Hello, I’m Christienne
Founder and principal designer of Christienne Dobson Design.
Based in the Catskills, I work with clients both locally and virtually, partnering with homeowners and select boutique commercial clients to create spaces that feel enduring, personal, and deeply lived in.
I started this studio out of a love for old homes and the stories they carry. My work focuses on thoughtful renovations and interior design that honor architectural character while supporting the realities of modern life. I’m drawn to classical influences and modern country sensibilities, layering organic materials, vintage elements, and rich textures to create spaces that feel elevated, lived-in, and enduring.
With a degree in architecture from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities and over 15 years of experience across architectural, retail, and healthcare design, I bring both a creative eye and the technical fluency to guide projects from concept through construction. I often act as a translator between clients, contractors, and trades, ensuring ideas are clearly communicated and thoughtfully executed.
Restoring my own 1830s farmhouse in upstate New York deepened my understanding of the beauty and complexity of historic homes. That experience continues to shape how I guide clients, helping them honor what exists while thoughtfully adapting it for modern life.
I was born in Trinidad and raised in Brooklyn, experiences that continue to shape how I think about home and the way spaces are lived in. Today, I live in upstate New York with my husband Chris, who is often pulled into installs and second opinions, our daughter Charlotte, a lively flock of chickens, and our cat Maple, who oversees afternoon light studies and keeps a close eye on all soft surfaces.
Selected Appearances
A selection of features and conversations centered around old homes, thoughtful renovation, and the stories they hold.
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HGTV — Cheap Old Houses
Season 1, Episode 3
A feature celebrating the beauty and character of historic homes, and the enduring appeal of spaces that have stood the test of time.
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True Tales From Old Houses
Episode #94
A conversation on life in the Catskills, caring for an old home, and the lessons that come with living in a space with history.
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Cheap Old Houses — The Book
Farmhouses
Our 1830s Catskills farmhouse was included in this collection highlighting the charm and resilience of historic homes across the country.
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Diary of an Old Home
Season 4, Episode 5
A closer look at our 1830s farmhouse — its history, its challenges, and the thoughtful evolution into a home for modern life.
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Homeworthy — House Tour
House Tour
A walkthrough of our home, sharing how we’ve balanced history, family life, and design to create a space that feels both timeless and lived-in.

