Crafting a Historic Brownstone Renovation for The 2020’s

This historic brownstone renovation in Boston blends 19th-century charm with modern updates tailored for everyday life today. If you’re a brownstone lover, you know the drill: original architectural details, intricate plaster moldings, and turn-of-the-century fireplaces. In this South End home, our clients wanted to celebrate a historic brownstone renovation while crafting a layout that works for modern life. Think en-suite bedrooms, a spacious primary suite with a luxurious bathroom and closets, plus a cozy guest suite for a live-in nanny. As a Boston interior designer, and a team who love to work in older homes, we balanced these updates with respect for the home’s history. Lots of rooms, one stunning brownstone.

Netflix Ready

The media room is where old-school meets Netflix-ready. A fireplace with classic green tiles that’s been around longer than your grandma’s china, and plaster ceiling moldings equally as old. To keep up with the times, we threw in custom millwork to stealthily hide the giant TV. We layered on some textured wallcoverings and simple art. Lastly, we brought in the heavy-hitters of comfort—rolled-arm sofas, a tufted leather ottoman, and swivel chairs. A mid-century tulip table and new lighting keep the vibe fresh without stealing the spotlight from this old-school beauty.

Stepping into 1867

Entering this home, you’re greeted by meticulously restored original doors. A step further, a vintage light fixture and the original stair railing—-all from 1867. We paired these classic elements with a vintage area rug and antique furniture for a warm welcome. The dining room joins with the formal living room, both located right off the entry. We refinished an old table and added new dining chairs. In the background, simple geometric trellis wallpaper, soft linen drapes, and a classic alabaster pendant.

Hidden Coffee, Open Style

At the center of the home sits a navy-blue kitchen island, perfectly placed between a family room and a breakfast nook. On one side, a custom coffee pantry with bi-fold doors keeps morning essentials neatly hidden away when not in use. The breakfast area includes a simple pedestal table with mid-century chairs. The entire space is bathed in light from five new windows installed at the back of the house.

Style and Storage

In the primary suite, a sitting area with new lounge chairs, vintage side tables, and custom bookshelves offers plenty of storage—a must in city living. The bathroom is the highlight, featuring a freestanding tub and a curbless shower spacious enough for two. In the corridor between the bedroom and bathroom, a custom walnut dresser and built-in closet storage offer practical solutions with a refined design, tailored to the homeowner’s needs.

Honoring History, Embracing Today

Our goal for this historic brownstone renovation was to blend the old with the new, creating a home that feels both classic and updated. This style—what we call “new traditional”—isn’t for every homeowner but perfectly complements historic architecture. Thoughtfully chosen wallpaper, paint, lighting, and one-of-a-kind rugs and artwork bring warmth and personality to every space. This project involved everything from space planning and construction documentation to interior design, decorating, and styling. See more of this project here in our portfolio. Check out what Boston Home said about our project, featured in November 2021.

With layered interiors and smart planning, this historic brownstone renovation feels timeless, personal, and ready for the 2020s. Read more about our historic homes design in New England and Boston.