Dale Saylor is a Manhattan–based interior designer, who, together with his partner Joe Williamson (a landscape architect), restored the North Chatham Residence – a 1827 Colonial-style farmhouse in Columbia County, New York.
This house had been vacant for 2 years when the pair bought it and its subsequent transformation took 5 long years. The project has been featured in Architectural Digest, as well as several international style magazines, earning them fame as experts in comfort interiors.
We asked Dale about his tips for designing a country home, as well as his favorite spots for shopping (and family) in Hudson Valley.
Designing a Country Home
1. Don’t make it too precious! Think about how much you are going to use the home and kid traffic. Consider using outdoor fabrics on indoor furniture and also outdoor rugs – they are of amazing quality these days! And totally bullet proof.
2. Just because it’s the country you don’t have to lean into a “country” look. Nothing is more chic than an older home filled with modern furniture or art.
3. When laying out gardens and landscaping on your property consider the long term plan – someone needs to take care of it! Gardens last a long time and unless you have a full time gardener, they take a lot of work. (Personal experience here…)
Antique Shopping in Hudson Valley
- There’s a great massive antique market in our area upstate: The Warehouse in Hudson.
- We also visit Brimfield Flea Market in Massachusetts – about 45 minutes from us upstate.
Family Activities in Hudson Valley
- There are some great activities for older kids and teens in Hudson Valley. In Albany, check out the old school roller rink Guptill’s Arena and a fun trampoline park Get Air Sports.
- Both our local libraries have tons of programming and activities for families. (I’m on the board of trustees for the North Chatham Library in our little hamlet). Check out Chatham Public Library and North Chatham Library for more information and to find out what’s on.
Read more tips on how to make your home kid-friendly (but still beautiful) and browse our recent picks of the best kids decor that won’t ruin your interiors.