Back Bay Condo
“Christina did a fabulous job on our Back Bay apartment! She created a crisp, contemporary design with a flourish for the dramatic, which is all very easy to live with. She works well with her clients, is always on time, and she’s able to complete the project in the timeframe she establishes. Our new home is a sophisticated palette for city living.”
This elegant city retreat with breathtaking views of the Christian Science Center in Boston’s Back By is the weekday residence and holiday home for longtime clients with a primary residence in Maine. The pre-built condo needed to be move-n ready in two months, completely furnished. A quick change of paint, the addition of a built-in master closet, and new furnishings and finishes created a custom look for this couple.
Collaboration with artisans, architects and builders is a signature of Oliver Interiors’ work; in this apartment, builder and furniture maker Diane Tremblay and artisans Sue Fairey and Pauline Curtiss contributed to the beautiful result. A sophisticated black and white color palette is softened by ample use of grey and the stunning vista provided by minimally-covered windows. The colors selected for the walls warm the space and enhance the light cast by recessed lighting, setting a reflective mood and reinforcing the room’s clean aesthetic.
Builder/Furniture Maker: Diane Tremblay of Tremblay Inc.
Artisans: Sue Fairey and Pauline Curtiss
Photographer: Damianos Photography
Thoughtful Design
This condominium reflects a cultural trend toward “aging in place.” The new Back Bay location is accessible to appropriate age-related services and amenities, as well as protected from coastal weather events. Careful design allows older couples and individuals to enjoy a safe and comfortable home that will fit their still-dynamic lifestyle for years to come.
A Cook’s Custom Kitchen
“Of all the spaces in a home that demand a design to fit its owners, there is none more critical than the kitchen. This contemporary 190 square foot kitchen, challenged for space and seating, was originally designed for a left-handed cook, creating difficulty for the new owner in the simplest tasks.”
The design began with a theme of earth and water, defining the neutral color scheme and elegant use of natural materials. Blonde wood floors are similar in tone to the room’s creamy walls, creating a feeling of flow. Smoky blue iridescent granite and tile add a darker, dramatic accent to the space. The result is a kitchen that marries light versus dark and yin versus yang.
Old cabinetry and appliances were donated, a sustainable design solution that continued the theme of care for the earth. A new kitchen floor plan and shifting a doorway achieved optimal seating and storage. Special design elements like the curve of the island and the Blue Astral countertop add eye-catching focal points. Custom cabinets by Sheldon Perry of Steepleview Cabinetry took advantage of every square inch of space. Custom lighting was created in the specially lit display boxes above the cabinets, perfect with the room’s high ceilings. Island seating was added so friends could gather to keep the owner company while she cooked.
Cabinets: Steepleview Cabinetry
Photographer: Damianos Photography
Thoughtful Design
Details in a kitchen are crucial to make cooking a pleasure instead of a chore: countertops must be at the right height, hardware such as faucets and sinks must be high quality to withstand heavy daily use, and appliances must be chosen for the correct amount of cooking, entertaining and food storage for an individual cook. Oliver Interiors creates award-winning custom kitchens designed for the way you live.
Brookline Condominium
“This gracious, three bedroom condominium overlooks Beacon Street in Brookline. It represents a fresh start for the client, who left a large Georgian Colonial where she raised her children to begin a new stage of her life in this more modern space. The design challenge was to create an elegant, more contemporary style, while honoring the client’s past and retaining the comfortable feel of her previous home.”
The open floor plan, the placement of windows and the way the light changed as the day moved from dawn to dusk required a rethinking of how to use beloved furniture and accessories. After discussions of what inspired the client in her new life, Christina designed a fresher, more contemporary interior.
Some pieces needed to be reupholstered, some could be placed in the new rooms to stunning effect, and others had to be edited out of the new home. Those that made the cut were selected for their elegance, comfort, and the way they integrated themselves into the overall concept.
