Behind this New England property’s relaxed, layered home design lies an attention to detail with a forensic approach. Perhaps that’s not surprising, considering the interior designer heading up the renovation is a former criminal defense attorney. Although their career paths may seem very different, they actually share important elements.
“Both professions require a great deal of emotional investment, consistency of approach and the need for homework,” says designer Robin Gannon, who founded the firm 15 years ago after starting a family. Masu. Since then, she has become known for her highly decorative aesthetic, underpinned by solid interior architectural principles.
Amalfi, Serena, Lily grasscloth wallpaper. Artwork (wall) by Henk Serfontein. Sofa, hickory chair. Antique French side chair, Chairish. Covered by Kinloch, Osborne & Little. Classic No. 1 Candelabra, Hudson Valley Lighting.
(Image credit: Dan Cutrona)
For the owners of this wooden home in the historic town of Lexington near Boston, the goal was to honor its 1880s roots while updating it for modern living. Inspired by plans Robin produced for the nearby hotel The Inn at Hastings Park and her own eclectic collection of artwork, the client initially asked her to reimagine their living space. .
Belle de Nuit blue 12-light chandelier, Lladró.
(Image credit: Dan Cutrona)
“They are avid entertainers, gourmets and wine collectors, so we focused on that,” Robin says. “But over time we improved the kitchen with a small galley, connected it from front to back for easy access to the garden, and added a ground floor bedroom and bathroom to provide space for a home office, dressing room and laundry. I started thinking about reconfiguring it.”
The solution was to integrate what was previously an outdoor porch and separate butler’s pantry into the kitchen space, creating a larger open-plan space with a spacious island and a cozy casual dining spot. It was.
A custom chaise lounge in Matara by Designers Guild, Celadon. Artwork by Boris Nesterenko. Platner table, Knoll. Panama chair, hickory white. Fabric seat by Lindsay Cowles. Pendant light Visual Comfort & Co.
(Image credit: Dan Cutrona)
“What’s interesting about this house is that despite its large footprint, there are quite a few relatively compact rooms,” Robin says. “So our challenge was to make it suitable for large gatherings of family and friends, while still allowing for the intimate moments that architecture naturally provides.”
This delicate balance is achieved through clever furniture placement. The living room features five curved windows with two chaise lounges perfectly positioned to enjoy the views.
Frutto Proibito wallpaper in Ink & Magenta, Coal & Sun. Inch Love Blue, Farrow & Ball Woodwork. Kelly Wearstler of Liaison Floor Tiles, Anne Sachs. Bruckner wall light, Hudson Valley Lighting. Miller, 1stDibs.
(Image credit: Dan Cutrona)
Directly opposite are two cozy built-in corner banquettes designed to host Christmas drinks gatherings. “This room is really a tale of two cities, but we used zoning and a consistent color and texture palette to make it work,” Robin says.
Similarly, the kitchen island has a walnut end counter and is the perfect spot for casual seating for two. “It gives a natural warmth. We strived to create beautiful and intimate moments throughout.”
Brinjal, Farrow & Ball Bar. Elephant extra-fine arrowroot wallpaper by Philip Jeffries. Clarkson Wall Sconce, Visual Comfort & Co.
(Image credit: Dan Cutrona)
Inspired by the owners’ love of jewel tones, recurring motifs combine soft pastels and florals, deep mulberries and teals, as well as geometric patterns and monochrome to add flavor.
A perfect example is the eye-catching black lacquered bar with brass inlay in the kitchen. “My goal is to push my clients to their limits, but never beyond them,” Robin says with a laugh about the statement. “I like to create talking points, the stars of the show, where other items in the plan act as supporting characters.”
Antique chair upholstered in Holland & Sherry fabric. The backrest is made from Osborne & Little fabric. Lindsay Nightstand, Made Goods. Empire table lamp, Bishop Fan. Curtain tape, Schumacher.
(Image credit: Dan Cutrona)
That imaginative approach is also evident in the bathroom, where Robin uses the ceiling as a fifth wall and finishes all surfaces with paper, fabric, and tile. Often all three have decorative results that celebrate soft, clashing colors and patterns.
The age of the building presented some complications and the attention to detail was put to good use. For example, in the master bedroom, the walls and ceiling were not level. “We had to find a way to distract the eye,” says Robin, who ended up installing a picture rail painted black to prevent it from bending.
Walls and blinds, Schumacher. Gramercy Chandelier, Visual Comfort & Co. For similar wall tiles, try Mandarin Stone. Sierra Basin, distinctive hardware.
(Image credit: Dan Cutrona)
Touches like this are perfect for the couple’s artwork and add the personality they were hoping for. “We wanted to make the most of every inch,” Robin says. “They needed to tell a story. Where do you have your Sunday morning coffee? Where do you read the newspaper? Where do you have your Friday night cocktails? Now it’s perfect for all those moments.” There is a place.”
ceiling, walls, blinds. All Thibault. If you’re looking for a similar bus, try Aston Matthews. Zellige floor tiles, Kre.
(Image credit: Dan Cutrona)
meet the designer
Robin Gannon shares her style inspirations
Small change, big impact
Adding wallpaper.
Dependable design details
Contrast painted door.
Describe your style in three words
Layered, lived-in, unexpected.
inspiration
Respecting the past while bringing it into the present.
I know I’m creative because
Visualize the design in your mind. There is no need to physically see it.
Home Make Me Feel
Looks like some decluttering is needed!
what’s on the coffee table
Probably about 20 books, a plant, a tray of remotes, candles, leftover glasses from last night, and usually a game in progress. It’s a big coffee table…