Welcome to Christienne Dobson Design
Christienne Dobson Design is a full-service studio specializing in the thoughtful transformation of historic and character-filled homes. We believe a home should feel as good as it looks—warm, livable, and deeply personal. With a foundation in architecture and years of experience guiding complex renovations, we bring clarity, creativity, and care to every project.
THE HEART OF OUR WORK
Every home tells a story. Ours is to honor the history that came before while creating spaces that support the lives lived there today. We design with care, balance, and purpose—so your home feels both timeless and deeply personal.
Rooted in a love of old houses and the stories they carry. We balance timeless details with practical design choices that feel personal and enduring.
who we are
OUR MISSION
To create homes that are both beautiful and deeply livable. We design spaces that honor history, support everyday family life, and bring a sense of comfort and joy for years to come.
OUR PERSPECTIVE
We approach every project with respect for historical character while embracing the functionality and warmth needed for modern living.
Whether it’s reimagining a floor plan, designing a full renovation, or furnishing a home with layered, lasting style, our work is rooted in authenticity and collaboration. We partner with clients, contractors, and craftspeople to create homes that feel both elevated and lived-in.
What We Do
Located in the Northwestern Catskills, New York, we work across the Northeast and beyond. From small room-by-room projects to full renovations, we partner with clients who want to thoughtfully restore, reimagine, and live fully in their homes.
how we work
OUR EXPERIENCE
From floor plan reviews to full-service renovations and fit-outs, we bring a thoughtful eye and hands-on design expertise to every project.
OUR APPROACH
Collaborative, flexible, and detail-driven. We guide clients from vision to final install, ensuring every detail feels intentional and cohesive.
HELLO, I’m CHRISTIENNE.
FOUNDER + PRINCIPAL DESIGNER
I started this studio out of a love for old homes and the stories they carry. I’m passionate about creating timeless, personal spaces—often with a focus on historic properties—where modern comfort meets the charm of vintage details. I like to blend classical influences with modern country style, layering organic materials and rich textures to make spaces feel both elevated and truly lived-in.
I hold a degree in architecture from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, and I’ve spent over 15 years working in architectural, retail, and healthcare design. That experience gives me both a creative eye and the technical know-how to bring every project to life.
Restoring my own 1830s farmhouse in upstate New York taught me first-hand the beauty—and challenges—of revitalizing historic homes. That journey inspires the way I guide clients, helping them honor a home’s history while shaping it for modern life.
Born in Trinidad and raised in Brooklyn, I bring a diverse cultural perspective to my work, shaping spaces that feel warm, layered, and inviting. Today, I live in upstate New York with my husband, Chris, our young daughter Charlotte, a handful of lively chickens, and our cat Maple.
Imagine this…
You want a home that feels beautiful, functional, and true to the way your family lives—but it’s not always easy to know where to start. That’s where I come in. I help families redesign, renovate, and furnish farmhouses and country homes, offering clear guidance and thoughtful solutions every step of the way.
Living in and restoring my own 1830s farmhouse in upstate New York has taught me firsthand the joys and challenges of old houses. I bring that experience to my work, helping you navigate the quirks of historic structures while preserving the charm that makes them special.
With over 15 years in architectural and retail design, I offer a range of services—from floor plan reviews and custom cabinetry design to finish selections and full furniture layouts. I also believe in making good design accessible, and often pair high-quality, budget-friendly solutions (like IKEA cabinet frames with Semihandmade fronts) with custom details to get the best of both worlds.
Beyond homes, I bring the same care and expertise to retail and commercial projects, designing spaces that reflect your brand and create welcoming experiences for your customers.
At the heart of everything I do is a love of timeless, thoughtful design—and a belief that your home or business should support and inspire you every day.
appearances
I’ve been honored to share my work and love of old houses in a few special places over the years. Here are some highlights.
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HGTV’s Cheap Old Houses — Season 1, Episode 3
We shared our love of old homes with HGTV’s Cheap Old Houses, celebrating the beauty and quirks of historic properties that have stood the test of time.
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True Tales From Old Houses — Episode #94
I joined the True Tales From Old Houses podcast to talk about our journey making a life in the Catskills, what it means to care for an old home, and the lessons learned along the way.
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Cheap Old Houses — The Book
Our 1830s Catskills farmhouse was featured in this beautiful book that celebrates the charm and resilience of old houses. Being included among so many unique and storied homes was a true honor.
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Diary of an Old Home — Season 4, Episode 5
Opening our doors to the Magnolia Network, we told the story of our 1830s farmhouse—its history, its challenges, and the ways we’ve made it a home for our family today.
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Homeworthy — House Tour
Homeworthy invited us to share a tour of our farmhouse, giving a closer look at how we’ve blended history, family life, and thoughtful design to create a home that feels both timeless and lived-in.