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A modern dining room features a long wooden table, white upholstered chairs, and a matching corner bench in a breakfast nook. Large windows reveal a calm ocean view under a coffered wood-paneled ceiling with a central pendant light.

7 Charming Breakfast Nooks for Everyday Gatherings October, 2026

Breakfast nooks offer an informal counterpart to a home’s more formal dining spaces, creating a comfortable setting for everyday meals and gathering. Often positioned to take advantage of natural light,...Read More

VHA Takes Home Two 2026 A-List Awards September, 2026

VHA is pleased to be the recipient of two 2026 A-List Awards from athome in Fairfield County magazine! The annual A-List Awards recognize and celebrate excellence in residential and commercial design. Our...Read More

A large, two-story shingle-style house features a prominent central gable, a bay window, and a stone foundation. A white staircase leads to the front porch, while a blue garage door is visible to the right. The exterior is clad in weathered wood shakes under a clear blue sky.

Introducing Our Rhode Island Shingle Project June, 2026

Introducing our Rhode Island Shingle project: a classic coastal design thoughtfully tailored to a unique waterfront site with carefully framed views. Prominently visible upon approach, the central gable serves as...Read More

A light green kitchen features cabinets with metal mesh panels, white marble countertops with green veining, and a central open doorway. A bouquet of dark pink flowers and a glass serving tray with liquor bottles sit on the counter, set against gray textured wallpaper and a patterned ceiling.

Spring Cleaning, Elevated: Thoughtful Design for a More Organized Home May, 2026

As spring arrives and homeowners begin refreshing their spaces for the season ahead, organization naturally moves to the forefront. While baskets, bins, and seasonal clean-outs can make a difference, true...Read More

Spacious kitchen featuring a large wooden island with striped stools and vegetables on top. White cabinetry lines the walls, complemented by a patterned tile backsplash. Two lantern-style pendant lights hang from a wooden beam ceiling. Sunlight filters through large, leaded windows.

Helpful Hints for Timeless Homes, Part 3: Planning Tips March, 2026

Welcome back to VHA’s Helpful Hints for Timeless Homes series. In Part 1 and Part 2, we explored how owner requirements, site limitations, zoning restrictions, and solar orientation are some...Read More

Three large, multi-story homes in the New England architectural style sit along a waterfront, each with a stone chimney and private driveway. The houses are surrounded by expansive green lawns, mature trees, and landscaping, with a curving paved road leading toward them.

A New Year of Design: What’s Ahead for VHA in 2026 February, 2026

As 2026 begins to unfold, VanderHorn Architects continues to move forward with confidence and momentum. While the broader landscape has required adaptability, we have been encouraged by the steady progress...Read More

A sprawling Gambrel shingle home with stone accents stands under a sunset sky. The symmetrical house features blue shutters, a central balcony, and a gravel driveway in front of a low stone wall. A calm ocean is visible to the left of the property.

Tour Our Coastal Gambrel Shingle Home December, 2025

Welcome in for a tour of our recently completed Coastal Gambrel Shingle project, a faithful re-interpretation of late Gilded Age resort architecture that takes full advantage inside and out of...Read More

An elegant, dimly lit at-home bar features a dark blue counter with glass shelving stocked with colorful liquor bottles. Two modern bar stools with patterned cushions face the station, while a plush maroon banquette sits alongside a dining table in the corner.

6 Favorite At-Home Bar Designs October, 2025

A luxurious at-home bar space offers more than just a spot to mix drinks; it creates an elevated atmosphere that enhances both everyday living and special occasions. Many of our...Read More

A collage featuring a grand Greek Revival home with light gray siding, a luxurious marble bathroom with a soaking tub, and a wood-paneled living room with a fireplace and abstract art. The top image includes the text at home a-list awards 2025 WINNER.

