In the heart of Concord, Massachusetts, a 1940s New England Colonial house has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving into a global design fusion. This project, led by interior designer Nina Farmer, is a testament to how personal experiences and shared passions can shape a home's aesthetic. The pandemic, an unexpected catalyst for this renovation, inspired Farmer and her clients to create a space that reflected their love of travel and history, blending European, Indian, and American influences seamlessly.
Farmer, intrigued by the house's classic exterior, was tasked with breathing new life into its interior, which was initially a disjointed collection of rooms. The pandemic, with its global lockdown and digital sourcing challenges, became a pivotal point in the design process. Farmer and her clients, both with a shared wanderlust, found inspiration in their past travels, using these memories to guide the design direction. The result is a home that tells a story, each room a chapter in a global design narrative.
The study, for instance, is a testament to this fusion. A custom sofa, covered in Opera velvet and trimmed with fringe, sits atop a Moroccan carpet. The coffee table, with its onyx top, adds a touch of exoticism. The room's walls, hand-painted Fromental wallpaper panels, blend seamlessly with the original paneling, creating a cohesive and unique atmosphere. This attention to detail and the use of historical references set the tone for the entire house.
In the dining room, a nod to Isabella Stewart Gardner is evident. Antique furniture, including 1940s Danish Modern chairs and a mid-century French oak table, creates a sophisticated and globally inspired space. The 1940s Murano glass chandelier adds a touch of elegance, while the suzani-upholstered chairs bring a sense of warmth and comfort.
The sitting room is a visual feast, with henna-inspired motifs on abaca grass cloth and antique Delft tiles surrounding the fireplace. The large antique rug from East Azerbaijan provides a color palette that influences the entire house. The use of block-printed curtains and the attention to pattern and texture demonstrate Farmer's ability to create a cohesive and visually appealing space.
Farmer's approach to mixing textures, colors, and shapes is evident in the downstairs bathroom. A custom marble sink, a 1960s French rattan mirror, and a 1950s Stilnovo sconce create a harmonious blend of old and new. The Moroccan tile floor, inspired by a flat weave rug from India, adds a layer of cultural richness to the space.
The main bedroom is a sanctuary, with a custom grey-green stained knotty pine paneling and a white plaster chandelier. The use of Décor Barbares 'Les Groseille' fabric and lamps from Hotel Castello di Reschio adds a touch of sophistication and warmth. The French 1950s cerused oak desk by Guillerme et Chambron provides a functional and stylish workspace.
The en-suite bathroom, designed by Farmer, is a masterpiece of cultural fusion. A Moroccan tile floor, inspired by an Indian flat weave rug, and a whimsical pale green Water Monopoly bath create a unique and captivating space. The dressing table, designed based on a door seen in Italy, adds a touch of elegance and functionality.
This project is a testament to the power of personal experiences and shared passions in design. Farmer's ability to blend European, Indian, and American influences seamlessly creates a home that is both visually stunning and culturally rich. The pandemic, an unexpected challenge, became an opportunity for creativity and self-expression, resulting in a space that tells a story and inspires wonder.
