Creating a Gathering Space

Designing a Functional and Stylish Living Room in a Historic Farmhouse.

Sometimes, life presents you with challenges, and other times, it blesses you with moments of pure sweetness. In this case, I got both. For me, challenges—especially those involving spatial design and programming—are always a welcome opportunity. So, I couldn’t have been more thrilled to take on this project as I collaborated with a wonderful young family in Candia, NH, at their historic farmhouse dating back to the late 1700s.

During our initial onsite consultation, it was clear that this couple had a keen eye for design. They had already poured their hearts into several major interior updates, including exposing original beams, adding new windows, crafting custom millwork, installing recessed lighting, and refreshing the space with fresh paint. Their home told a story inspired by travel, nature, patterns, the property's rich history, and their love of vintage furnishings. I felt truly honored to be chosen to help them reimagine a few key spaces in their home, with the centerpiece of our project being the living room—a space brimming with potential and meaning.

The living room is a long, versatile space that naturally lent itself to being divided into two distinct zones, each with its own purpose and activity. The couple shared that one of the things they loved most about their home was its capacity to host large gatherings of friends and family. Their goal for the living room was clear: to create a space that could comfortably seat twelve people.

To achieve this, we began by adapting their existing (and initially smaller) sectional to accommodate more seating. From there, we introduced a six-foot vintage farmhouse coffee table, a cozy swivel glider, and matching vintage end tables for added charm and functionality. A drop-leaf dining table with extendable leaves and slipcovered dining chairs ensured flexibility for hosting. To tie it all together, we added custom block-printed café curtains handmade in India, as well as two custom-fabricated bookcases flanking the sectional. These bookcases were connected by a continuous shelf behind the sofa, creating a layered, maximalist aesthetic that was both organized and inviting. The result was a space that perfectly balanced comfort, style, and purpose.

Multiple wood tones and color stories balance the two zones of the living room accented with metallic gold and a touch of biophilia.

The swivel glider is strategically placed to allow the user to seamlessly enjoy both zones of the living room. The shelves flanking the window are thoughtfully curated with collections of vintage books, art, and treasures gathered from the couple's travels. To the right of the shelves, a heartfelt display of needlepoint works lovingly crafted by the owner's grandmother adds a personal and nostalgic touch to the space.

To provide a thoughtful and grounded backdrop for the expanded sectional sofa by Sixpenny, Caroline designed a millwork feature painted to match the historic green existing trim. This custom piece cleverly conceals an old steam heat pipe, hovers seamlessly over a cast iron heater, and extends behind the sofa to integrate with an additional set of shelves. The shelf itself is adorned with vintage brass lamps featuring perforated foil shades, a charming collection of New Hampshire-themed plates, and an array of vibrant houseplants, adding warmth and character to the space.

The living room beautifully weaves together a tapestry of patterns and colors. A harmonious mix of blue, green, floral, striped, block prints, and barn-red accents guides your eye from one delightful detail to the next, creating a dynamic and visually engaging space.

Looking east, you can take in what was likely the original footprint of the living room, featuring the charming fireplace and a door leading to the front entryway.

A view of the living room from the front entry showcases the timeless charm of this space, celebrating over 250 years of rich history.

Designed and styled by Caroline Alexander, Sunrise Vintage Home

Photographed by Robert Moreno

2024 - Candia, NH

Honoring the Past, Embracing the Present

Crafting an entryway to commemorate the latest chapter of a farm's 250-year legacy.

Every home has a story, and for a young family moving into their dream property—once a sheep farm with a pond, a heron rookery, and acres of wilderness—they wanted their design to reflect both its history and their growing family.

To capture this vision, we partnered with Amy Tilton of Home Remedy Studio, whose talent for storytelling through art brought their dream to life. The mural is a stunning tribute to the land’s past, depicting fields, forestry, a graceful heron, and the serene pond at the heart of the property. At its center is the family’s beloved dog, Ruby, joyfully splashing in the water—a nod to the playful energy that now fills the home.

This mural isn’t just art; it’s a living narrative, honoring the property’s roots while celebrating a beautiful new chapter.

Looking to weave your own story into your home? Let us help you bring it to life.

As you ascend the stairs, you’re drawn into the intricate beauty of the custom mural, where every brushstroke tells a story and adds depth to the artwork.

A graceful heron glides overhead, a fitting tribute to the property’s legacy as "Heron Flight Farm."

The architectural details of the home’s oldest section, dating back to the late 1700s, provide a stunning backdrop for the winding mural, seamlessly blending history with artistry.

The front entry hall welcomes you with its wide-plank pine flooring and charming hinged front door, seamlessly leading to the living room, upstairs, and dining room.

Styled by Caroline Alexander, Sunrise Vintage Home

Mural by Amy Tilton, Home Remedy Studio

Photographed by Robert Moreno

2024 - Candia, NH

Adding a Dash of Character

An early 2000's bathroom renovation gets a facelift.

When we first saw this bathroom, it felt like it belonged to a different house entirely—modern, but lacking the warmth and charm you’d expect in a historic farmhouse. Our goal was to bring it back to life, creating a space that felt more cohesive with the rest of the home. We color drenched the walls, ceiling, and existing vanity in Vintage Vogue by Benjamin Moore, a rich historic green that instantly set the tone. We also layered in new details: adding elegant molding, building a custom linen closet, and installing a practical yet beautiful shelf near the tub. We swapped the cabinet hardware for something with a vintage touch and replaced the vanity lighting with fixtures that brought both style and warmth. By the time we were done, the bathroom felt like it had always been a part of the home’s story—just with a fresh "new" vibe.

A salvaged backsplash from a vintage furniture piece adds warmth and a touch of whimsy above the bathroom entry, while a richly hued area rug provides comfort and character underfoot.

A painted, repurposed shelf sets the stage for a charming vintage vignette, featuring apothecary jars, floral print artwork, and locally crafted soap resting on a handmade dish.

A vintage-inspired light fixture with glass shades and salvaged wooden furniture knobs add depth and contrast, perfectly complementing the richly color-drenched space.

Designed and styled by Caroline Alexander, Sunrise Vintage Home

Photographed by Robert Moreno

Millwork by Roger Callis

2024 - Candia, NH