Back Bay

Massachusetts

We were brought in by our client, a then single gentleman in his 60’s who was moving back into Boston, to update his two-story unit in a Dartmouth Street brownstone. The unit itself was in nice condition, however, it had undergone a very 90s renovation and had not been touched since. Imagine added columns, cheap ceiling medallions, and lots of non-original decorative woodwork. So, we reimagined the unit, updating it with cosmetic renovations — new fireplaces in the living room, dining room, and master bedroom, refinishing floors, removing non-original moldings, and updating the stair railing, as well as furnishings — giving us a "blank slate" to build on.

The client wanted to ensure that his home is an urban residence and retreat, while still maintaining traditional features. He travels frequently and when in town, enjoys all that the city has to offer. We consciously introduced contemporary silhouettes in the furnishings, lighting, and stair railing.

Much of the design itself was based around the client’s interest in art and existing collection. A great example of this is the cityscape that hangs in the dining room which he purchased early in the process. The view is the same as that from his roof deck and we used that as our inspiration and motivation for the details seen throughout the living and dining rooms. You’ll see diamond and triangular motifs layered throughout — console, draperies, area rug. 

Photography: Sean Litchfield