- September 12, 2021
- Linda Weisberg
On my first visit to this Federal farmhouse outside of Boston, I saw the c.1790 sign near the front door and thought I died and went to old house heaven.
For those who know my love for historic homes and antiques, this design project was a dream come true. It was a pleasure to work with the nicest clients who share my interests.
I was able to use my contacts with antique dealers to source for this project and met many more along the way.
The house has had renovations over the years, with large wings added on both sides.
On the left is the primary bedroom wing which was our first project. On the right is the great room which we started right before the pandemic.
Once things opened up, we continued through 2020 to get it done. Thanks to supportive vendors and tradespeople, we were able to finish the project so that the family could enjoy the space for the holidays and through the year where they worked and schooled their children from home.
We used soft, soothing colors for the primary bedroom. But for the great room, the clients wanted deep, saturated colors. Here’s are a couple before shots:
The room came alive with the custom-painted Twigs wallpaper with deep orange and gold detailing from Eric Haydel at the Boston Design Center.
The Theodore Alexander sofas in a Fabricut performance fabric are from Eric’s showroom as well.
At David Neligan Antiques we found the “almost a pair” antique cellarettes to use as side tables. The bouillotte lamps were from the clients’ collection. The rug from Landry and Arcari pulls it all together.
There are antiques galore…
With a mirror from Autrefois Antiques in Brookline, vintage plates from the client’s collection, and a reupholstered vintage ottoman in a gorgeous Pierre Frey fabric.
Wall brackets are from Market Stalls at the Boston Design Center.
Here’s a closer view of the wallpaper and fireplace. 
The family wanted a place to play games or have pizza night.
We found the sturdy vintage table at an estate sale. The chairs are from Ardesh in Vermont. The draperies were fabricated by Makkas Workroom, and the trim is from Samuel and Sons.
The space was planned for entertaining friends, but mostly for the family to hang out, play games, and read.
The large storage cabinets were already in the space, and we repainted and styled them to house favorite books and games with large heron prints overlooking the room.
Before 
After
The heron prints are from Lussier-Lavoie in Boston. Antique chairs in a Schumacher performance velvet are from David Nelligan Antiques. Coffee table from Berkshire Home and Antiques.
Throw from MacKimmie Co. Scalloped tray from Autrefois Antiques. Customized chandelier by Yankee Craftsman. The storage baskets are from The Container Store.
We updated other areas of the house by adding new lighting, pillows, window treatments, throws and accessories.
In the dining room, we used a rug from the clients’ collection. We then added a brass vintage chandelier from Yankee Craftsman and brass sconces from Circa Lighting to brighten the room and provide more ambient light.
We styled the mantel which is original to the house.
The bar nook off of the dining room is a favorite spot in the home.
We made it special by adding a Farrow and Ball wallpaper and gold metallic paint on the ceiling. It’s amazing what wallpaper can do for a space.
A 19th c. photo of Abraham Lincoln in an inlaid frame was an eBay find—a birthday gift for the husband who is a big fan.
Before 
After
The clients wanted to keep the rustic look of the wood cabinets and ceiling beams in the kitchen.
We added a vintage chandelier from Autrefois Antiques, painted the window trim a dark green so they would pop, and styled the eating area.
Before 
After
The wife’s study was another room where we added wallpaper.
This one is by William Morris from The Martin Group at the Boston Design Center. We also styled the love seat with new pillows and added traditional swag and jabot window treatments by Makkas Workroom.
The vintage coffee table is from a Connecticut auction house. The vintage rug is from the clients’ collection.
Before 
After
For the TV room the clients wanted new window treatments in a cafe curtain style, fabricated by Makkas.
The fabric is from Lee Jofa. We added pillows, a cozy throw from MacKimmie Co. in Lenox, and lamps that I found at an estate sale in the Berkshires. All of us love the sheaf of wheat theme.
Before 
After
The TV room is also in the old part of the house. All of these rooms have original fireplaces, and when my client showed me a lovely pair of brass lanterns given to her by her husband’s mother, we placed them on the mantel where the family enjoys them every day.
Before 
After
Thanks again for following this old home love journey with me!
Ready to get started on styling your home?
Contact us.
Photography by Jared Kuzia
