Wide Open Spaces

A free-flowing floor plan and velvety finishes turned this 19th-century carriage house into a home.

- By Carly Olson. Photography by Joshua McHugh

DINING ROOM

With minimal and modern accents, designer Elaine Santos brought a 19th-century Montclair, New Jersey, carriage house into the present moment. Paint: Pure White, Sherwin-Williams. Door: original to the house, in Arabian Night, Real Milk Paint. Pendant: custom, Radio Guy Antiques and Early Electrics. Table: RH. Chairs: Homenature (hosts) and ABC Carpet & Home (guests).

LIVING ROOM

Layered grays and textured fabrics add depth. We still wanted it to feel finished and modern, but not too cold, Santos says. Sofas: Montauk Sofa in Romo tweed. Swivel chairs: Homenature in Holland & Sherry wool bouclé. Coffee table: custom, Andrianna Shamaris. Rug: custom, Galerie Shabab. Art: clients' own. Hearth: custom, Jack Finn & Company.

WARM. PERSONAL. MINIMAL.

Is it possible for an interior to be all three? A former 19th-century carriage house in Montclair, New Jersey, makes a strong case. The owners, a young couple relocating from Brooklyn, called on interior designer Elaine Santos, of Elaine Santos Design, and architect David Spence, of Windigo Architecture, to transform the dull, dated structure into a refined home.