Crafting a Historic Brownstone Renovation for Modern Living

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, we balanced these updates with respect for the home’s history. Lots of rooms, one stunning brownstone.

Historic Features with Thoughtful Updates

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.

A Grand Entrance: Stepping into History

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.

The Heart of the Home

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.

A Primary Suite Built for Living

In the primary suite, a sitting area with new lounge chairs, vintage side tables, and custom bookshelves offers relaxation and storage—a must in city living. The bathroom is a showstopper, 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

Custom design is personal. 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 Magazine said about our project, featured in November 2021.