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How to Bring Modern Design to Historic Houses

By: Emily Nonko

What’s the trick in taking something old and making it new again? Interior designers and architects have plenty of schemes up their sleeve when it comes to the challenge of modernizing historic homes, some even dating back over a hundred years. Four experts — Fauzia Khanani of Studio Fōr, Peter Pennoyer of Peter Pennoyer Architects, Sarah Magness of Magness Design and Alexandra Barker of BFDO Architects — spill on the projects they’ve successfully melded the modern and the historic to gorgeous results.

A smart designer never approaches a historic home with the intent to destroy its good bones. “Initially we want a solid understanding of the existing architecture,” says Fauzia Khanani, who revamped this Rhinebeck, New York, home dating to the 1800s. Then, she says, the firm looks to places they can sensitivity upgrade for modern living – like adding exterior windows to bring in light.
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Photo: Garret Rowland

Studio Fōr

A smart designer never approaches a historic home with the intent to destroy its good bones. “Initially we want a solid understanding of the existing architecture,” says Fauzia Khanani, who revamped this Rhinebeck, New York, home dating to the 1800s. Then, she says, the firm looks to places they can sensitivity upgrade for modern living – like adding exterior windows to bring in light.

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Plenty has changed since the 1800s – including the way we live in houses. Architects often open up floorplans to create seamless entertaining areas and also overhaul spaces like kitchens and bathrooms. Khanani went “really modern” for the kitchen in Rhinebeck, from the cabinetry to the lighting.
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Photo: Garret Rowland

Studio Fōr

Plenty has changed since the 1800s – including the way we live in houses. Architects often open up floorplans to create seamless entertaining areas and also overhaul spaces like kitchens and bathrooms. Khanani went “really modern” for the kitchen in Rhinebeck, from the cabinetry to the lighting.

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Still, Khanani decided to maintain the home’s formal spaces, like the living and dining rooms. The final result, she says, is a “modern Victorian” that fit her clients needs raising a big family (plus a puppy!) in the home.
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Photo: Garret Rowland

Studio Fōr

Still, Khanani decided to maintain the home’s formal spaces, like the living and dining rooms. The final result, she says, is a “modern Victorian” that fit her clients needs raising a big family (plus a puppy!) in the home.

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Architect Peter Pennoyer notes that “unlocking the magic of the old but making it fresh is always a fun puzzle.” He hit all the right notes at this landmark Virginia farmhouse, where he moved the kitchen from the basement to the veranda level, made it feel light, airy and connected to the more formal parts of the house. He also extended new cabinetry to the ceiling to take advantage of underutilized space.
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Photo: Scott Frances

Peter Pennoyer Architects

Architect Peter Pennoyer notes that “unlocking the magic of the old but making it fresh is always a fun puzzle.” He hit all the right notes at this landmark Virginia farmhouse, where he moved the kitchen from the basement to the veranda level, made it feel light, airy and connected to the more formal parts of the house. He also extended new cabinetry to the ceiling to take advantage of underutilized space.

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