Reimagining Spaces
When tackling a 10,000-square-foot historic estate, you need more than just good taste—you need a plan, a ladder, and maybe a lot of caffeine. This Concord home, originally built in 1903, challenged us to create spaces that honored its history while inviting a fresh perspective. With a cohesive palette, modern touches, and a focus on historic home interior design, we brought new life to its iconic bones. Let’s take a peek at the entry, living room, and dining room. You can see more on our portfolio page, also featured in Boston Home Magazine and The Boston Globe.
The Entry: A Creamy Welcome with Earthy Blue
Step into the earthy blue vestibule, where the original door greets you with sidelights and a glass interior door leading to the grand foyer. The foyer is a traditionalist’s dream, with its stenciled floor and all-original millwork—wainscot, baseboards, and trim—refreshed in a crisp cream color. We balanced this classic look with tone-on-tone geometric wallpaper (Thibaut), contemporary furniture, and modern lighting (Kelly Wearstler). The staircase, a showstopper in striking black paint, winds its way to the third floor, setting the stage for this spacious, layered entryway.
Timeless Design in a Historic Living Room
The living room combines historic charm and modern ease. Original leaded glass cabinetry anchors the space, complemented by a new glass-and-metal light fixture. Simple, neutral furnishings play well with the star of the show—a Scandinavian chair emphasizing simplicity, gracefulness, craftsmanship and timelessness. The fireplace retains its historic charm, adorned with simple art overhead, balanced by contemporary sconces – more Kelly Wearstler fixtures. White linen drapery panels hang gracefully on black French return rods, tying the room together.
A Modern Take on a Historic Dining Room
In the dining room, history takes center stage with an original fireplace and detailed millwork. A custom walnut-and-glass dining table is paired with black leather chairs, offering a modern balance. Overhead, a Roll & Hill light fixture hangs from a plaster medallion, a pairing that feels both historic and new. Grasscloth wallpaper brings texture, while an oak console with black hardware and matching buffet lamps adds functional elegance. Natural linen drapery panels soften the space, all grounded by a neutral indoor-outdoor rug that ensures spills won’t start a civil war.
Historic Home Interior Design: Off to a Neutral Start
Cohesion is the name of the game in this historic home interior design. Each room feels like part of a larger story, tied together by textures, patterns, and a shared color palette. This 10,000-square-foot estate demanded thoughtful transitions from space to space, and we delivered. Read more in Part II, where we’ll dive into the media room, office, family room, and kitchen. These casual spaces are what truly makes a house feel like home.
