Berkshires

When our clients acquired this house in the Berkshires region of Western Massachusetts, the property had the qualities they wanted—rolling hills in a rural landscape with an idyllic private pond—but the house itself was outdated and idiosyncratic. With that in mind, JDA freshened up the exterior and renovated the interior to create the type of contemporary environment our clients were seeking.

The owner, a theater director, wanted the house to serve as a quiet retreat, but also as a place to host family and friends and as a venue for collaborators to spend time working together. With that in mind, our strategy created different environments that could both spark creativity and allow visitors to rest and recharge in a space that could accommodate both large and small groups. To create consistency across these different communal spaces, we painted the walls, ceiling, and trim a light color and stained the wood floors in a soft gray, providing a neutral backdrop. In contrast, intimate spaces, such as bathrooms and personal work areas, where each given a distinct character through the use materials and finishes. As these singular spaces pop throughout the house, they bring an element of surprise and liveliness that breaks the otherwise monothematic feel of the rest of the place.

In addition to renovating the house, we were responsible for the interior design. Working on both the architecture and interiors allowed us to introduce a great level of integration and continuity of the design intent. The furnishings are drawn from a range of sources, including modern classics, vintage pieces, and custom elements. Placed in front of the neutral backgrounds, they give each room a unique character.