VHA Wins Two 2025 A-List Awards September, 2025

We are pleased to announce that VHA has won two 2025 A-List Awards for our recently completed Inspired Greek Revival design. Each year, athome in Fairfield County magazine’s A-List Awards...Read More

A large, elegant shingle-style house with stone chimneys, multiple gables, and large windows overlooks a rectangular swimming pool. The inviting outdoor spaces feature white lounge chairs with towels, lush lawn, and landscaped plants under a blue sky.

3 Favorite Outdoor Spaces in Our New Shingle-Style Home Designs June, 2025

Nearly all of our clients prioritize thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces with luxurious amenities when planning a new home. From custom pools and lush gardens to outdoor kitchens and covered patios,...Read More

Large, elegant seaside house with a shingled exterior, surrounded by manicured lawns and shrubs. Includes multiple chimneys, a wraparound porch, and a rooftop balcony. The backdrop features a clear blue sky and a glimpse of the ocean. A curved driveway leads to the entrance.

Tour Our Shorefront Shingle Project March, 2025

Our newly constructed Shorefront Shingle project was designed in the Classic American Shingle style with some modern touches. With sprawling outdoor living spaces and water views from nearly every room,...Read More

A symmetrical two-story house with a red brick center and white clapboard wings. The facade features black shutters and wreaths on each window. A central portico with white columns supports a small balcony above the entrance. The roof and ground are covered in snow.

What’s New in 2025! January, 2025

Happy 2025 to all! As VanderHorn Architects embarks on what promises to be another busy year, we’d like to take a moment to reflect on the projects completed in 2024....Read More

A cozy room with floral wallpaper featuring vibrant blue, green, and yellow patterns. There’s a built-in nook with a cushioned seat and bookshelves. Light pink curtains frame a window, and a blue, sculptural side table holds a small vase with flowers. A corridor leads to a bathroom.

5 Reading Areas We Love October, 2024

At-home reading areas are intimate, thoughtfully designed spaces that foster a tranquil atmosphere for reading, reflection and relaxation. These spaces complement the overall design of the home, blending functionality with...Read More

A large, elegant beach house with gray shingle siding and multiple gables stands surrounded by lush greenery and sand dunes. The sky is partly cloudy, and wooden fences line the sandy foreground, adding to the coastal setting.

Helpful Hints for Timeless Homes, Part 2: Locating Your House on Your Site August, 2024

Welcome back to our blog series, “Helpful Hints for Timeless Homes,” where we cover all the little things that make the difference between a generic house and a VanderHorn Architects...Read More

A large, elegant mansion with yellow and stone exterior sits under a clear blue sky. It has multiple gables and tall chimneys. A paved driveway leads to the entrance, flanked by manicured lawns and tall trees. Hedge rows frame the building, which is set against a backdrop of distant landscape.

Tour Our Contemporary Shingle Home July, 2024

Introducing our recently completed Contemporary Shingle home, a modern adaptation of the 19th century shingle-style. This stunning waterfront home dramatically manipulates scale and form in a timeless design. The home’s...Read More

A large, elegant house with a stone and wood exterior is situated by the water. The home features a circular driveway, manicured lawns, and lush greenery. A porch extends across the front, and the background shows a blue body of water with sailboats and a distant shoreline.

VHA Honored With A 2024 Alice Washburn Award for Seaside Shingle Project May, 2024

We’re pleased to share that VHA has been awarded a 2024 Alice Washburn Excellence Award from AIA Connecticut for our Seaside Shingle design. The Alice Washburn Awards are named for...Read More

Aerial view of a large house under construction, surrounded by trees. The structure has three sections with different colored house wraps: white, blue, and exposed wood in the center. Scaffolding is visible, and a truck is parked on the unpaved ground in front.

On The Boards: 2024 March, 2024

As we all look forward to the upcoming spring, asphalt plants are due to open soon and framing crews are finally able to put away their hand warmers. Our firm...Read More

A large colonial-style house with white siding and black shutters is centered under a sprawling tree. The home features multiple chimneys and a porch with columns. A connected garage is on the left. A manicured lawn surrounds the property, and a paved driveway leads to the entrance.

