A Fresh Spin on a Classic
This Hingham renovation blends historic architecture with modern updates, creating a livable home designed entirely from afar. In this full-home renovation in Hingham, we honored the home’s classic architecture while slipping in modern updates. No additional square footage was needed to bring this beauty to life—we reconfigured the original footprint and revamped the floor plan. The result is a perfect blend of history and livability, with a family-friendly vibe at every turn.
What you don’t see in the photos is that this entire project was planned while the clients and their three kids were living in the Caribbean. Everything—from floor plans and renderings to selecting lighting and fixtures—was handled virtually. Meanwhile, I was on-site, managing the builders and subcontractors to make sure every detail was executed correctly.
Turn-key doesn’t even begin to cover it—we purchased (and washed) the hand towels, placing them perfectly in each bathroom. Ah, the things you do for clients you truly connect with. Scroll down for finished photography, and join us as we walk you through the design decisions and standout details.
Bold Art and a Hint of Wallpaper
The entryway knows how to make an entrance. A massive ‘Nest’ canvas, painted by a friend of the homeowners, is the focal point. This intricate abstract canvas, resembling a bird’s-eye view of a cozy nest, is a literal homecoming masterpiece. Paired with a sleek bench and a walnut pedestal table, it gives the right amount of color to this white space.
Take a few steps inside the front door, and you’ll find a corridor wrapped in Cole & Son’s ‘Waves’ wallpaper. A playful detour that leads to a powder room with even more of the same paper. Small but mighty, indeed. We added a custom soapstone sink, brass fittings and a simple linen cafe curtain to soften the space and add privacy.
Lounging Done Right
In the formal living room, two statement sofas face off in neutral tones. On one side, we have a Knoll chaise with an open back. On the other, a sleek Scandinavian piece from &Tradition. Add two walnut and glass Knoll coffee tables to the center, and voila—balance and symmetry achieved. In the family room, we added denim blue lounge chair and ottoman. The blue accent color resurfaces elsewhere in the home as a cohesive feature.
Dining Room: Moody Blues
The formal dining room features a moody blue grasscloth wallcovering, adding texture and depth to the corridor-like space. A cerused oak pedestal table anchors the space, surrounded by modern chairs and illuminated by a simple art lamp. Below, a custom abstract painting, another gem by a friend of the homeowners (Katie Ré Scheidt), ties it all together. We kept the furnishings understated to let the blue grasscloth stand out—it’s the ultimate hue that connects the color palette of the dining room, family room, and expanded kitchen.
Morning-Ready and Mess-Free
Natural oak cabinets, a clean white hood, and a Carrara marble backsplash—a trifecta of a no-fuss kitchen. Behind closed doors, a hidden coffee station waits to fuel busy mornings. Yes, you can have caffeine without counter clutter. The blue accent color from other spaces appears here as well, connecting the first floor through subtle color.
Design Meets Daily Life
Our South Street project is the definition of a home that doesn’t just look good—it lives good (grammatical liberties intended). From statement-making art to a kitchen that’s secretly a multitasking pro, every space balances beauty with livability. By respecting the home’s historic bones while embracing modern life, we’ve created a haven that feels as welcoming as it is good looking.
See more of our historic home design here, and additional photos of this Hingham home here. By combining classic design with everyday practicality, this historic home now feels personal, polished, and ready for modern life.
