Buying an older home can be intimidating, but there’s something about their charm that newer builds just can’t replicate. That was exactly the case for a young couple who moved from New York City to Connecticut with their toddler.
Their 1920s colonial had beautiful bones, classic molding, original fireplaces, and tons of character, but it needed a fresh perspective. Designer Diane Rath stepped in to bring it back to life.
Working closely with the homeowners, she focused on adding energy and warmth while celebrating everything that made the home special in the first place.
1. The Kitchen
When it came time to refresh the kitchen, designer Rath started by improving how the space flowed. But the real inspiration came from the existing green marble countertops.
That bold color sparked the entire redesign. Rath brought in a vibrant green pendant light and chose a striking Cole & Son wallpaper to echo the tone.
By weaving that original green throughout the space, the kitchen now feels both fresh and connected to its past—a thoughtful update that honors what was already there.
2. Sitting Area
To bring the den to life, Rath leaned on a mix of antique art and a bold patterned rug—pieces that added just the right dose of the couple’s youthful energy.
She was careful not to erase the home’s colonial roots but instead used these touches to bridge old and new. “We’re still honoring the history here,” she explains, “but they represent the next chapter.”
The artwork they chose together reflects that balance, adding warmth and a fresh perspective to the space.
3. Cozy Office
Since the den opens into a narrow office, Rath made sure the two spaces felt connected by coordinating the rugs. She chose a runner with a vibrant burst of color right down the center to draw the eye through the room.
It’s a subtle trick, but it works. “That bold stripe of color helps stretch the space visually and makes it feel much longer than it really is,” she says. It’s one of those small design choices that has a big impact.
4. Living Area
The homeowners knew this room would become the go-to hangout spot—for their kids, their friends, and everyone in between—so they wanted it to feel both fun and sophisticated.
They had one request right out of the gate: a specific shade of blue called New York State of Mind by Benjamin Moore. Rath took that cue and ran with it, using the color in a creative way.
She gave the shelves a glossy finish for depth and contrast, while keeping the drywall above the fireplace a soft, matte version of the same hue.
5. Corner Nook
Tucked into the corner of the room is a round table that originally belonged to the previous homeowners. Rather than replacing it, Rath saw potential and gave it new life with a fresh coat of paint.
To complete the setup, she hunted down a set of vintage chairs at a local thrift store and had them reupholstered in a bold plaid fabric.
The result feels intentional and full of character, blending old and new in a way that feels totally effortless.
6. Dining Room
Next up was the dining room, where Rath couldn’t resist a wallpaper covered in tiny martini glasses. It had an Art Deco feel that instantly caught her eye—elegant with just the right touch of playfulness.
She wanted the room to feel classic but not too serious, and that quirky detail brought it to life. To keep the energy young and unexpected, she added another twist.
The antique dining chairs were reupholstered with a bold velvet jungle print on the back, giving the formal space a fresh and lively edge.
7. Primary Bedroom
The primary bedroom takes on a moodier, more tailored feel compared to the softer tones in the rest of the house. Rath went with a rich blue velvet bed as the centerpiece—something she and the homeowners had envisioned from the start.
“It’s luxurious, but it also has this strong, handsome quality,” she says. Walnut end tables and black accents add warmth and contrast, creating a space that feels grounded and grown-up while still inviting and comfortable. It strikes just the right balance.
8. Girl’s Bedroom
For the couple’s first daughter, Rath dreamed up a princess-worthy bed using ornate carved wood she discovered at a local antique center. But the real heart of the room started with the wallpaper.
“It was actually the very first thing I picked for the entire project—even before the main spaces,” she says. The Schumacher pattern felt whimsical and full of personality, and the homeowners loved it instantly.
That playful paper became the spark for everything else in the room, guiding each detail from fabric to finish.