Take a Tour of Our Colonial Expansion Project February, 2024

Welcome to a tour of our recently completed Greenwich Colonial Expansion project! This existing colonial house designed by architect H.L. Coggins had charming character our clients wanted to preserve, but...Read More

A narrow kitchen with white cabinetry and glass-front upper cabinets. There are silver handles, a dark countertop, and a sink with a faucet. Two cocktails and vases with flowers are on the counter. The room opens to a dining area with a view of a fireplace. Two hanging lights adorn the ceiling.

10 Stunning Serving Pantry Designs December, 2023

The serving pantry of a home, also referred to as the butler’s pantry, is a space located off the kitchen and dining room meant to ease entertaining. It provides an...Read More

A large, elegant beach house with light gray siding and a shingled roof sits on a manicured lawn. The ocean is visible in the background under a partly cloudy sky. The property features a stone retaining wall and is bordered by rocks and sand in the foreground.

Helpful Hints for Timeless Homes, Part 1: Selecting a Property October, 2023

Welcome to our new blog series, “Helpful Hints for Timeless Homes,” where we cover all of the little things that make the difference between a generic house and a VanderHorn...Read More

A childrens room features a loft bed with a blue canopy, ladder access, and a forest-themed mural. Below, a cozy armchair with plush toys and a red toadstool stool complement a green rug with a lion design. The at home a-list awards 2023 winner label is in the top right.

VHA Takes Home 2023 A-List Award for Kid Bedroom Design September, 2023

Our firm is pleased to share that we’ve been awarded a 2023 A-List Award from athome magazine in the category of Kid/Teen Bedroom. The A-List Awards celebrate excellence in residential...Read More

Sunlit room with large windows and greenery outside. Features a gray sofa with blue and gray patterned cushions, and a wooden swing bench with similar cushions. A wooden coffee table holds a decorative piece and a plate with watermelon slices. White paneled ceiling above.

4 of Our Top Sunroom Designs July, 2023

A sunroom can serve as a pleasant place to relax, unwind, and enjoy the outdoors while staying comfortable inside. For those reasons, it’s often a request of many of our...Read More

A stately, two-story stone mansion with a Tudor-style exterior featuring classic Tudor architecture elements like half-timbering and intricate brickwork. The building has a prominent chimney, large wooden door, and leaded glass windows. Lush greenery frames the foreground under a clear blue sky.

Defining Characteristics of English Tudor Architecture June, 2023

Welcome back to another installment of our “Defining Characteristics” series, where we highlight the attributes of a particular architectural style. This time around, we’re focusing on the defining characteristics of...Read More

A large brick mansion with multiple chimneys and dormer windows is surrounded by manicured gardens and trees. A circular driveway features neatly trimmed hedges. The text reads EXCELLENCE, NEW CONSTRUCTION, Mid-Country Manor, and Douglas VanderHorn Architects.

VHA Honored with two 2023 Alice Washburn Awards from AIA CT May, 2023

We’re proud to announce that VHA is the recipient of two 2023 Alice Washburn Awards from The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Connecticut. The Alice Washburn Award The Alice Washburn...Read More

A large, rustic shingle-style home with a stone and wood facade, blue trim, and a shingle roof at sunset features multiple peaked roofs and a small tower on the left. Lit windows glow warmly as a stone pathway and circular driveway wind through manicured lawns and shrubs.

Tour Our Connecticut River Shingle Home April, 2023

Just beyond one of the lower Connecticut River Valley’s most charming historic villages is this shingle-style home, designed to take advantage of its challenging site and panoramic river views. Let’s...Read More

Looking up a spiral staircase in a building with light blue walls and white trim. The wooden stairs curve gracefully upward, leading to an octagonal wooden ceiling with a central light fixture. Round windows and geometric patterns enhance the architectural design.

