billy cotton history in the making

Evergreens flank the doorway of Billy Cotton’s childhood home.

To emphasize the 19th-century charm of this theatrical backdrop, Cotton paired it with modern furnishings.

A Giacometti-style fixture gives this traditional library–dining room a boost.

For designer Billy Cotton, less really was more when renovating his family’s 19th-century Vermont home near the shores of Lake Champlain. The result: a modern-day farmhouse filled with the charm and character of the past.

Cotton shook up the den’s classic lines by coating its walls in Farrow & Ball’s attention-grabbing Brinjal.

Vintage touches, such as wainscoting and hanging copper pots and pans, respect the old-school authenticity of the kitchen’s architecture, despite its 21st-century gadgets.

Kitchens aren’t just utilitarian spaces. Create a cozy nook by adding a comfortable chair or chaise longue.

Unadorned walls give this guest bedroom’s showstopping furnishings room to breathe.

In the study, floral chintz brings a dose of warmth and femininity.

Cotton’s parents’ home offers a tranquil retreat from his busy life in New York City.

Colonial-inspired wallpaper elevates the often-neglected wall beneath the stair.

A vibrant modern canvas enlivens the master bedroom’s rich, subdued palette.

An antique serving tray doubles as a chic minibar.