A New England Historic Design Journey: Second-Floor Elegance

Let’s head upstairs, where the second-floor spaces take center stage in our New England historic design story. It starts with the hallway—a classic beauty with a modern edge. Original architectural details remain intact but get a bold update with rich black paint. The barely-there modern square sconces provide stark contrast against cream geometric wallpaper (a nod to the entryway below) and soft cream paint. Add a dash of contemporary art, and this hallway proves that timeless doesn’t mean boring.

Then, there’s the guest room: a tranquil retreat of soft whites and creamy millwork. The standout: A vintage curved desk that feels like it belongs in an old-school romance novel. Paired with striped drapery, Roman shades, and neutral furnishings, the room is simple yet sophisticated. And, because we can’t resist a pop of fun, we added an Ali Beletic painting in soft pink tones and a white boucle side chair that makes us want to linger forever.

A Modern Take on the Primary Bedroom

Welcome to the heart of the second floor—the primary bedroom. Walls are painted in Pantone’s 2025 Color of the Year, Mocha Mouse (yes, that’s its real name), setting a warm, cozy tone. This space was so good it was featured in The Boston Globe in December 2024, and for good reason.

The modern bed, with its upholstered back and sleek metal legs, feels effortlessly chic. Blackened oak bedside tables and matching metal lamps add texture and depth, while drapery panels in the same mocha hue keep the vibe cohesive. A sculptural lounge chair creates the perfect reading nook, complete with custom art by Erin Clark. Peek through the doorway, and you’ll find a navy blue office—a bold contrast to the calm of the bedroom.

A Look Inside the Primary Suite Office and Kid-Friendly Bedrooms

The office tucked into the primary suite continues the design magic. Navy walls frame a white boucle side chair—a quiet corner that feels as tailored as it does practical.

Now let’s talk kid-friendly spaces. The children’s bedrooms mix historic charm with playful touches. One room features a bold blue ceiling and a charcoal area rug from Room & Board. A felted wool chair and ottoman from Blu Dot balance comfort with style—teenager-approved but still in harmony with the Federal-style fireplace. For extra fun, there’s a hanging egg chair (because every teen needs a spot to spin and ponder life). Add a sculptural light fixture and simple, soft furnishings in shades of grey and blue, and you’ve got spaces that are equal parts cool and cohesive.

A Thoughtful Finale to New England Historic Design

This collection of bedrooms and guest spaces ties seamlessly into the rest of the home, proving that New England historic design doesn’t have to mean fussy. Every room feels connected, creating a flow that lets you float from space to space. Whether it’s bold black walls, playful pops of color, or timeless details, this second floor is the perfect combination of historic charm and modern living.

Because in the end, cohesion is king. And when a home reads like a story you want to keep flipping through? That’s when you know the design works. Read more about our work in historic homes, here.