Living room with a brown sofa, two white armchairs, a round coffee table with books and a flower vase, windows with white shades, wall art, and built-in shelves.

WHAT IS HERITAGE MODERN?

Heritage Modern is a design philosophy I created to capture the sweet spot between classic and current — where timeworn materials, antique finds, and architectural character meet clean lines and modern comfort. It’s a look that feels both rooted and relaxed, layered but not fussy, and always deeply personal. Whether you live in a 19th century Colonial or a brand-new build, Heritage Modern brings warmth, patina, and story to your space.

What Defines Heritage Modern?

Think of it as a thoughtful mix of:

Living room with large windows, wooden floor, a round wooden table with a lamp, a potted plant, books, and flowers, a sitting area with cushioned furniture, and a dining room visible through an open doorway.

Antiques with Soul
From English pine, vintage Oushaks, old oil paintings, and one-of-a-kind flea market finds, these treasures add soul and story to every space.

A dining room with a wooden table, beige upholstered chairs, a chandelier, two lit candles, and a vase with yellow flowers on the table. There is a large window with black frames, a white lamp on a radiator, and a tall green plant near the window.

A Natural Palette
Think warm neutrals, linens, woods, and stone, natural fibers like jute and rattan, and colors found in nature from earth tones to ocean hues.

A bedroom with a wooden four-poster bed, a black dresser with a white lamp and a vase of flowers on it, two windows with patterned curtains, and framed artwork on the walls.

Art that Feels Personal
Portraits with mystery, landscapes with mood, and collected prints or sketches that speak to you. Heritage Modern leans into art that invites curiosity and connection.

Living room with white sofa, two brown armchairs, a contemporary coffee table with books and decorative objects, a fireplace with a fire, a window with greenery outside, and artwork including a framed portrait above the fireplace.

Architectural Respect
Embracing the bones of a space, or bringing back a history lost. Original trim, paneling, or timeworn floorboards are heroes here.

Living room corner with a floral patterned sofa, a small wooden side table with a lit candle, a book, a vase with green plants, brown curtains, and a window showing trees outside.

Global & Textural Layers
Handwoven textiles, carved wood, artisan-made ceramics — pieces that reflect the histories of the places they come from, inviting connection beyond aesthetics.

Living room with a white sofa, beige and brown pillows, a wooden coffee table with red tulips in a glass vase, an open magazine, and decorative objects. In the background, a side table with a black and white lamp, books, and a candle.

Modern Balance
Streamlined furniture, edited styling, and smart layout choices add a sense of livable ease, comfort, and freshness. Always inviting, never precious.

A cozy bedroom with a sloped ceiling and floral wallpaper, featuring a bed with neutral-colored pillows and a dark blanket, two small windows, a rustic wooden beam, a black bedside lamp, and a small table with a potted plant.

HOW TO ACHIEVE THE LOOK

You don’t need a historic home (or a museum budget) to embrace Heritage Modern. Here are a few core principles to guide you:

1. Honor the Architecture

Work with your home’s historic character — not against it. Embrace original features, or add timeless architectural details like paneling, millwork, or classic hardware to create a sense of place.

2. Mix in Pieces with History

Incorporate vintage or antique furniture, artwork, and objects that add depth and soul. Think: a carved side chair, an old oil painting, or a timeworn table that tells a story.

3. Layer Natural Materials

Think warm woods, limestone or marble, iron, linen, jute, and rattan. These textures bring warmth and grounding — and only get better with age.

4. Use Color with Intention

Choose hues found in nature — from earthy neutrals like camel and olive to oceanic tones like blues and seaglass. Layering these tones creates a palette that feels both calm and connected.

5. Choose Modern Elements That Let the Rest Breathe

Bring in streamlined, modern furniture or accents to keep the space functional and current, and with an interesting mix. These pieces offer contrast and clarity — making the layered details feel fresh, not fussy.

Living room with patterned sofa, beige throw blanket, large tapestry of a nature scene, wooden console table with a white vase, books, and a mirror, and a brass floor lamp, all on a textured rug.

Designing in the Heritage Modern Style

My interiors often blend high and low, old and new — with an emphasis on authenticity. Whether you’re furnishing a family home, renovating a country cottage, or need guidance styling a space from scratch, I bring a Heritage Modern perspective to every project.

Let’s design a space that feels lived-in, loved, and uniquely yours.