Reimagining a Salem Historic

Nestled in Salem, an 1871 French Mansard Victorian has been brought vibrantly to life by Blakely Interior Design. Tasked with optimizing both function and style for a busy young family, Janelle Blakely Photopoulos, Owner of Blakely Interior Design, balanced modern amenities with historic charm and a playful palette, redesigning nearly every room of the three-story home.

“Fortunately for us, our clients were very in tune with wanting historical details,” Blakely recalls. From adhering to historic code requirements to sourcing antique and vintage pieces, creative solutions played a pivotal role in the project’s success.

In the kitchen, enhancing storage and refining the layout were top priorities, though preserving the original exterior windows—per regulatory requirements—posed a unique challenge. Blakely addressed this by incorporating a copper window well, transforming the low windows into a functional and decorative element ideal for growing herbs and displaying plants. The reconfigured space now features a welcoming island and range view upon entry, a custom walnut hood, and an integrated coffee bar.

Throughout the home, jewel tones and moody hues create a bold yet cohesive aesthetic. “Each client’s tolerance for color varies, but this client fully embraced a vibrant palette,” Blakely notes. Lovers of original art and eclectic design, the homeowners collaborated closely with Blakely to ensure the interiors felt both elevated and approachable. “Our approach to design is to get really curious with our clients upfront,” she explains. This synergy resulted in one-of-a-kind furnishings and curated vintage accessories, adding layers of personality. The moody, rich color palette and high-contrast elements perfectly complement Salem’s eccentric appeal.

The sitting room, designed as a more formal gathering space, immediately sets a tone of sophistication. Visible from the front door, it features a monochromatic scheme with walls painted in Benjamin Moore’s Kendall Charcoal and trim in Chelsea Gray. A gray-painted ceiling softens the space, enhancing its intimacy and cohesion. The focal point—a ventless fireplace with a Jerusalem Heights Moonwalk surround—is flanked by custom channeled tub chairs upholstered in Greenhouse Fabrics. Playful details, such as gold-fringed drapes and a bronze flying witch sculpture sourced from a local antique shop, infuse the room with personality and a nod to Salem’s past.

A dynamic blend of historic and contemporary elements carries throughout the home, creating a layered, dimensional look. Edgy light fixtures and bold furnishings pair seamlessly with antique accessories, many sourced from Rhode Island and Massachusetts. “That eclectic mix of items brings it to life and makes it feel dimensional and interesting,” says Blakely.

In the dining room, the striking Blue Danube walls and ceiling by Benjamin Moore provide a dramatic backdrop for an antique chandelier purchased at auction, Hepplewhite side chairs upholstered in Kravet & Schumacher fabrics, and vibrant Melrose Ruby lamps from Port 68. Bronze and gold finishes, used consistently throughout the home, add warmth and historical authenticity while balancing the bold black accents.

Even the smaller spaces received thoughtful attention. The hallway bar, clad in teal blue tile with a wood countertop, offers a stylish yet functional space for entertaining. In the primary bath, Sherwin Williams Greenfield paint complements vintage-inspired tile and black accents, tying the space into the home’s overall design. The apron-front stone vanity, crafted from Hemsworth Cambria, adds a timeless, luxurious touch.

From bold colors and curated vintage finds to thoughtful structural updates, this Salem Victorian now seamlessly blends past and present, offering the family a home that is both stylish and functional—one that will be cherished for years to come.

Interior Design: Blakely Interior Design, Architect: Helen F. Sides Architect, Builder: Covenant LLC, Photography: Greg Premru