Spanning the transitional periods of Victorians to Edwardians, renowned designer Anthony D’Argenzio has carved an impressive career by painstakingly restoring overlooked historical treasures. His approach often involves delicately peeling back layers of neglect to unveil the underlying architectural beauty or infusing new life into elements that have lost their charm over time. However, when the pandemic prompted him and his wife, Hillary, to search for their personal retreat in the countryside, they stumbled upon a surprising option—a dark, outdated log cabin from the 1970s nestled in the idyllic landscape of Upstate New York. Despite initially finding the era and aesthetic unconventional, Anthony shares, “This era and aesthetic is not my go-to. But we just fell in love with the openness of the house and were drawn to all the wood and texture.”
Gathering inspiration from the distinct rural charms of various locales, including Upstate New York, the U.K., and Southern France, the couple envisioned transforming their new haven into a bright, airy living space perfect for entertaining guests and creating cherished moments with their daughter, Havana. “Each region has different qualities in how they use materials suited to their environments,” Anthony explains, illustrating their thoughtful approach to the design.
Over several dedicated months, the couple embraced the cabin’s rugged features, meticulously widening windows to flood the interiors with light and whitewashing the heavy log walls with a carefully crafted blend of water and paint, specifically the All White by Farrow & Ball. They complemented the aesthetic with an eclectic blend of matte and shiny tiles, reclaimed marble, and timeworn antiques to instill a sense of history and character. “I love a mix and match of elements and wanted to add a little bit of soul that you can’t get when everything is all new,” shares Anthony, highlighting his passion for unique combinations.
After countless hours of labor and creativity, their renovations were completed in November 2021, perfectly timed for their family’s first Thanksgiving gathering in their transformed refuge. “This cabin has surpassed our expectations of being cozy and comfortable,” reflects Anthony, full of pride. “It’s our rustic Upstate fantasy.”
Charred Wood Style
The cabin’s warm welcome begins with a striking 4-foot-wide hickory Dutch door, a design choice Anthony made to ensure the entrance felt substantial and inviting. “We went bigger with the door because we wanted it to feel heavy and like a statement piece,” he notes. The dark-stained exterior showcases a charm reminiscent of the Japanese shou sugi ban technique and enhances the door alongside the cedar-trimmed windows. “We tested more than 10 different blacks, and this was our favorite because it didn’t have a shine to it,” explains Anthony, emphasizing his desire for a balance between contemporary style and timeless elegance. “We wanted it to look contemporary, but didn’t want it to feel too trendy.”
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Exterior Paint: Black Arborcoat, Semi Solid Finish by Benjamin Moore
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Streamlined Furnishings
In transforming the cabin’s previously cluttered trophy room into a sunlit family gathering area, the couple enhanced the space by adding small windows that invite natural light. Above, a striking round iron chandelier adds an elegant touch, perfectly complementing the vaulted and beamed ceiling. The cozy sectional, paired with a handmade oak stump side table and a wood-and-iron coffee table, has quickly become a cherished spot for curling up with a good book or enjoying movie nights as a family.
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Round Iron Chandelier: “Kendra” by Mitzi
Sectional Sofa: “Relaxed Saguaro” Sectional by Anthropologie
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Details with Character
The cabin features charming floorboards that vary in width from 6 to 12 inches, showcasing its unique history. To achieve a lighter Scandinavian feel, Anthony sanded away the original sealant and applied a water-based clear-coat finish. In the dining area, straight-back hickory chairs comfortably surround a Shaker-style table, perfectly marrying rustic charm with contemporary design.
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Cozy Surroundings
In the early evenings, the cabin comes alive with warmth as the cast-iron stove radiates a gentle glow from its slate and fieldstone perch. “I liked the idea of a cream colored stove that gives the space a lighter, brighter country look,” says Anthony, who chose this design for its aesthetic appeal and cozy functionality. A pair of modern striped cushion wingback chairs introduces a playful twist on tradition. Anthony’s penchant for collecting stoneware crocks spans years; many were crafted in the nearby Hudson Valley area.
