In a world where travel restrictions and global lockdowns have become a reality, the story of this New England Colonial house is a testament to the power of imagination and the enduring influence of cultural exchange. Interior designer Nina Farmer and her clients, amidst the challenges of the pandemic, embarked on a journey of creative exploration, transforming a 1940s house in Concord, Massachusetts, into a captivating blend of global design influences.
A House with a Story to Tell
The house, with its classic brick exterior, initially presented a blank canvas to Nina. She describes it as a character waiting to reveal its true identity. It was the shared love of travel and history that became the guiding light for this project. Through conversations about their wanderlust and past travels, the clients and designer found inspiration in the diverse places they had visited, bringing a unique perspective to the interior design.
European Elegance Meets Indian Opulence
The study, a focal point of the house, showcases a fusion of styles. A custom sofa, adorned with Holland & Sherry's opulent 'Opera' velvet and trimmed with Samuel & Sons fringe, sits atop a Moroccan carpet. The coffee table's onyx top adds a touch of exoticism. The original paneling, stripped back to reveal its natural patina, is complemented by hand-painted Fromental wallpaper panels, inspired by an archival design. This room is a testament to the careful curation of textures and colors, a theme that runs throughout the house.
A Dining Room with a Global Flair
In the dining room, Nina pays homage to Isabella Stewart Gardner, a famed Boston collector. Antique furniture, including a 1940s Murano glass chandelier, creates an elegant atmosphere. The chairs, Danish Modern designs by Henning Kjaernulf, feature intricate suzani upholstery, adding a touch of Central Asian influence. The color palette of an antique rug from East Azerbaijan becomes the guiding principle for the entire house, a subtle thread that ties the diverse influences together.
The Sitting Room: A Blend of Art and Culture
The sitting room is a celebration of artistic expression. Henna artist-designed motifs, transferred to abaca grass cloth, hang in panels, framed like precious artwork. Antique Delft tiles from Portugal surround the painted fireplace, creating a unique blend of Dutch and Portuguese influences. Block-printed curtains and a large antique rug add to the room's global appeal.
A Bedroom with a Touch of Umbria
In the main bedroom, Nina made subtle architectural changes, replacing a modern window with traditional sash alternatives. The knotty pine paneling, stained a custom grey-green, provides a warm backdrop to the white plaster chandelier, reminiscent of Alberto Giacometti. Lamps, originally spotted at Hotel Castello di Reschio in Umbria, bring a touch of Italian charm. A French oak desk by Guillerme et Chambron offers a stylish workspace.
The Bathroom: A Blend of East and West
The adjoining en-suite bathroom is a study in contrast. The Moroccan tile floor, inspired by a flat weave rug seen in India, creates a geometric pattern. The pale green bath, a whimsical touch, sits beneath a French Art Deco pendant and alongside a 1950s Italian chair. A custom dressing table, designed based on a door seen in Italy, completes the space.
A House of Nuance and Expression
This house, a melting pot of global design influences, is a testament to the power of storytelling in interior design. Nina Farmer's approach, as she puts it, is not about mixing for the sake of it, but about creating a carefully curated balance. Even in the midst of a global pandemic, the visual language of travel and cultural exchange remained a guiding force, resulting in a home that is rich in nuance and expression. It is a reminder that, even when our physical movements are restricted, our imaginations can take us on endless journeys.
