Modernism has met its match...

What’s up, friends?

Nestled in a neighborhood, just 19 miles from New York City, is today’s very modern home. There’s room for the whole family. There’s a modest price tag of $1.9 million dollars. And the straight lines that line it aren’t the only things that are slightly askew about this place…

Built in 1986, this 4-bed, 4-bath, and 2.8 sqft. property was constructed by intersecting two L-shaped structures on 0.98 acres. And although that sounds like a lot of technical terms, don’t be intimated by this home’s dark exterior! It’s got some humbling quirks inside.

We’re sticking to a theme: black and white. This foyer has huge black paneling that carries into the front living space, but in its own way: depressed paneling. 

Everything so far makes sense within the realm of the home… until you go to the powder room:

Take this paint color as an omen: while this home exudes modernism, it does so in its own questionable way…

Said by Meryl Streep in The Devil Wears Prada, “Florals? For spring? Groundbreaking” -this kitchen has me thinking a similar thought:

“White? For a kitchen? Groundbreaking.”

You could argue that the recent remodel of this late-80s home is what contributed to the dime-a-dozen cooking space. Plus, the corner unit makes it feel really cramped. I was just expecting more creativity, y’know?  

Regardless, the sleek sheen is impressively white. Maybe it’s a bit sterile for my liking, but it does include a Miele dishwasher, Wolf range stovetop, and Sub-Zero refrigerator. At least it’s got the tech to backup its pitfalls. 

Flip my attitude on its head, when talking about this dining room and living room space. Not only is it a flowing open concept, but the floor-to-ceiling windows open the space even wider. Here, the white is balanced out with an equal amount of black trim, and various darker woodsy, brass, and crème tones.

Every angle of this space presents new details to notice: the zigzag of the throw pillow, the linework on the drop ceiling above the dining table, and a peek outside sees a striped umbrella.

Now is where things take a turn from “chic” modern to “old museum” modernism. I mean, this hallway looks like a dated gallery that’s nice, but nothing breaktaking besides the highlighted artwork.  

Continuing to the primary bedroom, that hallway sentiment is the same here. I do like the frames framing the bed, and the pop of green from the couch, but overall… this feels like a completely different home. 

Like the kitchen, the primary en-suite feels stretched and cramped. It does maximize its limited space with built-ins, but there’s nothing dazzling here. 

Moreover, the additional bedrooms present a similar pale blue facade that’s underwhelming at best.  

A step down the hallway does present something quite interesting though…

This home office has so much character!! Clearly, the current office-user has made the white shelving a perfect backdrop for colorful art pieces. Here, we get a glimpse into the psyche of the homeowner -which seems playful and fun! It just makes me confused as to why the blue bedrooms felt so uninspired. 

In terms of other amenities, of course there’s a (similarly boring) home gym and wine shelving.

Outside, we return to the fantastic story this home could be telling inside.

There’s a path of white pebbles that guide you along the greenery. There’re beautiful lavender flowers that bloom along the perimeter. And there’s a little creek to gaze off to.

These little pops of nature’s colors perfectly match with the harsh tones of the home’s exterior. It’s a shame that they don’t appear in the interior design -but then this place wouldn’t be as fascinating, now would it?

Sarah @Hometastrophes