Located upstate New York in Dutchess County, this three-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bath structure was built in 1990 but appears as if it dates from a century prior. The house has vintage charm without the vintage upkeep. It called for some cosmetic touch-ups, though we painted every surface, bleached the pine floors, and renovated the kitchen and bathrooms with simple, classic subway tiles lined with black grout. The décor is an array of contemporary furnishings, abstract artwork, and sculptural lighting: moss-green velvet painting courtesy of Julian Chichester, vintage Adrian Pearsall lamps, pony skin rugs, and great finds in local upstate New York and Connecticut antique stores. I like mixing the comfortable and casual with more provocative pieces, which brings life to a home.