Rich fabrics for the sofa and chairs, together with silk drapes, form the basis of the watery color palette. Earth-based tones add a sense of solidness to the otherwise airy feel of the design. The owner treasures her grown family, so Christina incorporated a daughter’s art work and hung several of her framed paintings in the hallway. The daughter designed the wallpaper in the guest bathroom as well.
Photographer: Damianos Photography
Thoughtful Design
When creating a new home for a new stage of life, Christina knows that the home has to have a fresh look and feel, but also incorporate cherished items. This client’s unusual antique collection of turtles, gathered over twenty five years, is beautifully displayed in a glass coffee table in the den. There are clever nods to turtle-love throughout the apartment: a turtle pattern in a fabric chair, a small turtle accessory on a bookshelf, a turtle table in another space. Moving forward is best when you don’t forget your past.
Belmont Kitchen and Family Room
“Kitchens and family rooms are two of the hardest-working rooms in a home. The space has to flex from a workable food preparation area for a couple, to accommodate a family, and then to handle the demands of large-scale entertaining and holiday meals. In this home, a couple makes room for both teenage children and the large scale entertaining they love.”
Although this kitchen-family room is spacious, Christina utilized every spare inch for optimal organization when designing custom cabinetry and storage. Steepleview Cabinetry executed the designs for both kitchen and family room with precision. The open floor plan keeps the kitchen from feeling closed off from the rest of the house, with an easy flow of guests and company from the living room and conservatory.
A large island provides additional seating as well as space for serving. The room is brightened by recessed lighting, sky lights and ambient lighting from the adjoining family room. Relaxed and inviting, the key here is its just-right size for both family time and entertaining. The family room design makes the most of its space with more custom built-ins, including shelving, a desk and corner seating. D.W. Arthur and Associates had designed the space in a previous renovation. Oliver Interiors updated the materials and desk area to address the family’s need to have a work space within the room for their children. Two walls of windows and French doors invite the outdoors in, effectively making the patio a third room.
Contractor: Marvel Construction
Cabinetry: Steepleview Cabinetry
Thoughtful Design
A room’s footprint determines more than just its appearance; it also dictates lighting, heating and cooling requirements as well. In this home, the couple was conscious of environmental concerns, so maintaining a reasonable-size footprint was a primary consideration. Recycled materials were used wherever possible throughout the home, but especially in the kitchen.
House in Harmony: Conservatory
“Although collaboration between architects and interior designers is common, it is rare that these two design disciplines work together from the very start to create a truly harmonized aesthetic. For this home in Belmont, Massachusetts, where music is the foundation of the clients’ personal and professional lives, Christina, architects Woodie Arthur and Kelly Ryan of D.W. Arthur and Associates and the homeowners worked closely together to achieve perfect pitch. The homeowners called the team “our dream team”!”
A 1940’s Colonial was the starting point for this renovation. The homeowners, soon to be empty nesters, needed a home flexible enough to feel intimate for a couple but that could also accommodate guests, at small dinner parties or larger musical concerts. Opening up the outdated spaces and creating an acoustically sound and visually pleasing interior was the challenge.
The conservatory is filled with light. Although the space is large, Christina emphasized comfort and conversation by staging separate seating areas, while retaining flexible open space for performances. A cushioned window seat is a cozy place to sit with a book, yet the room easily expands to seat an audience when musicians take the floor. Furniture, custom rugs and fabrics were designed to accent the home’s intrinsic beauty. The open floor plan feels strikingly modern, but with a quiet elegance and warmth that defines the home as a family’s intimate living space.
Contractor: Marvel Construction
Artchitect: D. W. Arthur and Associates
Photographer: Damianos Photography
Thoughtful Design
The scale of such a large addition can easily dominate a house; therefore, careful study of the location of the addition from the perspective of both interior and exterior was key to success. When architect and designer work in concert, ideas can be developed that work for both architectural and design considerations. In this case, the conservatory was connected to the living room for a comfortable flow from existing rooms. The addition is a graceful addition to the home’s exterior as well.
