Design Diary: Modern Tudor Renovation By Hacin + Associates

On Sunday the Boston Globe Magazine published a new larger, format magazine. The issue included an array of lifestyle pieces, including a 10-page home decor piece, “Tudor Inspired,” that I wrote about a modern Tudor renovation. Boston-based architecture and design firm Hacin + Associates, led by David Hacin, transformed a 1932 Tudor Revival in Newton, Mass., into a modern family home.

Owned by two city guys who moved from the South End with their young daughter, this modern Tudor renovation is one of my all time favorite projects. It has an open, airy interior with sleek finishes that are juxtaposed against original details, and contemporary but comfortable furnishings. Classic patterns are applied in non-traditional ways, and masculine elements mingle with feminine infusions.

I spent a morning last month talking about the project with principal David Hacin, architect Eduardo Serrate, and interior designer Jennifer Clapp to learn all about this perfectly put together home. Here are the photographs along with design background and details. If there’s anything I’ve left out that you’re curious about, just let me know.

hacin-living-room-with-family

Photo by Trent Bell

The living room is the main gathering place for the couple and their daughter. The limestone fireplace, original to the house, was the deal maker. One of the homeowners says, “When we saw it, we felt an instant emotional attachment.” Serrate added an architectural detail above the fireplace, to extend its presence to the ceiling. The curved windows flanking the fireplace are also original.

Serrate specified sleek wood panelling on one side of the room, while Clapp used a large expanse of an open weave drapery, made by local workroom Lori Designs Custom Drapery, on the other. The home is replete with such juxtapositions: dark versus light, solid versus soft, masculine versus feminine.

hacin-living-room-window

Photo by Trent Bell

The black and white hand knotted carpet from Boston rug showroom Landry & Arcari is new, but evokes an antique look. Its textural striations are a recurring motif throughout the home. Contrast stitch on the grey linen sofa adds a hand-done feel, as do the the collection of hand embroidered pillows. (Note the swirly leafy pattern of the pillows and fireplace; you’ll see similar ones later.)

The home’s overall color palette was informed by traditional Tudor architecture. The style’s graphic elements, such as the tarred half timber latticework commonly found on exteriors and interior lime-washed walls inspired and guided them. “You don’t immediately perceive its influence,” says Serrate, “what you see is our interpretation.” Clapp adds, “We started with a Tudor house, so we wanted to honor its history rather than ignore it.”

hacin-living-room-fireplace

Photo by Michael Stavaridis

The Minotti “Prince” chair has a modern silhouette but traditional plaid upholstery. The hand-tufted leather DePadova Pouf Capitonné is from Boston furniture store Showroom.

hacin-butterfly-art

Photo by Emily Neumann/Hacin + Associates

The butterfly shadowboxes that flank the fireplace were made by Evolution in New York City .They’re inspired by traditional English curiosity cabinets. The homeowners and Clapp selected each individual butterfly.

hacin-living-room-accent-wall

Photo by Michael Stavaridis

Serrate covered one wall in the living room in walnut, choosing to construct the look with multiple panels and very visible seams, rather than an unbroken expanse of walnut.

hacin-entry-hall

Photo by Michael Stavaridis

The foyer does double duty as the home’s gracious gateway and makeshift Thanksgiving dining room—the homeowners seat 20 around four tables. While its large footprint didn’t change, openings to adjacent rooms were added and widened to facilitate flow and draw in natural light.

artistic-tile-hone-limestone-smoke

The limestone tile-clad accent wall (Artistic Tile “Smoke”), which wraps into the kitchen for continuity, refers back to the fireplace in the living room. Clapp says, “Broad gestures like these allow for a big impact without gutting the interior.” The flooring is original quarter-sawn white oak.

hacin-entry-stairway-2

Photo by Michael Stavaridis

The Viccarbe “Davos” bench by Jeffrey Bernett is also from Showroom. Clapp drew a template and guide for the upholsterer to show where they wanted the fade of the custom fabric to fall on the piece. The striated effect is similar to that of the living room carpet.

hacin-entry-rail-detail

Photo by Emily Neumann/Hacin + Associates

The tread of  the redesigned stairway is made from blocks of white oak. The blackened steel rail has exposed joinery, such as the rivets at the bottom of the balusters. The handrail is also white oak. The effect is very solid and artisan-made.

