21 Sep 7 Massachusetts Homes to Inspire Your Style

Is there anything more “Massachusetts” than being an unreasonably proud resident of the best state in the country? Sorry, I know there are other cool states, except even with all its flaws, MA is one heck of a place to grow up. You can hit the salty ocean shores, the bustling streets of Boston, and historic hillsides of the Berkshires all in a day’s travel. I mean, it might be a bit ambitious but it can be done. It’s probably the top perk this small state has to offer. We can experience the quintessential New England style in its historical and modern glory, right in Massachusetts. 

     We’re a state that boasts 191 National Historical Landmarks, the most in any state after New York. The other side of this coin is home to several top-ranked universities training the next generation of architects and designers. As a designer, I have the unique opportunity to see so many design styles, so close to home. From the fieldstone foundations of an antique Colonial to the sleek minimalism of contemporary new construction, these seven homes capture the essence of Massachusetts.

01 | Boston Brownstone

A 19th-century dwelling maintains its high-end appeal with Erin Gates’ signature New England design style. She marries the old-world architectural features of this Brownstone apartment with a crisp blue-and-white color palette. Brown leather, rich wood tones and brass accents add an element of coziness in this living room with its lofty ceiling and large windows.

Photo source unknown

Design by Erin Gates Design: Classic Brownstone – Erin Gates Design

02 | Classic Colonial

Herman Melville’s Moby DIck is considered a cornerstone of American literature. Arrowhead, a true colonial house, and the place Melville called home for 13 years, is also an example of Massachusetts’ rich history. While the interior of Arrowhead may not offer much inspiration, we can glean from its exterior. Paint colors were certainly limited in the 18th century but they were fortunate to have natural pigments like ochre to make the rich gold you see on Arrowhead’s clapboard siding. 

Photo courtesy of Restoration of Arrowhead | Berkshire Historical Society

Paint Fact: Oil-based paint dries by oxidation, rather than evaporation like water-based paints. Certain pigments can accelerate the drying process. Ochre is one of those pigments that speeds up the dry time, so yellow and golden hues were often used in exterior paints. 

03 | Colonial Mansion

Can you think of a house better suited to its environment? This black-on-black Colonial mansion is right at home in the heart of Salem, MA. The House of Seven Gables has a long history of renovations and additions which lead to its name. On the inside, the original section built in 1668 has the trademark central fireplace and low ceilings of a Colonial. Each extension of the house added even more character. Georgian decor styles were introduced in the 18th century, creating a slightly more elegant feel to the humble timber-framed home. Visit House of the Seven Gables to learn more and book tours of the home.

04 | Modern Coastal

In the 21st century, we still appreciate decorative moldings and traditional woodwork. In this Massachusetts coastal home, designed by Virginia DesRoches and her team at Ironwood Studio, a coffered ceiling and shiplap walls are made modern with bright white paint and minimal furnishings. They honor the heritage of classic coastal style with a rustic wood table and chairs, an industrial chandelier and nearly floor-to-ceiling windows.

Design by Ironwood Studio Co.

Photography by Michael J. Lee

If transitional New England style is your jam, Virginia is the designer for you. She specializes in creating timeless spaces with that hallmark earthy vibe MA has to offer. Virginia and I are both Southcoast MA interior designers, but as they say, “a rising tide lifts all boats” and Virginia has been a supporter of Evergreen since day one. 

05 | Mid Century Modern

Believe it or not, Massachusetts had its own post-war architectural boom that brought many contemporary homes with it. A collection of these mid century modern homes are found on Cape Cod, where gorgeous views of our unique wildlife are enjoyed through nearly seamless walls of windows. A trademark of mid century modern homes, specifically ranches, is one-floor living. The Paul and Madeleine Widlinger House is humbly positioned amongst the trees of Wellfleet. Inside, neutral wall colors and natural materials envelop visitors in the elements of its surroundings.

Home designed by Paul Weidlinger, photos courtesy of Of Houses : 496. Paul Weidlinger /// Paul and Madeleine…

06 | Lakeside Contemporary

Another form of contemporary New England design recently made Architectural Digest for its stunning updates to a 1980’s lakeside retreat. Jess Cooney Interiors transformed a dark and dated house into the bright, boho Berkshires getaway featured in AD. This home captures a more playful side of Massachusetts interior design with creative uses of color. Balancing out these unique shades is reclaimed barn wood floors and airy white walls, a signature MA combination.

07 | Cape Cod Colonial

Last but surely not least is the iconic Cape Cod Colonial. This Massachusetts style has ventured all over the country so it’s only fitting that I mention it as a source of inspiration! Many defining features make up a Cape, my favorite being the central chimney and often double-sided hearth. Surrounded by well-worn fieldstone or a craftsman-made mantel, the hearth is truly the heart of the home. What I love most about these homes is the bold use of color. Window casings, crown molding and wainscoting would have been swathed in rich blues, verdant greens or warm reds while the rest of the wall remained a warm plaster white. Wide pine floorboards are another signature Cape Cod design element as the coniferous trees have always been in abundance here in the northeast. Renovated by This Old House Restoring a 19th Century Cape Cod Home – This Old House