Homes

Inspired by classical Greek architecture—this Boston home by Nicole Hogarty Designs celebrates the owner’s personal style

NOV 23, 2022 | By Shriya Goyal
Engaging the senses for rest and relaxation is the living room full of custom-made movables, a Limestone Chesney mantel and Natasha Zupan artwork from Galerie D'Orsay; Photography credits Jared Kuzia Photography
The Salamander sofa and Scarab lounge chairs on the roof deck are from Holly Hunt along with Kenneth Cobonpue outdoor voyage daybed by Casa Design Group. A side table and decorative cherries from Janus et Cie on patterned landscaping by Perennial Landscaping make for a spot to soak dusk or dawn; Photography credits Jared Kuzia Photography

“I’ve always been interested in how people live within a space. Where do they start their day, read a book, or entertain friends and family? Allowing someone to function with ease brings me joy. And ultimately, it is about discovering and celebrating our clients personal style,” discusses Nicole Hogarty.

Inspired by classical Greek architecture, the founder of Nicole Hogarty Designs crafts The Brownstone home—a four storey Back Bay penthouse with 5,700 sq ft in Beacon Hill, Boston. 

Layered majorly in tones of black, white and brown is this living room featuring Nadee and Albero d’Oro artwork over a fireplace by Newbury Fine Arts, Agatha sconces and Dante cabinet from Holly Hunt, the Bright Group leather wrapped coffee tables and Anees facing sofas on Landry&Arcari wool and silk rugs; Photography credits Jared Kuzia Photography

The curious brief

Designed for a family of four, the objective was an open plan living space that could quietly transform from quality catch-up time with the kids by day to a sophisticated cocktail party by night.

With subtle shades of white and grey is the Minotti sectional and quilted top ottoman alongside Anees exposed stitching leather wrapped side table on Holly Hunt mohair rug. The artwork on the family room wall is from Galerie D’Orsay and the floor lamp is by Porta Romano; Photography credits Jared Kuzia Photography

Without any structural changes owing to the building’s new restoration, the owner’s seeked a interior design package just in time for their teenage daughters to head off to school. “From the beginning, we envisioned each space being strong enough to stand alone, yet flow from one room to the next,” states Nicole.

Avenue Road lounge chairs with Powell & Bonnell side table and Porta Romano table lamp on oval-shaped Landry&Arcari wool and silk rug make for a warm sitting in the living room; Photography credits Jared Kuzia Photography

Tour every turn of this home

A designated space for the vehicles is often seen as luxury in city living. Bringing in the same, the home starts from the garden level garage. Entering into the mudroom, each family member is assigned a locker. 

Existing kitchen stools recovered in Garrett leather makes for a balanced space. Lighting by Lindsey Adelman is unlike any other; Photography credits Jared Kuzia Photography

 

Kitchen nook displaying Chagall, The Dolphin and the 300 Drachmas artwork by Galerie D’Orsay on Phillip Jeffries wallcovering, under which is Holly Hunt table lamps on a console from Amuneal; Photography credits Jared Kuzia Photography

A central staircase and private elevator leads to the kitchen, dining and living room on the main level. The family room on the same level is set back for privacy. The home offers panoramic views of the Boston public garden. 

The primary bedroom has a sitting corner with Poltrona Frau chairs and bench, an Avenue Road side table, a Porta Romana lamp and a Steven King custom rug; Photography credits Jared Kuzia Photography

 

Artwork over the fireplace of the home office corner is by Henri Matisse from Galerie D’Orsay on a moulded wall speaking of grandeur. Atelier Purcell armoire is custom-designed with a Poltrona Frau desk chair and Steven King rug; Photography credits Jared Kuzia Photography

Bringing the sophistication and nurture of monochrome hues, wooden accents and wall mouldings, each space is highlighted with artwork and decor. While the dining room table or the living room facing sofas are designed to fit the proportions of the space, others were selected to add interest or a pop of colour. 

The closet in the primary bedroom features a glass front custom wardrobe by Furniture Design Services, a valet by Montage, a Corbin bronze sculpture from Holly Hunt and Montage artwork by Lynette Shaw; Photography credits Jared Kuzia Photography

Incorporating a select group of European manufacturers—from Minotti, Pierre Frey, Paola Lenti, De Padova to Coraggio, each adds an artful approach and strong sense of style to the space.

Nicole says, “The shared living and dining room best showcase our design philosophy. From coffee in the morning overlooking the park, to a family dinner around the dining room table, while ending your day sitting by the fireplace.”

Showcasing Yubiwaza artwork of Jeannie Motherwell, Gregorious Pineo lamp on walnut with brass inlay custom console designed by Nicole Hogarty Designs is this family room nook; Photography credits Jared Kuzia Photography

The primary suite and three other secondary bedrooms are located on the top two floors. While they introduced different textures and details throughout the home, there is a shared identity. The bedrooms are a canvas of neutral tones—be it white washed walls, milky bed linens or beige seatings. 

The hallway to the family room welcomes one with an Aqualumina chandelier by Studio Bel Vetro, Bernd Haussmann Silver Painting #2041 on a wall by Chase Young Gallery on one side and M Galerie artwork by Jeannie Motherwell on Phillip Jeffries suede wallcovering on other. A custom-made console is placed on Holly Hunt Interrupting line rug; Photography credits Jared Kuzia Photography

From the top floor one can venture out to the beautiful secluded roof deck. An expansive space, it houses cosy furniture and warmth of greens. Perennial Landscaping designed a small herb garden on the roof deck for the homeowners.

Ideas to bookmark—colours and materials

Monochrome, statement Italian furniture with meticulous stitching, Belgian linens, mohair, and other small details are what makes this project truly luxurious. The project’s palette was modelled after the owner’s personal style—navy, tweeds, soft white, and tobacco, all a nod to her enviable wardrobe.

Capturing attention is this Yoahn Han and Titan Arum II artwork from Chase Young Gallery beneath which is a custom sideboard designed by Furniture Design Services reflecting Landry and Arcari area rug. The chair placed adjacent to the primary bedroom hallway is from Avenue Road and the sculpture and lamp are by Holly Hunt; Photography credits Jared Kuzia Photography

“We were inspired by the clients’ appreciation of impeccable tailoring, minimalism, and timeless fashion. We layered our palette with mixed metals, textured fabrics and a range of wood tones to add depth and interest. Then pops of colour from vintage Italian posters to notable contemporary art, truly reflect the subtle but playful style of the homeowners,” expresses Nicole.

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