Concord Historic Estate: Casual Spaces
We love the casual spaces of this Concord historic estate — where kids, dogs, and bare feet are all welcome. This doesn’t mean sacrificing quality or style for durability. Instead of vinyl-covered couches or easily disposable furnishings, we invested in well-made, well-designed pieces. These rooms stand up to kids, a black lab, and everyday kitchen disasters. Continuing from Part I of this blog series, we’re showcasing the family room, kitchen, and casual dining areas — the heart of daily life in this historic home. You can see more on our portfolio page, also featured in Boston Home Magazine and The Boston Globe.
A Navy Media Room Meets Light Office Space
The moody media room features original millwork painted a classic navy, paired with Lee Jofa wallpaper designed by Kelly Wearstler. The ceiling is also painted a dark navy, creating an enveloping effect. Mid-century-inspired furniture in neutral, textured fabrics adds sophistication, anchored by a walnut and metal coffee table. Navy linen drapery covers the original French doors, tying the space together.
Adjacent to this dark and cozy retreat, a light-filled office provides a contrast. The historic millwork is painted warm grey, with a matching painted ceiling. Walnut furniture, including a classic desk, pairs with a Scandinavian lounge chair and ottoman. Monochromatic light grey linen drapery softens the look, creating a serene, functional workspace.
Blending Historic Hallways with Modern Family Spaces
An expansive hallway, connecting the original home to its newer addition, feels more like a room than a passageway. Geometric wallpaper and a coordinating area rug set the stage for a sculptural chair, the focal point of the space. Above the chair, unique artwork adds intrigue, including a digital piece that displays time through rotating shapes.
Moving into the adjacent family room, historic charm blends with modern function. A new fireplace mimics the home’s original style, painted a cool white to keep the room light. Neutral furniture in shades of black and grey includes a comfortable swivel chair, perfect for enjoying either the fireplace or the TV. Subtle architectural light fixtures seamlessly blend into the millwork, maintaining the room’s cohesive design.
Modern Updates in the Kitchen and Breakfast Nook
In the kitchen, we avoided waste by replacing only the cabinet doors instead of a full remodel. Simple slab doors and drawers replaced ornate designs, paired with nearly invisible aluminum edge pulls. The island, painted black, now features two sculptural fixtures from Allied Maker. Leather counter stools, designed by Omar De Biaggio, were made in Italy.
The breakfast nook, bathed in natural light from six large windows, balances dark and light elements. Walls are painted a rich taupe, contrasted by a white oak table beneath a plaster pendant light. A neutral, scrubbable area rug grounds the space, while modern spindle chairs update a farmhouse classic. Monochromatic taupe linen shades soften the entire space, making this dark-toned room inviting and bright.
Daily Life in Durable & Luxurious Spaces
These casual spaces are the heart of the Concord historic estate where daily life unfolds. They balance durability with the luxury of thoughtful design. Neutral tones tie them to the entry, formal living, and dining spaces from part one, while bold black accents, like the kitchen island and light fixtures, provide continuity. Read more in part three, where we’ll explore the second-floor hall, guest suite, kids’ bedrooms, and the primary suite. And learn more about our obsession working in older homes here.
