When this home came across my desk, I knew I was in for a treat. A chic mid-century home nestled in the luscious pines of upstate New York, with a creative homeowner who took on the remodel as a passion project, was enough to pique my interest, but add to that that this home is also one of the last homes designed by the renowned Frank Lloyd Wright and I just had to know more.
The Zaferiou House stands proud within a scenic woodland on the west bank of the Hudson. A jaw-droppingly beautiful retreat that feels aligned with its stunning natural surroundings, it's a shining example of Wright's iconic architectural prowess and ability to blend the contemporary with the organic. Honoring Wright's long-standing legacy, its current owner and interior designer, Sarah Magness, brought its interiors back to life.
When asked about why Sarah bought the mid-century modern home, the founder of Studio Magness explained. 'I’ve always been deeply drawn to spaces that live in harmony with their surroundings, and Wright’s philosophy speaks to that in such a profound way. When I first saw the Zaferiou House, I felt an immediate connection – not just to the architecture, but to the spirit of it. The idea of restoring something so personal and historic, while also making it feel alive and relevant again, became a real passion project for me.'
Iconic architecture is at the heart of all midcentury modern ideas; it's what inspires the pared-back, curated approach when it comes to decorating this style of home, carefully balancing textures, lines, and shapes in harmony with the angular architecture.
Dubbed the Zaferiou house in memory of its original owner, Socrates Zaferiou, the construction of the home was completed in 1960, a year after Wright died. Sarah said, 'Discovering the home felt like finding a hidden gem. The meticulous preservation by the original owner, Socrates Zaferiou, made it possible to continue its restoration and maintain its original glory. Working from Wright's original drawings, I was able to honor his vision while making subtle updates to ensure its continued importance as a historic American home.'
Perhaps the most striking room in the house, Sarah says, the living room is one of her favorite spaces. 'It feels like the heart of the house, both literally and emotionally. You’re wrapped in warm wood and filtered sunlight, with this incredible fireplace anchoring the space. I love sitting there early in the morning with coffee or at night with just the fire going – it’s peaceful and grounded.'
Every room in the property feels harmoniously connected yet unique, tied together with authentic period furniture and antique decor. Plenty of midcentury seating, antique prints, and earthy textures and colors complement the deep wood paneling and bring a sense of comfort and sophistication.
Fitted with wood kitchen cabinets and a sleek wood island, the kitchen feels cozy yet minimal, despite featuring shelves of vintage pottery and glassware. It's the perfect balance of contemporary and homely, the perfect space to start your day in or enjoy an evening meal.
Sarah kept all of the original features and even some of the furniture from the previous owners to keep the scheme authentic. She said, 'The entire house is a master class in mid-century design. I wanted to learn and preserve each element. The mahogany paneling, the built-ins, the Cherokee red concrete floors – all of that stayed exactly as it was. I was especially careful with the original furniture that was integrated into the space, like the living room couch. Where I made changes, it was mostly in subtle ways – like lighting or energy systems that allowed the home to function better without compromising the architecture.'
The Zaferiou house embodies the Usonian style, a name given to many of Wright's designs for spaces that combine affordability, natural materials (typically wood), and harmony with nature. Sarah says the house is the perfect example of this, but is also unique in its one-of-a-kind floor plan. She says, 'Characterized by flat roofs, open floor plans, and integration with nature. However, this particular home includes modifications, such as an additional bedroom and a walk-out basement, reflecting a blend of Wright's principles with the owner's personal needs.'
Typically featuring large windows and set amongst stunning natural scenery, much midcentury interior design often acknowledges the external. Honoring the historic nature of the home, Sarah has scattered midcentury modern decor sparingly, bringing the space to life with authentic pieces. Take the home office for example, a handcrafted desk and matching wood desk sit beneath the large windows, blending into the architecture and allowing the scenery to take reign.
The unusually large fireplace stands out in the lounge room. Painted head to toe in white, the space feels refreshingly light and airy while still feeling sympathetic to the property's architecture. Layers of soft textures (the shaggy stool and soft rug) create an embracing effect that's so fitting for a space designed for relaxation.
