Houzz Tours
My Houzz: Period Details Shine in a Queen Anne Victorian
Chandeliers, fireplaces and prettily patterned wallpaper radiate elegance in a 19th-century Massachusetts home
A simple but meaningful design aesthetic ruled the remodel of this Victorian home in Massachusetts. Kerry and Jason Semaski found their 1895 Queen Anne–style house in nearly pristine condition. Except for the kitchen, they kept the interior as true to the period as possible, using original chandeliers, restoring fireplaces, customizing wallpaper and showcasing cherished family antiques.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Kerry and Jason Semaski and their 3 children
Location: Franklin County, Massachusetts
Size: 4,917 square feet; 6 bedrooms, 2 1/2 bathrooms
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Kerry and Jason Semaski and their 3 children
Location: Franklin County, Massachusetts
Size: 4,917 square feet; 6 bedrooms, 2 1/2 bathrooms
A large traditional table takes center stage beneath the home's original crystal chandelier, setting up the home's formal dining room. The birdcage in the far corner is an important family piece.
This grandfather clock, passed down from Kerry's parents, is one of two in the home.
Kerry and Jason thoughtfully chose the vintage sage green and pink floral wallpaper to match the 19th-century aesthetic.
New bricks and an ornate mantel make this restored fireplace the main focal point of the dining room. The home has four fireplaces that Kerry and Jason brought back to life, highlighting the original design and tiles that the previous homeowner had restored. Locally sourced antiques accent each mantel.
Elegant candles and a gold-framed mirror highlight this antique console.
One of the home's original push plates — the couple's favorite period detail — adorns a door leading from the dining room to the kitchen.
The kitchen was the one place where the couple couldn't keep things original. A much-needed update in 2004 expanded the space into a more comfortable cooking and entertainment area.
The renovation included replacing white cabinetry with cherry cabinets and granite countertops. The square footage nearly doubled, and appliances were updated with double ovens, warming/cooling drawers and a steamer. Bar stools at a new counter keep casual meals for the kids quick and easy.
The warm color of the copper kitchen sink helps tie everything together.
These original floor-to-ceiling built-ins were some of the few cabinets in the kitchen still in great condition, so Kerry and Jason kept them.
Vintage furniture from a local antiques store creates a beautiful seating area off the dining room.
This fireplace has an orange and amber color scheme, tying into the warm neutral tones of the seating area. A new white mantel creates a fresh contrast.
This antique cabinet was passed through Kerry's family. "It adds just the right look that we're going for," she says. "It's great to be able to keep family pieces in the mix."
A third fireplace in the foyer holds an elegant display of candles. Due to its central location, this was once one of the main heat sources for the house.
A beautiful stained glass window original to the home adds color to the grand stairwell.
Kerry and Jason kept their master bedroom simple. Soothing green wallpaper forms a backdrop for fluffy white bedding and oak furniture.
The room has large bay windows that provide light to this nook, perfect for curling up with a good read.
The young daughter's bedroom feels fun but sophisticated with a palette of light pink and green. Built-in drawers under the bed create convenient storage.
The porch draws you right into the home. It's the perfect space for entertaining or relaxing, especially with the porch swing, left by the previous homeowners.
A soft tan and blue exterior palette lets the original Victorian details and textures — like the steep roofline and circular roof tower — shine through.
Houzz call: Share your Victorian home with us!
Houzz call: Share your Victorian home with us!