Lorraine Toussaint experienced the devastating wildfire that destroyed her house in Malibu, California in 2018. Although she had a rental apartment in Midtown Manhattan, the loss of her home left her feeling adrift. As an actress appearing in various productions, Toussaint desired a place where she could escape the bustling city. After exploring different options, she found herself captivated by the charms of New York’s Hudson Valley.
Although she initially knew no one in the area, Toussaint felt a connection to the community after spending two months there. She located a farmhouse built in the early 19th century and purchased it promptly. Despite its imperfections, including crooked walls and mismatched paint, Toussaint adored the house’s character and the sprawling land surrounding it, which included a red barn, ponds, a stream, and abundant wildlife.
Toussaint and her daughter, Samara, who prefers white walls in her living spaces, immediately set to work repainting the rooms to suit their individual taste. With determination, they completed the renovations in time to spend the holidays in their cozy new home.
During the Covid lockdown, Toussaint had the opportunity to focus on interior design and give the farmhouse a refreshed, shabby chic aesthetic. She implemented a high-low decorating approach, combining select expensive pieces with more affordable finds from online auctions and stores like Ballard Designs and Anthropologie.
Reflecting on her upbringing in Trinidad, Toussaint remembered how Diahann Carroll, an influential black actress, inspired her to pursue a career in acting. She was ecstatic to acquire a brass-banded pedestal table from Carroll’s estate. Toussaint expressed her gratitude to Carroll for being a trailblazer and proving that black women could excel in non-stereotypical roles.
As time passed, Toussaint fulfilled her desire for a Southern-style front porch, which provided a serene space to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Additionally, she plans to add a deck outside the kitchen to seamlessly connect the interior and exterior of the house.
Toussaint, who considers herself a hidden landscaper and owns a tractor, has created a beautiful flower and vegetable garden on her property. She excitedly shares videos of the growing blackberries and tomatoes with her daughter, Samara.
Living in the countryside, Toussaint embraces the diverse wildlife that surrounds her. She has enlisted professionals to handle the increased populations of bats, beavers, and woodchucks, but she appreciates the sight of deer munching on apples from her tree.
Despite attracting numerous animals with her fruitful land, Toussaint believes there is plenty to go around. Her new home in the Hudson Valley has provided her and her daughter with a tranquil refuge, complete with the dirt and plants they hold dear.
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