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Chairs: “Rodger” Accent Chair from Layla Grayce
Cast-Iron Stove: For similar, Country Living Freestanding Electric Fireplace by Hearth Brands
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Aged Surfaces
In the powder room, Anthony infused character into a previously bland space by creating a ledge that protrudes from the wall, which he embellished with stunning zellige tile. To contrast the vivid tile, the couple decided to sand the cabin’s logs and keep them in their natural state, showcasing the beauty of the wood. A vintage cabinet, distressingly charming, was repurposed as a vanity with a simple porcelain sink atop. The use of unlacquered taps and brass pulls introduces a touch of sparkle to the small room.
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Wall Tile: Weathered White Octagon and Sea Salt Bouchon zellige tile by Zio & Sons x Clé Tile
Tone-on-Tone Texture
Exquisitely crafted blush tile of Anthony’s own design injects a soft touch of color into the kitchen, an unexpected yet appealing choice that complements the rustic elements beautifully. “Who would ever think pink tile in a log cabin? But it’s a subtle pink, and it added that little bit of color in a wood space,” Anthony shares, justifying his creative decision. Wide one-inch grout lines connect the thin brick floor tiles, a design inspiration he drew from a quaint cottage mudroom he encountered during a trip to the United Kingdom countryside.
A reclaimed marble top adorns a drawer-filled, circa-1910 printer’s table, cleverly serving as an island that marries aesthetics and functionality. “We wanted it to feel like something you would see in a candy shop or European café,” Anthony says, referring to the light-hearted ambiance. On one side of the stove, an old hutch completes the cabinetry design, providing ample storage for larger pots, pans, and serving dishes. “Half of the kitchen has new custom millwork, but I wanted to work in antiques and add a little bit of soul,” he adds, emphasizing the duality of modern and vintage.
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Vent Surround Tiles: Moroccan Vintage Rose and Sea Salt Bouchon zellige tile by Zio and Sons x Clé Tile
Floor Tiles: Foundry Flats brick in Sand Cast by Clé Tile
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Curved Lines
The inviting curves of the iron bedframe, vintage mirror from the 1840s, and vintage frame above bring a dynamic contrast to the bedroom’s angled ceilings and rustic wooden beams. To introduce depth and warmth, Anthony chose a wallpaper that mimics the look of aged Venetian plaster, adding an elegant touch to the design narrative.
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Wallpaper: “Artisan Plaster” by Zio and Sons for A-Street Prints
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Shimmering Modern Accents
Set against opulent marble trim and matte marbleized terra-cotta floors, the intricate zellige tile elevates the primary bath with a touch of shimmer. The bronze accents adorning the bridge faucets, lighting, and mirrors stand in striking contrast to the lighter hues, while the vintage-inspired tub filler introduces a touch of timeless charm to the modern freestanding tub. An antique French light fixture elegantly hovers above the tub, completing the luxurious aesthetic.
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Floor Tile: Cotto Variegato in Tavella by Fornace Brioni + Cristina Celestino x Clé Tile
Wall Tile: Moroccan Sea Salt Octagon and Vintage Rose Bouchon zellige tile by Zio & Sons x Clé Tile
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N the fixtures enhance the modern elegance, perfectly balancing the rustic charm of the cabin. Anthony highlights the importance of contrast in this space, “The zellige tile not only provides texture but also a layer of sophistication that makes the bathroom feel spa-like.”
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Tile: Espresso Glazed Zellige Tile by Zio & Sons x Clé Tile
Faucets: Modern Bronze Faucets
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Cozy Accents
The main living area is designed with comfort in mind, showcasing a blend of plush textiles and inviting decorative elements. Oversized pillows and soft throws adorn the seating area, while layered rugs create visual warmth and a cozy feel. Anthony chose warm neutrals and earthy tones to enhance the inviting atmosphere. “It’s all about layering textures to ensure the space feels comfortable and serene,” he explains.
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Throw Pillows: Rugby Ombre Throw Pillow
Throws: Macrame Throw Blanket
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