Project Name: Wilton Residence
Design Agency: UXUS
Type: Private Residence/ Hunting Lodge
Floor space: 494 m2/ 2339 ft2
Location: Connecticut, USA
Date of Completion: March 23rd 2011

According to CNN Money Wilton is one of the "Best Places to Live” and also one of the most expensive places to live in the country; nestled in the Norwalk River Valley in western Connecticut.  In the town of Wilton, Amsterdam’s UXUS Design firm transforms the interiors of a traditional 1930’s hunting lodge to a contemporary home interior with an eclectic mix of extraordinary European design while maintaining personal mementos and the classic American style.

The 1930’s Wilton hunting lodge is the home to an American family who returned back to the US after a thirteen year ‘sabbatical’ of living in Europe.  Located in the historical heart of Wilton, this Colonial Revival – ‘nationalistic architectural style’ home with elements of Georgian architecture values its own heritage and architecture reawakening elements from the colonial past.  Wilton Residence is a two storey tall house, with the ridge pole running parallel to the street, a symmetrical front facade with an accented doorway and evenly spaced windows.  Elaborative front doors with decorative crown pediments and a side porch - all elements of the ‘modern’ comfort which define this ‘eclectic movement.’  Elements of this eclectic architecture have been brought to the interiors and create an American-European fusion interior design creating a refreshing liveliness with an original character.

The overall neutral tones which prevail in the home interior are interrupted by splashes of invigorating vibrant colors.  Upon entrance from the front porch, the visitor is greeted by the Dear Ingo lamp by Moooi in white, which stands pompously in the entrance and contrasts with the twilight blue walls.  Continuing to the open plan living room with the large planks of walnut wood flooring and the recessed ceiling in cotton white and subtle tree-themed wallpaper, the contemporary mood is set by the grey toned sofas by Hella Jongerius for Vitra and the black Jielde lamp.  An invigorating splash of color from Arne Jacobsen’s egg chair in orange changes the mood effortlessly and adds style.  However, what makes the difference is the centerpiece, a large parallelogram coffee table by Piet Hein Eek, who is best known for his intricately composed scrap wood furniture—each piece a one-of-a-kind creation that merges artisan handcraft with skilled design processes.  The living room is separated from the fireplace living room where the doors where replaced with an all white wood partition which can also act as a bookshelf.

The fireplace living room is inspired by rustic luxury with a hint of French elegance and the essential beauty of white.  The large planks of wooden flooring have been painted in white.  The oversized fireplace has been cladded with natural stone and the overall tone is very tranquil. The arched all-white painted roof, and two French baroque chandeliers in all-white transform this American colonial interior to a French countryside contemporary interior.   Two parallel sofas in all grey make up this space which is visually divided from the dining area by an all white cabinet with engraved crystals.  A large parallelogram table from UXUS “not so fragile” collection in all white with eight vintage chairs by Leslie Oschman (Swarm) with a countryside print is the absolute must and what makes the difference in this space!  Once again, the second all-white chandelier hangs above the dining table adding that classy, elegant touch of American-European fusion.

The less formal dining area in the same open plan space, in this U-shaped room continues the all-grey tone setting. Tolix chairs and Flos Sky Garden suspension lamp add that touch of glamour and French country side to this colonial interior with the comfy American design elements.  The invigorating energy throughout this main area is solely based in the essential beauty found in simple things; the openness, the personality and the playful sophistication.

However, among my favorite places in this house is the study room which is full of light and overlooks the woods from three out of four sides.  Simple, playful, with a hint of orange just as much as to spice things up and make this study inspiring!  An inviting environment which captures you in it!  On the upper floor the bedrooms combine a fusion of elements, varying from family mementos, antiques and vintage furniture to high contemporary European and American design. The color palette is muffled and pale tones injected with vivacious acid colors punctuate and liven-up the space. Unique pieces such as re-purposed chairs decorated with vintage oil paintings create a show-stopping exhibition.  All in all the Wilton Hunting Lodge was remodeled to open up the space and make it more modern, to remind the family a bit of Europe and a bit of Home, to create a space where activities flow together while paying homage to the heritage of the home – a hunting lodge.