My Houzz: Old Meets New in Boston
Meaningful art, original brick walls, contemporary furnishings and an inviting open layout are part of this couple’s first home
Erica and Nick Smith’s renovated harborside home in the East Boston neighborhood of Boston is a relaxing haven from the city’s hustle and bustle. Exposed brick walls hint at the 1857 home’s original architectural character, while the couple’s travel-inspired decor and contemporary furnishings create a warm and welcoming interior.
Keepsakes and artwork, many acquired on the Smiths’ trips around the world, are displayed throughout. Their proximity to the harbor is reflected in water-inspired accents, such as the framed blue octopus art. The Smiths also think the octopus is appropriate because a previous homeowner purportedly was a fishmonger.
A small decorative black owl peeks out from between bamboo shoots, revealing a hint of the couple’s fun-loving nature. Several animal accents can be found throughout the home.
A small decorative black owl peeks out from between bamboo shoots, revealing a hint of the couple’s fun-loving nature. Several animal accents can be found throughout the home.
The front sitting room provides ample space for entertaining, with comfortable seating and a fireplace to keep guests warm.
This large liquor cabinet holds wine and beer that the Smiths brought back from trips to the West Coast, as well as a number of local whiskeys and other ingredients for mixing craft cocktails.
Cabinet: Pottery Barn
Cabinet: Pottery Barn
Much of the main floor is open-concept, with the front sitting room transitioning to an eat-in kitchen.
The free-flowing floor plan allows for flexibility during get-togethers, offering space to cook, eat and socialize within the same area.
The platter above the sink was made by Laura Zindel, one of the couple’s favorite artists.
More: See the artist’s home
More: See the artist’s home
This traditional cuckoo clock hanging in the kitchen is a memento from a recent trip to Germany. It has become a beloved part of daily life, alerting the couple to the time every 15 minutes.
The casual living room at the back of the home is a preferred spot to relax and watch television in the evenings.
Taja Belle media cabinet in brown: Arhaus
Taja Belle media cabinet in brown: Arhaus
A view of the harbor can be enjoyed right from the comfort of the couple’s sectional.
Sofa: Room & Board
Sofa: Room & Board
Original brick walls punctuate the space, a reminder of the building’s age.
A small bathroom off the room sports contemporary fixtures and neutral tile.
During the summer, friends gather on the back porch, where a stocked cooler and a grill with burgers await. “It’s wonderful to get home from a long week, and enjoy an adult beverage with the subtle smell of salt in the air and activity on the water,” Nick says. There’s a stunning view of downtown Boston once the leaves fall from the trees in autumn.
The blue buffet cabinet, refinished by a local artisan, adds a burst of bright color to the area between the kitchen and the back living room.
Artwork: Jonathan Blum
Artwork: Jonathan Blum
The custom cake topper from their wedding sits underneath a glass cloche on the buffet.
Artwork from the Smiths’ travels fills the lower-level hallway. They brought the tapestry home from Bali, a pleasant souvenir of a favorite vacation.
Artwork: Tad Carpenter
Artwork: Tad Carpenter
Contractor Tom Clackett was a helpful resource during the renovation of the lower-level bathroom, lending advice on layout and lighting.
Erica’s late mother bought the fish sculpture that hangs between the medicine cabinets. It’s a connection to the sea, which is visible through the window.
Erica’s late mother bought the fish sculpture that hangs between the medicine cabinets. It’s a connection to the sea, which is visible through the window.
Blue anchor hooks outside the shower are another nod to the couple’s harborside locale.
The Smiths splurged on the double uplift medicine cabinets, opting for something that was not only sleek but also highly functional. The mirrored doors glide upward to reveal lighted storage space for toiletries.
The dark tile floors are heated, and the floor temperature rises the minute you walk into the bathroom.
Artwork: Ikea
Artwork: Ikea
A cross-stitched landscape at the bottom of the stairs is the first piece of artwork you see when descending to the lower level of the home. It was partially stitched by Erica’s mother and completed by her aunt after her mother’s passing.
The framed etching, called “Heading East,” in the master bedroom was a gift from Erica’s mother when the couple was traveling cross-country from Washington to Connecticut.
Thick linens and a fluffy faux sheepskin rug bring texture and warmth to the mostly white bedroom, which is on the lower level.
Nick and Erica couldn’t be happier with their decision to choose East Boston for their first home. They’re conveniently located just a few minutes from Nick’s office in downtown Boston and a short drive to the turnpike that takes Erica to her job in Wellesley, Massachusetts. “We love being able to look out of our windows and see the boats in the harbor and activity in the shipyard,” Erica says.
My Houzz is a series in which we visit and photograph creative, personality-filled homes and the people who inhabit them. Share your home with us and see more projects.
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My Houzz is a series in which we visit and photograph creative, personality-filled homes and the people who inhabit them. Share your home with us and see more projects.
Browse more homes by style:
Apartments | Barn Homes | Colorful Homes | Contemporary Homes | Eclectic Homes | Farmhouses | Floating Homes | Guesthouses | Homes Around the World | Lofts | Midcentury Homes | Modern Homes | Ranch Homes | Small Homes | Townhouses | Traditional Homes | Transitional Homes | Vacation Homes
Who lives here: Erica and Nick Smith
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Size: 1,400 square feet (130 square meters); two bedrooms, two bathrooms
Year built: 1857
The mid-1800s home shows off its age through subtle details like brick walls and arched doorways. The space was renovated in 2007 by the previous homeowners and now also boasts a crisp, modern feel with contemporary finishes.
Sofa: Room & Board