Blending Modern Living with Historic Home Exteriors in New England

We’re passionate about New England, classic architecture, and blending both with modern touches. And we also love historic home design AND exteriors. In this latest project, see how we took a beautiful New England property and worked some magic to create outdoor spaces that are both versatile and stunning. Whether you’re kicking back poolside or gathering around the fire, these spaces are designed for living—really living. And if you haven’t seen it already, check out the feature on Boston Home Magazine’s Instagram, with the full interior of the home to be shared in the Winter 2025 print edition. This Concord project is a true historic and modern design mix.

Minimalism Meets Poolside Perfection

Minimalist, sleek, and pretty genius; thanks to landscape designer Gail Alden. Instead of the usual stone patio, the homeowners chose a clean granite border that blends right into the lawn. No fences, no fuss. Plus, the pool cover is hidden so well you’d think it was a secret. We installed furniture from Design Within Reach that are all stylish and easy to move – both the chaise lounges and the umbrella are on wheels. So when the New England weather decides to throw a tantrum (which it often does), everything can be tucked away in a flash.

The Porch: Your All-Season Hangout

There’s nothing quite like sitting on a porch that has serious history. And this one’s been given a whole new look. The original columns are still standing tall. They now frame a space that’s perfect for year-round lounging – we removed floor-to-ceiling screened panels installed by a previous homeowner. We think the best historic home designs maintain important features – these columns stayed put.

Traditional design details like classic white siding, French doors, and a coffered ceiling make it feel like you could pretty much be inside in your living room. A hanging daybed is just begging for a good book, and the wood-burning fireplace is ready to warm things up when those chilly nights roll in. The outdoor sofas are crafted of wrought iron with upholstered cushions. An oversized teak coffee table from Design Within Reach completes the setup. Custom cabinets on one side of the fireplace discreetly hide a TV (because, honestly, who doesn’t want to watch football outside?), while the other side stores firewood. All that’s missing? Maybe a fridge.

The Outdoor Dining Experience

When it comes to outdoor hanging, this space has it covered—literally. A hanging daybed – painted black and topped with a coordinating cushion – is the focal point. The west side of the property also features a new bluestone patio with plenty of room to spread out. We added a ceramic-topped table from Gloster and paired it with stackable metal chairs from Blu Dot… high-low mixing at its finest.

A Quiet Corner in The Garden

The garden is like something out of a daydream…. complete with a tranquil water feature and symmetrical stairways covered in ‘climbers,’ as they say. The greenery adds a nice bit of softness and depth to the whole setup. The best part? They’re low-maintenance, so no need to stress about upkeep. We threw in some folding woven chairs and a teak coffee table to make this the perfect spot for your morning coffee or a little end-of-day unwinding. And since everything’s lightweight, you can shuffle the seating around depending on your mood (or the weather).

At the firepit, we set up teak sofas with black cushions facing each other. Tiny accent tables add just enough room for your drink of choice because, let’s be real – the view of mature trees, a garden, and a meadow does most of the work here. Toss in a few pillows, a cozy throw for when things get chilly, and voilà: it’s cocktail o’clock in the great outdoors.

Wrapping It Up: Historic Home Exteriors & Outdoor Living

These outdoor spaces do what we love most—blend modern ease with classic details. Making the whole place feel like it’s been this perfect forever. Whether it’s poolside, fireside, or just hanging out with a coffee, this New England design is ready to take on all the seasons with style and comfort. P.S. If you’re dreaming of leveling up your own outdoor living spaces in Boston (or the general area), you know where to find us, inquire here.

No pressure, just thoughtful design. Learn more about this Concord interior design project by Boston interior designer Sarah Scales linked here.