Houzz Tours
My Houzz: Cozy Colonial Home
Warm woods and vintage pieces rule in a happily traditional New York home
This warm and inviting center-hall colonial is tucked away in a quaint neighborhood in Hopewell Junction, New York. Owners Suzanne and Don Carroll had it custom built in 1997. "We were drawn to this neighborhood because we love the community feel of it," Suzanne says. As soon as you walk into the 3,200 square-foot space you can feel the warmth from the oak wood floors, wood furniture pieces and neutral tones that make it feel as though you've just stepped into a mountain ski lodge.
Suzanne and Don worked very closely with their contractor when building the house and had a friend help them with the design elements. Suzanne describes her design style as, "Traditional, vintage, and just anything I like and am inspired by at the moment." She enjoys shopping at various antique stores and says their next home project is to add fresh paint and possibly an addition next to the garage for aging parents. Suzanne says she also got help from a designer at the paint store when picking colors for the walls. She adds, "They kept the tones warm and neutral to complement the wood furnishings."
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Suzanne and Don Carroll and their two cats Oreo and Big Red
Location: Hopewell Junction, New York
Size: 3,200 square feet, 4 bedrooms, 3 baths
Suzanne and Don worked very closely with their contractor when building the house and had a friend help them with the design elements. Suzanne describes her design style as, "Traditional, vintage, and just anything I like and am inspired by at the moment." She enjoys shopping at various antique stores and says their next home project is to add fresh paint and possibly an addition next to the garage for aging parents. Suzanne says she also got help from a designer at the paint store when picking colors for the walls. She adds, "They kept the tones warm and neutral to complement the wood furnishings."
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Suzanne and Don Carroll and their two cats Oreo and Big Red
Location: Hopewell Junction, New York
Size: 3,200 square feet, 4 bedrooms, 3 baths
The first room to the left when you walk in is a seating area with a blue color palette. This room houses a piano that their three children took lessons on when they were younger, an antique chess set, and a grandfather clock. On top of the piano is a display of family photographs which are the first things Suzanne would grab if they had to leave their house in an emergency.
The seating area leads into their family room with oak furniture pieces and double doors that lead into a screened-in porch. They keep it closed for the winter, when the Christmas tree takes center stage, but it's a favorite spot to gather in summer.
Furniture: JD Cohen Furniture
Furniture: JD Cohen Furniture
The corner cabinet belonged to Suzanne’s mother and is now one of her favorite pieces. The leather couch adds a cozy feel to the room.
Couch: JD Cohen Furniture
Couch: JD Cohen Furniture
A slate stone fireplace in the family room acts as a gathering point in the colder months and adds to the home's warm cabin-like feel. This was something that the Carrolls always wanted and worked closely with the contractor when planning this area. The two amber-colored lanterns in front of the fireplace are one of Suzanne's latest finds from an antique store.
One of their cats, Oreo, is very photogenic and enjoys jumping from the bar stools to the countertop. “When company comes over we usually gather around the kitchen island," Don says, "We love having the extra seating with all the bar stools." The black granite countertops were must-haves for the Carrolls when designing the kitchen. This space is one of Suzanne's favorite accomplishments as a homeowner. She loves how spacious it is and how it gives them the ability to accommodate a large number of guests at once. Beyond the table is a set of doors leading to their porch and swimming pool.
Bar Stools: JC Penney
Black Granite Countertops: Granite Shop
Dining Table: At Home in the Woods
Bar Stools: JC Penney
Black Granite Countertops: Granite Shop
Dining Table: At Home in the Woods
The dining room — Don's favorite spot in the house — is where the family gathers for holiday feasts. A beautiful chandelier hangs over their table; a matching hutch displays Suzanne's china.
Hutch and table: JD Cohen furniture
Chandelier: Electra Lighting
Hutch and table: JD Cohen furniture
Chandelier: Electra Lighting
Suzanne and Don’s bedroom is painted sage green, and a matching bedspread complements the warm oak wood tones of their chest and dresser. Two Asian-inspired blue table lamps flank the bed.
Oak has always been their favorite wood, and their other cat, Big Red, blends right in. The Carrolls inherited the secretary piece next to the staircase in the foyer. A closet keeps coats and shoes tucked away.
Their finished basement has a full-sized pool table, another seating area and a TV, which makes it a perfect getaway space to enjoy with friends. Suzanne and Don's youngest son spends most of his time here when he's home from college.
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