The concept of visible craftsmanship, from exposed hardware to quilting and tufting, is evident in every room of this modern Tudor renovation. Clapp says,  “We reinforced this idea, which is a predominant feature in traditional English Tudor architecture, by showing off how things are built, formed, or sewn together.”

hacin-contemporary-kitchen

Photo by Michael Stavaridis

A defined palette permeates the home. Limestone tile wraps into the kitchen, where custom walnut cabinetry echoes the walnut paneled wall in the living room. The dark grey pieces at the top bring in a graphic element and helps to separate the monolithic shapes from the ceiling so the cabinetry feels more like furniture.

A modern Tudor renovation calls for a large kitchen with a smooth flow. About the layout Serrate says, “The center island takes precedence, allowing the chef to move in a triangular pattern, unbothered by those eating or working at table or window seat.”

hacin-contemporary-kitchen-island

Photo by Michael Stavaridis

The walnut canopy over the island provides a place to tuck recessed lighting, as well as ductwork for the hood. It also helps to create a more intimate scale, breaking up the room’s vertical elements. The Mutina ceramic floor tiles by Patricia Urquiola have a sandy texture. The kitchen opens onto the family room.

hacin-dining-room

Photo by Michael Stavaridis

The dining room, which opens off the living room, features wood panelling in the exact style of the original (but painted white), which Serrate had recreated after having to rip out the existing panels due to asbestos. Originally the roomI was a library, with a small entry that Serrate widened, stretching it to five feet, and retaining the shape and details.

william-morris-thistle-wallpaper

For the ceiling Clapp chose a traditional wallpaper print, William Morris “Thistle”  in Mulberry. (Designed by John Henry Dearle it is one of only five machine-printed wallpapers produced by Morris & Co. in the early 20th century.) . It provides a subtle and unexpected splash of color and visual texture. Scroll back up and note how the leafy pattern echoes the fireplace carvings.

hacin-dining-rom-facing-shelves

Photo by Michael Stavaridis

Clapp says, “We knew from the beginning that we wanted to use pattern as another element that was simultaneously  traditional and modern, but in a playful way, since the homeowners didn’t want the house to feel too serious.” Thus the consistent use of fun wallpaper. (You’ll see more soon.)

The Poliform “Flute” pedestal table by Roberto Barbieri purchased from Showroom is white lacquer over wood. The Moooi “Random Light” by Bertjan Pot (available online at Wayfair) is formed from resin drained yarn that is randomly coiled around an inflatable mold to create a translucent 3D fabric. Its open weave echoes the weave of the living room drapery.

hacin-dining-room-chair

Photo by Emily Neumann/Hacin + Associates

The BD Barcelona “Showtime Chair” by Jaime Hayon, purchased at contemporary design showroom Casa Design Boston in SoWa, is highly customizable. These sport amethyst accents, from the leather armrests to the thread used to quilt the cushions, to the exposed exterior bolts.

hacin-family-room

Photo by Michael Stavaridis

The family room, which sits between the dining room and kitchen, is the most feminine room in the house. It’s also the most contemporary interpretation of the overall design concept, from the colors, textures, and silhouettes to jaunty set of the Moroso “Redondo” sofa and chairs by Patricia Urquiola. Clapp says, “This house is not just about drama, there’s a lot of comedy in it.”

The carpet, like that in the living room, is charcoal with a nubby, handcrafted vibe. The De La Espada “Lily” tables by Tokyo-based design studio Leif.designpark, are walnut with white Corian tops. The floor lamps are Flos “Glo-Ball” lamps by Jasper Morrison (available online at Lumens).

hacin-playroom

Photo by Trent Bell

Redoing the playroom wasn’t initially part of the plan, but the folks at Hacin were so excited about designing a playroom that they did it as a surprise for the homeowners. Of course, it was greenlighted.

The couple’s old Ligne Roset “Togo” sofa by Michael Ducaroy makes for comfy seating. Clapp added a Dare Studio “Wire” table by Sean Dare and created a fun geometric pattern with Flor carpet tiles.  On the opposite polka dot wallpapered wall, inexpensive white lacquer cabinets provide toy storage.

