Clean-lined, Fuss-Free

Room & Board recently featured our work on their blog, linked here; we’re super happy with the write-up and the recognition. Their products blend quality craftsmanship with timeless design, making them a natural fit for our projects. Based in Minnesota, they source from skilled artisans across the country—including some right here in New England.

We love their range of options, accessible price point, and thoughtfully designed pieces. Rather than just telling you, we’ll show you how we incorporate their furniture into our work. Below, you’ll find homes with historic character and traditional details. While not overly modern, Room & Board’s clean-lined, fuss-free designs support the balance of old and new when designing for these classic New England homes.

Let the Lighting Do the Rest

This Concord estate library has all of its original millwork: wainscot, built-ins, and French doors. The space was once stark white, but layers of Benjamin Moore’s Hale Navy restored its rich, dramatic character. A neutral rug anchors the room while Room & Board’s Andre Sofa, Callan Chair, and Matteo Chair & Ottoman add seating. We love a collected look—our tables come from different sources, adding variety and character to the space. Navy linen drapery panels complete the look. What you don’t see is the fireplace and the oversized TV—we prioritized the amount seating purelfy for viewing reasons. We also kept a clear path to the French doors leading to the covered porch.

Our favorite takeaway: contrast creates depth. Layer both warm and cool neutrals (and texture) to your upholstery fabrics… and let the lighting do the rest.

Classic Danish Design

This historic home had an addition completed years earlier. The goal was to ensure the new space felt as aged as the original, and the classic architecture and traditional details create a seamless connection between old and new.

A single door opens out to a garden of fresh herbs, inspiring the deep brown slash dark green wall color. This rich hue envelops every surface—walls, ceiling, and trim—creating a warm, moody atmosphere. Floor-to-ceiling windows, two non-operable, flood the space with natural light. Unlined linen Roman shades, perfectly matched to the walls, filter the light and highlight the natural textures in the space.

A natural oak table anchors the room, surrounded by six Room & Board Soren dining chairs. Crafted from black-stained cherry, these chairs contrast beautifully with the room’s neutral tones while adding a modern edge. Based on a 1953 Helge Sibast design, these pieces were handcrafted in Vermont using traditional steam-bending techniques. They have curved backrests and angled legs, and offer a refined take on classic Danish design. See more of this historic home design project linked here.

Designing for Historic Homes: A Functional Work Space

In Edgartown, a dining table with a waterfall edge doubles as a desk. Layered rugs add warmth underfoot – one ia an affordable broadloom layer, the other is a refined and pricier layer. Blackened cherry lounge chairs – more of the Danish inspired Soren chairs – are topped with dark gray wool cushions. Soft blue walls match the linen drapery panels perfectly, while the unlined fabric keeps things light and airy—ideal for a summer home office. See more of this waterfront summer home here.

Dining Slash Passthrough

This Hingham dining space doubles as a busy passthrough—a charming quirk of the home’s historic character and unconventional layout—handling the daily traffic of two parents, three boys, two dogs, and a housekeeper. At its center sits a pedestal table surrounded by Olsen Chairs, upholstered in light gray with walnut frames. Their sleek black profiles add modern contrast to the table’s warm oak finish. Underfoot, an ivory shag rug accented with gray comfortably withstands everyday life. See more of this Hingham home here.

Classic Meets Modern in Concord

In this formal dining room, the original fireplace details were carefully preserved and refreshed with soft cream paint. Original natural wood built-ins pair warmly with subtle grasscloth wallpaper and modern lighting. Anchoring the space is a custom walnut and glass dining table, surrounded by R&B’s Madrid dining chairs—black leather seats with a graceful silhouette that’s both easy to maintain and classic.

Why We Love Room & Board

With thoughtful color choices, versatile fabric options, and easy-to-use 3D visuals, Room & Board makes designing your space feel super easy. We love that its crafted in the USA—many right here in New England. Plus, we love their aesthetic and their quality—win, win, winning. Read more abuot how we love to work in historic homes here.