Sarah says, 'I also wanted to create a mood for visitors to feel like they were stepping into a home grounded by its natural surroundings – something timeless, restored, and quietly powerful. The moment you enter, it’s not just about seeing beautiful design; it’s about feeling a shift. The filtered light, the way the wood warms the air, the sightlines that pull your eyes straight out to the trees – it all invites you to slow down and be present.'
A quiet space for reading and relaxing, the living room embraces the home's asymmetrical layout. This is made clear with the serene reading nook, where the designer has perfectly utilized the space, slotting a sofa below the large window and adding a mid-century floor lamp and woven rug to frame the area along with a modern side table.
Subtle and sophisticated, warm pops of color are scattered around the space and bring interest without dominating, instead pairing beautifully alongside the wood paneling. The cream soft furnishings and upholstery fabric contrast and provide a refreshing contrast.
The wood wall paneling is perhaps best displayed in the hallways of the property. Minimally decorated to allow the architecture to shine, the hallways speak for themselves and showcase the home's intricate design. The sleek panels and angular cabinets are built into the infrastructure, a seamless and clever storage idea that allows the space to feel pared-back but still liveable.
The epitome of the perfect midcentury bedroom idea, the space is a serene retreat that welcomes and embraces its occupant. Framed with a row of large angular windows, light floods into the room, the perfect set-up for a slow morning.
Sarah says the bedroom is her other favorite space. Acknowledging the outdoors, like with the rest of the house, the space feels aligned and peaceful. 'The bedroom is perfectly oriented with just the right amount of privacy and sight lines to connect you with the exterior landscape. Each morning I wake to the view of the tree canopies and fond memories of being in my childhood treehouse.'
Like with many midcentury modern bathroom ideas, the room allows the architecture to shine, fusing angular shapes with industrial fittings and fixtures. The retro metal sink is sympathetic to the building and contrasts with the wood paneling. The square mosaic tiles balance warmth and texture, providing the space with some variation and intricacy.
Minimally decorated, the mirror and midcentury wall light pair perfectly with the sink, a practical and sleek arrangement that contrasts with the warm tones of the paneled windows and tiles.
Sarah describes the effect the house had when she first viewed the property. 'I also remember walking up the drive for the very first time and seeing how the house just nestled into the hillside – it wasn’t trying to dominate the landscape, it was part of it. The materials, the proportions, the sense of scale – it all just belonged. I immediately thought, “This is the house for me”.'
The red concrete floor is an original feature that Sarah kept. It gives the garden presence and drama that contrasts beautifully with the luscious foliage and trees.
Sarah says the house has more than just historical significance; it's a sentimental nod to Wright's prosperous career and a reminder of all he accomplished. Explaining its interesting history, she says, 'Zaferiou had to write multiple letters to Wright before he agreed to take on the project – Wright finally relented and added it as part of his prefab collaboration with Marshall Erdman. Wright visited the site just before he passed away. So in a way, this home is part of the final chapter in his long and storied career.'
Get the look
You'll notice plenty of antique prints scattered throughout the home, much like this early 20th-century set of watercolor paintings. Delicate and detailed, this trio will bring a sense of grandeur to any home.
This classic midcentury style chair is effortlessly easy to style, radiating relaxed elegance, whether placed in a living room or a home office. Pair with a midcentury style coffee table or desk for an authentic, contemporary arrangement.
A statement midcentury floor lamp sits in the reading nook, much like this Devon style from West Elm. With its angular shade and wooden stand it's the perfect way to honor the retro look for a more affordable price.
Abstract furniture is featured throughout the home. This chic side table is similar to the piece in the reading nook and will bring a contemporary sophistication that beautifully balances older, antique decor.
Plush textured rugs are scattered throughout the home. The living room rug is rich in weave, color, and texture, and gives the space a sense of warmth and drama, much like this Moroccan-style variety from Pottery Barn.
Handcrafted vases can be seen throughout the home, adorning shelves and tables. This bright emerald style will bring vibrancy and sophistication to any space and perfectly balance a midcentury scheme with color and shine.
The Zaferiou house is a one-of-a-kind treasure that represents the best of midcentury architecture. Fusing nature with architecture, Frank Lloyd Wright designed a serene retreat that acknowledges its stunning natural surroundings. Honoring his legacy, Sarah has made the home feel current yet authentic, a lesson in transitional design that's sympathetic and still refreshing.