DETAIL10_HurvitzPlayroom

Photo by Emily Neumann/Hacin + Associates

Child-friendly caged scones by Schoolhouse Electric & Supply Co. line a pin board made from Homasote fiber board painted white, where superhero drawings (along with robots and pigeons) get tacked up.

hacin-girls-bedroom

Photo by Trent Bell

It was important to the homeowners that their daughter’s room be a place she wants to spend time. She chose the aqua felt-upholstered Blu Dot “Dodu” bed herself (available online at AllModern).  In fact, “aqua” was one of her first words. Clapp says, “We wanted a few things clash in a playful way, like the faded floral wallpaper and braided patchwork rug. The Serena & Lily “Ellie” side table in ceramic with a semi-translucent white glaze holds a stack of picture books.  A simple white blackout roller shade virtually disappears when it’s down or up.

designers-guild-mehsama-wallpaper

Clapp chose Designers Guild “Mehsama” wallpaper, a dramatically scaled floral bouquet painted in monotone shades, as the backdrop for the girl’s bedroom.

hacin-kids-bath

Photo by Emily Neumann/Hacin + Associates

The homeowners found this soft-serve ice cream photo, which hangs in their daughter’s bathroom, online.

mutina-pico-tile-red-dot

Mutino “Pico” tile by Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec in red dot lines the girl’s bathroom.

hacin-dressing-room-island

Photo by Michael Stavaridis

A small bedroom became the master closet-cum-office. The homeowners didn’t initially feel like they needed a separate dressing room, but it didn’t feel right to just add a couple of small closets to the master bedroom. When the designers pointed out that their daughter could do arts and crafts on the center island, they were sold.

hacin-dressing-room-desk

Photo by Michael Stavaridis

The black and white “Toile” wallpaper by Tracey Kendall is a tribute to the black and white Tudor color scheme. The dense pattern of cypress trees in a landscape is a modern reinterpretation of traditional British toile, but with a slightly off kilter, dense repeat.

The Gubi 93 chair by Boris Berlin and Poul Christiansen of Komplot Design has a black metal swivel base and is fully upholstered in purple. Serrate says, “Their daughter has such a presence in this house.”

hacin-dressing-room-cabinetry

Photo by Michael Stavaridis

Since this is more of a dressing room than a walk-in closet (not to mention an office!) the clothing couldn’t be exposed. Cabinetry with walnut accents mirror the walnut used downstairs and Mockett leather pulls are another nod to hand-craftsmanship.

hacin-master-bedroom

Photo by Michael Stavaridis

The master bedroom is tailored and highly tactile, with cerused oak nightstands and nubby rug. A trio of low hanging pendants are set against laser-cut wool drapes, which echo the drapery panel in the living room. Tweed fabric wallpaper evokes men’s suiting. The homeowners are searching for just the right black and white photograph to hang.

layers-vineyard-large-by-hella-jongerius

The circular forms embroidered on the bench upholstery—Maharam “Layers Vineyard Large” by Hella Jongerius—exhibits a breakdown in form, referring to the integrity (and in this case, studied imperfection) of craftsmanship throughout the house.

hacin-master-bathroom

Photo by Michael Stavaridis

The floating vanity is made from a slab of stone that looks like wood, sourced locally at Cumar Marble & Granite. Notice the matching strip at the top of the wall too. The large format marble floor tiles are from Stone Source. A Greek key border runs inside the shower.

hacin-guest-room

Photo by Michael Stavaridis

The airy guest room is set apart from the main rooms, behind the kitchen. Erica Wakerly “Fan” wallpaper in grey and white adds just the right amount of background pattern for the simplest white bedding. A family photo the homeowners already had but didn’t know what to do with hangs above the bed while handmade copper sconces hang on each side.

hacin-gray-guest-bathroom

Photo by Michael Stavaridis

The powder room is also done in grey and white, with hand-glazed tiles and Flavor Paper “Secret Garden” wallpaper by Dan Funderburgh, featuring broken wine glasses, snakes, geese, acorns, locks, and other oddities.

D E S I G N   T E A M

Principal: David Hacin  |  Project Manager: Eduardo Serrate
Senior Interior Designer: Jennifer Clapp as  |  Interior Designer: Katelyn Miersma
General Contractor: Sleeping Dog Properties

F L O O R   P L A N

hacin-floor-plan-main-floor


hacin-floor-plan-key

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boston-globe-magazine-feb-8-2015

See the full story about this modern Tudor renovation.
Boston Globe Magazine
   February 8, 2015

Get the Look: 53 Sideboards, Credenzas, Buffets

Following up on yesterday’s Montage: 45 Rooms with Sideboards, I’ve sourced 53 mostly modern sideboards, credenzas, buffets, or whatever else you’d like to call them. Many are pricey (a sideboard is a hefty piece of furniture), but there are a few inexpensive finds. I’ve always loved the Dandelion by Iannone Design, but I’m in serious love with the Florence Knoll in gray with the carrera marble top. (The Concrete low dresser at CB2 is a decent sub, minus the fancy slab.)

