On the heels of her debut book, Timeless by Design: Designing Rooms with Comfort, Style, and a Sense of History, Boston-based Nina Farmer shares her tips for finding the tricky balance between classic and contemporary styles. The award-winning designer is known for bringing British charm to New England homes with a mix of chic antiques and historic references. Read on to learn how she creates collected spaces, and get the look with her curation of classic Chairish pieces.
SHOP NINA FARMER’S CHAIRISH FAVORITES >>>
You’re known for sensitive restorations of historic homes that honor original details but feel very livable. Every space is unique and has its own mix of modern and traditional elements. How do you go about achieving a distinct sense of place in each project?
I spend a lot of time researching the unique environment around each project. The local architecture vernacular, craftspeople, materials, and detailing have a huge impact on our design decisions. The color palette of the location also plays an important component.
Tell us about your book. How did you choose the projects to feature, and what’s excited you most about it being out in the world?
The common thread in all of my projects is the age of the homes. I have a deep passion for working on historic houses—living in one myself has given me the perfect lens through which to showcase my design philosophies. It’s been incredibly rewarding to connect with people who follow my work. I feel great joy every time someone tells me they’ve found inspiration or ideas from one of my projects.
Shop Nina Farmer's Chairish Favorites
You have a distinctive color palette that is often grounded in warm, neutral tones but also feels very rich, layered, and unique to each project. Any tips for color combos that you love or ways to layer textures?
I have a lot of fun playing around with color and pattern, especially in historic homes where they add a nice twist that takes away from the formal or museum-like feeling. I’m naturally drawn to complex colors that are on the muddier end of the spectrum, which I weave throughout a house by varying the hue and saturation levels.
Tell us a little bit about your approach to vintage. How do you like to bring antique and vintage pieces into your projects?
Incorporating antique and vintage pieces has always been central to my work, as they create a richly layered aesthetic by blending elements from various time periods and origins. One of the most effective ways to introduce vintage items is through decorative lighting, as these pieces seamlessly integrate into the architectural envelope of a space.
Your work seems to have such a thoughtful approach to the finishing touches of a space, like rugs, pillows, curtains, and artwork. Any tips for incorporating textiles into a room? And/or creating a palette of patterns that work together?
I approach each room by building it from the ground up, with the rug playing a pivotal role in the design process. Whether I source a vintage rug or design a custom one, it serves as a key element in shaping the room’s direction and palette. I always recommend selecting the rug early on, allowing it to guide and influence the evolution of the space.
Where do your biggest inspirations come from? And how does living on the East Coast influence your approach to art, design, and culture in general?
I draw most of my inspiration from travel. While I am globe trotting I collect photos of different tile patterns, color combinations and architectural details. Having grown up in New England, I am naturally drawn to historic homes and often source materials from England to reflect that heritage.
ON CHAIRISH & VINTAGE PIECES
What do you find most compelling about Chairish?
I primarily use vintage and antique lighting, furniture and accessories on my projects. By simply using keyword searches for time period, designer and place of origin, Chairish makes sourcing these pieces incredibly easy.
How does sustainability factor into your design choices and love of vintage?
I began relying heavily on vintage pieces early in my career for several reasons. In an industry that can sometimes be wasteful, it’s crucial to prioritize sustainability. Additionally, vintage items often showcase a level of craftsmanship and detail that is hard to find in contemporary pieces.
Shop Nina Farmer's Chairish Favorites
A FEW DESIGN FAVORITES
Favorite way to create a statement-making moment in a room? Great artwork.
Favorite paint color? Farrow & Ball, Deep Reddish Brown No.W101.
Favorite piece of decor in your home? I still love the first piece of furniture I ever purchased. It’s a chaise upholstered in a flamestitch fabric that lives in my bedroom now.
Favorite style icon? Babe Paley and Deeda Blair. Both women are the epitome of chic.
Design destination every creative should visit at least once? The Soane Museum.
A FEW LIFESTYLE FAVORITES
Favorite vacation destination? I have so many… Venice, Tangier, Paris and India, to name a few.
Favorite hotel that’s inspired your work while traveling? Hotel Al Moudira in Luxor and the Grand Hotel Son Net in Mallorca.
Favorite hostess (or thank you) gift? Alabaster Sacre from Officine Buly.
Favorite flower? Poppy.
Favorite entertaining essential? A fabulous play list.
Lead Image: Design by Nina Farmer, Photographer by Stephen Kent Johnson.