LISA THARP DESIGN

UNION PARK - Boston, Massachusetts

On Boston’s historic Union Park, a six-story brick townhouse is reborn as a classic single family residence. Built in 1900, this brick townhouse has been respectfully renovated and reimagined as a gracious single family residence today. It’s historic legacy is honored with sensitive restoration of architectural proportions and new classical detailing. Juxtaposed against this traditional structure are rear glass walls at three of six levels, which flood the home with natural light. Lisa Tharp Design collaborated closely with Mellowes & Paladino Architects, The Holland Companies builders and LeBlanc Jones Landscape Architects on the interior envelope and outdoor rooms, including space planning, millwork and doors, cabinetry, and illumination. Wall treatments - from subtle color to suiting textures to silk - create a refined environment for a timeless mix of vintage custom and contemporary furnishings and lighting. Art and artifacts were curated from eras past and present to imbue timeless beauty.

The culmination is a classic, comfortable, light-filled home that sensitively ushers the past into the 21st century.

STREET LEVEL & FIRST FLOOR

In the library a silk rug anchors a comfortable reading chair and a vintage rosewood table. The chandelier of classic empire shade lights joins traditional picture lights at the bookcases to illuminate the library’s collection. Dimensional art layers more texture over the suiting wallpaper. The library showcases a view to the restored and newly painted stair hall and living room, in addition to displaying an abstract painting.

Artwork above fireplace is Bora by Sarah Philouze. Artwork to the left of the doorway is As We Sit, Waiting the Impending by Brian Jerome.

The living room renovation juxtaposes classical paneling with a modern wall of glass. A tailored custom velvet sofa lines an entire wall for sharing movie night with a crowd. Sculptural slipper chairs are by Roman Thomas NY. The glass orb chandelier by Ochre refracts rays of sunlight. Custom plaster sconces flank the fireplace and are echoed in the handcrafted plaster coffee table.

The moon vessel sculpture on pedestal is by D-Haene Studio.

Artwork above the sofa is Atlantis by Allan Reyes.

New millwork continues in the dining room, with paneling and tall glass cabinetry. The new herringbone floor includes a brass inlay border. The distinctive walnut-hued glass of the Italian Murano chandelier complements a 1970s Brutalist painting. The art was curated as a modern counterpoint to the otherwise classically elegant room. Silk wallpaper and fabric dress the walls and windows respectively. The dining table extends to seat a crowd.

Artwork above the fireplace is a 1970s abstract by Alfred Wunderlich. 

The new arched vestibule connects the dining room to the kitchen beyond. A plaster chandelier floats within its paneled envelope, which is painted a soft historic green. Pretty wallpaper and a vintage mirror lend classic grace to the powder room.

Art to the left of the arched vestibule is an abstract by Willie Cole.

In the kitchen an oversize pendant light fills the large volume above the island. A seating area at the glass wall lends softness. Swivel chairs enjoy the view or turn to lounge with the cook in the busiest room of the home. Carefree indoor/outdoor fabrics say “put up your feet and stay awhile.”

SECOND FLOOR

The main bedroom’s analogous color palette, ranging from warm pinks to blushes to camel, creates a tranquil atmosphere. Furniture silhouettes are refined classics with gentle curves. A small art moment and bouquet of tulips add up to pure repose.

The study desk’s fluting evokes Classical Order columns. An abstract silk rug is as much a work of art as the painting above. Softly curved furniture silhouettes continue from the adjacent bedroom. The curated artifact collection is hidden when the room door opens, and privately enjoyed when the door slides closed.

Artwork above the sofa is a contemporary abstract expressionist painting on wood, artist unknown.

The new main bath is a study in bright whites and understated elegance.

THIRD & FOURTH FLOOR

Left: This handsome bedroom design includes includes a deep new window seat at original bow windows. Gray suiting wallpaper and fabrics mix with linens to create a tailored peaceful atmosphere.

Right: A fully upholstered canopy bed and drapery installed to the crown raise this pretty bedroom’s perceived ceiling height. A vintage Murano chandelier catches the light above.

