Historical Inspiration

We spend a lot of time looking at magazines and what designer are doing right this very minute for inspiration, when sometimes it’s just as fantastic to look back in history for ideas. Case in point, the home of America’s first male decorator Henry Davis Sleeper (also called “Beauport”) in my neck of the woods- Gloucester, MA. One of my favorite decorators, Steven Gambrel, has said it’s the most inspiration house he’s ever seen. Currently it operates as a museum and it’s a total joke that I’ve never been there! As soon as it re-opens in the springtime I will be there!

You can spot some “current” trends in these rooms- like the black walls with gilt frames.

The aqua and emerald green combination is crisp and fun (and unexpected for this time period!)

Scenic wallpaper! I installed one in a bedroom recently that looks a lot like this!

The guy loved wallpapering ceilings- just like I do! :)

(and p.s. how about that great green wall color on all the paneling?)

Even the cook’s kitchen is on trend with grey cabinets and a black and white floor! (Love that sink)

This round library room is AMAZING.

This killer collection of violet glass bottles could be recreated with some quality time on eBay.

This. window. slays. me.  I could sit there all day looking out.

What a crappy site, right? :) Sleeper experimented with lots of different styles of architecture too which makes the exterior a bit of a mish mash.

Any historical homes you find inspiration in?