As September approaches, it’s time for Architectural Digest’s eagerly awaited annual Style issue to hit the stands. This year’s edition features Instagram favorite Eva Chen, who shares an inside look at the journey of renovating her family’s new country house in Connecticut.
Eva Chen, known for her love of city life, and her husband Tom Bannister, a creative director in the ad industry, have embraced a quieter weekend lifestyle since they found their ideal second home in the summer of 2020. Eva has been sharing updates on this renovation adventure with her 1.7 million Instagram followers.
Enlisting the help of the design firm Hendricks Churchill through Instagram DMs, Eva worked with designers Heide Hendricks and Rafe Churchill to overhaul the 2,800-square-foot home. The renovation included removing walls, converting a garage into a bedroom, and updating windows.
The end result is a home that is warm and elegant but not overly formal, according to Eva Chen, who is also a children’s book author. Hendricks and Churchill assisted in furnishing the home, creating cozy play areas and nooks for Eva’s young children, Ren and Tao. Recently, the couple also welcomed a new baby named River.
The furniture for the house came from suppliers like Plain English, ABC Carpet & Home, and Apparatus, as well as antiques sourced from private collections, estate sales, Etsy, and 1stDibs.
For more details, check out the full story and explore other stylish homes in Architectural Digest. Stay updated on the latest fashion news by subscribing to our newsletter and following us on Facebook and Instagram.