Our client purchased this charming Boston brownstone apartment for the killer view and fabulous location. But the very contemporary interior finishes, while expertly executed, were not at all what they had in mind.
They were looking for something with more warmth and a character more reflective of the vintage of the building.
They had purchased the furnishings along with the apartment so they would have something to use while they redid the space with the intention of swapping them out when the new furniture was delivered.
As is the case with many of the most charming old city buildings, a small 2 person elevator and a narrow winding staircase meant the furnishings would largely need to exit and enter via a crane lift through the front window.
Our first order of business was to establish a color palette and furnishings layout. A combination of antiques, family heirlooms, and new pieces would infuse the space with a gracious, fresh traditional style.
A palette of classic blues, reds, and creamy neutrals was established to be used in varying proportions throughout the spaces.
Today we are sharing the Great Room main living spaces.
Boston Brownstone Great Room
The main living space would serve as lounging, reading, and dining space suitable for use by the couple and occasional visiting family or friends.
Several layouts were offered, but ultimately, we decided to use the bay as the sole dining area and to include two seating areas; a sofa seating area centered on the fireplace, and a second reading area centered on the opposite wall.
Oriental rugs would ground the great room in rich blues and reds. Family heirloom pieces and newly acquired antiques would pair with new upholstery pieces.
Dining Bay
The dining alcove got a pretty new brass lantern. Windows were topped with valances in a classic Jacobean floral print, and new motorized screen shades provide light control.
The existing contemporary custom banquette was treated to a makeover, changing the lines to make it more comfortable as well as more traditional in styling. It was covered in a blue and white striped performance fabric that would be fade resistant in the sunny bay window.
A new English reproduction heirloom quality pedestal table with leaves serves as comfortable dining for 2, but expands for company. A pair of antique Windsor chairs in a black painted finish that echos other black accents in the room were given custom down wrapped chair pads to add comfort and pattern.
Fireplace Seating Area
The black marble fireplace was not a favorite and seemed a bit lost in the large space with its 10’ wide chimney breast and 11’ ceilings. We solved that dilemma by adding millwork to the chimney breast and painting the whole thing in an accent blue shade. A pair of beautiful hurricane sconces and large mirror were added.
The seating around the fireplace includes a classic sofa and pair of chairs with dressmaker skirts. A new walnut and maple coffee table with a gilded edge joins antique pieces.
Library Reading Area
The library reading area got a new ring chandelier with gold lined black lampshades.
A trio of bookcases the client already owned were paired with swivel chairs and a tufted ottoman for a reading area with put-your-feet-up comfort.
An antique sideboard on an adjacent wall offers storage and serving space for afternoon cocktails, and a tea cart displays the clients collection of antique blue glass below a family ancestral portrait.
This space now honors the gracious style of the1860’s era brownstone while still affording all the comforts of today.
We’ll be back soon with more of the transformation of this stunning apartment!
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