3 Examples of Modern Interior Design in New England Homes

New England is home to some of the country’s finest examples of colonial and classical architecture. These homes are both historic and beautiful, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Not everyone gravitates towards colonial architecture or traditional style interior design. Modern style architecture is becoming more prevalent here in New England, let’s explore 3 Examples of Modern Interior Design in New England Homes.

Photo Credit: Eric Piasecki/OTTO

1. Modern Meets Traditional

Traditional homes don't have to remain the same, they can evolve with the times. Interior designers that are skilled with traditional homes know how to restore the historic elements, while adding modern furniture and finishes, giving the home a modern twist!

Just outside of Boston in Brookline, Massachusetts sits a 1911 colonial-revival home purchased by new owners who saw potential in aged property. On a generous parcel overlooking a reservoir and the city skyline, the large home (10,625 square feet) had clearly seen better days. But the broad stucco exterior and spacious, elegant rooms were well-designed and retained much of their original detailing. With the help of hired professionals, the home was carefully renovated and restored to maintain the historical architectural elements. Interior Designer Nina Farmer seamlessly blended the old with the new, marrying the colonial architecture with modern furnishings.

Here at Maloney Interiors we’ve taken on similar projects, including the renovation of a prominent Bellevue Avenue estate. Take a look at our Bellevue project for more on traditional meets modern!

Photo Credits: Nat Rea Photography

2. Modern Mountain

Modern Mountain style homes can be found nestled in the Berkshires & Appalachian mountains of New England. This distinctive style is characterized by clean lines, natural materials, interesting light fixtures paired with natural light, and neutral colors. This contemporary style emphasizes a cabin or lofty feel, while taking advantage of mountain views as much as possible. Open floor plans with high ceilings and grand windows, as well as a crisp clean design are often found in this style. Designers can be playful with these homes while focusing on bringing natural elements indoors. 

This modern ski chalet located in Fayston, Vermont is the perfect example of how well modern mountain can be executed. Discreetly tucked into the wooded site, the architects and designers made sure the exterior and interior reflected the natural surroundings. With many large windows, and innovative touches like the concrete flooring, exterior wall panels, and exposed steel beams, as well as the grand stone fireplace in the middle of the living space, it is minimalist yet elegant.

Photo Credit: decordemon

3. Coastal Contemporary

Amongst other things New England is known for it’s coastline, so it is only natural that a coastal influence would be prevalent in it’s homes interiors. This cohesive, coastal contemporary style is anything but kitschy nautical. Rather, it celebrates the coastal landscape in a modern and chic way. Whether or not your home is on the coast or not, by adding certain elements, you can elicit the feeling of the sea by adding lots of blues, creams, and muted tones, creating a relaxing ambiance.

For a Nantucket Cottage, clean lines and airy interiors bring this coastal cottage to life. Talls ceilings and an open floor plan open up the living space to the views of the boats out at sea. The designers at Workshop/APD uses blues, creams, and wood tones as well as rich natural textures like the rattan lighting fixtures and leather accent chairs. The architecture is a minimalist modern cottage, making it the perfect beach escape.

Looking for more coastal contemporary design inspiration? Take a look at our Brenton Cove Project (shown below) for more on coastal contemporary!

Based in Newport, Rhode Island with more than 11 years of industry experience, Ally Maloney Winzer is knowledgeable and prepared for the long process that these custom contemporary home projects require.  To learn more about working with Maloney Interiors, please visit our process page here.