2019 Bulfinch Award Winner - Governor's House

LISA THARP
Apr 6, 2019
2 min read

Updated: Aug 25, 2024

Governor's House - 2019 Bulfinch Award for Interior Design — Governor's House - Interior Architecture + Design by Lisa Tharp.

We were thrilled to learn that our Governor's House project has been awarded the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art (ICAA)'s 2019 Bulfinch Award for interior design. "The Bulfinch Awards recognize practitioners from across the nation who are committed to promoting excellence in the classical tradition and allied arts within New England." I was particularly humbled and honored to know that our work was judged by an illustrious jury which includes personal design heroes Erik Evens, Steven Gambrel and Gil Shafer.

The ICAA's New England chapter will be hosting a "ceremonial reception and dinner gala on April 27, 2019 in the Harvard Hall at the Harvard Club of Boston which was designed by Parker, Thomas & Rice." Our team looks forward to celebrating with our builder partner Burnham Builders, LLC. in honor of our inspiring clients. We hope to see you there!

Meanwhile, I thought it would be nice to share the story behind the project, including Before & After images, both inside and out:

P R O J E C T S U M M A R Y

Our Interior Architecture + Design program for this stately 1830 Greek Revival, once the summer residence of the Union’s Civil War era governor (and Abraham Lincoln’s cousin),

and sited on a peninsula landscaped by Frederick Law Olmsted, includes:

Architectural upgrades to better marry a recent two-story addition to the classicism of the original structure;
An edited mix of furnishings, from European antiques to iconic Mid-Century Modern finds to custom pieces created by the designer and handcrafted of all-natural materials by local makers in and around New England;
An all-white palette that honors the classical Greek exterior while providing an ethereal backdrop for sculptural furnishings and travel-inspired treasures;
Use of fun, non-toxic finishes and soft outdoor upholstery fabrics for carefree, modern life in this historic home;

And, in sum, a considered design that enables a hip young family to write their

own story in this special place, just as the governor did 188 years before.

Come on in...

Governor's House Dining Room. Interior Architecture + Design by Lisa Tharp. Photo by Michael J. Lee. — AFTER: Enfilade view from new addition to original Parlor and Dining Room beyond.

F L O O R P L A N S

(Darker framing lines indicate additions / modifications to the original structure that predate this project)

Governor's House Main Floor Plan — Main Floor Plan

Governor's House Second Floor Plan — Second Floor Plan

I N T E R I O R A R C H I T E C T U R E

Living Room - Before — BEFORE: Living Room towards Dining Room.

Master Bedroom - Before — BEFORE: Master Bedroom elevation, between His and Hers Dressing Rooms.

Master Bedroom by Lisa Tharp. Photo by Michael J. Lee. — AFTER: Master Bedroom - New paneling lends classic detailing. Custom Cloud bed by Lisa Tharp. Mid-Century Modern bench. Tom Dixon pendant light.

Kitchen - Before — BEFORE: Kitchen was part of the newer two story addition. Deep range hood cabinetry (with carved granite lobsters backsplash) blocked sight lines and natural light.

Kitchen - After. Interior Architecture + Design by Lisa Tharp. Photo by Michael J. Lee. — AFTER: Kitchen upgrades reveal window left of range. New custom plaster and stainless steel hood is complemented by open shelving and Neolith Estatuario backsplash. Commissioned black and white photography portrays architectural details of outbuildings on the property’s grounds. The home’s mantra? Use the good silver every day.

Children's Study - Concept Board — BEFORE: Children’s Study Concept - Spare space across from Kitchen is envisioned as a place for homework and family games.

Children's Study - After. Interior Architecture + Design by Lisa Tharp. Photo by Michael J. Lee. — AFTER: Children’s Study - New built-in desk scribed to the bay window provides seating for two and plenty of storage. Antique corbels double as paperweights.

Children's Study Wide - After. Interior Architecture + Design by Lisa Tharp. Photo by Michael J. Lee. — AFTER: Children’s Study - Wine racks from Doris Duke’s estate installed as wall sculpture also display LEGO treasures.

