Designer Transforms Foreclosure into Charming Family Home

When a home is sold at teardown value during a foreclosure auction, it often signifies a challenging renovation ahead. Yet, for Steph Schlegelmilch, Founder and Creative Director of Studio Seva, the potential of a neglected property in Westport was undeniable. Rather than starting anew, she envisioned transforming this ‘builder special’ into a family home filled with warmth and character.

“We knew instantly this house could be something special,” Schlegelmilch explained in an interview with Homes & Gardens. “It would take a lot of time and care, but design should never be rushed.” Her vision for the renovation emphasized comfort, elegance, and a timeless aesthetic with strong European influences.

Finding Potential in a Cold Space

The property, constructed in 2005, features an English Tudor-style that stands out in its predominantly modern farmhouse neighborhood. With distinctive elements such as a stucco façade, cedar roof, and copper flashing, the home captured Schlegelmilch’s attention from the moment she arrived. “As we turned the corner onto the drive, we felt like we were being drawn into a European country home,” she recalled. “I’ll never forget walking in the front door and seeing the stunning full-height stone fireplace.”

Despite its aesthetic appeal, the house presented significant challenges. Schlegelmilch described the initial atmosphere as “incredibly cold” and lacking soul. The lighting and other design elements felt superficial, failing to honor the home’s architectural integrity. “There was an old-world charm that the original builder had intended for, but it was dying to be rediscovered,” she noted.

Extensive landscaping was also necessary to enhance the property. The lot, which spans the size of a football field, required the removal of nearly four hundred yards of ledge, ultimately delaying the renovation by three months. Despite these challenges, the effort led to a backyard retreat featuring a pool, multi-tiered patios, and mature landscaping.

Elevating Spaces Through Thoughtful Design

The kitchen, though functional, required modern upgrades to meet contemporary standards. The original appliances were undersized and poorly configured. Schlegelmilch replaced them with a Lacanche range, redesigned the integrated paneling, and added custom lighting, creating a more cohesive and efficient space. “I fell in love with the Matthew Cox island pendants from England – these were the first item we purchased for our home,” she shared.

Lighting remained a significant focus throughout the house, particularly in the dining room. Schlegelmilch aimed to create a dark and sultry ambiance, utilizing plaster to warm up the walls. “There’s something about soft lighting and candelabras lit at the dinner table,” she stated. This approach allowed her to introduce a bold yet sensible design that complemented the room’s spaciousness.

Schlegelmilch’s favorite area is the family room, where her family gathers daily. The design incorporates unique features such as an arched niche with custom-stained oak millwork and a reclaimed beam for the fireplace mantel. Converting the fireplace to gas added both style and comfort during colder months.

As a designer, Schlegelmilch embraces the process of collecting and sourcing unique pieces for her home. “I believe that a home should be collected, filled with items that have a story to tell,” she explained. She often sources from reputable European brands and vintage markets, valuing the authenticity and character that vintage items bring to her space.

“I never tire of coming back to this house from a long day of work,” Schlegelmilch expressed. The ritual of setting the lighting to a cozy level allows her to unwind and enjoy time with her family and their goldendoodle. “We create lived-in and comfortable homes for our clients, and this belief translated easily into my own home,” she concluded.

Through meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to honoring the unique character of the home, Schlegelmilch transformed a once cold and lifeless space into a warm, inviting family sanctuary.