While some may think it’s impossible for a family home to be both sophisticated and practical, some spaces prove that the two traits can, in fact, coexist. KKB Interior The New York City-based architect focuses on incorporating timeless and functional elements into her residences, so it’s no surprise that she did just that when designing this home in Westport, Connecticut.
Visit this modern Connecticut farmhouse
This light-filled, modern farmhouse-style home is ideal for hosting guests. Bass’ clients are avid entertainers who take full advantage of the spacious kitchen and airy living room with gorgeous views of the outdoors. To ensure the home is welcoming and inviting whether guests are visiting or just the family relaxing, Bass and the designers filled the house with warm fabrics and textures, clean lines, and sculptural lighting.
I spoke with Bass to find out more about how they created a space that meets the needs of modern clients and is designed to grow with families.
Kylie K. Bass
Kylie K. Bass trained at several prestigious interior design firms in New York City before founding KBB Interiors in 2018. Kylie earned her Bachelor’s degree from Miami University, majoring in Communications and Sports Management and minoring in Business Administration, and then continued her studies at the New York School of Interior Design.
This home has a great mix of modern and traditional farmhouse vibes. What are some unique elements of the original architecture? What changes did you make?
One of the home’s striking architectural features is the two-story window at the front of the staircase. This window not only draws the eye from the exterior, but also serves as a dramatic focal point inside. To accentuate this feature, they decided to add a striking chandelier that acts as both a light source and sculptural art.
How did you prioritize functionality and livability for a family with two small children while still maintaining a style and design-led approach?
In designing this open-concept home for a family with two young children, we prioritized livability without sacrificing style. Every finish and piece of furniture was selected for durability and practicality. I made a point of sourcing from vendors known for modern, yet timeless design to ensure the furniture would last both functionally and aesthetically. For example, the coffee table is a perfect example; its combination of stained wooden legs and a concrete top adds a striking design element while being sturdy enough for the family to use every day.
The home has an abundance of natural light – how did you highlight and make the most of this feature within the space?
This home has an incredible amount of natural light, and we wanted to take advantage of it to create a warm, inviting space. The home’s thoughtful approach to design played a key role here. Although the home is based on modern design, there was a clear intention to infuse warmth throughout the space. The oversized windows not only flood the interiors with light, but also frame beautiful views of the outdoors, which we used as a seamless extension of the interior design. The indoor-outdoor connection became a key element of the overall aesthetic.
This family loves to entertain – how did you reflect this element of their lifestyle in the final design?
Our focus was on creating a space that was stylish and durable, allowing you to entertain friends and family without worrying about wear and tear. One standout feature is the lead bar, designed to complement the elements of the kitchen. Not only does this bar exude sophistication, it also improves the flow throughout the home.
With thoughtful choices, you can create a family-friendly, beautifully designed space.
What decorating wisdom would you like to share?
Don’t let having kids or an open-concept space stop you from investing in quality furniture. The key is to choose materials that are both durable and stylish, and pick brands known for their craftsmanship. With thoughtful choices, you can create a space that’s both family-friendly and beautifully designed.
Source: Camille Styles – camillestyles.com