COMFORT & JOY

The relaxed conviviality that lived-in antiques, charming floral prints and crafted pieces bring to this New York home is perfect for the holidays

- VIVIENNE AYERS

Stepping inside this historic 1790s house in Bedford, New York, is almost like journeying back in time. ‘This home feels old in the best possible way,’ says Seattle-based interior designer Heidi Caillier, who was brought on board to give the house a new lease of life. ‘The house itself really inspired the design direction. It has original fireplaces throughout, low ceilings with beams and period doors and hardware. It’s utterly charming. We didn’t feel the need for it to feel anything other than what it was meant to be.’

The owners moved here from Manhattan at the beginning of Covid, having fallen in love with the property’s period aesthetic – a later addition at the back of the house ensured it was expansive enough for them as a family. ‘They bought their country home and moved here full time – they were done with city living and wanted more space,’ says Heidi. ‘This area is very quaint with lots of historic houses.’