A room-length window seat was added to the top-floor family room. Articulating sconces light the corners, while a flexible seating plan easily rearranges to suit a variety of activities. Restored Milo Baughman swivel chairs can face the television or join the window seat conversation. Cafe style seating hosts games, puzzles or casual family dining.

Artwork by the lounge chairs is Black Sea and Black Curve by Isabel Bigelow.

A beautiful ivory texture wraps the walls of this guest bedroom under the eaves. Natural fibers underfoot and organic bed linens offer a warm welcome for the senses.

Artwork on the wall is Motif by Patricia Wilder.

GARDEN LEVEL

The garden level guest bedroom was converted from a basement utility space. Draping the entire bow wall creates the illusion of extra windows while cocooning guests in monochromatic tranquility.

Artwork above the dresser is by Willie Cole.

The new garden lounge seamlessly connects indoors and out. Gray flannel walls are a cozy counterpoint to the room’s large expanse of glass. Handmade ceramics and barware fill the floating shelves.

EXTERIOR SPACES

The new carriage house stands across a garden courtyard opposite the six-story townhouse. It is clad in brick to blend with its historic setting. Its volume creates several private outdoor spaces for enjoying nature and fresh air on multiple levels. Its roof deck with pergola includes a white Saarinen dining table and large u-shape sectional. 

On top of the townhouse, the upper roof deck enjoys skyline views of Boston.

DESIGN ELEMENTS

PARTNERS

Lisa Tharp Design collaborated on all interior architecture, kitchen, baths, cabinetry, in addition to interior design.

• Mellowes & Paladino - Architecture

• The Holland Companies - Construction + Renovation

• LeBlanc Jones - Landscape Architecture

SOURCES AND CREDITS

Entry - First Floor

• STAIR RUNNER: Wilshire in Onyx (Source: Steven King, Boston Binding)

• SCONCES AT STAIRS: Symon Sconce in Polished Nickel (Source: Urban Electric)

Library - Street Level

• LOUNGE CHAIRS: No. 802 Chair, Fabric is Elie in Crushing Green (Source: M-Geough, Holland & Sherry)

• TABLE: Carmel Dining Table in Walnut (Source: Ferrell Mittman)

• CHANDELIER: Kelly Large Chandelier in Burnished Silver Leaf (Source: Niermann Weeks)

• PICTURE LIGHTS: Small Rounded Picture Lights 9 in Brushed Nickel (Source: Ann Morris)

• PENDANT IN VESTIBULE: Rookery in Polished Nickel (Source: Steven Gambrel for Urban Electric)

• WALLPAPER: Heathered Linen in Seaglass (Source: Phillip Jeffries)

• RUG: Plaza in custom color (Source: Mark Inc Rugs)

• ART ABOVE FIREPLACE: Bora by Sarah Philouze (Source: JoAnne Artman Gallery)

• ART TO LEFT OF DOORWAY: As We Sit, Waiting the Impending by Brian Jerome (Source: 1st Dibs)

Living Room - Street Level

• CHAISES: Custom Design + Upholstery, Fabric is Baywatch in White Cap (Source: Lisa Tharp Collection, Holly Hunt)

• COFFEE TABLE: Custom White Plaster Coffee Table in the style of Milo Baughman (Source: N/A)

• CIRCULAR VASE: Moon Vase (Source: D-Haene Studio)

• SOFA AT WALL: Kate Sofa, Fabric is Forenza in Andesite (Source: Montauk, Romo)

• SIDE TABLE AT SOFA: Isadora Side Table in Natural (Source: Bungalow 5)

• SLIPPER CHAIRS: Blair Slipper Chair, Fabric is Rocco in Sandstorm (Source: Roman Thomas, Romo)

• SIDE TABLE AT CHAIR: Platner Side Table (Source: Vintage)

• CHANDELIER: Gaia Pendant, Multi-Tier (Source: Ochre)

• SCONCES AT SOFA: Library Single Arm Wall Light (Source: Vaughan via Studio 534)

• SCONCES AT FIREPLACE: Wilson Sconce (Source: Julie Neill)

• DRAPERY: Fabric is Les Moires in Givre by Casamance (Source: The Martin Group, Finelines Workroom)

• RUG: Tracks Pewter (Source: The Rug Company)

