Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: Relaxed Refresh for an 1830 Greek Revival Home
A designer renovates a New England house to be more family-friendly while preserving its sophisticated good looks
First Impressions
“I strive for spaces that feel authentic and collected over time rather than ‘decorated,’” Tharp says. This is clear from the moment one sees the oversize harlequin pattern painted on the floor, by Arteriors. “I wanted to make a statement in the formal entry,” she says. “By scaling up a traditional pattern, the floor honors history while signaling that this is a casual and welcoming home.”
The entry and staircase are among the areas of the home that were carefully restored. The front door and its trim were painted black to highlight the beauty of the original door hardware. The original mahogany staircase rail and treads were cleaned and restored. A large lantern-style ceiling light with an antique look picks up on the black of the floor and door and fits in with the architecture.
The vintage bentwood Thonet chair, mix of classic and modern planters, contemporary sconce and antique Swedish table foreshadow the interesting mix of furnishings found throughout the house. “The sconce harks back to the craftsmanship of the past in a very fresh, modern way. I love pulling from different eras,” Tharp says.
Check out lantern-stye pendant lights in the Houzz Shop
“I strive for spaces that feel authentic and collected over time rather than ‘decorated,’” Tharp says. This is clear from the moment one sees the oversize harlequin pattern painted on the floor, by Arteriors. “I wanted to make a statement in the formal entry,” she says. “By scaling up a traditional pattern, the floor honors history while signaling that this is a casual and welcoming home.”
The entry and staircase are among the areas of the home that were carefully restored. The front door and its trim were painted black to highlight the beauty of the original door hardware. The original mahogany staircase rail and treads were cleaned and restored. A large lantern-style ceiling light with an antique look picks up on the black of the floor and door and fits in with the architecture.
The vintage bentwood Thonet chair, mix of classic and modern planters, contemporary sconce and antique Swedish table foreshadow the interesting mix of furnishings found throughout the house. “The sconce harks back to the craftsmanship of the past in a very fresh, modern way. I love pulling from different eras,” Tharp says.
Check out lantern-stye pendant lights in the Houzz Shop
Keeping It Healthy
Tharp also is an expert in creating healthy homes, which was important to these parents. She used non-volatile-organic-compound paints and stains, formaldehyde-free floor finishes and chemical-free fabrics and carpets. The renovation workers followed practices that would protect them and the family from dust and contaminants.
Here, an antique Swedish table, a petite chair and a mirror create a pretty tableaux.
Tharp also is an expert in creating healthy homes, which was important to these parents. She used non-volatile-organic-compound paints and stains, formaldehyde-free floor finishes and chemical-free fabrics and carpets. The renovation workers followed practices that would protect them and the family from dust and contaminants.
Here, an antique Swedish table, a petite chair and a mirror create a pretty tableaux.
Enhancing Original Architecture
To preserve sightlines from the foyer through the living room, Tharp designed the living room sofa with a low back and the settee with a partially open back. She also designed the custom pieces for comfortable lounging.
The renovation included adding built-in bookshelves between the living and dining rooms. “We designed the bookcases to appear as if they had always been there. I love lighting good millwork and shelf displays like art, so we added silver picture lights near the crown molding, which was crafted to match the original,” she says. The team they cleaned up the original pocket door, which can be tucked in behind the bookshelves to separate the living room from the dining room when desired.
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To preserve sightlines from the foyer through the living room, Tharp designed the living room sofa with a low back and the settee with a partially open back. She also designed the custom pieces for comfortable lounging.
The renovation included adding built-in bookshelves between the living and dining rooms. “We designed the bookcases to appear as if they had always been there. I love lighting good millwork and shelf displays like art, so we added silver picture lights near the crown molding, which was crafted to match the original,” she says. The team they cleaned up the original pocket door, which can be tucked in behind the bookshelves to separate the living room from the dining room when desired.
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Though the living room has an elegant look, Tharp selected fabrics that would stand up to family life. “Throughout the home, we used the softest outdoor fabrics and velvets for carefree living with children and a dog,” she says. The high-low textured wool rug with a subtle diamond pattern adds a cozy element to the floor.
The original black marble fireplaces contributed to the design. Tharp repeated the black in accent items such as the sconces and black-and-white paintings, drawings and photography. She also incorporated warm gray and taupe accents to pick up on some of the warm tones in the marble’s veining.