S H O P P I N G

Row 1:
Cherner 4-Door Credenza, $3,549 at YLiving.
Bamboo Stagger Server by Brave Space Design, $3,995 at AllModern.
Punt Sussex Sideboard by Terence Woodgate, $4,305 at Nest.

Row 2:
PS Cabinet in Red, $99 at IKEA.
Scatola Armonica Sideboard, $2,374 at Inmod.
Hughes 8-Drawer Chest, $2,745 at Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams.

Row 3:
4-Drawer Sideboard by Skram Lineground, $5,096 at AllModern.
Graphic Dandelion Console by Iannone Design, $2,095 at YLiving.

Row 4:
Lawson Chest by MGBW, $4,835 at Bloomingdale’s.
Block Party Multicolor Credenza by Thomas Wold, $3,990 at Design Public.

Row 5:
Teak Rough Sideboard by Ethnicraft, $2,500 at Lekker Home.
Ion Credenza, $999 at CB2.
Danish Modern Teak Credenza, $1,450 on eBay.

Row 6:
Florence Knoll Four-Position Credenza, $13,233 at DWR.
Sierra Credenza by Bellini Modern, $1,834 at HomeFurnitureShowroom.
Wooly Media Cabinet by Iannone Design, $2,195 at

Row 7:
Claude Double 4 Drawer Credenza, $1,995 at Jonathan Adler.
Roh Credenza by Spot On Square, $1,790 at Spot on Square.
Tetra 4 Ten-Drawer Cabinet by notNeutral, $3,500 at 2Modern.

Row 8:
Simon Sideboard, $499.95 at Pier 1.
Tone Cabinate by Leif.designpark for De La Espada $6,125 at Velocity.
Nolo Sideboard by Moe’s Home Collection, $1,615.99 at Wayfair.

Row 9:
Burl Wood & Lucite Console Table, $3,800 at Pieces.
Jackson Buffet by Oly Studio at Tonic Home.
Danish Modern Credenza, $475 on eBay.

Row 10:
Yasmine 6 Cabinet, $2,041.20 at InMod.
Highline L-14 Sideboard by Mueller-Moebel, $2,433 at ModLivin.

Row 11:
Kirk Buffet by Oly Studio at Tonic Home.
Delano Storage Cabinet, $1,499 at Room & Board.
Stainless Steel Cabinet by Delfina, $2,495 at Inmod.

Row 12:
Vintage Fretwork & Chrome Credenza at Pieces.

Row 13:
Concrete Low Dresser, $599 at CB2.
Antiqued Mirror Credenza by Currey & Company, $3,951.20 at HomeClick.
Niche Dining Buffet, $699 at West Elm.

Row 14:
Tall Key Module Credenza by Housefish, $679 at Design Public.
Danish Modern Teak Credenza, $822.50 on eBay.
Slice Swoon Wall-Mounted Shelf, $149 at CB2.

Row 15:
Cross Credenza by Matthew Hilton, $3,000 at DWR.
Franklin Media Cabinet at Circle Furniture.

Row 16:
K55 Boutique Buffet, $622.21 at Home Furniture Showroom.
Kast Sideboard by VITRA, $9,630 at ModLivin.
Oak Ligna Sideboard by Ethnicraft, $2,800 at Lekker Home.

Row 17:
Rosewood Sideboard, $6,126.80 at Bouf.
The Other Sideboard by Studioilse for Cerruti Baleri, $13,213 at Unica Home.
Credenza #24 by Daao Concepts at Daao Concepts.

Row 18:
Grate Oak Sideboard at Koush Design.
Drift Sideboard by Want Studio, $7,620.21 at Bouf.

Row 19:
White Highboard by Morten Georgsen, $2,396 at BoConcept.
Sideboard by Out of the Dark, $842.44 at Bouf.
Satellite Sideboard L270-78 by Barber Osgerby, $3,326 at Unica Home.

Row 20:
DOK Steel Sideboard by Reinier de Jong, 250€ at Renier de Jong.
Sideboard by Morten Georgsen, $1,995 at BoConcept.
Prima Sideboard by Toby Howes, $6,892.65 at Bouf.

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