Located in Armonk, NY, this 7,800-square-foot, four-bedroom, four-bath home was the ideal place for a couple in their late 30s and their two young children to land after relocating from New York City. “The family was ready for country living but appreciated still being close enough to the city,” says interior designer Steph Schlegelmilch. “They fell in love with the sprawling 2.5-acre property that is situated above a golf course, as it feels very private from the moment you embark down the long, winding driveway. Armonk has a small-town charm, and we were excited to work on a project in this hamlet where everyone feels local and even the people working at the deli know your name.”
The couple called on Steph’s firm, Studio Seva, to renovate their new home. “Our clients’ overall goal was a home that feels sophisticated to live and entertain in, yet offers comfort and functionality,” she says, noting that fabric selection became the driving force behind the design. “We wanted to elevate upholstery pieces while ensuring durability—we needed the furniture to be enjoyed and used by all members of the family! Our clients were on board with investing in quality fibers that would stand the test of time. This translated into the use of lots of natural fibers, like mohair and wool, which we applied to upholstery, floor, window, and wallcoverings.”
Studio Seva’s scope included the living and dining areas, kitchen, primary suite, and bedrooms. “The home had been previously renovated yet lacked flow and consistency,” she recalls. “We knew we could reimagine it for family living while ensuring it stayed true to the original architecture. Ultimately, we updated the existing materials and millwork throughout and created a full furnishings package for the entire home that reflects the homeowners’ personal style.”
The style feels modern and unique, yet still decidely timeless. “As with every project, we collaborated intimately with our client, incorporating her ideas and dreams for her home, while guiding her in selections that are designed to stand the test of time,” Steph shares. “We find that trendier pieces often spark initial interest, but tire over time. To create a one-of-a-kind result, we pushed boundaries, introducing different ideas and styles into the interiors, including infusing rare antiques. By mixing old and new pieces throughout, the design became even more refined, offering visual interest through a sculptural approach.” Throughout the home, the team echoed architectural details in furniture frames—most notably through curvature, which evokes a modern spin.
The timeline was remarkably quick, given the clients’ move-in date—the team had about a month to complete all construction and renovations. “Once the paint dried, we began the furniture installation process, which was ultra streamlined to ensure we met the deadline, to ensure that our clients had time to settle into their new home as quickly as possible, and just in time for their children to start school,” Steph recalls. “My team did an incredible job managing all moving parts on both the construction and furnishings sides so that we could deliver a full home upon construction completion.”
The family was blown away by the finished space, and they even admit they can’t choose a favorite room. “Every antique we sourced has turned into a treasure, and they appreciate how each room tells its own story while still feeling connected to the rest of the home,” the designer reflects. “We believe it has become something that is truly theirs, and something they’re proud to call their own.”