A House in Harmony: Master Bath
“A renovation can provide an opportunity for luxury where once there was only functionality, for pampering and sumptuousness where the previous space was utilitarian. Nowhere is this more possible than in a Master Bathroom, especially when converting the space from a room designed for a 1940’s sensibility. The daily task of preparing for the day and for its end is now a background for reflection and relaxation.”
Long countertops and expansive mirrors offer plenty of space for a couple’s double sinks; at the end of the room, the wife’s dressing table is lit with wall sconces and accented with colorful artwork. Limestone counters and floors are beautifully paired with elegant chrome fixtures. This clean aesthetic incorporates the latest in faucets, air filtration fans and soft lighting, creating a space that encourages a long, hot shower or a contemplative bath.
Here, as elsewhere throughout the home, Christina worked with Sheldon Perry of Steepleview Cabinetry to create custom built-in cabinetry to provide plentiful storage. Open shelving is home to fluffy white towels, adding the warmth of fabric to an otherwise gleaming space. Framing the mirrors in wood also warms the room; darker wood in an otherwise light space beautifully punctuates it.
Contractor: Marvel Construction
Cabinets: Steepleview Cabinetry
Photographer: Damianos Photography
Thoughtful Design
A bathroom’s architecture must be carefully assessed. Where fixtures are permanently placed and costly plumbing installed, there is no opportunity to move things without a great deal of effort. A professional interior designer is a specialist in bathroom design, and has undergone extensive training and education in creating a space that works. A bathroom can make a statement, but it must also serve the specific needs of the homeowners.
Cape Cod Residence
“A house on Cape Cod tells a special kind of story, especially one nestled near some of the most magnificent beaches on earth. This home embraces seaside living and relaxed elegance.”
The home’s original architect was Peter Woerner, FAIA; 22 years after his initial design, he re-envisioned the space as a place of peace and light. A new addition of a dining room, study, and bathroom with steam shower were added by the architect. The clients asked that Oliver Interiors select all the detailing for the millwork and the bathroom. Several years after that was completed, Christina returned to design the new spa.
There are no coverings on windows or doors; sunlight pours into rooms filled with gracious antiques and simple, clean-lined furniture, and warm floors covered with beautiful Oriental rugs. Christina chose colors for the house that, like the rugs, are soft and muted. This is a home designed for nature lovers, where sunlight is celebrated.
Contractor: Cape Associates
Photographer: Damianos Photography
Thoughtful Design
Showcasing stunning artwork, antiques and glorious gardens works best in rooms that are open and airy. Christina designed additional pieces to complement the unique and artistic flavor, including a custom, broad-armed chandelier in the dining room. The look is one that welcomes the couple with country warmth, but remains clean and crisp in its interpretation.
Kennebunkport Family Room
“Sometimes clients ask for just a few changes. This family room had been designed over 10 years ago and the clients wanted a fresh look while still keeping the architectural details in place. The color palette had been clearly established, but the furniture was looking dated and tired.”
These clients have a home in Boston and escape to the coast of Maine every weekend and all summer. Their family room overlooks the ocean but is mainly used to watch TV or sit in front of the fire. The custom rug and new furniture were the new additions to this space. Texture is really important in design; all of the fabrics were chosen to feel particularly soft and inviting. The coffee and sofa tables were custom made by a local artisan/builder who has done a lot of work for the clients.
Thoughtful Design
Updating a space is an important element of design. Most projects incorporate the homeowner’s special pieces. Knowing how to make a space look fresh and inviting is a challenge worth taking on!