Bunk Room Sketch — Bunk Room Plan Sketch - New triple-window dormer and five new built-in beds convert unfinished attic to a favorite retreat.

Attic Before — BEFORE: Attic space under the eaves, pre-dormer.

Bunk Room After. Interior Architecture + Design by Lisa Tharp. Photo by Michael J. Lee. — AFTER: Bunk Room - New triple-window dormer and shiplapped built-in beds host lounging by day, sleepovers at night.

Bunk Room After III. Interior Architecture + Design by Lisa Tharp. Photo by Michael J. Lee. — AFTER: Bunk Room - Full bed enclosed by soft drapery overlooks black chalkboard wall with recessed TV (not shown). Hand-painted floors inject geometric fun.

I N T E R I O R D E S I G N

Governor's House dining room by Lisa Tharp. Photo by Michael J. Lee. — Dining Room: Layered to a T marble and walnut-stained table by Lisa Tharp is a modern counterpoint to classical architecture. Antique Italian gilded chandelier. Jean-Michel Frank chairs in original silk velvet. Contemporary art by Briggs Edward Solomon.

Living Room. Interior Architecture + Design by Lisa Tharp. Photo by Michael J. Lee. — Living Room: Carter sofa and settee by the designer are crowned for supreme comfort, upholstered in durable velvet. Doric columns pay sculptural homage to Ionic order. Cote d'Ivoire Senufo ceremonial daybed serves as the coffee table.

Living Room Side View. Interior Architecture + Design by Lisa Tharp. Photo by Michael J. Lee. — Living Room: The open back of the Carter settee (right image) preserves sight lines from the Formal Entry.

Formal Entry - Before and After. Interior Architecture + Design by Lisa Tharp. Photo by Michael J. Lee. — BEFORE: Formal Entry - original wide plank floors. AFTER: Formal Entry - Handpainted harlequin pattern introduces classical geometry and cues visitors to relax and enjoy. Vintage Thonet chair. Contemporary walnut grooved sconces.

Formal Entry Interior and Top View. Interior Architecture + Design by Lisa Tharp. Photo by Michael J. Lee. — AFTER: Formal Entry - Original mahogany stair railing and treads were preserved. Swedish antiques.

Family Room - Before — BEFORE: Family Room was part of the newer two story addition. View from rear stairwell landing.

Family Room - After. Interior Architecture + Design by Lisa Tharp. Photo by Michael J. Lee. — AFTER: Family Room - Millwork detailing was simplified to better complement original architecture. Vintage Mid-Century Danish chairs join custom ottoman in outdoor fabric.

Family Room - After II. Interior Architecture + Design by Lisa Tharp. Photo by Michael J. Lee. — AFTER: Family Room - Crisp white walls in non-toxic paint allow for the view to take center stage. Mediterranean olive urns.

Breakfast Room by Lisa Tharp. Photo by Michael J. Lee. — AFTER: Breakfast Room - Extra long Andrew settee by Lisa Tharp is joined by antique pendant light, Swedish table and iconic Bertoia chairs. Cafe curtains filter the light and add privacy yet keep views of sky open.

Powder Room - After. Interior Architecture + Design by Lisa Tharp. Photo by Michael J. Lee. — AFTER: Like pretty paper lining a drawer, the Powder Room wallpaper adds a colorful surprise. Inspired by Japanese artist Katshushika Hokusai’s The Great Wave off Kanagawa, the paper is complemented by a Mid-Century burl mirror.

E X T E R I O R

Before - Greek Revival transformation by Lisa Tharp. — BEFORE: Front elevation of original structure.

Street-facing elevation - After. Interior Architecture + Design by Lisa Tharp. Photo by Michael J. Lee. — AFTER: Street-facing elevation exhibits a fresh white palette with rich green shutters to complement the landscape.

Fin

"After" photography by Michael J. Lee.

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