Out of the Ashes

The Connecticut home belonging to Jay Fielden, his wife Yvonne and their three young children is beautiful and elegant, filled with gorgeous detail, and dearly loved by the family after a tumultuous few years.

Originally built in 1960, Jay and Yvonne spent $900,000 and eight months in 2007 renovating the house. Just as the family were enjoying their new-look home, Jay lost his job as editor in chief of Men's Vogue, which folded in the wake of the economic downturn. Then in 2010, when Jay had been out of work for over a year, and their third child had just been born, an electrical fire destroyed most of the house.

The two architecture books in the foreground survived the fire

Although tempted to turn and run in the opposite direction, the Fielden's made the decision to rebuild their home with the help of Robert Dean and Jesse Carrier, the architect and designer who had worked with them on the 2007 renovation.

One of my favourite spaces, the kitchen is clean, simple, and quietly elegant

I love the pictures hung on to the book shelves

The object with this rebuild was to create a place that reflects who they are, without owning them (or putting them in debt!). As well as some beautiful antique pieces, you'll also find a lot of Ikea. With the knowledge they had gained when renovating in 2007, Jay & Yvonne were able to create their near perfect home - open and light, yet private and safe.

A classic sofa, but the fringe that has been added on is a delightful, unexpected touch

Jack's room sports a photograph of snakes over a vintage bureau

Read the full story over on The New York Times.

Congratulations Karly Ryder for winning a gorgeoud Mackenzie throw in the Coast Giveaway!