New Hampshire Kitchen
& Living Room
“This dramatic living space was chosen as the cover of a design book by Jessica Tolliver, simply titled Living Spaces. Located in the mountains, the house perfectly mirrors the towering landscape outside the windows. Working with architect Alan Freysinger of Design Group Three, Christina developed the concept of “rustic contemporary,” which then drove all design decisions. ”
The large scale, open living plan demanded a smart design strategy, as open plan spaces often function as multiple rooms. In this case, the stone fireplace serves as a room divider, creating separation between the living and dining areas. Christina worked closely with the Milwaukee-based architect and local contractor to fully realize the client’s vision. Casual, comfortable furniture, a custom cocktail table created by artisan Howard Hatch of Hatch Studios, and a simple Tibetan rug give the large room a cozy look.
The eat-in kitchen makes an unforgettable impact with dark wood floors, lighter cabinets and smoky brown tiles. Modern appliances and sophisticated granite counters blend effortlessly with wooden beams and stonework visible from the dining area. The handmade table, designed by Steve Burdett of Hurricane Mountain Design, is unique to the home, and made with painstaking care to last for generations.
Construction: Steve Larsen
Architect: Design Group Three
Photographer: Brian Vanden Brink
Thoughtful Design
When a room has strikingly dramatic features such as the substantial stone fireplace and the curved wood beams overhead, it is important to create a feeling of peace by letting those elements dominate. This is where a close collaboration between architect, builder and designer can make the difference between achieving the client’s goals, or missing the mark.
North Country Bath
“Often it’s the small details that add up to a big impact. Bath sinks can be sculptural and unique, as well as functional and practical. This sink is strikingly different, giving a fresh and modern look to this powder room.”
Life in the mountains can feel like life in the treetops. Complementing the unusually shaped sink is a tile design that mimics the elevation of the mountains outside the door. The combination of different shapes and sizes work to create a feeling of movement and interest in the room, and contribute to a strong sense of place.
A home in the North Country is best served by using the rich, dark woods that surround the home. The finishes, wood, stone, glass and metal all continue the house concept of “rustic contemporary.” This bathroom is located off the living room, and the stair to the second floor is reflected in the mirror, so Christina created elements that balance each other.
Construction: Steve Larsen
Photographer: Brian Vanden Brink
Thoughtful Design
It is important to keep the design simple so not to overwhelm a small space, but simple doesn’t mean uninteresting. Each detail, the lighting, the size of the tile, the finish on the vanity all need to be carefully considered to create a space and design that feels right.
Newton Master Bath
“I love this elegant, stylish and calming bath. The heated tile floor is so warm and comforting, and the tile designs on floor and wall blend perfectly. The large sink is a beautiful touch, and the custom under-the-sink cabinet makes it so functional as well.”
Tile, stone, and wood combine for an artistic palette that feels natural in this tiny but graceful room. By using custom cabinet-work, raised off the floor, and adding a semi-recessed lavatory, the space feels incredibly bigger. A corner glass panel added to the shower provides a more open feeling as well. The two tone color palette of pale yellow and green gives the space a sense of connection with the outdoors.
The decorative painting adds depth to the wall finishes and the stone of the countertop pulls all of the colors together. By combining colorful art with a soft, neutral color scheme, the room comes to life.
Contractor: Oliver Design Build
Decorative Painting: Barbara Jacobs
Thoughtful Design
A small space is no impediment to an elegant Master Bathroom. Older homes typically did not have the luxurious space devoted to bathrooms today, but a renovation can still provide the look and feel of comfort.
Newton Bath Renovation
”I love the radiant floor heat! I can walk on it in my bare feet in the winter regardless of the temperature. The whirlpool tub with its unusual shape fits perfectly into the space, and the raised ceiling and skylight makes the room feel twice its size. The floor and wall tiles coordinate with the other finishes in other rooms off the same hallway.”
This 1930’s Colonial home has an intimate floor plan, with smaller rooms than are typically designed today; and the small space is part of this bathroom’s allure. The challenge is to create a bath that feels open and functional while staying within the footprint.
