Downsizing usually means determining what to leave behind, but when Interior Designer Nicole Hirsch helped the owners of this new-construction condominium in Wellesley, MA, create the ideal home for the next phase of their lives, the focus was on what to bring forward. They designed an art-centered home where comfort, elegance and texture could enhance the couple’s curated art collection rather than competing for attention.
“Every space needed to feel comfortable and livable while still exuding sophistication,” explains Hirsch, who joined the project before construction began, redesigning two top-floor units into a single residence. While not located in the city of Boston, the building’s modern aesthetic and the sophistication of the suburban neighborhood called for a timeless and metropolitan program.
The resulting 2,820-square-foot home feels as comfortable as it is luxurious. “Everything from paint color, to millwork stains to hardware pieces were all thoughtfully built into the design,” says Hirsch, who has more than 20 years of experience as a designer. “We ensured that the design language carried through to the last accessory.”
As with any new construction, the challenge is creating an “always been here” feel and thoughtfully crafted millwork and build-ins help achieve that. Clean lines, fluted woodwork around the gas fireplace and creative built-in storage are contemporary and clean. All interior doors are frosted fluted glass, helping natural light travel between rooms. Furniture and lighting had to hold their own without overpowering the art collection.
With a color palette of white, black, gray and sand, texture and finishes play a greater role. This is most evident in the carpets. Hirsch’s team designed custom rugs from Miami-based Art and Loom for each room and then built the surrounding schemes from their compositions. The design conversation begins in the foyer with a pedestal-style marble-top table, gray buclé stools and statement lighting called Lariet by Apparatus Studio. The vignette is dynamic enough to stand alone but doesn’t outshine the artwork that greets guests upon their arrival.
For the den and dining room, Hirsch defined each space with flanking glass walls that separate the two rooms. The dining table is an antique base with a glass top from the couple’s own collection so Hirsch paired the more traditional table with a modern Apparatus Studio light. “They are the perfect balance,” notes Hirsch. In the den, a custom Art and Loom rug grounds the space while Isabel Vanziel art over the couch provides an infusion of color.
A simple and modern kitchen pairs dark wood and bright white cabinetry with an island that serves as prep area and dining table. “The way we designed the island with the dining table extension allowed us to curate this gorgeous chandelier from Casa Design Group,” says Hirsch. “It creates an airy sculptural effect in the kitchen. That in combination with the walnut accents and large glass and steel windows creates the most inviting space for cooking and entertaining.”
While the kitchen is primarily white and bright with rich walnut accents, the primary bedroom is warm and textural with an upholstered headboard that stretches the length of one wall and custom nightstands on either side. “On the opposite wall the most comfortable chair and ottoman ground the corner next to a travertine stone dresser,” says Hirsch. While her firm primarily designs with neutrals, color is woven into the home artfully and thoughtfully to give the design more depth of field, from custom throw pillows in the family room to the colored glass pendants in the powder room.
While the techniques aren’t unique to this project, Hirsch says what makes it particularly special was the custom work she was able to commission. “When each piece is really carefully curated and made for the home, there is a difference in the way the final product comes out,” says Hirsch. “Everything works together seamlessly, feeling unique and inspired.”
By Kristan Zimmer