Historic Homes in the Modern Era

(Architecture: David Sharff Architect, Photography: Raj Das)

New England embodies centuries of architectural evolution. As historic homes embrace new generations of homeowners, leading architects face the challenge of preserving their legacy while integrating contemporary styles. The following projects showcase this harmonious blend, featuring innovative design solutions that honor the enduring charm of storied properties that stand as symbols of New England's vibrant history.

Victorian Transformation: Adolfo Perez Architect

In a 19th-century Victorian house, Adolfo Perez paired original architectural elements with a newly devised, modern open concept design.

Though the interiors required a total gut renovation to make way for the open concept configuration, existing crown moldings, baseboards, and window/door trims were retained and refinished, while additional finishes were replaced, updated, and rendered in a neutral color palette.

Crisp, minimal lines define the new bathrooms, kitchen, and millwork to enhance interest and texture in newly added natural materials. These materials include wire-brushed white oak in the kitchen; large-scale, veined, and book-matched marble slabs in the bathrooms; and grey-stained eucalyptus veneer in the dressing room.

(Architecture: Adolfo Perez Architect)

Revamped English Tudor: Blue Hour Design

An English Tudor built in the early 1900s by architect Joseph Everett Chandler enters a new chapter at the hands of Blue Hour Design. Among the many edits to the home’s once-disjointed floor plan, a glass addition was added to the rear of the house. This transparent structure, fitted with contemporary black window trim, houses the kitchen (which was once located on the second floor), family room, and dining area.

(Architecture: Kyle Sheffield, Blue Hour Design (Sheffield was a partner at LDa Architecture & Interiors when the project was completed), Interior Design: LDa Architecture & Interiors, Builder: Youngblood Builders, Landscape Design: Matthew Cunningham Landscape Design)

Greek Revival Colonial: David Sharff Architect

Constructed in 1850, this Greek Revival style colonial is nestled among a collection of distinguished period residences. The primary objectives were to restore the original front section of the house, while seamlessly integrating a garage, kitchen, family room, and principal bedroom suite.

(Architecture: David Sharff Architect, Photography: Raj Das)

Mansard Victorian: David Sharff Architect

Built in 1880, this Mansard style Victorian is situated on a quaint village lot with views of Hull Bay. Today, the home preserves its historic allure.

The key design goals in renovating the home were to enhance the openness of the ground floor and expand living space while preserving the home's “old world” charm.

(Architecture: David Sharff Architect, Photography: Michael J. Lee)

John Proud House: Paul Weber Architecture

Situated in The Point section of Newport, RI—a neighborhood renowned for its collection of colonial, pre-Revolutionary War homes—the John Proud House (built in 1730) preserves its storied facade, with interior updates fit for contemporary living.

The renovation honors its classic roots while bringing the house into the 21st century with modern, minimalist amenities and an open floor plan.

A rear addition opens onto a raised bluestone patio through modern metal windows and doors featuring abundant glass.

The entire four-bedroom house was elevated by 18 inches for flood protection, a necessary measure due to its low-lying harborside locale.

(Architecture: Paul Weber Architecture, Stylist: Carolyn Schmitz, Landscape: TL Studio Inc., Photography: Michael Ocean, Builder: The Damon Company)

Post & Beam: Schneeberger Collective

Inside a recently renovated post and beam house, Schneeberger Collective made conscious efforts to reuse existing materials to curate a living space where an eclectic and creative vibe shines amidst a plethora of exposed wooden beams.

Green initiatives, including installing discreet solar panels on a dormer roof and adding exterior insulation throughout the entire shell of the home, carry the dwelling into the modern era.

(Architecture: Schneeberger Collective, Photography: Dan Cutrona)

Cambridge Contemporary: LDa Architecture & Interiors

Within an existing 1870s single-family French mansard residence, LDa designed a modern living space that engages in a compelling dialogue with the home’s traditional features.

A maze of small, dimly lit spaces was transformed into an open family kitchen gleaming with natural light.

Similarly, an unconventional array of hallway, bathroom and storage areas were configured into a newly crafted primary bath retreat.

Throughout the living spaces, natural wood, stainless steel, and translucent glass are juxtaposed against restored white plaster and wood trim, highlighting contrast rather than uniformity.

(Architecture: LDa Architecture & Interiors, Builder: FH Perry, Photographer: Greg Premru)