Located in West Concord, MA, this 1850 single-family home blends historic charm with the character of the neighborhood it calls home. While a 1990s addition expanded the footprint, it unfortunately left the home feeling somewhat disjointed and in need of a more cohesive flow.

“Our clients, Jess and Quentin, are a family of four with young children who wanted their home to feel elevated, but also welcoming and highly functional for everyday life,” says Meredith Thayer of Thayer Design Studio. The firm was founded in 2015 and is known for creating thoughtful yet relaxed interiors—perfect for family life.

The renovation goals were multifaceted. The top priority was to stylistically connect the ’90s hexagon-shaped addition, where the kitchen, sunroom, and newly added micro mudroom reside, to the rest of the 1850s home. “A full renovation of the kitchen allowed for a dedicated pantry, something missing from the original layout,” Meredith explains. “The pantry and mudroom addition were essential for how they live, gather, and move through the rhythm of a busy household.”

Another key objective was to emphasize the existing character and bring much-needed depth and texture throughout the home. “It was important to our clients that the home felt classic and timeless but also unique and not caught up in current trends,” Meredith notes. “Overall, we focused on a tonal, grounded palette that is layered with natural textures and a mix of new and vintage. Creating a sense of depth and quiet sophistication that feels lived-in, collected, and shaped by travel and personal experience.”

With a family history in custom home building, Quentin played a key role as both the client and project manager. The Thayer Design Studio team also curated furnishings for the existing living spaces, including the entry, living room, and dining room, creating a cohesive, whole-home experience.

“One of the biggest challenges we found was creating balance between the historical architecture of the home with the clients’ style and connecting the addition to the rest of the home in a way that felt more intentional,” Meredith says. “The kitchen became the sort of bridge between the old and new, opening it up more to the sunroom and bringing in more architectural charm through the trim and custom millwork. It was a balancing act.”

The project spanned two years. “Much of that time was spent in the design phase, getting every little detail right,” Meredith recalls. “Seeing the finished home, the clients were incredibly happy with how everything came together. It felt like everything had settled into place—a quiet confirmation that the time invested was well worth it.”