PROJECT NARRATIVE

Our 1910 Restoration project is a full architectural and interior revitalization of a historic Italian Renaissance Revival home in New Haven’s Prospect Hill Historic District. designed in 1910 by William Hess. Our design sought to honor its architectural heritage—stucco walls, terracotta roof, symmetrical proportions—while updating the stately home for a young, growing family.

At the heart of the restoration is a reimagined courtyard, once inaccessible from the main house and now opened with a series of custom steel arched doors. This gesture connects kitchen, family room, and living room directly to the landscape, embodying the villa tradition of indoor–outdoor living. Historic oak floors were refinished throughout, with a new herringbone oak floor introduced in the kitchen to complement, not compete. Where ceilings once lacked articulation, we introduced coffered details and clad structural beams, marrying necessity with aesthetic rhythm.

Interior design balances restoration with modern family life. The primary suite features a light-filled bath, walnut-clad closets, and circular movement between rooms. Wallpaper was used strategically, from Schumacher’s romantic dining room treescape to Farrow & Ball’s bold Wisteria in the powder room, creating spaces that feel intimate, whimsical, or moody depending on function. Handmade terracotta tile unifies all bathrooms, shifting in color from ivory to green to azul, offering continuity and individuality.

Sustainability is central to the project. The home is fully electric, with solar power integrated discreetly into its roofline. A new drainage system and mature landscape planting ensure resilience, while local craftsmanship—from Fairfield steelwork to handmade tile—reduces environmental impact. The 1910 Restoration is more than preservation: it is a model for how historic homes in New Haven can embody elegance, sustainability, and modern family living