How This Designer Infused A Sense of History in Her New Build

From the beginning, Sarah’s goal for the space was straightforward: to create a functional yet beautiful home reflecting her family’s New England roots while embracing modern yet understated elegance. Sarah got to work designing every inch of the space, carefully selecting each detail from concept to completion. The result balances historical inspiration, Scandinavian simplicity, and collected, meaningful pieces that make the space feel like a well-traveled home.

Design: Salt Design Co | Photography: Linda Pordon Photography

A Warm Welcome in the Entryway

The foyer serves as the heart of the home, offering the first impression upon arrival. To emphasize the ceiling height and crown detail, Sarah repeated the use of the Cara Sculpted Pendant by Ralph Lauren for Visual Comfort, adding drama and cohesion. A center table, sourced from a New England antiquing trip, grounds the space. At the same time, a curated gallery wall—featuring pieces collected over the years—infuses it with personal history and character. The overall design balances simplicity with sophistication, creating an inviting yet refined entry.

A Layered & Cozy Living Room

Painted in Sherwin Williams Terrain, this room shifts beautifully in different lighting. Sarah designed this space for quiet moments by the fire, reading, or enjoying a cocktail with friends. Alder wood pocket doors provide privacy from the rest of the first floor, allowing the room to function as an intimate retreat. The furnishings are tailored yet incredibly comfortable, striking the perfect balance between refinement and relaxation. No matter the occasion, the family always seems to end up here!

A European-inspired Kitchen

The kitchen is refined and inviting, designed to feel like a bespoke European kitchen. The perimeter cabinets, painted in Farrow & Ball Drop Cloth, a warm taupe, exude an understated elegance, while the island in soft walnut adds warmth and contrast. Honed Calacatta Signature countertops with natural, warm veining seamlessly tie together the cabinetry, island, and white oak floors, creating a cohesive and timeless palette meant to patina beautifully over time. Thoughtful details—oversized pendants and reclaimed wood beams—help soften the high ceilings, making the space feel more intimate.

Fully paneled appliances ensure a seamless, furniture-like aesthetic, while a glass hutch offers a curated moment to showcase a glassware collection.

Inviting Details in the Dining Room

At the heart of the dining room is the brass Hayden Chandelier from Lucent Lightshop, a striking focal point that sets the tone for the space. Below, a reclaimed wood table and an antique black console, discovered on an antiquing trip in Massachusetts, add layers of character and history. In a long-admired Morris & Co. pattern, the drapery brings a timeless elegance that Sarah had been waiting for the perfect opportunity to incorporate. Custom millwork throughout the room, including the ceiling, enhances the architectural charm. Designed for both beauty and function, the space comfortably seats 16 guests, making it a well-loved setting for family gatherings.

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