The original black marble fireplaces contributed to the design. Tharp repeated the black in accent items such as the sconces and black-and-white paintings, drawings and photography. She also incorporated warm gray and taupe accents to pick up on some of the warm tones in the marble’s veining.
Old and New, Streamlined and Ornate
The dining room’s unexpected elements strike a balance. Tharp custom-designed a streamlined table to place under an early-19th-century giltwood chandelier from Italy.
“I was playing with the idea of sandwiching opposite materials when I designed the table. The massive marble slab was precisely fitted to the wooden base, which is supported by a pair of chunky T-shaped pedestals,” Tharp says. “Placing a streamlined modern table under a gilded Italian antique chandelier creates a sophisticated juxtaposition that is timeless.” A modern abstract painting and new black sconces over the original marble fireplace create the same effect.
Sophisticated juxtapositions aside, Tharp kept a sense of playfulness in the design. “That huge mop of greenery adds life and texture to the clean lines of the modern pedestal below. It just makes me chuckle and reminds us not to take life too seriously,” she says.
The dining room’s unexpected elements strike a balance. Tharp custom-designed a streamlined table to place under an early-19th-century giltwood chandelier from Italy.
“I was playing with the idea of sandwiching opposite materials when I designed the table. The massive marble slab was precisely fitted to the wooden base, which is supported by a pair of chunky T-shaped pedestals,” Tharp says. “Placing a streamlined modern table under a gilded Italian antique chandelier creates a sophisticated juxtaposition that is timeless.” A modern abstract painting and new black sconces over the original marble fireplace create the same effect.
Sophisticated juxtapositions aside, Tharp kept a sense of playfulness in the design. “That huge mop of greenery adds life and texture to the clean lines of the modern pedestal below. It just makes me chuckle and reminds us not to take life too seriously,” she says.
A Rewarding Old-House Find
Renovations of older homes often include rewarding surprises. If you look closely around these dining room windows, what appears to be millwork is actually embrasured shutters (which fold into pockets inside window jambs). These can be seen throughout the original portion of the house. “During our first site visit, I noticed that the windows had empty pockets where embrasured shutters once were, yet they were nowhere to be found,” Tharp says. “Several weeks later, the builder happily informed us that they had been discovered in one of the outbuildings on the property. It was wonderful that they were able to return.”
Renovations of older homes often include rewarding surprises. If you look closely around these dining room windows, what appears to be millwork is actually embrasured shutters (which fold into pockets inside window jambs). These can be seen throughout the original portion of the house. “During our first site visit, I noticed that the windows had empty pockets where embrasured shutters once were, yet they were nowhere to be found,” Tharp says. “Several weeks later, the builder happily informed us that they had been discovered in one of the outbuildings on the property. It was wonderful that they were able to return.”
Kitchen Refresh
The kitchen is part of a fairly recent two-story addition by previous homeowners that also includes the family room and the master bedroom. Because the room is fairly new and already had a great layout, Tharp and the homeowners agreed that it should receive a cosmetic makeover, not a full renovation. She kept the existing soapstone countertops, appliances and cabinetry and refreshed the cabinetry with new paint and new glass knobs on the upper cabinets. She replaced a cumbersome range alcove design with a more streamlined custom plaster-and-stainless steel vent hood flanked by open shelving. And she installed a Neolith backsplash in Carrara-look Estatuario.
As a finishing touch, Tharp commissioned black-and-white photography of architectural details on the property’s outbuildings. You can catch a glimpse of two such photos on either side of the vent hood.
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The kitchen is part of a fairly recent two-story addition by previous homeowners that also includes the family room and the master bedroom. Because the room is fairly new and already had a great layout, Tharp and the homeowners agreed that it should receive a cosmetic makeover, not a full renovation. She kept the existing soapstone countertops, appliances and cabinetry and refreshed the cabinetry with new paint and new glass knobs on the upper cabinets. She replaced a cumbersome range alcove design with a more streamlined custom plaster-and-stainless steel vent hood flanked by open shelving. And she installed a Neolith backsplash in Carrara-look Estatuario.
As a finishing touch, Tharp commissioned black-and-white photography of architectural details on the property’s outbuildings. You can catch a glimpse of two such photos on either side of the vent hood.
Shop for stainless steel vent hoods
Renovating Sustainably
“Neolith gives you the look of real marble without pulling more stone from the earth,” she says of the sustainable backsplash choice. In addition to reusing and restoring whatever she could architecturally, Tharp used locally crafted and sustainably sourced furniture as well as antiques, used salvaged architectural elements as art and consolidated the receiving of goods at her warehouse for efficient single-trip installations, which reduced the project’s carbon footprint.
