The cool New England style
Hell mend us, we’re so in the mood for a holiday. Based in Britain these last three weeks (professionally, for the most part, but with a little familial R&R slung in for good measure), we’ve been plotting travel plans which we hope to roll out this coming summer.
Part of the fun of our North American base is the ease with which we can travel to wonderful destinations on very short flights. From Britain, however, getting anywhere (other than mainland Europe) is a drag with flights to Florida or the Dominican Republic taking nine hours each, and flights to Mexico consuming a whopping 11 hours of air time.
Being that we already spend much of our time on an elastic trajectory between Canada and Britain, we like our other jaunts to be significantly less protracted. Scanning schedules, we always think short and sweet; quick flights with just enough time to enjoy a coffee and a biscuit before touching down on our next adventure.
Wherever we’re heading, we always hope to discover, in equal measure, interesting design, architectural merit and a friendly populous. Ticking all these boxes in abundance is New England. Positioned in the northeastern corner of the U.S., New England is an amalgam of six beautiful states (Vermont, Maine, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Connecticut) and a destination which provides designers the world over with never-ending inspiration.
We’re big New England fans, but on previous occasions we’ve always set off from Britain, a much less convenient starting point than Canada. Which is why we’ll be leaving from the Toronto departure lounge ahead of our next jaunt, a trip we’ll probably feature in these very pages. If, that is, we can find a New England homeowner who’s happy to let us wander — and photograph — their abode.
In the meantime, to whet your appetites, here’s a look at one of our previous projects, a domestic scheme which effortlessly captures the airy essence of New England. Refreshing and spatially liberated, the results, it should be reported, were an easy steer. And, as far as economics were concerned, it was all surprisingly achievable.
Picture yourself in Maine. You’re head-to-toe in diaphanous garb and the summer sun is shining. Blimey! You could swoon at any moment, so intense are the blistering rays. Thank God, then, for the temperate air circulating within the clapboard home outside which you currently stand. Wiping your brow, you step inside and at once breathe easily. Coolness descends, and you smile. Okay, okay, we’ll concede that this transformation took place in Toronto, but come on — allow us at least as little poetic licence.
FLOOR PLAN
Our scheme is all about fresh, open concept. This in mind, we removed the cupboard that originally occupied the area to the left of the dining zone, an endeavour which immediately made the room’s overall footprint larger. Note the ladder storage that divides the space: the side struts of this are actually solid beams which add vital support to the ceiling. These were originally concealed within the cupboard, but now exposed — and with the addition of step shelves — they provide the framework for cute display. “Find a fault, make a feature.” Long since a Colin and Justin motto.
CARPET
The previous carpet, worn by years of excess, couldn’t be saved (even with vigorous cleaning) so we bit the bullet and pulled it away, hoping that underneath we’d discover original timber flooring. Sadly this wasn’t to be, so our solution was a full refit of lumber, chosen to withstand the traffic of subsequent years. To bolster our emerging scheme, we specified bright, pickled timber, a product which appears worn by the passage of time and one which helps bounce light around the newly opened space.
WALL TRANSFORMATION
To further evoke the spirit of dreamy, clapboard homes, we installed simple tongue and groove wall panels from Home Depot. We painted the tongue and groove a fresh, washy white and added punctuation, above, with softest baby blue. Blue and white is a fabulous decorating combo and, while also popular in France (think ticking fabrics and antique striped linen) and Portugal (imagine Algarve tiling and cobalt ceramics), it’s a colour pairing which we reckon works best in the homes that pepper New England. Played against the golden tones of sandy beaches, antique furniture and rattan detailing, it seldom fails to deliver.
SHUTTERS
A classic allusion to New England, shutters are a sure-fire way to inform your home with a relaxed holiday vibe. Okay, so they’re not inexpensive, but their tailored esthetic will transcend time and thereby future proof your real estate. In addition to installing shutters on the main window, we also positioned them in the drywall that backs on to the staircase; this adds an entirely unexpected dimension upon entering the house.
FURNITURE AND ACCESSORIES
Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger are two clothing designers we’ve long since admired. Their flair is particularly relevant today. Lauren, having made the transition from fashion to home interiors, is totally on trend as far as the New England dictum is concerned, and Hilfiger, especially in his position as stylist on American Idol, couldn’t be any hotter. His out- doorsy cut typifies the look and performs as well at home as it does the sartorial runway. We arranged lashings of Lauren-style rattan alongside simple Hilfiger inspired fabrics and refined our look with red detailing, carefully selected cobalt glass wares and a natural floor rug (edged in blue) to anchor our scheme. If you’re entirely honest, haven’t we already dispatched you to New Hampshire as you gaze at our “after shots”?
LIGHTING
Did we say New Hampshire? Okay, how about Cape Cod? You’re sitting on a steamer chair and the cool Atlantic breeze is wafting around you. It’s almost time for a sundowner cocktail and you deserve it. It’s been a taxing day — sunbathing, sightseeing and salty air are a tiring trinity, huh? Behind you, as you float in and out of consciousness, candles flicker gently, their waxy scents suffusing the relaxed atmosphere. To ensnare a little of this holiday magic, pop candles in storm lanterns, group them at table height or secrete them in glass wall sconces to imbue proceedings with a soft, welcoming glow. And try ceiling lights that evoke pastoral days and easy living. Our ceiling fixtures are basically upturned glass domes set on a brass chain. Only time will tell whether we make it this summer to America’s northeasterly corner. But one thing’s for sure: reacquaintance (during this week’s column) with the area’s decorating style has established in us a renewed vigour for all things pure and lovely. For further inspiration, go sink your teeth — with our blessing — into
Living In New England, a beautifully photographed coffee table tome by Solvi Dos Santos (published by Conran Octopus). You’ll weep as you turn the pages. Happy flipping, and we’ll see you next week. Enjoy!