailed millwork design and specialty lighting, window, door, tile, and plumbing selections to ensure that the large scale of the home remained inviting, cozy and functional. This was a full-service interior design project and the team was involved in every inch of the space.
Talk to us about the initial inspiration and the process of honing your vision?
We wanted this home to showcase a balance between moody and bright. The character-grade white oak millwork throughout the home accentuates the bright white shiplap and it’s the perfect juxtaposition between dark and light. The home portrays backcountry coastal living at its prime with wall-to-wall windows leading out to a screened-in deck overlooking the pool. We worked with lots of texture and a warm palette and stuck with this direction for each and every room.
With extra tall ceilings in the main living room and character-filled elements throughout, we veered toward a slightly different direction than our signature coastal aesthetic. We started by designing the horizontal metal railing staircase and warming up the surroundings with white oak details throughout the home. The main room’s walls were wrapped with high-grade vertical shiplap trimmed with character-grade white oak fascia anchored by a limestone fireplace reaching the home’s 15-foot ceilings.
“We worked closely with the builder to execute detailed millwork design and specialty lighting, window, door, tile, and plumbing selections to ensure that the large scale of the home remained inviting, cozy and functional.”
Can you share a few details about the modern farmhouse-style kitchen?
The earthy palette was carried into the kitchen. We worked alongside talented carpenters to design the 2″ mitered waterfall island distinguishing the kitchen space from an otherwise large open floor plan. The island is adorned with hand-crafted pendants with leather details. The kitchen showcases a custom hood and chrome fixtures making each design element look its best and brightest.
What were some of the major pain points, and how did you problem-solve with design?
Although tall ceilings are a grand statement, they can also be hard to work with when adding warmth to a space. We decided to create a natural separation between the first and second floors by incorporating a 10” wide white oak fascia and adding vertical shiplap up top of that to add depth and character to an otherwise flat 20’ high wall! The fascia envelopes the living room and stairwell beautifully.
“The character-grade white oak millwork throughout the home accentuates the bright white shiplap and it’s the perfect juxtaposition between dark and light.“
Any favorite design features you can share?
One of our favorite elements is the floating hallway above the main living space, giving way to the most beautiful views in Fairfield County. The homeowners enjoy a serene escape in their primary bedroom suite, which completes this incredible backcountry oasis.
PROJECT CREDITS
Design: Gaelle Dudley of GLDESIGN
Photography: Landino Photo
Builder: Peter Olsen of Olsen Built Homes, LLC
Architect: Matthew Dougherty Architect
Tile: New England Tile
Lighting: Chole Winston Lighting
Plumbing: Waterware Showroom
Windows: Anderson
Appliances: Aitoro Appliances
Cabinetry: John June Custom Cabinetry
Stone Fabricator: Paramount Stone
BY: ANASTASIA CASEY
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