Three Nautically-Themed Home Designs March, 2023

As an architecture firm based in coastal Greenwich, our clients often make nautical themes a priority in the creation of their dream homes. Whether the home is sited locally or...Read More

A large, under-construction house with a steep, multi-gabled roof, finished in tan shingles and featuring multiple chimneys. Scaffolding and ladders are set up around the structure. A forklift is parked in front, and an empty concrete pool is partially visible in the foreground.

What’s New in 2023! January, 2023

2022 proved to be another busy and productive year for our team in Greenwich, CT. The continued momentum of the east coast housing market helped bring the number of projects...Read More

A hallway with a dark blue arched entrance, often highlighted in architecture on Instagram, features a staircase with a wooden handrail. A patterned runner rug leads to a room with floral wallpaper. Two lantern-style light fixtures hang from the ceiling, and a cushioned bench with patterned upholstery sits on the right.

Our Top 5 Instagram Posts of 2022 December, 2022

Instagram is one of our favorite places to share our recently completed projects, behind-the-scenes construction progress, industry news, office life and more. As we reach the end of 2022, we’re...Read More

A large, elegant house with wood siding and stone accents sits under a blue sky. The front features multiple windows and a sloped roof with chimneys. The Watcher is in white text at the top, and Netflix in red at the bottom, framed by leafy branches.

Our Rye Beach Shingle Takes On a Starring Role in Netflix Show ‘The Watcher’ November, 2022

One of our most beloved projects has gotten quite a bit of attention lately. Our Rye Beach Shingle home has taken on a starring role in the new Netflix series...Read More

Stone house with a gabled roof, chimney, and dormer windows. The facade features an arched wooden door, surrounded by manicured shrubs and trees. A gravel driveway leads to a two-car garage. The sky is clear and blue, enhancing the homes classic, elegant appearance.

VHA Wins Three 2022 A-List Awards September, 2022

We are pleased to announce that our firm is the recipient of three 2022 A-List Awards from athome magazine! The A-List Awards, now in its 13th year, recognize and celebrate...Read More

A spacious brick mansion with a gabled roof and large windows sits under a clear blue sky. The foreground boasts an inviting stone patio, complete with dining table and chairs, alongside a rectangular pool. These serene outdoor spaces are framed by lush green trees and adorned with potted plants.

Our Top 6 Outdoor Spaces August, 2022

A well-designed outdoor space is almost always a top priority of our clients. Luxurious, scenic, comfortable outdoor spaces allow homeowners to enjoy the outdoors while increasing the value of the...Read More

A spacious, sunlit kitchen in a colonial home features large windows and white cabinetry surrounding a central island. Five cushioned stools line the island with a cooktop. A dining table holds vases of white flowers, while the wood floor adds warmth beneath a black pendant lamp above.

Take a Tour of Our New Colonial Manor July, 2022

Continuing where the late Roman Hudson left off, VanderHorn Architects recently completed this Colonial Manor here in Greenwich, CT. Let’s take a peek inside and tour this generously-proportioned colonial home....Read More

AIA Connecticut Honors VHA With a 2022 Alice Washburn Award June, 2022

We’re happy to share that VHA has received a 2022 Alice Washburn Award from the American Institute of Architects (AIA), Connecticut for our Hilltop English Country residence. The project was...Read More

A large, elegant two-story brick mansion reflecting classic Georgian architecture, with white accents and black shutters. Tall columns support a balcony above the entrance. Manicured hedges and a spacious driveway grace the foreground, while lush greenery surrounds the house under a partly cloudy sky.

Defining Characteristics of Georgian Architecture May, 2022

Every architectural style has its own distinct features and complexities. Recently, we shared the characteristics of Colonial architecture, as well as Shingle Style architecture. Today we’re following up with the...Read More

A stylish kitchen with green cabinets and a large dark stone sink. Above the sink, shelves hold numerous potted plants. The backsplash is stone, complementing the brick wall and arch. A wooden ceiling with recessed lights adds warmth. A towel hangs from the sinks edge.

