A historic home in Beacon Hill gets personal.
Saporiti Cup chairs by Augusto Bozzi from Galerie Half add a pop of color in the family room
When Hacin (hacin.com) was hired to update a four-story carriage house-turned-townhouse in Beacon Hill, it was a reunion of sorts. The client had hired the design firm for previous projects, and this time around, she was looking to create a welcoming, livable environment that reflected her unique personality and didn’t skimp on style. An accomplished artist with a vast collection, she wanted to showcase art and antique pieces without feeling formal. Her vision could not come at the expense of the home’s history, which was originally built in 1899. “
Squeak Carnwath’s Everything 2 hangs behind the dining table.
The client’s vision was simple yet deeply considered: to honor the understated charm of the original carriage house while creating a home that felt both stylish and effortlessly livable. She wanted a space that embraced history without feeling like a museum— where modern comforts blended seamlessly with timeworn character,” says interior designer Matthew Woodward.
In the living room, a Maureen Fullam convex mirror with smoked glass in an oxidized black metal frame hangs above the fireplace and Touched by Jana Cruder hangs on the wall.
The interdisciplinary team at Hacin deployed a full scope of architecture, led by architect Eduardo Serrate, and interior design to update the house while ensuring it remained rooted within its historic setting— the inspiration for the home’s grounded, warm design. The home’s overall layout was reconfigured, with Sea Dar Construction, to create more expansive spaces without sacrificing ceiling height.
In contrast to the more formal townhomes in the neighborhood, this carriage house is meant to evoke a relaxed setting
“A pared-back approach guided our reimagining of the space, ensuring that every choice reflected the home’s regional character and the client’s vision of relaxed sophistication. We selected plain-sawn oak flooring and collaborated with the millworker to develop a custom-stained finish for the living room and kitchen—gently “beaten up” before installation for a lived-in feel. The result is a space that feels timeless and inviting,” says Woodward.
Piet Boon Kekke chairs, an Apparatus Studio Trapeze 7 mobile pendant and an Oak Refectory table outfit the dining room
A restrained color palette was used to create a sense of calm and provide a backdrop for contemporary art, which features prominently in most areas of the residence. Architectural detailing utilized clean lines while preserving a softness that calls back to the home’s original design and context. A neutral palette and textural, natural materials were used throughout to create a sense of consistency and to allow the spaces to flow into each other. “The space’s interior design is an alchemy of old and new. Contemporary lighting bridges the architecture and the client’s art collection while European antiques complement contemporary furniture,” says Woodward. Reflecting a new chapter in the client’s life, the design provides a laid-back environment that invites gathering, comfort and creativity around every corner.
Photography by: PHOTO BY TRENT BELL
