A Historicaly Inspired Dutch Colonial by Gil Schafer

Painted turned colonette balusters and a railing topped with dark mahogany highlight the curved landing.

Character is big with Schafer, who believes in “getting the bones right.” For this house, it meant looking at architecture and millwork from the first quarter of the 19th century.

“Federal-period moldings are more delicate, more refined,” Schafer says. “We tuned our proportions and details to that language. If you get it right historically, the decoration can stray a bit and integrity isn’t lost.” Wainscoting, moldings, and a Federal-period mantel wear vibrant teal paint that plays off English hand-blocked wallpaper.

Bright blue-painted cabinetry with gold hardware contrasts yet complements the kitchen cabinetry.

Painted ceiling beams, recessed-panel cabinetry with wrought-iron hinges and painted knobs, and a furniture-style island give the thoroughly modern cook’s kitchen a period feel.

Muntined windows offer river views.

Upper-level rooms nest under a gambrel roof. This bedroom features my favorite Bowood chintz by Colefax & Fowler!

An eyebrow dormer funnels in light.

“The house really knits well into Miranda’s gently terraced landscape,” Schafer says.

On the rear side of the house, scrolled console brackets flank the central dormer.

Double-hung sidelights frame a wide Dutch door.

Custom-carved stringer brackets embellish stair risers.

The broad rear facade boasts two wings that project forward, a dramatic Dutch gambrel roof, and a series of connected porches that run the length of the house. Painted wood-shingle siding gives the home the appearance of a house added to over time.