“Neolith gives you the look of real marble without pulling more stone from the earth,” she says of the sustainable backsplash choice. In addition to reusing and restoring whatever she could architecturally, Tharp used locally crafted and sustainably sourced furniture as well as antiques, used salvaged architectural elements as art and consolidated the receiving of goods at her warehouse for efficient single-trip installations, which reduced the project’s carbon footprint.
Off the side of the kitchen is a comfortable breakfast room. “The brass pendant light was the very first piece I sourced for the entire house. It was a good jumping-off for the casual end of the spectrum, to be balanced with the more refined,” she says. Also at the casual end of the spectrum is the 1930s Swedish pine table. Bertoia chairs add a midcentury modern touch. The settee is from her own collection and is extra long. Cafe curtains filter the light, add a cozy touch and provide privacy while keeping the views open.
Space Planned for Kids
Before, this room off the kitchen was an extra sitting room with a low, shallow built-in bench under the window that didn’t function well. Tharp converted it to a place where the kids could do homework, make art and play games.
Comfy armchairs on wheels surround a round game table. A cabinet houses the games and toys, and the vintage wine rack above it (originally from Doris Duke’s estate) holds Lego. On another wall in the room (not seen), Tharp installed rows of clipboards to display the children’s artwork.
Another way she married old and new portions of the home is through the floor stain. “There were three different flooring types in the home — matchstick in the original living room and dining room, wide plank in the remaining original structure and then newer hardwood in the addition spaces — all of which we refinished with the palest gray stain,” she says.
Before, this room off the kitchen was an extra sitting room with a low, shallow built-in bench under the window that didn’t function well. Tharp converted it to a place where the kids could do homework, make art and play games.
Comfy armchairs on wheels surround a round game table. A cabinet houses the games and toys, and the vintage wine rack above it (originally from Doris Duke’s estate) holds Lego. On another wall in the room (not seen), Tharp installed rows of clipboards to display the children’s artwork.
Another way she married old and new portions of the home is through the floor stain. “There were three different flooring types in the home — matchstick in the original living room and dining room, wide plank in the remaining original structure and then newer hardwood in the addition spaces — all of which we refinished with the palest gray stain,” she says.
The designer tucked this custom built-in desk for two into a sunny window bay. She repurposed antique corbels as paperweights. Antique architectural salvage pieces pop up throughout the home.
Powder Room
In a house full of whites, this colorful Japanese-inspired wallpaper is a fun surprise. A burled wood-framed Milo Baughman mirror is another unexpected touch.
In a house full of whites, this colorful Japanese-inspired wallpaper is a fun surprise. A burled wood-framed Milo Baughman mirror is another unexpected touch.
Family Room
The family room is part of the addition completed by previous homeowners. The millwork in the addition did not match that of the original house, so Tharp chose a midtone gray to mitigate this. “The gray adds a bit of gravitas to the space, elevating the addition’s recent millwork to the level of the craftsmanship of the original structure. It also makes the obviously nonhistoric glass fireplace insert visually recede,” she says.
Tharp layered two rugs on the floor — a flat-weave stria rug with a sheepskin overlay. The teak Bramin Møbler chairs add a vintage Danish note to the mix of furnishings. Tharp had them upholstered in a durable fabric.
The family room is part of the addition completed by previous homeowners. The millwork in the addition did not match that of the original house, so Tharp chose a midtone gray to mitigate this. “The gray adds a bit of gravitas to the space, elevating the addition’s recent millwork to the level of the craftsmanship of the original structure. It also makes the obviously nonhistoric glass fireplace insert visually recede,” she says.
Tharp layered two rugs on the floor — a flat-weave stria rug with a sheepskin overlay. The teak Bramin Møbler chairs add a vintage Danish note to the mix of furnishings. Tharp had them upholstered in a durable fabric.
Don’t let the light colors deceive you; this furniture can stand up to a lot of use. In addition to the durable fabric on the teak chairs, the sofa is slipcovered and can be easily cleaned, and the leather chair will look better the more distressed it gets. “We designed the ottoman large and flat, and wrapped it in two outdoor fabrics for easy-care comfort and flexibility,” Tharp says.
The French doors lead to a large brick circular outdoor patio overlooking the grounds. The designer used a natural woven fabric on the windows, hanging the drapes so as not to cover the glass when they are open, to maximize the natural light.
