Extensive water damage caused by a sprinkler system running unchecked for 9 hours nearly destroyed this stunning 1913 Townhome located in picturesque Back Bay Boston. The clients returned to find their home and its contents ruined. Although most people would have difficulty recovering from this heartbreaking event, our client leaped at the opportunity to restore and update this historical residence. The aesthetic direction was informed by a respect for the long history of the building, paired with the homeowner’s art collection and love of modern design.

The restoration was extensive and included replacing all the wooden floors with new herringbone, sourcing specialty woods to recreate the stunning floor-to-ceiling paneling in the kitchen and game room, installing new millwork throughout, repairing coffered ceilings and hand-painted friezes, and reapplying gold leaf and plasterwork to the marble entry rotunda. The modernization included the complete renovation of six bathrooms, two kitchens, and the coffered ceiling library complete with intricate layered doric columns.

Every room boasts custom cabinetry, and much of the lighting is also bespoke, fabricated to enhance the exceptional details of the home. The furniture was selected to be a colorful and exuberant counterpoint to the prominent architectural details; it’s bold modernity in striking contrast to the historical elements of the home.