Transforming a Historic Schoolhouse into a Dream Home: A Creative Couple's Journey

A Pandemic Project

At the height of the pandemic, Kalen Kaminski, founder of the glassware and textile brand Upstate, found herself scrolling through Zillow listings as a form of therapy. Although she already had a loft in New York’s Chinatown, her fascination with homes in the Berkshires grew into a compelling hobby.

Ryan James Giese and Kalen Kaminski outside their home. “Dirt biking is our favorite mode of transportation in the summer because it can go on the roads and in the woods,” Kaminski says.

The Discovery

When a 200-year-old schoolhouse on the Konkapot River appeared online, Kaminski and her boyfriend, commercial artist Ryan James Giese, jumped at the chance to view it. Unlike the typical low-ceilinged homes they had seen, this airy structure felt special. As Kaminski recalls, “We walked in and right away we were like, ‘This is our place.’”

Renovation Journey

After closing on the house, which had seen little change over the years aside from a back addition, they embarked on a renovation journey. They wanted to preserve the home's history while updating essential features like heating and plumbing. Significant changes included:

• Stripping back the rickety railing on the spiral staircase for a more sculptural look.
• Revealing natural hardwoods by removing laminated flooring.
• Painting the lofted bedroom white while keeping furnishings minimal to enhance the sense of space.

Creating a Cozy Atmosphere

The couple aimed to reflect the calm of their surroundings in their home. Kaminski enjoys minimalism, balancing vibrant colors from her glassware with a serene environment. They furnished the large inner vestibule with estate sale finds, including a Wittus stove fireplace, which Kaminski calls her favorite addition.

Unique Features

Their unique kitchen features copper countertops and an ’80s built-in Jenn-Air grill, as the house lacks a traditional oven. Resourceful meal preparation has become a staple in their home, showcasing their creativity.

Personal Touches

The couple's studio room features a high-gloss Kelly green floor, painted by a friend, which harmonizes with the surrounding trees visible from the window. In their serene upstairs bedroom, a skylight brightens the space, complemented by colorful accents, including a hand-dyed rug from Oaxaca.

Historical Charm

Originally, the schoolhouse had only an outhouse, and the bathroom was a newer addition featuring rose quartz organic tiles. The couple embraced the charm of the home's past while making it uniquely theirs.