Timeless Brownstone Interior Design: A Parlor Level Transformation

We love decorating. One of our favorite projects was transforming the parlor level of a stunning brownstone in the South End This project required a careful balance of style and functionality to bring our client’s vision to life. After an extensive renovation by Payne | Collins Design, we stepped in to furnish and decorate the main living areas. Our client, overwhelmed with decision fatigue, had a clear aesthetic vision but needed help pulling it all together. The parlor level, the most formal and most used floor, features original plaster millwork and clean white walls. The rear room became the kitchen, while the front room now hosts both dining and living areas. Read more to see how our studio added a sophisticated touch, see more on our portfolio page.

Living Room: Curves, Comfort, and Custom Furniture

The original marble fireplace anchors the oversized space, acting as a boundary between living and dining zones. To soften the room’s grandeur, we added a custom hunter green sofa that mirrors the bow of the historic architecture. Its durable, family-friendly fabric can handle whatever life throws at it (including juice boxes).

A reupholstered vintage womb chair in crisp white bouclé adds texture and a touch of nostalgia. The oval coffee table complements the sofa’s curves without stealing the spotlight. We practiced restraint here, leaving the clean white walls untouched—minimalism never looked so good.

Dining Room: Mid-Century Meets Modern Luxury

The dining area carries the same black mid-century modern light fixture as the living room, tying the spaces together with ease. Beneath it sits a Bok dining table paired with leather-padded chairs from Ethnicraft.

Original doors and trim frame the view to the kitchen beyond. For storage and style, we added a walnut and marble console from Design Within Reach. Its curved details and brass hardware bring a touch of luxury. Above the console, a geometric arrangement of nine prints by Katie Ré Scheidt is flanked by plaster white buffet lamps. Simple, cohesive, and utterly chic.

A Mix-and-Match (Sourced) Masterpiece

This project showcases what we love most about brownstone interior design: blending custom furniture with big-box finds for a curated, luxurious look. A mix of high-end pieces, like the reupholstered womb chair, and accessible ones, like the Design Within Reach console, make this parlor level both unique and timeless.

For any interior designer, there’s nothing more rewarding than transforming a historic home into a space that’s both functional and beautiful. Whether you’re seeking a local Boston decorator or a designer who travels across New England, this project shows that timeless design comes from thoughtfully blending old charm with fresh, modern touches. We love working on brownstone interiors and welcome the chance to collaborate on your own historic renovation or decorating project. Cheers!