Image: House in the Country Book Cover
Peter Pennoyer and Katie Ridder are a powerhouse couple in the New York design scene. Known for their unique approach to classicism and their exquisite blend of traditional and contemporary styles, they have left an indelible mark on the world of architecture and interiors.
Embracing Classicism in a Modern Way
Pennoyer's eponymous firm is renowned for its ability to create traditional houses that are never stuffy or outdated. Their projects, like the Adirondacks retreat inspired by Swedish vernacular architecture, epitomize classicism as a living language. Pennoyer believes that architecture should be reshaped to suit the way we live today.
Ridder's interiors are a testament to her deft use of color and her seamless blend of traditional and contemporary furnishings. From elegant Manhattan apartments to cozy houses in Maine and California, her designs exude comfort and sophistication.
A House in the Country: A Synergy of Design
When Pennoyer and Ridder decided to build their own weekend house in Millbrook, New York, their creative synergy resulted in a truly enchanting residence. The house, beautifully documented in their recently released book, A House in the Country, showcases the harmonious fusion of Pennoyer's Greek Revival architecture and Ridder's elegant interiors and landscape design.
Image: Millbrook House
Diverse Backgrounds, Complementary Styles
Pennoyer and Ridder come from different design backgrounds. Pennoyer, hailing from the Upper East Side of New York and educated at Columbia University, brings a classic and somber sensibility to his work. Ridder, with a passion for light, color, and patterns, studied art history at USC and has an eclectic style.
Their differences, however, have only served to enhance their creative process. As Pennoyer explains, "We found that our essentially different tastes inspired rather than limited our design ideas. We were at our most open and imaginative when working together."
The Intimate Charm of Millbrook House
Set on six and a half acres of picturesque farmland, Pennoyer and Ridder's Millbrook house showcases their ability to strike a harmonious balance between grandeur and coziness. The architecture reflects a classical vocabulary, while the open plan layout and ample windows invite natural light and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Image: Living Room
The Perfect Blend of Traditional and Modern
The interiors of the Millbrook house exemplify the couple's ability to seamlessly merge traditional and modern elements. Each room showcases Ridder's bold use of color and pattern, creating a layered and captivating atmosphere. The house also incorporates state-of-the-art energy-efficient technologies and custom hardware designed by Pennoyer himself.
A Legacy of Design
Pennoyer and Ridder's passion for design runs deep in their family. Their children are following in their footsteps, showing a keen interest in aesthetics and craftsmanship. From their oldest child, Jane, who works in interior design, to their younger daughter, Gigi, who may one day join Ridder's design endeavors, the couple's creative legacy continues to evolve.
Looking Ahead
With a plethora of ongoing projects, including a Czech Cubist-inspired house and a line of hardware designs, Pennoyer and Ridder's creative journey shows no signs of slowing down. Their collaborative spirit remains strong, and they express an enthusiastic willingness to embark on another joint project in the future.
In the meantime, as they continue to leave their mark on the design world, Ridder's love for the ocean hints at the possibility of their next home being nestled by the sea. Wherever their collective magic takes them, one thing is for certain: Peter Pennoyer and Katie Ridder will continue to redefine the boundaries of design, combining their unique perspectives to create captivating spaces that inspire us all.