Welcoming Spring in With a Look at 6 Potting Spaces March, 2022

As we welcome a new season in, we’ve got all things springtime on our minds. From longer days and milder temperatures, to blooming flowers and lush landscapes, there’s a lot...Read More

Sophisticated home office with dark green walls and ceiling, featuring a desk with a globe and glass decanter set. A plush chair faces dual computer monitors. Built-in shelves display books and decor. Large windows let in natural light. A pig sculpture stands near the desk.

Home Office Designs That Inspire Productivity February, 2022

Whether you are working from home full time or just a few hours a week, a home office should be a comfortable space that inspires focus and productivity. In this...Read More

A two-story house with beige brick walls, a gabled roof, and several dormer windows under a blue sky. It features a central entrance with stairs, a wrap-around porch on the left, and attached garages on the right. A circular driveway and green lawn complete the front yard.

What’s New in 2022 January, 2022

Welcome to another exciting year at VHA! Our team is keeping busy as we strive to keep up with the shift toward the suburbs and new design challenges presented by...Read More

A large stone house with steep, gabled roofs and dormer windows sits amidst lush greenery. The facade has multiple chimneys and arched doorways. A circular driveway, bordered by hedges, leads to the entrance. Warm lights illuminate the exterior, and the sky is painted with a soft sunset.

Our Top 5 Instagram Posts of 2021 December, 2021

Instagram is a place where we often share recently completed projects, behind-the-scenes construction progress, industry news, office life and more. As 2021 draws to a close, we’re sharing five of...Read More

Large brick mansion with multiple chimneys, set amid lush greenery. The house features a slate roof and numerous windows. A circular driveway surrounds a manicured garden in front, and the entrance is framed by mature trees. The sky is clear and blue, suggesting a sunny day.

Mid-Country Manor Tour November, 2021

Introducing one of our newest completed projects, our Mid-Country Manor home! The architectural detailing and brickwork of this English Arts & Crafts residence take center stage, striking a beautiful balance...Read More

A large, elegant colonial-style house with a symmetrical facade, white siding, and dark shutters. It features multiple chimneys and a hipped roof with dormer windows. A curved driveway leads to the entrance, surrounded by a well-manicured lawn and trimmed hedges.

Defining Characteristics of Colonial Architecture October, 2021

Not too long ago, we shared some defining characteristics of shingle style houses – currently our most requested style from clients. Today we’re back to share our second installment in this...Read More

Collage with text at home a-list awards 2021 Winner in bold colors. Below, four photos: a bright sunroom with large windows, a modern bathroom with a freestanding tub, a brick house with a gabled roof, and a spacious office with skylights.

DVHA Wins Four 2021 A-List Awards September, 2021

Regional luxury lifestyle publisher athome in Fairfield County magazine celebrates the best in home design with its annual competition, the A-List Awards. This year, VanderHorn Architects is pleased to be the...Read More

Elegant bathroom with light blue walls and white accents. Features include a freestanding bathtub, large window, vanity with dual sinks, and a glass-enclosed shower. Wall art adds color. Pendant light fixture hangs above. Bright and spacious with natural light.

Classic Georgian Revived Home Tour July, 2021

Meet our ‘Classic Georgian Revived’ project- a recently completed home renovation in Greenwich, CT. From the updated backyard entertaining space and mudroom, to the new His and Her master bathroom...Read More

A luxurious mansion with gray stone walls and a turret, embodying Shingle Style architecture. It features multiple large windows surrounded by lush greenery. The backyard boasts a rectangular pool, patio seating with umbrellas, and manicured gardens. A large lawn elegantly frames the house.

Defining Characteristics of Shingle Style Architecture March, 2021

Nothing says "New England Charm" quite like a Shingle Style residence. Here are 5 defining characteristics of Shingle Style architecture.

A large white colonial-style house under renovation. Ladders are placed against the walls, and several workers are visible painting the exterior. The front yard is dug up, with construction materials scattered around. A silver SUV is parked nearby under a clear blue sky.

