splurge, but we haven’t regretted the sacrifice for a minute. We use the fireplace in the kitchen all day long in the winter months and on cool evenings. Above each fireplace opening is a solid barn stone that we found on the property, and we also used two barn stones from the property as natural steps down into the gallery of the house where we have a wall of windows and where I display much of my china collection on the opposing wall. The stone herringbone pattern on the floor there coordinates nicely with the natural barn stone steps. All our windows are new and being able to look out in any direction and see this beautiful property and the horses grazing is a daily treat. The hood over the stove that we built was patterned after a very expensive hood I had ordered for a design client. But we made ours out of plywood and stainlesssteel strapping so that it looks hand-forged, but it’s not! Another big change we made to the downstairs was turning the large formal living room into an everyday family room, big enough to have multiple seating areas and a sizable farm table for casual dining. We no longer waste this room by rarely using it. And, by keeping
the proximity of the dining room close to the open kitchen, we use it far more often, especially for entertaining. We are completely spoiled with four brand new bathrooms, each one like their own jewel box, especially the downstairs powder room that is glazed in hunter green with a stone sink, Pratt pottery wainscoting, and all original oils of dog portraits floor-to-ceiling. The rest of the bathrooms are done with honed grey and white marble, and neutral colors in traditional penny tiles. These bathrooms will look new and architecturally fresh for years to come. I tell my design clients the number one mistake I find made in renovations is the lack of classic materials and longevity.
H&S: How did your equestrian style influence the renovations?
RYS: As my husband Derek will tell
you, I had to make room for all of my “stuff.” Derek and I have been collecting Canine and Sporting Art since we were first married, and we are fortunate to have some absolutely wonderful things that always make us feel at home no matter
where we are. I’m a nester at heart and as we designed this renovation, I was acutely aware of where major pieces and displays were going to go. But one of the most fun things in the world to me anytime we move is reimagining where everything goes. It’s the best puzzle ever. But from a practical sense, this house has to work hard to keep up with our real-life farm existence with animals in the house and a climate that includes mud, both Winter and Spring, and lots of it. So, my laundry room works as hard as my kitchen, and truthfully, the laundry room in this house worked hard 100 years ago as well. When I have puppies, I have a wonderful dog room off the main laundry room, and my washer and dryer go non-stop and I need every inch of that black farm sink, which is also original to the house. We kept it and reglazed it black. Muddy boots, muddy paws, and wet jackets have met their match!
H&S: Has your equestrian style changed with the renovations?
RYS: I would say through the years our
style has become more sophisticated. As we have been able to buy better antiques and
