Birdsall Residence

Armonk, NY

This is the architect’s own residence, and we moved in March of 2020 after combining two separate households. The house is 30 years old, and appealed to us because of its first floor primary bedroom suite. Prior to our moving in, the kitchen and primary bathroom and closet areas needed to be redesigned.

  • 01: The existing kitchen contained French Provincial cabinets and dark green tile. The layout was awkward and inefficient. Moving the door to the garage facilitated the creation of a cook’s kitchen, with a functional central island and extensive counter space.

  • The existing fireplace was centered in a full, solid wall of cabinets and bookcases. We had a desire to open up the walls to create a visual connection from the living room to the family room/kitchen.  Ceiling mounted glass shelves enhanced the opening of the walls and allowed for the display of pottery and sculpture.

  • 03: The central island contains a new cooktop with downdraft vent.  The space between the counter and the island allows simple turning from food preparation to cooking.  The island seats 4 for informal dining and conversation.

  • 04 - The corner of the kitchen has wrap-around windows and views out to the forest and a nature preserve. Adding benches with storage beneath, along with custom made cushions, created a cozy place for grandchildren or curling up with a good book.

  • 05: The central island has an integral cooktop and downdraft vent, designed with storage for pots and pans, as well as bowls and larger serving pieces. 

  • 06: A semi-custom pendant fixture complements the glass central panel of the dining room table.

  • 07: The original bathroom had a small shower, with three solid sides and a small glass door.  A new, larger shower with integral marble bench is surrounded by clear glass.

  • 08: The original bathroom had a large oval tub set in a raised deck below the skylight.  We preferred a larger shower, and used the existing bay window  geometry to create two separate vanities with integrally lit medicine cabinets. The existing window sill was at the perfect height for a new make-up counter. Master Suite redesign:  there were inadequate and awkward closets in the original bathroom, as well as having the sinks outside the bathroom.  By removing the excessively large tub, the bathroom was reduced in size to create a dressing area with two large, walk-in closets between the bedroom and bathroom.