The Sill Founder Eliza Blank Transforms an Old Tractor Barn Into a Lush Retreat
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When The Sill founder Eliza Blank and her husband, Steve, purchased their home in Stone Ridge, New York, they had no idea what to do with the dilapidated old tractor barn that came with the property. The lofted space—which predates the 1950 main house—“had very low ceilings, a cement floor, and was infested with squirrels and snakes,” Blank reveals. The previous owners had sheetrocked part of the barn to serve as an art studio, “but it was not livable!"
So she tapped DEMO Architects, a sustainability-driven studio based in Brooklyn, to help fortify the ailing building and bring it up to code. Updates included opening up the space to the rafters, installing additional windows, and incorporating a kitchenette and bathroom on the first floor—not to mention transforming the upstairs attic area into a guest room.
Once construction was completed, Blank turned to Design Within Reach expert Barry Snowbarger to revamp the cavernous space, which showcases an array of DWR furnishings (including the Jonas sectional and the Noomi chair)—and of course, plenty of potted plants from The Sill.
“Barry happened to be the son of a retired florist—flowers and plants are in his blood—so we were really speaking the same language,” Blank reveals. “He understood that spots designated for houseplants and dried florals would be a key part of the design.”
The designer created zones with the open floor plan to define each area and function, then chose pieces that were versatile and easy to move. To avoid having the space look too much like a communal work area, he incorporated a leaning desk and an oversize kitchen table.
The result? A "cheerful yet cozy" place that's perfect for both work and play.
Living Room
Sofa, rug, chair, coffee table, nesting table, art, and pouf: DWR. Pillows: Bole Road Textiles.
WFH Corner
Desk: DWR. Plants: The Sill. Planters: DWR and The Sill.
Dining Room
Light: DWR. Plants: The Sill.
Bathroom
Tiling: Fireclay Tile. Hand towel: Coyuchi. Chair: antique, flea-market find. Mirror: Schoolhouse Electric. Towel ring: Ferm Living. Plant and planter: The Sill.
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