Barn Raising

Would you be willing to live in a barn? Well, yes, if the barn looked like the romantic compound that Andrea Filippone and William Welch have created by combining 19th-century barns and farmhouses in New Jersey horse country. The couple owns Tendenze Design, which is housed in their 11,000-square-foot home/workspace that continues to evolve after 18 years. "Our aesthetic is based on a love of how older buildings age and the resulting textures of old wooden surfaces, stones, etc.," says the couple's website. They use architectural salvage to create interiors and landscapes that are inspired by "the classic design of European country houses and gardens." Take a peak . . .

"The biggest compliment," says Andrea Filippone, "is that people say this place looks like it's been here forever.  . . . That's what we're going for."

Photography by William Waldron.

Styled by JC Garcia-Lavin.

Text by Nancy Hass.

Elle Decor (May 2012).

Circa-1910 fireplace surround. 1920s mirror.

"The flooring was originally beams in a Civil War hospital in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania."

Photography by William Waldron.

Styled by JC Garcia-Lavin.

Text by Nancy Hass.

Elle Decor (May 2012).

The orangery.

Italian chandelier. 19th-century French doors.

1920s farmhouse bench from France.

Busts of Diana and Caesar.
Photography by William Waldron.

Styled by JC Garcia-Lavin.

Text by Nancy Hass.

Elle Decor (May 2012).

Circa-1930 ladder-back chairs. American drop-leaf table. 

Empire-style chest. Antique pine floor.

Photography by William Waldron.

Styled by JC Garcia-Lavin.

Text by Nancy Hass.

Elle Decor (May 2012).

Boxwood hedges in the courtyard.

Photography by William Waldron.

Styled by JC Garcia-Lavin.

Text by Nancy Hass.

Elle Decor (May 2012).

Andrea Filippone tests plants for their ability to withstand the many deer that roam the area.

"Having challenges focuses you, makes you humble about what is possible.

But it also makes you more creative." 

Photography by William Waldron.

Styled by JC Garcia-Lavin.

Text by Nancy Hass.

Elle Decor (May 2012).

The compound is a popular site for photo shoots.

Fashion editors are drawn to its elegant beauty and aristocratic grandeur.
Photography by William Waldron.

Styled by JC Garcia-Lavin.

Elle Decor (May 2012).

Husband and wife Andrea Filippone and William Welch, the creative team of Tendenze Design, met while studying at Harvard University's School of Deisgn.
Photography by William Waldron.

Styled by JC Garcia-Lavin.

Text by Nancy Hass.

Elle Decor (May 2012).