Color Conservatory

When these clients became empty nesters, they toyed with the idea of relocating and starting afresh in a new space. But the wife, a landscape architect, was devoted to the home’s garden. Her stunning gardens quickly became our inspiration for a total overhaul that would bring the outdoors in for fresh new life. Before we dove in, though, we completely flipped the layout, making room for entertaining spaces like a home bar and scullery as well as functional areas like the living room and breakfast nook that were as welcoming for two as for a houseful of guests. Both the wife and husband are big collectors, so our design was guided by an effort to spotlight their books, china, records, and other beloved objects throughout. Now, the once tired home is a bright, cheerful, and—best of all—well-used oasis in the city.