• ART ABOVE SOFA: Atlantis by Allan Reyes (Source: N/A)

Dining Room - First Floor

• TABLE: Nexus Round Dining Extension Table Altura in Walnut (Source: Dennis Miller Associates)

• DINING CHAIRS: Eno Side Chair, High Back, Fabric is Sandcastle in Rock Salt (Source: The Bright Group, Holly Hunt)

• WALLPAPER: Saint Germain Hemp in Silver on White (Source: Phillip Jeffries)

• DRAPERY: Thai Silk IV in Diamond by Jim Thompson (Source: Holly Hunt, Finelines Workroom)

• CHANDELIER: Serenade Chandelier with Murano Glass by Multiforme (Source: 1st Dibs)

• SCONCES AT ENTRY: 1950’s Pair of Maison Arlus Wall Lights (Source: Vingtieme via 1st Dibs)

• FLUSH MOUNT IN VESTIBULE: Mollino Tiered Chandelier in Polished Nickel (Source: Visual Comfort)

• ART ABOVE FIREPLACE: 1970s Abstract by Alfred Wunderlich

• ART TO LEFT OF ARCHED VESTIBULE: Abstract by Willie Cole

Powder Room - First Floor

• MIRROR: 1970’s Italian Oval Mirror by Metalvetro Galvorame (Source: 1st Dibs)

• SCONCES: Clout Small Sconce in Soft Silver (Source: Visual Comfort)

• WALLPAPER: Tiami in Mica (Source: Romo, L Mead Precision)

Kitchen - First Floor

• COUNTER STOOLS: Luca Cucina Counter Stools, Fabric is Kennedy Tweed in Sterling by Link (Source: Dennis Miller Associates, The Martin Group)

• LOUNGE CHAIRS BY WINDOW: High Back Swivel Lounge Chair, Fabric is Savile Row in Silver Fox (Source: The Bright Group, Holly Hunt)

• OTTOMAN AT WINDOW: Custom Ottoman, Fabric is Sandcastle in Rock Salt (Source: Lisa Tharp Collection, Holly Hunt)

• STONE VASE: Large Stone Vessel (Source: Katja Greef)

• CHANDELIER: Parisienne Chandelier by Regis Botta (Source: STUDIOTWENTYSEVEN)

Main Bedroom + Bath - Second Floor

• BED: Yvette Upholstered King Bed by Windsor Smith Upholstery, Fabric is Patagonia in Tan (Source: Century Furniture, Holland & Sherry)

• NIGHTSTAND: Jarin Nightstand with Brass Hardware (Source: Made Goods)

• ROLL PILLOW: Gemma in Angelic (Source: Maharam, Finelines Workroom)

• SLIPPER CHAIRS AT WINDOW: Halladay Lounge Chair by Gregorius Pineo, Fabric is Bonheur in Chance (Source: Holly Hunt, Romo)

• SIDE TABLE AT WINDOW: Stowe Side Table (Source: West Elm)

• CHANDELIER: Extra Large Glass Tulipan Chandelier, Austria circa 1960s (Source: AixoDesign via 1st Dibs)

• SCONCES ABOVE NIGHTSTANDS: Library Single Arm Wall Light (Source: Vaughan via Studio 534)

• DRAPERY: Linara in Rose Quartz (Source: Romo, Finelines Workroom)

• WALLPAPER: Vinyl Solstice Silk in Blush Star (Source: Phillip Jeffries)

• RUG: Custom Mohair Rug (Source: The Rug Company)

• CHAIR IN MAIN BATHROOM: Steeple Chair, Fabric is Liasse Commune (Source: Roche Bobois)

• SCONCES IN MAIN BATHROOM: Melissa Quartz Wall Sconce (Source: Urban Electric)

Study Off Of Main Bedroom - Second Floor

• DESK: Bridgeton Desk, Custom Size (Source: Century Furniture)

• CHAIR: Marlene Arm Chair, Fabric is Imbue in Soft (Source: The Bright Group, Maharam)

• SOFA: Eno High Back Settee, Fabric is Rostang in Neige (Source: Eno High Back Settee, Fabric is Rostang in Neige)

