Jou-Yie Chou, co-founder of Post Company, transformed a 1950s Cape Cod in Lakeville, Connecticut, into a unique family home. The renovation doubled the house’s size while preserving its original street-facing charm. Back in 2020, Chou and his family relocated from their Brooklyn apartment to Lakeville, a town in the picturesque Litchfield County, seeking a more spacious and nature-oriented lifestyle.
The project added a modern two-story barn behind the existing structure, connected by a single-story hip building. This design maintains the home’s historical character while introducing contemporary elements. Settling into a 1,300-square-foot Cape Cod built in the 1950s, Chou and his wife were particularly drawn to the house’s proximity to the town park, which offered both tranquility and recreational opportunities.
Blending Old and New
Post Company’s approach is evident in the contrast between the original clapboard siding and the barn-like addition. The connecting structure serves as an entertainment hub, featuring a kitchen, mudroom, and pantry adorned with green Fireclay brick tile. This central space was designed with hosting in mind, equipped with dual appliances like dishwashers, burners, and sinks to accommodate large gatherings, a reflection of the family’s love for entertaining.
This blend of functionality and style is a hallmark of Post Company’s work, as seen in their hospitality projects, such as the Inness & Inness Bathhouse in New York’s Hudson Valley and the Lafayette Hotel & Club in San Diego. These projects showcase the firm’s ability to merge luxury with practicality, a principle applied to Chou’s home renovation.
A Collaborative Family Effort
Despite being a personal project, the renovation followed Post Company’s standard process. The family, including Chou’s children, actively participated in design decisions. The kids chose lively colors for their rooms and even painted their walls, adding a personal touch. Their involvement extended to selecting punchy, saturated shades like marigold and violet for their closets, infusing the home with youthful energy.
The rest of the house features muted, earthy tones, creating a serene atmosphere. Furniture and lighting were sourced from antique vendors and brand collaborators, ensuring a unique and cohesive design. Post Company worked with trusted partners such as Roll & Hill, Santa & Cole, Allied Maker, and O&G to curate pieces that complemented the home’s aesthetic while maintaining a sense of individuality.
The primary bedroom suite, located in the new addition, offers a pastoral view of the adjacent park. This blend of modern convenience and natural beauty encapsulates the home’s character. From this vantage point, the house feels like a storybook retreat, overlooking the emerald fields of the park while providing all the contemporary comforts of Connecticut living.
