Fair Field Mansion

Once part of a grand estate, it has seen change, age, and now, a thoughtful reimagining as a refined vacation retreat: Poolside at Fair Fields Mansion. This project wasn’t about reinventing history, it was about honoring it and giving it room to breathe again.

The Queen Anne-style home featured a fieldstone first floor and wood-framed upper levels, with a grand central hall stretching the length of the house. After remaining unchanged for decades, the home was largely destroyed by fire. Rather than rebuild the upper stories, the family added a roof and attic atop the original stone structure, giving the home its current form.

Our team, alongside our sister company, Bravura Cabinet Co. and designer, Rossitza Dreis, approached the project with a deep respect for the original architecture. Rather than mask the home’s age, we chose to work with it, highlighting original millwork, restoring details where possible, and incorporating subtle updates. Among these updates was a series of arched built-in alcoves designed to bring subtle functionality and structure to the space. Used for display, seating, and storage, they were created to feel like a natural extension of the home’s original architecture, simple, intentional, and seamlessly integrated.

Throughout the home, deep, bold colors were incorporated. The décor is a curated blend of modern and antique pieces, chosen to reflect the home’s layered history. Vintage finds add character and a sense of place, while modern elements keep the interiors feeling fresh. We decorated with guests in mind, aiming to create a space that feels elevated yet welcoming. Every detail was considered to strike a balance between comfort and character.

We’re in a moment in design where people are gravitating toward the traditional and timeless, embracing a renewed appreciation for thoughtful, curated spaces. There is a growing confidence in bolder choices, a reflection of the desire to create environments that feel both personal and enduring.

This project embodied that balance, the wish to create something that feels collected and curated. But how do you achieve the feeling of a home curated over a lifetime? Our piece of advice, mix the new and the old. And the truth is, we don’t always have the time to spend weekends digging through antique shops or thrift stores, so it’s about being intentional, sourcing what feels authentic, even if it’s new. It comes down to choosing quality pieces that bring texture and depth, mixing materials, finishes, and fabrics so the space feels lived-in and warm rather than overly designed. Layer, add, and mix textures, and play with different heights and scales to create visual interest and balance.