A 19th century schoolhouse in Vermont transforms into a whimsical retreat after the creative artist and head of Donkey Milk Studio bought the property. The withering schoolhouse caught the homeowner’s eye when it was listed for sale at a modest price. He loved the area and wanted to restore this beloved landmark to create a gathering place for his own community.
The creative artist hired Oregon-based studio Pat Austin, founded by Candace Cohu and Ally Hasche, to give an artisan-driven restoration to the property while keeping its timeless charm intact to honor its heritage. The owner’s demands aligned quite well with the founder duo’s rebellious beliefs. Cohu wanted to give a distinct punk rock vibe to the schoolhouse during the quirky restoration process.
The artist was very specific about preserving the rundown property’s vintage essence. They added a garage and a second bathroom to the schoolhouse while restoring its spacious classrooms and striking English façade with utmost care. However, the interior of the schoolhouse has a completely transformed identity.
The interior is adorned with eclectic décor pieces, paintings, and various furniture designed by established makers. First, they turned one of the largest classrooms into a primary bedroom featuring a studio LOHO sculptural bathtub on a raised platform. Its placement feels a little weird and controversial, but the inclusion of this artifact-like bathtub in the bedroom was one of the owner’s most paramount demands.
The rounded armchairs from Spartan Road and an Etel Carmona coffee table from Avenue Road surround a striking fireplace, creating an intimate atmosphere. Nearby in the peaceful corner, a chaise by Ray and Charles Eames lets you enjoy reflective moments by the windows. Besides the chaise, a Häpen Valet Mannequin by Ehlén Johansson for IKEA stands as a décor art piece in the bedroom.
The strange paintings were sourced to add weird but playful details in every nook and cranny of the schoolhouse. The den-like lower level forms a lounge and movie area. In this room, dark-toned furniture and dim lighting maintain its cave atmosphere, whereas the snarling tiger painting by Sophie Vallance Cantor adds a whimsical touch to the space.
Throughout its interior, you will find eccentric paintings with a bestiary theme, like a bear balancing on a pink ball in the entry. These paintings imbue the interior with an odd but playful vibe, and the raw wooden beams and columns further enhance this vibe. The creative artist also emphasized that the schoolhouse is not a private residence but a shared dwelling where his guests will visit and hang out regularly.
The team created several guest bedrooms in the schoolhouse with ample art pieces and paintings to accommodate guests. The bathroom, on the other hand, is the epitome of weirdness. Its pink-tiled walls have custom ceramic spiders made by Washington-based artist Emily Counts that appear to be crawling up. The team intentionally chose the spherical lighting because it resembled spider egg sacks.
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The designers also created a private sanctuary above the garage for the owner. It has an expansive wardrobe and a lounge area that embraces a dark theme. The seating with cushions resembling hand and foot shape adds a creepy feel to the space, while green curtains from ADF Upholstery separate the wardrobe from the lounge. Even the mechanical, powder, and laundry rooms weren’t spared from ridiculous quirkiness.
The abstract wallpapers and dark tones give off a grotesque appeal, and the dim lighting accentuates it further. The 19th century schoolhouse restoration is a good example of preserving the historical building while giving a decorative identity. The inclusion of quirky paintings, various objects, and showpieces designed by established artists transformed this schoolhouse into an eccentric retreat.
Via: Architectural Digest
