Text by Holly Seng
Built in 1814 and listed with the National Register of Historic Places, it’s no surprise that interior designer Whitney Talsma’s Federal-style farmhouse offers a rich, storied past. However, what drew the founder of Oliver James Interiors and her husband, Jon, to this particular historic abode was its cheerful ambience and a layout fit for modern living.
“It’s not super choppy, but it still has its rooms where we can have our own spaces,” Whitney notes, emphasizing the structure’s good bones and overall flow. Situated on two acres in their MetroWest Boston neighborhood, the property also provides ample gardens as well as open land for the couple’s two kids, Theo and Willow, to run.
When it came to making the home their own, Whitney’s vision involved imparting a fresh and personal feel that illustrates their love for travel, color, and nature without sacrificing the home’s existing character. The result is a cozy cottage style layered with natural elements, florals, and a careful balance of feminine, romantic touches with more masculine elements. “A lot of people—potential leads and clients—have said that my style has a Nancy Meyers feel to it,” she says.
The family room exudes that delightful blend of relaxed sophistication. Local legend has it that the room is actually an old Vermont barn that was attached to the home later on. When the Talsmas first set eyes on the space, it was dark and unpainted, having gone unused. With its Southern exposure and surrounding lush garden views, Whitney noticed potential to create a bright retreat by capitalizing on the abundance of windows and painting the walls and ceiling Benjamin Moore’s White Dove. The original beams highlight the vaulted ceiling as they radiate warmth.
A plethora of drapes lend breezy elegance while also providing temperature control in the warmer months. Woven baskets, beautiful blooms, and a live olive tree infuse natural touches as upholstered furnishings soften the more angular surfaces and lines present in the surrounding scene. Incorporating vintage pieces—such as the hand-painted Dutch-style trunk sitting underneath the frame TV—is a large part of Whitney’s design and seen throughout her home.
In the kitchen, Whitney added beaded board to the walls and island. Previously a stark white, she painted the cabinets Creamy by Sherwin Williams to enhance the coziness furthered by the original ceilings. A soft sage, the island complements the subtle green tint of the marble countertops as it contributes to the theme of nature repeated throughout the home. An expansive window serves as the ideal nook for Whitney’s potted topiaries and fresh herbs.
Enchanting elements bring classic charm to the kitchen—like the beehive oven that serves as storage for the Talsmas’ collection of cookbooks. “We love cooking, and making [the kitchen] beautiful yet still functional is key,” Whitney notes. A mix of open shelving and closed cabinetry provides opportunities for stylish vignettes as well as places for tucking away appliances and everyday items. Building the coffee bar opened up a corner that had previously gone unused and equipped the space with extra storage. The corbels adorning the upper shelving supply a decorative accent that enhances the room’s English cottage aesthetic.
Whitney’s favorite place in the home is without a doubt the primary bedroom, which features a captivating botanical block print wallpaper that caught her eye long before they purchased the home. Drawing from its light blue-green hue, she and Jon painted the trim, doors, and ceiling Benjamin Moore’s Pleasant Valley. A cheery quilt and shams pull in the wallpaper’s goldenrod yellow shades, while a scalloped sheet and duvet set tie in the corresponding lampshades and hanging plates for an overall design that blends traditional touches with lovely details.
Throughout the Talsmas’ home, you’ll find a delicate balance of preserved history and personal style as they seek to honor the home’s story while incorporating their own. “With more than 200-plus years of owners in the home, we’ve all kind of put our touches on it,” Whitney says.
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