In the heart of New England, a 1940s Colonial house undergoes a remarkable transformation, becoming a testament to the power of design and travel. Interior designer Nina Farmer, along with her clients, embarked on a journey to create a space that reflected their shared love for history, travel, and a unique blend of global influences. This article delves into the story behind the design, exploring how a pandemic-era project became a celebration of cultural fusion and personal expression.
A House in Transition
Nina Farmer, a Boston-based decorator, was approached in 2020 to redesign the 1947 brick Colonial in Concord, Massachusetts. The house, with its classic lines and potential, was a blank canvas waiting to be filled with a cohesive narrative. As the pandemic loomed, Nina and her clients found solace in their shared passion for travel, which became the cornerstone of their design philosophy.
The Study: A European and Indian Haven
The project began in the study, once a staid early American room. Nina's inspiration came from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, a favorite of both her and the client. The result is a stunning fusion of European and Indian influences. Custom hand-painted Fromental wallpaper panels, inspired by the museum's leather-clad walls, blend seamlessly with the study's original paneling, revealing its natural patina. A Moroccan carpet and an onyx-topped coffee table add a touch of exoticism, while a custom sofa covered in Opera velvet and trimmed with Samuel & Sons fringe provides a luxurious seating experience.
Dining Room: A Global Gathering
The dining room pays homage to the famed Boston collector Isabella Stewart Gardner. Antique furniture, including 1940s Danish Modern Henning Kjaernulf chairs with suzani seats, surrounds a mid-century French oak table. A 1940s Murano glass chandelier hangs above, creating a captivating ambiance. The room's eclectic nature reflects the clients' desire to bring the world into their home.
Sitting Room: A Cultural Mosaic
In the sitting room, a henna artist's motifs, transferred to abaca grass cloth, create a unique wall covering. Antique Delft tiles, sourced from Portugal, surround the painted fireplace, adding a layer of pattern and texture. Block-printed curtains and a large antique rug from East Azerbaijan provide a cohesive color palette, inspired by the entire house's design.
Bathroom: A Curated Balance
Nina's approach to mixing textures, colors, and shapes is evident in the downstairs bathroom. A custom marble sink, carved from a single block, features a scallop edge detail. A 1960s French rattan mirror and a 1950s Stilnovo sconce add a touch of vintage glamour. The Moroccan tile floor, inspired by an Indian flat weave rug, creates a geometric pattern that is both whimsical and elegant.
Bedroom: A Blend of Traditions
The main bedroom underwent a subtle transformation, replacing an out-of-place window with traditional sash alternatives. Knotty pine paneling, stained in a custom grey-green, adds warmth. A white plaster chandelier, reminiscent of Alberto Giacometti, hangs from the tray ceiling, providing a fresh and modern contrast. Lamps, spotted at Hotel Castello di Reschio, bring a touch of Umbrian charm to the space.
En-Suite Bathroom: A Personal Touch
The en-suite bathroom showcases Nina's design prowess. A Moroccan tile floor, inspired by an Indian flat weave rug, creates a geometric pattern. A whimsical pale green Water Monopoly bath sits beneath a 1920s French Art Deco pendant, while a 1950s Italian chair covered in Schuyler Samperton's 'Benghal Stripe' adds a touch of Italian flair. Nina's custom dressing table, based on a door she saw in Italy, completes the room's unique character.
Conclusion: A Journey of Inspiration
This project, born during a global lockdown, showcases how travel and personal experiences can shape a home. Nina Farmer's design philosophy, as exemplified in this house, is a testament to the power of storytelling through interior design. By blending European and Indian influences with American Victoriana, she has created a space that is both captivating and deeply personal, inviting residents and visitors alike to embark on a journey of cultural exploration.
