top of page
Search

2019 Bulfinch Award Winner - Governor's House

  • Writer: LISA THARP
    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:

  1. Architectural upgrades to better marry a recent two-story addition to the classicism of the original structure;

  2. 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;

  3. An all-white palette that honors the classical Greek exterior while providing an ethereal backdrop for sculptural furnishings and travel-inspired treasures;

  4. 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.

Living Room After. Interior Architecture + Design by Lisa Tharp. Photo by Michael J. Lee.
AFTER: Living Room - New pair of bookcases flank double pocket door opening to Dining Room. Original embrasured shutters, rescued from an outbuilding, are restored.

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.

Attic Before II
BEFORE: Attic

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.

Interior design by Lisa Tharp. Photo by Michael J. Lee. Ebonized chest, English balustrade lamp, Boston spooled door surround.
Dining Room pocket doors are flanked with a pair of ebonized sideboard chests. Original Boston spooled door surround is repurposed as wall art, framing English balustrade lamps.



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


Exterior
Exterior - On the drive-facing elevation, the two-story addition’s central massing is now sympathetically connected to the original structure via painted reclaimed brick cladding that echoes the patina of the original chimneys.

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.

16 Comments

uyenghomsoet.h.uy.e.n+abc123
2 days ago

https://tylekeobongda88.com/ hôm trước mình lướt thấy ai đó nhắc nên bấm vào xem thử cho biết. Vào trang cái là thấy giao diện khá thoáng, không kiểu nhồi chữ dày đặc nên nhìn đỡ mệt mắt. Mình chỉ quan tâm nhanh phần kèo nhà cái với tỷ lệ kèo bóng đá hôm nay, thấy họ để số liệu khá ngay ngắn, nhìn qua là biết đang nói trận nào chứ không phải đoán mò. Kéo xuống một chút thì có khu bài mới đăng, kiểu cập nhật theo dòng nên ai hay xem lại chắc tiện. Mình cũng thích cái cách họ chia nội dung theo từng khối, cuộn xuống vẫn giữ được nhịp, không bị rối, nhất là mấy…

Like
kandadaa.mri.ttg+abc123
6 days ago

https://dn88.gb.net/ mình lướt thử vì thấy mọi người nhắc mấy hôm nay, chủ yếu tò mò xem trang làm có dễ nhìn không. Vào cái là thấy bố cục khá thoáng, các khối nội dung chia rõ nên kéo xuống không bị rối mắt. Mình không đọc kỹ hết, nhưng có để ý họ tách phần nói về tính pháp lý/giấy phép thành một mục riêng, nhìn phát là biết chỗ nào để xem thông tin kiểu “uy tín” chứ không phải mò trong đoạn dài. Mà chữ nghĩa cũng không bị nhồi quá dày, tiêu đề đặt rõ ràng nên lướt nhanh vẫn nắm được ý. Nói chung cảm giác dùng như một trang được sắp xếp có chủ…

Like
elsiebre.we.r1.6.921
May 15

https://tg88.miami/ hôm qua mình cũng tò mò ghé thử vì thấy mọi người nói nhiều, chủ yếu xem họ trình bày thông tin ra sao thôi. Vừa vào là thấy bài viết chia bố cục khá rõ, kiểu có đoạn giới thiệu về TG88 rồi phần nói về link truy cập an toàn cập nhật theo năm nên đọc lướt cũng hiểu đang nói gì. Mình thích cái cách họ dùng tiêu đề to và tách khối nội dung, kéo xuống không bị “ngợp chữ”. Menu nhìn cũng gọn, bấm qua lại mấy mục không phải tìm lâu. Nói chung cảm giác trang này làm theo kiểu ưu tiên người đọc, không bắt mình phải đoán đang ở phần nào,…

Like
melaniemarshall6592
May 09

uu88 mình lướt thử cho biết vì thấy nhiều người nhắc, không kỳ vọng gì nhiều. Vào trang cái là thấy giao diện nhìn khá “thoáng”, màu sắc dễ chịu, chữ không bị rối nên đọc nhanh cũng ổn. Mình thích kiểu họ chia nội dung theo từng khối rõ ràng, kéo xuống là biết đang ở phần nào chứ không bị trôi tuột. Có đoạn giới thiệu ngắn nhắc họ xuất hiện từ khoảng 2016–2017 nên mình nắm được sơ sơ lịch sử mà không phải tìm lung tung. Mình cũng chỉ nghía qua phần điều hướng thôi, menu đặt ngay chỗ dễ thấy, bấm qua lại mượt, không bị lag hay nhảy trang khó chịu. Nói chung cảm…

Like
nolafo.wle156+abc123
May 08

TG88 Đăng Nhập là hôm bữa mình lướt thử vì thấy mấy ông bạn nói nhiều, chủ yếu tò mò xem trang họ làm kiểu gì thôi. Vào cái là thấy phần tiêu đề với mấy heading lớn kiểu “nhà cái uy tín” đặt rõ ràng, kéo xuống là từng khối nội dung tách bạch nên không bị rối. Mình không chơi gì cả, chỉ bấm qua lại vài chỗ thì menu cũng dễ nhìn, cảm giác sắp xếp theo nhóm nên tìm thông tin nhanh. Có đoạn họ nhắc tới việc hợp tác với mấy nhà phát hành game lớn, đọc lướt cũng hiểu ý chứ không dài dòng. Nói chung giao diện nhìn sạch sẽ, chữ dễ đọc,…

Like
Lisa Tharp Design Homepage
  • YouTube

© 2025 Lisa Tharp Design

bottom of page