• SIDE TABLE: Leather Wisp Table Rectangular by OCHRE (Source: Studio 534)

• DRAPERY: Town in Beech (Source: Romo, Finelines Workroom)

• PENDANT AT WINDOW: Synapse in Aged Brass (Source: Apparatus)

• TASK LAMP: Knox Task Floor Lamp (Source: Restoration Hardware)

• RUG: Hand Knotted Wool and Silk (Source: Steven King Carpets)

• ART ABOVE SOFA: Contemporary Abstract Expressionist Painting on wood, artist unknown (Source: 1st Dibs)

Dark Bedroom - Third Floor

• BED: Brooks Bed, Fabric is Andes in Lake (Source: Circle Furniture, Holland & Sherry)

• NIGHTSTAND: Conrad Nightstand (Source: Made Goods)

• WINDOW SEAT: Big Softy in Bluestone (Source: Perennials)

• WALLPAPER: Brighton in York Gray by Aesthetics (Source: Holly Hunt)

• SCONCE ABOVE NIGHTSTAND: Corniche Sconce (Source: Jonathan Browning)

• ROMAN SHADES: Andes in Lake (Source: Holland & Sherry)

• RUG: Calacatta, Custom Colors (Source: The Rug Company)

Lilac Bedroom - Third Floor

• BED: Franklin Four Poster Bed, Fabric is Paris Texas in Lilas by Casamance (Source: Serena and Lily, The Martin Group)

• ROLL PILLOW: Ropa in Violet Sky (Source: Holland & Sherry)

• NIGHTSTANDS: Gabriel Bedside Chest (Source: Highland House)

• DRAPERY: Fabric is Paris Texas in Lilas by Casamance (Source: The Martin Group)

• CHANDELIER: White Murano Glass Tulip Chandelier (Source: South Loop Loft)

• SCONCES: Library Single Arm Wall Light (Source: Vaughan via Studio 534)

• TABLE LAMP: Pari Small Square Table Lamp (Source: Visual Comfort)

• RUG: Camdenton in Platinum (Source: Landry and Arcari)

Family Room - Fourth Floor

• BUILT-IN BANQUETTE: Seat cushion fabric is Winter Cat in Vanilla Bean (Source: Holly Hunt, Finelines Workroom)

• ROLL PILLOWS: Cosmo in Pearly Gates by Jim Thompson (Source: Holly Hunt, Finelines Workroom)

• DARK SQUARE PILLOWS: Gainsborough Velvet  in Tobacco (Source: Schumacher)

• RECTANGULAR PILLOWS: Mexidot in Burnt Sienna and Black (Source: Maharam)

• LIGHT SQUARE PILLOWS: Cosmo in Pearly Gates by Jim Thompson (Source: Holly Hunt)

• TABLE: Out of Line Dining Table, Round (Source: Fair Design)

• CHAIRS AT TABLE: Laurent Dining Chairs, Fabric is Cosmo in Pearly Gates by Jim Thompson (Source: Suzanne Kasler for Hickory Chair via Ailanthus on Harrison, Holly Hunt)

• LOUNGE CHAIRS: Custom Swivel Chairs in the Style of Milo Baughman (Source: Orange Furniture via 1st Dibs)

• SIDE TABLE: Bok Side Table (Source: Industry West)

• FLUSH MOUNT: Stamp Flush Mount (Source: Urban Electric)

• SCONCES AT BANQUETTE: Upton Wall Light (Source: Vaughan via Studio 534)

• WALLPAPER: Hinson Madagascar (Source: Scalamandre)

• RUG: Cruise in Wheat (Source: Landry and Arcari)

• ART BY LOUNGE CHAIRS (TOP): Black Curve by Isabel Bigelow (Source: Sears Peyton Gallery)

• ART BY LOUNGE CHAIRS (BOTTOM): Black Sea by Isabel Bigelow (Source: Sears Peyton Gallery)

Top Floor Guest Bedroom - Fourth Floor

• BED: Atoll Queen Bed by Antonio Citterio, Fabric is Luce in Blanched (Source: B&B Italia, Maharam)

• ROLL PILLOW: Genoa in Hazelnut by Jim Thompson (Source: Holly Hunt, Finelines Workroom)

