Beacon Hill House

This 19th century house – five floors each barely more than 500 sf – had been treated rather roughly over the past nearly 200 years. What modest original detail that remained – marble fireplace surrounds, simple crown mouldings and window casings – was preserved, but the owners embraced a clean and confident aesthetic for new a new kitchen, bathrooms, a media room, a master suite, and furnishings throughout. Architecturally, enclosed rooms were retained for bedrooms and studies, while walls were freely removed elsewhere to create an open kitchen / lounge on the entry level, and an airy, white and gray retreat of a master bedroom at the top floor. In between, wood floors were dyed a bold black, while damaged and dowdy stair rails were refreshed with high-gloss paint and an bold carpet pattern. This backdrop hosts a sophisticated mixture of modern and vintage furniture and artwork. Old and new surprise each other in unexpected pairings – walnut veneer suitable for a downtown law firm is deployed on sleek, handle-less kitchen cabinets, and a sculptural foot playfully kicks off an introduction to the otherwise formally arranged parlor-level living and dining rooms. The overall effect is both calm and energizing; the perfect sense of home in the city. Photography: Eric Roth Photography