Happy 2021: Looking Ahead to the New Year January, 2021

With 2020 quickly becoming a distant memory (don’t all shed a tear at once…), we are looking forward to a busy and interesting 2021. Through a tumultuous twelve months, we...Read More

A childrens pirate-themed bedroom offers nautical recreation with a wooden ship structure, complete with sails and a captains wheel. The starry ceiling and bunk beds resemble ship bunks, set against ocean wave-painted walls. This seaside adventure room has pirate figurines and a small table with chairs.

A Tour of Our Seaside Shingle Home’s Nautical Recreation Space October, 2020

2020 has been a year full of the unexpected. Given the challenging circumstances of mandatory quarantines, telecommuting, and keeping our our kids busy at home amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, we...Read More

This elegant bathroom is a showcase of luxury bath designs, featuring a silver freestanding tub beneath a window. White and gray geometric patterned wallpaper adorns the walls, while a white vanity with dual sinks is accented by a purple orchid. Marble floors complete this softly lit retreat.

5 Of Our Favorite Luxury Bath Designs August, 2020

Our clients’ master bathrooms are designed to be the epitome of comfort, function and luxury. High end fixtures and hardware not only add lavish detailing, but also last considerably longer; radiant...Read More

Aerial view of a coastal estate featuring a large mansion with a pool surrounded by lush greenery. Numerous sailboats are anchored in the nearby bay, with small islands dotting the ocean. A winding road and several smaller buildings are visible amid the verdant landscape.

Relocating to the Suburbs? 5 Tips for Finding the Right Architect July, 2020

Amidst the coronavirus pandemic, Connecticut has become a top suburban destination for people moving out of the Big Apple. With its close proximity to the city and suburban perks, many...Read More

Stylish room with a blue and white color scheme showcasing two built-in bunk beds with nautical bedding behind a sliding barn door. A blue sofa adorned with red and patterned pillows sits in the foreground, paired with a striped rug and a patterned throw on a gray armchair.

4 Stylish Bunk Bed Designs June, 2020

While bunk beds are sometimes thought of simply as a space-efficient way to organize a kid’s room, they can also be designed to be both a beautiful and functional element...Read More

Aerial view of a large, elegant stone house with a gray roof, surrounded by lush gardens. This Alice Washburn Awards-winning property features a spacious front porch, two-car garage, and basketball hoop on the driveway. Nestled near water, trees and manicured lawns enhance its scenic beauty.

AIA Connecticut Honors DVHA with Two 2020 Alice Washburn Awards May, 2020

We’re pleased to announce that the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Connecticut has recognized our work with two 2020 Alice Washburn Awards. “This award is named for the distinguished Connecticut...Read More

This exquisite 2020 coastal mansion boasts a stone and shingle facade, accented by multiple chimneys and a hipped roof. A column-supported front porch invites you in, while manicured lawns and shrubs surround the estate. An ocean view graces the background under a blue sky.

Early 2020 DVHA Project Updates March, 2020

While winter weather can sometimes be a hindrance to construction in our profession, the DVHA team has been very fortunate to have seen a lot of progress on many of...Read More

A two-story white Colonial Pool Cottage with a gabled roof and brick chimney features symmetrical windows and a central entrance. The pergola-covered patio boasts white umbrellas and furniture. A rectangular swimming pool lies in the foreground, surrounded by lush lawns and trees.

A Tour of Our Colonial Pool Cottage Renovation March, 2020

We recently completed our Colonial Pool Cottage renovation project. Let’s take a deeper look at this modest, charming home. An interesting part of this renovation is that we built the...Read More

The grand foyer design showcases a sweeping staircase with a wooden handrail and ornate iron balustrade. A crystal chandelier casts light on the checkered marble floor, where a tall potted plant stands on a black pedestal. A large window and decorative painting complete this welcoming entry.

Welcoming Entry Foyers February, 2020

While home layouts have become considerably more casual in recent years, one space that has remained well-defined and formal is the entry foyer. In fact, we have yet to design a...Read More