Using custom subway tile to frame the window and draw the eye upward, created the illusion of a larger space and bigger window. The tile was laid out so that each detail worked with the architecture of the space. A softly undulating pattern of lighter and darker tiles mirror the smaller tile pieces that cover the bathroom floor. The sink is just deep enough to wash your face without intruding into the room. The toilet was turned to make room for the tub. Light reflective colors, the small sink, and the low curved soaking tub complement one another and aid in making the bathroom seem spacious.
Construction : Oliver Design Build
Decorative Finish : Roberta Boylen
Photographer: Sam Gray
Thoughtful Design
A bathroom can feel luxurious no matter its size if all the senses are engaged: a good design incorporates sleek surfaces, clear and elegant lighting, beautiful colors and functional, comfortable layout.
Highlands Living Room
“What makes a room distinctive? Often, it’s the one-of-a-kind piece that sets the room apart. Custom-designed furniture, cabinetry and built-ins also solve unique problems presented by architectural challenges: the old and unsightly radiator, the oddly shaped room with too-small windows, the lack of storage space that makes modern living more difficult than it needs to be.”
Integrating what used to be an eyesore into a beautiful element of room design is part of bringing the past into the present in an unexpected way. What looks like a problem becomes an opportunity. In this room, an unsightly obstacle to the beauty of the bay window was converted to an opportunity to expand the room’s impact.
Custom furniture by Howard Hatch, cabinetry and even radiator covers by Steve Burdett can be created to complement existing heirlooms and architecture. Here a radiator cover was made to serve as a beautiful piece of furniture, making a bay window into a lovely plant display and adding a needed function: the ability to bring nature into the space. The simplest of window treatments keeps the room light-blessed and airy, and allows the architectural details and striking wood trim to capture the eye.
Custom Furniture: Howard Hatch
ACustom Cabinetry/Radiator Covers: Steve Burdett
Photographer: Sam Gray
Thoughtful Design
Not only do live plants add a welcome splash of color and nature to an interior space, they clean the air and remove toxins from the room. Living things remind us of our connection to the world, and often renew our perspective. Live plants have been credited with making people feel happier and more optimistic—a good reason to add some to your home.
Waban Master Bath
This master bathroom, featured on HGTV's "I Want That! Baths" envisions a tropical paradise. The clients wanted a bathroom that reminded them of being in Hawaii where they vacation once a year. The shoji style windows give a Zen-like feel to the space, and hide the neighbor’s house just 20 feet away. Many bright and warm tones are united in this luxurious room. Granite, glass, deep rich wood, and a multi-layered copper wash complement one another to provide a warm and inviting bathroom.
Many bright and warm tones are united in this luxurious room. Granite, glass, deep rich wood, and a multi-layered copper wash complement one another to provide a warm and inviting bathroom.
Construction: Fenton, Inc.
Decortaive Finishes: Pauline Curtiss Designs
Thoughtful Design
A source of inspiration can be a favorite place, a favorite color, or even a favorite movie or book. Having a clear concept is essential when designing any room. Spending the time upfront to develop this concept decreases the time spent on the design and selection process. Every finish, down to the knobs on the cabinets, reflects the warmth of the tropical concept.
Waban Powder Room
This small powder room was transformed by the beautiful tile, silver slate floor, custom cabinet, copper sink, and decorative finishes. The rectangular copper sink works beautifully with the mosaic tile and simple faucet. The sconces, by Studio Bel Vetro, were originally offered as vases, but repurposed as light fixtures at our request. Studio Bel Vetro now carries a line of sconces fashioned after the design we requested called “Seven Tone Sconces.” (link). They were the perfect touch to pull together all of the finishes in this room.
Construction: Fenton, Inc.
Custom Sconces: Studio Bel Vetro
Decorative Finishes: Pauline Curtiss Designs
Thoughtful Design
Any room in your home, even a bathroom, can be a sanctuary. A licensed professional interior designer knows how to access the subtle design elements that make a space unified, healing and versatile.
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