A Designer Puts the Cool in a Classic Long Island Colonial

This Long Island home's façade reveals some of the upgrades architect and designer Elizabeth Steimberg put in place. The dated shutters were removed to declutter the home's appearance, all of the finishes were refreshed and a bold red door alludes to the stylish secrets and many infusions of that energetic shade beyond the home's four walls. A curved brick wall was replaced with a single set of steps leading to the front door and the landscaping follows suit with a simple, elegant overhaul.

The interior architect's firm, Elizabeth Steimberg Architects, takes on a wide range of architectural projects around the country and many at home in New York, like this lovely Long Island home. The classic center hall Colonial had plenty of Old World charm but needed an update. Her clients, whom she describes as "... a large European family who loves to entertain," were ready for Elizabeth to give it the stylish yet functional upgrade that she does so expertly.

The Argentinean-born Elizabeth says her inspiration comes from "nature, people's minds, color, texture." She earned a six-year architectural degree from the National University of Tucumán and later earned her Master's in architecture and building design from Columbia University. "After working for high-end architecture firms, I established my own practice in 1993 focusing on renovations and interiors," she says.

As you enter through the arched, red front door, a peek into Elizabeth's vision for the home is revealed. The typical center hall Colonial interior you'd expect is nowhere to be found. Vintage furniture, vibrant use of color and unique artwork command attention against the neutral walls and give the space the feel of a modern art gallery.