Artfully Reimagined Boston Carriage House

Originally…

built in 1899, this handsome red brick Boston residence began as a carriage house and has since been transformed into an elegant townhouse, entirely reimagined and refurbished by Hacin.

Hacin, a Boston-based multidisciplinary design practice, has an eclectic and award-winning portfolio. Their work includes reconfiguring churches and community centers, renovating luxury hotels, designing condominium residences and commercial spaces, and restoring historic buildings, both locally and internationally.

This four…

storey home has been thoughtfully opened up with longer sightlines to create expansive living areas, while smaller transitional spaces – reduced to allow for room extensions – preserve a sense of intimacy. High ceilings are maintained throughout, as structural and mechanical upgrades modernize the residence for contemporary living. Steel and glass doors – an elegant nod to the building’s utilitarian origins – introduce a subtle layer of industrial sophistication, complementing the warmth and comfort of the space. The home belongs to a female artist whose own multidisciplinary practice reflects a deep appreciation for both vintage and finely crafted design pieces, seamlessly woven into the fabric of the interior.

Mixing soft fabric furnishings and rounded silhouettes with more structurally assertive pieces, the studio has focused on an earthy palette and a design language that reflects the owner’s artistic oeuvre: one that seeks to dismantle preconceived notions of femininity. The decorative style here is strong, self-assured, and richly layered, grounded in pure, unalloyed and natural materials that speak to both strength and sensuality. These include linen-dressed sofas by Montauk, a hand-knotted jute rug by Woven, and a dark, cross-based limestone table by Fair Studio.

Artful…

details introduce a touch of whimsy and intrigue: of note are Lindsey Adelman’s Branching Bubble chandelier and her abstract Terranium pendant light which offer sculptural illumination, while O&G’s quirky Hull Drinkstand Table (an all-in-one perch and cocktail rest rendered in darkened ash) adds playful functionality to the mix.

Artworks, including oils, collages, lithographs, and photographs, infuse the space with depth and personality. Many are by the owner herself, while others are contributions from contemporary talents such as Mexican abstractionist Francisco Valverde, Zimbabwean-born sculptor François du Plessis, and Missouri-based photographer Julie Blackmon.

Elements…

of the unexpected give this home an artistic edge that remains stylish and impeccably crafted. In the kitchen, an oversized island with a marble top and a dark wood cabinetry base dominates the room, hinting at the rustic charm of a traditional prep table. Sculptural touches complete the design; these count Gabriel Scott’s futuristic, wand-like Luna chandelier, Ochre’s leather-wrapped Caribou chairs with nubuck cushions, and a light grey and oyster-toned marble splashback, fitted with a ledge for spices—and even the occasional painting.

With wraparound…

windows and long, dramatic curtains, a guest bedroom evokes the atmosphere of a luxury hotel suite. Fabric choices adhere to a neutral palette, favoring natural shades such as peat, heather, and vanilla in pure linens, handwoven wools, and cottons, which underscore the beauty of the patina found in both new and vintage pieces. Furniture and accessories, including an antique elmwood stool and table alongside industrial-inspired sconces by Lostine, complement the elegantly streamlined Matthew Hilton McQueen bed, taking pride of place at the centre of the room.

Like the…

bedroom, the fourth-floor family room is bathed in soft, diffused light from frosted skylights. Here, expansive steel-framed French doors open to a generous terrace, offering a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor living. This room is an invitation to unwind, whether you’re sinking into the expansive grey linen sectional or feeling cocooned in the iconic Saporiti Cup Chairs by Augusto Bozzi.

Christian Woo’s nesting coffee tables, crafted in natural walnut and blackened walnut, emphasise the low-slung furnishings, drawing the eye upward and enhancing the ceiling height. This understated foundation allows curated details to shine, such as Obsolete LA’s utilitarian swing-arm sconces and a vibrant dotted print by American multimedia artist Rachel Perry.

“The client’s…

vision was simple yet deeply considered: to honor the understated charm of the original carriage house while creating a home that felt both stylish and effortlessly livable,” says Matthew Woodward, Senior Associate and Interior Designer at Hacin.

In every detail, this historical carriage house has been transformed into a stylish yet laidback environment, where original character meets modern sensibility, and history and contemporary living exist in careful balance.