1800s Connecticut Colonial Transformed With Bold Color and Texture

A couple breathes new life into a historic home by embracing its architectural details and adding vibrant hues.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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When James Cregan and Michael Amigron, a couple from Brooklyn, purchased an 1800s Georgian Colonial in Weston, Connecticut, they were drawn to the home's good bones and potential, despite its outdated kitchen and living spaces. After living with the home as-is for a month, they decided to undertake a full renovation, prioritizing the customer-facing rooms first before moving on to personal spaces. Over the course of five years, they transformed the dated interiors into vibrant, texture-rich spaces that honor the home's historic architecture while meeting their modern needs.

Why it matters

This renovation showcases how historic homes can be updated with bold, colorful design choices that breathe new life into the original architecture. By embracing the home's character and selectively modernizing key areas, the couple was able to create a space that feels both timeless and fresh. Their approach challenges the notion that historic homes must be decorated in a restrained, traditional manner, demonstrating how thoughtful design can marry the old and the new.

The details

The couple's renovation journey began with the outdated kitchen, which they gutted and redesigned with classic Shaker-style cabinetry, soapstone countertops, and a large central island. They then turned their attention to the living room, transforming the "bad drab" space into a vibrant, textured room with custom paneling, rich red paint, and 18th-century-inspired wallpaper. Throughout the home, they incorporated a mix of antique and reproduction furnishings, as well as personal touches like Michael's preserved-butterfly collection, to create a cohesive, lived-in aesthetic.

  • The couple moved into the home in 2021.
  • They lived with the home as-is for about a month before deciding to undertake a full renovation.
  • Over the course of five years, they have completed major renovations to the kitchen, living room, and other spaces.

The players

James Cregan

The senior director of real estate at Bloomingdale's, who, along with his partner Michael, purchased the 1800s Georgian Colonial in Weston, Connecticut.

Michael Amigron

The director of showrooms and events for Ralph Lauren, who, along with his partner James, undertook the renovation of the historic home.

Dean Cabinetry

The cabinetmaker who worked with the couple to design the new kitchen, combining efficiency with timeless style.

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What they’re saying

“Cooking was way harder than we could have imagined. The floors were so slanted that lemons rolled off the island.”

— James Cregan (Country Living)

“The sink was eight-inches deep—doing dishes was incredibly challenging.”

— Michael Amigron (Country Living)

“There's a good drab and a bad drab, and this was a bad drab.”

— James Cregan (Country Living)

“We looked to history for the pagination of the paneling and the choice of moldings.”

— Michael Amigron (Country Living)

“We need to replenish our wallets, but the sketchbook never gets put away.”

— Michael Amigron (Country Living)

What’s next

The couple plans to continue their renovation efforts, focusing on reconfiguring the primary suite and exploring how the house can grow as their family does.

The takeaway

This renovation demonstrates how historic homes can be thoughtfully updated to meet modern needs while honoring the original architecture. By embracing bold color, texture, and a mix of old and new furnishings, the couple has created a vibrant, lived-in space that celebrates the home's character.