• NIGHTSTAND: Port Blackened Wood Nightstand (Source: CB2)

• DRESSER: Ariel Large Three Drawer Chest (Source: Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams)

• TABLE LAMP ON NIGHTSTAND: Marleigh Accent Lamp (Source: Rejuvenation)

• WALLPAPER: Concrete Washi in Stepping Out (Source: Phillip Jeffries)

• RUG: Cruise Wheat (Source: Landry and Arcari)

• ART ON WALL: Motif by Patricia Wilder (Source: Cynthia Byrnes)

Garden Level Guest Bedroom - Garden Level

• BEDROOM: Custom Bed Frame, Fabric is Double Down in Platinum (Source: Lisa Tharp Collection, Holly Hunt)

• NIGHTSTAND: Androgyne Side Table in Ivory (Source: Menu Design Shop)

• DRESSER: Split Leg Three Drawer Dresser (Source: West Elm)

• ACCENT CHAIR: Cahn Closed Arm Chair, Fabric is 7726/28 in Rhodium (Source: The Bright Group, Romo)

• LONG PILLOW: Genoa in Greige by Jim Thompson (Source: Holly Hunt)

• RECTANGULAR PILLOWS: Asuri in Rhodium (Source: Romo)

• TABLE LAMP ON NIGHTSTAND: Terri Large Round Table Lamp (Source: Visual Comfort)

• TABLE LAMP ON DRESSER: Juliette Lamp, Short (Source: Dumais Made)

• WALLPAPER: Haruki Sisal in Silver (Source: Schumacher)

• DRAPERY: Hielo in Frost (Source: Holland & Sherry)

• RUG: Brackenhill in Silver (Source: Landry and Arcari)

• ART ON DRESSER: Untitled by Willie Cole

Lounge - Garden Level

• SOFA: Eave Modular Sofa, Fabric is Beck in Buckram (Source: Lekker, Maharam)

• OTTOMANS: Ralph Lauren Patchwork Ottomans (Source: Stitch)

• SIDE TABLE: Port Blackened Wood (Source: CB2)

• WALLPAPER: Heathered Linen in Denim Wash (Source: Phillip Jeffries)

• RUG: Gulf Stream Blue Rapids (Source: Landry and Arcari)

Roof Deck

• SOFA: Santos Aluminum Modular Sofa in Charcoal (Source: Restoration Hardware)

• OTTOMAN: Custom Rectangular Ottoman, Fabric is Milano in Silver Moon (Source: Lisa Tharp Collection, Holly Hunt)

• SIDE TABLE: Bok Side Table (Source: Industry West)

Balcony

• TABLE: Parsons Outdoor Table in Graphite (Source: Room and Board)

• DINING CHAIRS: Aegean Aluminium and Mesh Dining Chairs (Source: Restoration Hardware)

Garage Roof Deck

• SOFA: Santos Aluminum Modular Sofa in Charcoal (Source: Restoration Hardware)

• TABLE: Restoration Hardware (Source: Design Within Reach)

• DINING CHAIRS: Santos Aluminum Dining Chairs (Source: Restoration Hardware)

• DRINK TABLE: Small Travertine Square Table (Source: Vintage)

• ART ABOVE SOFA: Juxtaposition by Lisa Tharp

Garden Courtyard

• CHAISE: Maya Aluminum Modular Sofa in Charcoal (Source: Restoration Hardware)

• LOUNGE CHAIRS: Santos Aluminum Modular Sofa in Charcoal (Source: Restoration Hardware)

• SIDE TABLE: Outdoor Martini Table in Storm Etched (Source: Arhaus)

• OTTOMAN: Custom Rectangular Ottoman, Fabric is Milano in Silver Moon (Source: Lisa Tharp Collection, Holly Hunt)

PHOTOGRAPHY

Photography by Read McKendree

Website: readmckendree.com

Styled by Katja Greef

DESIGN

Instagram: @lisa_tharp

Website: lisatharp.com

PUBLICIST

Lisa Davis
DAVIS GONTHIER
415.793.3334
lisa@davisgonthier.com
Instagram: @davisgonthier