Inside a Colonial-Style New York Home With British and Scandi Inspirations
Nestled in one of New York’s most coveted neighborhoods, this colonial-style home is a seamless blend of traditional elegance and modern minimalism. A stunning balance of British and Scandinavian design elements, the home creates an inviting atmosphere that pays homage to both old-world charm and contemporary sensibilities. From the graceful colonial architecture to the refined yet cosy interiors, this home is a testament to how two distinct design influences can come together to create something truly unique.
Colonial Architecture with a Modern Twist
The home’s colonial architecture immediately captivates upon entry. With its stately proportions, symmetrical facades, and traditional gable roofs, it evokes a sense of timeless grandeur. However, rather than simply preserving the past, the design team infused modern updates that elevate the space to meet the needs of contemporary living. High ceilings, expansive windows, and open-concept layouts make the interior feel spacious and connected, while maintaining the historical charm of the colonial design.
The exterior boasts a classic white façade with carefully selected brick accents that nod to the original colonial style. The lush garden surrounding the home incorporates elements from both British and Scandinavian landscaping traditions, such as carefully manicured hedges and natural stone pathways, creating a cohesive first impression that sets the tone for the interior.
For the living room, Richter commissioned a graphic custom rug from Nordic Knots, placing atop it a pair of Claremont fabric–covered custom sofas whose look she borrowed from pieces by the Swedish-modern designer Axel Einar Hjorth and from some British examples. To this she added a vintage coffee table, Hollywood at Home console, and pillows in textiles from Bennison Fabrics and Pierre Frey, among others.
A British-Inspired Touch of Elegance
As soon as you step inside, the British influences become apparent. The first thing that greets you is the exquisite blend of luxurious yet comfortable furnishings. British design is known for its ability to mix the old and the new, and this home is no exception. Velvet armchairs, leather wingback chairs, and antique side tables sit comfortably alongside modern pieces, creating a well-balanced, lived-in feel that’s both elegant and functional.
The living room features a stunning statement fireplace framed by dark wood paneling and ornate moulding, a hallmark of British tradition. Above the mantelpiece, a carefully curated selection of artwork adds character and personality to the space. Rich, deep colors—such as forest green, navy, and burgundy—are used throughout the home, evoking a cozy, sophisticated vibe that’s synonymous with British interiors. The soft fabrics and plush rugs further enhance the sense of comfort, making the home feel both stylish and welcoming.
Scandi Simplicity Meets British Charm
While the British touches provide warmth and elegance, Scandinavian influences bring a sense of calm and simplicity to the home. The hallmark of Scandinavian design—clean lines, functional furnishings, and an emphasis on natural materials—are evident throughout the space. White walls and pale wooden floors keep the interiors feeling light and airy, offering a perfect balance to the darker British accents.
Newly moved upstairs from its former position as part of the primary suite, the home office offers temptingly comfortable seating in a reupholstered vintage Danish modern loveseat from JenMod. It relaxes behind a Portuguese marble and polished brass coffee table by Richy Almond and Pernille Lind.
The Scandinavian influence is particularly evident in the kitchen and dining areas, where minimalist design meets functionality. The open-plan kitchen boasts sleek cabinetry in muted tones, with a pared-back aesthetic that prioritises simplicity and clean lines. Scandinavian-inspired lighting fixtures—such as matte black pendants and geometric shapes—add a modern touch, providing both illumination and visual interest without overpowering the space.
Natural materials play a key role in the design, with wooden dining tables, soft wool throws, and leather seating creating a comfortable, lived-in feel. The design embraces the Scandinavian ethos of 'hygge,' or the art of coziness, by incorporating elements that promote a relaxed, homely atmosphere.
Art and Accessories: A Fusion of Both Worlds
One of the most striking aspects of this home is the thoughtful curation of art and accessories, which marry British and Scandinavian styles. British-inspired art pieces, such as classic oil paintings in ornate frames, sit next to modern Scandinavian abstract art, creating an eclectic yet harmonious vibe. The blending of these two worlds in the form of artwork adds layers of personality and visual intrigue to the space.
“I think the library turned out really wonderfully. There’s such a richness of color, and a mix of vintage and contemporary,” says Richter. A forest mural wallpaper by Papier and curtains made of a subtle Holland & Sherry plaid envelop a pair of Hollywood at Home roll-arm chairs, a Devol hand-painted cupboard and a cocktail table from the owners’ collection. The carpet is a 1920s Chinese Art Deco antique from Reza’s Rug Gallery.
Accessories are carefully chosen to reflect the mix of influences, with antique British clocks and porcelain figurines complementing Scandinavian-inspired ceramics and handcrafted textiles. A carefully placed collection of plants brings the outdoors in, further blurring the lines between the two styles while also adding a touch of greenery to the overall aesthetic.
The Master Bedroom: A Sanctuary of Style
The master bedroom in this colonial-style home exemplifies the blend of British grandeur and Scandinavian calm. A four-poster bed with elegant linens and vintage-inspired upholstery anchors the room, while the soft color palette of pale blues, grays, and whites creates a peaceful retreat. The room exudes warmth, with thick wool rugs underfoot and oversized cushions that invite relaxation.
“I think the library turned out really wonderfully. There’s such a richness of color, and a mix of vintage and contemporary,” says Richter. A forest mural wallpaper by Papier and curtains made of a subtle Holland & Sherry plaid envelop a pair of Hollywood at Home roll-arm chairs, a Devol hand-painted cupboard and a cocktail table from the owners’ collection. The carpet is a 1920s Chinese Art Deco antique from Reza’s Rug Gallery.
A large armoire with a dark wood finish adds a touch of British influence, while minimalist Scandinavian furniture, such as sleek bedside tables and an understated dresser, ensures the space remains uncluttered and serene. Soft lighting and simple decor pieces, such as glass vases and ceramic sculptures, finish off the look, creating a tranquil, inviting sanctuary to unwind at the end of the day.
The Perfect Fusion of Old and New
For the living room, Richter commissioned a graphic custom rug from Nordic Knots, placing atop it a pair of Claremont fabric–covered custom sofas whose look she borrowed from pieces by the Swedish-modern designer Axel Einar Hjorth and from some British examples. To this she added a vintage coffee table, Hollywood at Home console, and pillows in textiles from Bennison Fabrics and Pierre Frey, among others.
In this stunning colonial-style New York home, British and Scandinavian design influences come together to create a space that’s at once elegant, cozy, and effortlessly chic. The beauty of this design lies in its ability to celebrate both tradition and modernity, drawing on the warmth and sophistication of British interiors while embracing the clean lines and functionality of Scandinavian design.
The result is a home that feels both timeless and contemporary, offering the best of both worlds. With its carefully curated furnishings, harmonious color palette, and a thoughtful approach to blending two distinct styles, this home is a perfect example of how design can bridge cultures, creating a living space that feels comfortable, luxurious, and truly unique.
Whether you’re drawn to the elegance of British interiors or the serene simplicity of Scandinavian design, this home proves that the fusion of both styles can create a harmonious living space that is both practical and stunning.