In this Boston home, the location was everything—and so was the original architecture. “Located in Boston’s South End, this neighborhood is renowned for its historic brownstones, tree-lined streets, and cultural scene,” says interior designer Sarah Scales. “The area is highly walkable, with meticulously preserved properties, all maintained under Boston’s strict historic guidelines.”
Those guidelines mean that no changes can be made to the front or any visible parts of the building’s historic façade from the street. “The front windows of brownstones are often untouched—many are curved, and the cost to replace them is so high that the originals typically remain,” Sarah explains. This detail would set the tone for the entire interior design plan.
Sarah’s clients are a family of five. “When we started the project, the youngest was just one year old, so every aspect needed to be baby-, toddler, and generally kid-friendly,” she recalls. “The entire room—the formal parlor level of the brownstone—remains in its original layout, with a white marble fireplace centered between two distinct areas. At the front, the living area features a custom sofa setup, while the back houses the dining space with a table and chairs.”
In the living room, a custom sofa follows the elegant curve of the architecture, upholstered in a durable hunter green velvet from Kravet. “It’s kid-proof yet sophisticated,” Sarah says. “The deep green acts as a neutral while feeling distinctive.” They reupholstered a vintage Womb Chair in cream bouclé for added texture and paired it with a curved natural oak coffee table from Ethnicraft. “The side tables are intentionally simple,” the designer adds. “A classic mid-century tulip table and a marble-patterned ceramic stool. Both are small and easily movable, allowing the kids to live freely in the space.” And since the sofa was custom, they carefully selected the seat and back cushions, testing them at the craftsman’s workshop in neighboring Newton, Massachusetts to ensure maximum comfort for both lounging kids and tired parents.
To unify both areas, they selected a single custom-cut broadloom rug in a subtle houndstooth pattern, made of 100% wool. “We love working with natural materials and soft colors, ensuring the rug complements both spaces seamlessly,” Sarah explains. They intentionally kept the walls crisp and white to highlight the home’s original architectural moldings.
The dining area is a daily gathering spot, not just for special occasions, so durability was a top priority. “Located right next to the kitchen, this space serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, functioning as a more casual dining room,” Sarah says. They started with a walnut console featuring soft, curved details and a marble top—providing much-needed storage for both decor and everyday essentials. A pair of plaster-white buffet lamps complement the space, blending into the white walls while preventing the area from feeling empty. Above, a grouping of subtle, unframed prints keeps the wall feeling light yet intentional.
“The dining table and chairs, both from Ethnicraft, are crafted from natural oak, with leather seat pads included for easy wipe-downs—perfect for a home with young children,” Sarah explains. “The table extends, allowing the clients to host family and friends throughout the year, but for everyday life, seating for six feels just right.”
A meaningful piece of art by Sally King Benedict ties the space together. “It was a thoughtful anniversary gift from the client’s husband,” Sarah shares. “The final layer in the living room is the window treatments: simple white linen drapery, elevated with a white Greek fret trim from Samuel & Sons. The detail is subtle but adds a refined, custom touch. Generally speaking, the term ‘quiet luxury’ fits nicely here.”
The design process took a few months, while installation itself took a bit longer. “In the meantime, they used temporary furnishings until everything came together,” Sarah shares. “The final install was a game-changer, but as with most projects, the art trickled in slowly, adding the last layer of personality and warmth. In the end, the client absolutely loved the space—whether enjoying time with the kids or unwinding at night after bedtime. That’s the power of home!”
