Simple

Simple

A Boston Pied-à-Terre

If you've been following Boxwood Terrace since the early days, you know how much I admire Charles Spada's interior designs. I've done a few posts about his work because it always impresses me. The following are photos of a 600 square foot apartment he designed on the top floor of what was once a church in Boston's South End. 


The white walls of the apartment highlight the owners' collection of eighteenth- and nineteenth-century German, Italian, and French drawings.  The dark walnut parquet floors set off the pale colored neo-classical style furniture, which was designed by Spada to maximize space.   



It was difficult to scan the photo of the entire banquette against the wall, but I wanted to show Spada's smart and attractive solution for hiding the air conditioner on the far right wall. He had a folding screen made and covered in burlap, which shields the unit from view, but doesn't inhibit air flow.  Have you ever seen such elegant use of burlap?  The painted wrought-iron garden urn in front of the screen holds white orchids.  It's my favorite thing in the room.
What surprises me most is that this apartment was designed more than a decade ago and it's still fresh and elegant.  The classical elements and antiques make it a timeless.


Everyone knows the trick of hanging mirrors opposite windows to make a small space look larger, but Spada's custom-built long shelf saves floor space and minimizes the need for tables. It's another clever idea that anyone can duplicate.

All photos and details from the book East Coast Rooms by Anna Kasabian.  Photos by Eric Roth.  Interior design by Charles Spada LLC.



14 comments:

  1. Such a beautiful home, Deborah. The art is amazing too!
    I love the neutral yet vibrant interior.
    Teresa
    xoxo

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  2. You are right there is a timeless look to this! I love the mirror and the long shelf...great ideas and it really creates a sense of space! The burlap screen is totally unique, and what a great idea for hiding the ugliness of a needed device like the air conditioner! It also added a nice texture to the area! Good stuff!

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  3. Deborah, stunning. I am speechless. What a glorious space. You must have known I would love this as much as you - being the classical loving girls we are. Hope all is well. I heard it is thunder-stormy in Boston tonight.

    xo Terri

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  4. I don't love all of Spada's spaces, but this one is a definite winner!

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  5. Love this! I am getting ready to help my daughter decorate a really small cottage and am refreshing my memory on small space "tricks". Thanks!!

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  6. hi deborah! hope all is well with you

    this man is brilliant. my fav. i also the burlap screen. i love when a design project presents an issue which often results in an end result that might never have been thought of before.

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  7. Hi D., I came back to look at this gorgeous post again and save the photos, if you don't mind. Where was this published? Sorry you have been so busy at work. Me too actually - immersed in real life these days and not as much time for fussing with the house, which has been fine actually. Sometimes one has to stop day dreaming and just work. haha.

    I don't know much of his work other than what you have shown but I love the neoclassical bits and the whites and neutrals.

    That screen is crazy creative. Love that.

    xo Terri

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  8. Lovely. I like how the convex mirror takes your eye up.

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  9. So beautiful and timeless! Great post!!
    xox Gina

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  10. Hi All - thanks for the comments. I'm glad you enjoyed the post.

    Terri - The photos are from the book "East Coast Rooms" as noted at the end of the post. It's available on Amazon.com.

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  11. So good to catch up. I'm afraid my schedule has kept me from being a very good commenter and blog friend. Love this post. I'm dying over the pedestals and art in the first image. Hope all is well with you. Mona

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  12. Hi Deb, that apartment was designed a decade ago?? It’s so fresh, so now and that is why Charles Spada rules! I really love the mix in this apartment, the drawings and that burlap screen has given me a few ideas. Love his work and I wish he would come work on my home.

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  13. I like the designs and decor stuff.I look forward to such designs and hopefully use such designs and decor stuff when move ti my new home after 3 months.Good Share Deborah.....!!!!

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  14. I think that a bloke like MOTH could live quite happily here Deborah - & believe me, there are not too many Designer spaces he'd feel comfortable about lounging around in eating, snoring & watching the game. Mr. Spada gets a big gold star from moi.
    Millie x

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