Historic Newburyport Charmer

Newburyport, Massachsetts

This quaint Newburyport, MA, home seamlessly weaves rustic nostalgia with modern amenities and functionality. Our clients, a family with young kids, wanted to restore the early American home while retaining its original charm. They also wanted to keep it true to the local atmosphere and style—something Lindsay and her interior design team always encourage of clients! Coming from a historic part of Boston, the couple loved the older neighborhoods and style.

Built in the 1750s, this home was brimming with wistful character thanks to its wide plank flooring, exposed beams, and original fireplaces. However, it hadn’t been updated since the 1980s, and some TLC was desperately needed. We started by installing new windows while matching the mullions to the existing windows. 

Next, we focused on a complete kitchen renovation, blending vintage and modern with sage cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and a full-height slab backsplash. And because function is always a priority, we also reworked doors and points of entry to accommodate a pantry for the family. The uneven floorboards also presented a unique challenge, as we aimed to work around them and other existing structures, like the exposed beams, to avoid heavy modifications.

On the first floor, a closet was converted to a powder room. We restored the pedestal sink from an antique shop—just one of the items we gave new life. A second-floor closet was transformed into a master bathroom, now a tranquil space with a turquoise tiled shower and a dual vanity. The kids' rooms also received a total facelift, designed to grow with the couple’s little ones.

Packed with personality, this Newburyport home features whimsical touches like wallpaper choices in the powder room and nursery and the mountainscape accent wall in the older child’s room. Fresh colors and timeless materials complement the original elements, ensuring the home grows with the family.

Credits
Builder: Norwood Builders
Photography: James Salomon

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