I’m fascinated by the history that bricks and mortar hold, buildings standing still as generations of people pass through. The enduring history of life – both Happiness and Sadness is contained in each room, the pitter patter of happy young feet, alongside the aged wisdom of pioneers. What a pleasure and privilege it must be to be involved in a project with so much history, the scale of which we simply don’t experience in New Zealand.

I was delighted to stumble across this project by Hacin + Associates a rejuvenated 1932 Tudor Manor home in Newton, Massachusetts. The choice of colour and materials are based on a study of the Tudor period with an emphasis on hand-made features, mixed subtlety with contemporary design the result is a charming mix of old and new.

The clever combination is evident in the Formal Lounge – spectacular original fire surround and arch windows combined with Contemporary wood panel wall housing flat screen TV.
Traditional ‘Wainscoting’wall panels in the Dining Room combined with Wallpaper on the ceiling, a light bright contemporary space.



Bedrooms offer a relaxed atmosphere – the curtains continuing behind the master bed provide additional softness, and the attic wallpaper has a sense of soft depth.


A Grand Old Lady rightfully renovated to stand tall for future generations.