The French doors lead to a large brick circular outdoor patio overlooking the grounds. The designer used a natural woven fabric on the windows, hanging the drapes so as not to cover the glass when they are open, to maximize the natural light.
Master Bedroom
Upstairs, the master bedroom is part of the recent addition and lacked architectural features. Tharp found a way to add some that marry the room with the original 1830 part of the house, adding architectural elements based on Greek Revival detailing, like the new millwork on the wall behind the bed.
While architectural cohesiveness was important, the real priority in here was utter relaxation. “We created a sanctuary with interest, texture and enjoyment of views from the balcony’s French doors,” Tharp says. And one of the most interesting things is another playful surprise: a chrome light fixture with the commanding proportions of a disco ball. “Its polish balances the more rustic textures in the room,” she says. “Rooms just feel better with signs of life like greenery or fresh flowers and a dash of sparkle.”
Upstairs, the master bedroom is part of the recent addition and lacked architectural features. Tharp found a way to add some that marry the room with the original 1830 part of the house, adding architectural elements based on Greek Revival detailing, like the new millwork on the wall behind the bed.
While architectural cohesiveness was important, the real priority in here was utter relaxation. “We created a sanctuary with interest, texture and enjoyment of views from the balcony’s French doors,” Tharp says. And one of the most interesting things is another playful surprise: a chrome light fixture with the commanding proportions of a disco ball. “Its polish balances the more rustic textures in the room,” she says. “Rooms just feel better with signs of life like greenery or fresh flowers and a dash of sparkle.”
Slumber Party Room
Before, this bunkroom was an unfinished attic. The family enjoys hosting lots of overnight guests, and thanks to a renovation that included a new dormer, this special room can handle any overflow. It gives the kids and their friends and cousins a special spot all their own. Four twin beds and one full bed are built in around the room.
When not being used for sleeping, the room serves as a cozy space for reading, playing games and doodling on a large chalkboard (not seen). This is also one of the designated spots for electronics; there is a TV in here.
A playful vibe extends across the floor. “The ocher color on the floor is a shot of warmth in an otherwise fairly neutral palette throughout the home. The hand-painted motif resulted from simple geometric doodling in my sketchbook, which the talented painters at Patina Designs interpreted on a larger scale,” Tharp says.
Before, this bunkroom was an unfinished attic. The family enjoys hosting lots of overnight guests, and thanks to a renovation that included a new dormer, this special room can handle any overflow. It gives the kids and their friends and cousins a special spot all their own. Four twin beds and one full bed are built in around the room.
When not being used for sleeping, the room serves as a cozy space for reading, playing games and doodling on a large chalkboard (not seen). This is also one of the designated spots for electronics; there is a TV in here.
A playful vibe extends across the floor. “The ocher color on the floor is a shot of warmth in an otherwise fairly neutral palette throughout the home. The hand-painted motif resulted from simple geometric doodling in my sketchbook, which the talented painters at Patina Designs interpreted on a larger scale,” Tharp says.
Shiplap, woven shades and linens add texture to the room, while a perforated metallic drum table adds some shine. The curtains can close off the full-size bed for a cozy effect. Tharp installed fun Radar sconces from Schoolhouse along the bed walls for reading light.
Takeaways
Takeaways
- If you’re unsure whether or not a house you want to buy can be altered to fit your lifestyle, hire a design pro to take a look and consult on its possibilities before making an offer.
- Period homes needn’t be stuck in a time warp — using furnishings from different eras can work.
- Marry different types or eras of flooring by using the same stain throughout a house.
- Use a fun accent piece, plants or flowers to liven up a room. As Tharp says, “Rooms just feel better with signs of life like greenery or fresh flowers and a dash of sparkle.”
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House at a Glance
Who lives here: An active family with children in elementary school
Location: New England
Size: Five bedrooms, 3½ bathrooms
Designer: Lisa Tharp
A young family was drawn to this beautiful 1830 Greek Revival home that had once served as a governor’s summer house, but they feared it would be too formal for their relaxed lifestyle. They consulted with interior designer Lisa Tharp before purchasing it.
“This house was a stately and important part of the town’s history. They wondered whether it could be made family-friendly and casual enough for them to feel comfortable living there,” Tharp says.
The designer assured them it could be done. She welcomed the opportunity to restore the historic architecture, fix a few inconsistencies between the original house and a two-story addition, and create a stylishly comfortable, family-friendly home. They bought the house, and Tharp and the family got to work right away.
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