Skip to content

Top Navigation

Better Homes & Gardens
Better Homes & Gardens
  • Gardening
  • Home Improvement Ideas
  • Cleaning and Organizing
  • Recipes and Cooking
  • Decorating
  • Holidays & Entertaining
  • Rooms
  • Shopping

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
Login
Subscribe
Pin

Explore Better Homes & Gardens

Better Homes & Gardens
Better Homes & Gardens
  • Explore

    Explore

    • The Only Weed Identification Guide You'll Ever Need: 33 Common Weedy Plants to Watch For

      The Only Weed Identification Guide You'll Ever Need: 33 Common Weedy Plants to Watch For

      Don't let these pesky plants crash your garden party! The first step is to know your enemy. Then you'll know the best way to deal with your weed problem. Read More
    • 6 Small Steps You Can Take Today to Get Organized for Good

      6 Small Steps You Can Take Today to Get Organized for Good

      A professional organizer offers advice on how to tidy up your home without feeling overwhelmed. Read More
    • 5 Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients to Add to Your Smoothie for a Healthy Boost

      5 Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients to Add to Your Smoothie for a Healthy Boost

      Anti-inflammatory smoothies do exist! Instead of blending in boatloads of sugar and artificial ingredients, try these smoothies for inflammation that are packed with ingredients that may help lower your risk for chronic diseases including cancer, heart disease, depression, and more. Read More
  • Gardening

    Gardening

    See All Gardening
    4 DIY Seed-Starting Pots You Can Make With Items You Already Have

    4 DIY Seed-Starting Pots You Can Make With Items You Already Have

    Upcycle old newspapers, junk mail, and other waste paper to make these easy, eco-friendly containers you can use to sprout new plants for your garden.
    • Flowers
    • Houseplants
    • Plant Encyclopedia
    • Garden Pests
    • Trees, Shrubs & Vines
    • Caring for Your Yard
    • Edible Gardening
    • Garden Design
    • Gardening By Region
    • Landscaping
  • Home Improvement Ideas

    Home Improvement Ideas

    See All Home Improvement Ideas
    What Style Is Your House? The 10 Most Popular American House Styles

    What Style Is Your House? The 10 Most Popular American House Styles

    In a world full of so many different house styles, it can be a little challenging just to narrow down your own home's architectural style, let alone edit the list down to your favorite style or understand the distinctions characteristic to each house style. We'll show you the 10 most popular American house styles, including Cape Cod, French Country, Colonial, Victorian, Tudor, Craftsman, Cottage, Mediterranean, ranch-style, and Contemporary.
    • Home Exteriors
    • DIY Home Electrical Tips & Guides
    • Outdoor Structures
    • Home Remodeling
    • Plumbing Installations & Repairs
    • Remodeling Advice & Planning
    • Flooring
    • Lighting
    • Decks
    • Porches
  • Cleaning and Organizing

    Cleaning and Organizing

    See All Cleaning and Organizing
    A Whole-House Cleaning Schedule You'll Actually Stick To

    A Whole-House Cleaning Schedule You'll Actually Stick To

    Cleaning your home doesn't have to be a daunting, time-consuming chore. The key to managing household duties quickly and efficiently is to design an easy-to-follow routine that includes all the most important tasks. Follow these step-by-step instructions for creating a customized whole-home cleaning schedule.
    • House Cleaning
    • Laundry & Linens
    • Cleaning Tips
    • Closet Organization
    • Organization Tips
    • Kitchen Storage Organization
  • Recipes and Cooking

    Recipes and Cooking

    See All Recipes and Cooking
    21 Baking Essentials Every Home Cook Needs (Plus 16 Nice-to-Haves)

    21 Baking Essentials Every Home Cook Needs (Plus 16 Nice-to-Haves)

    Whether you're a beginning baker just starting out or a master chef looking to declutter, we'll help you set up a beginner's baking essentials kit with 21 tools. For anyone who already owns these handy baking tools, this list may finally provide the motivation you need to get rid of that soufflé dish you never use. Building your baking equipment inventory starts here.
    • How to Cook
    • Chicken Recipes
    • Desserts & Baking
    • Fish Recipes
    • Beef Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Breakfast and Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch
    • Dinner Recipes & Meal Ideas
    • Ethnic Food
  • Decorating

    Decorating

    See All Decorating
    7 Interior Design Trends Everyone Will Be Trying in 2021, According to Experts

    7 Interior Design Trends Everyone Will Be Trying in 2021, According to Experts

    Designers weigh in on the most popular decorating styles, colors, and materials you can look forward to in the coming year.
    • Choosing Color
    • Expert Decorating Advice
    • Fireplace Design Ideas
    • Do It Yourself Magazine
    • Window Treatments
    • Styles & Decor
    • Interior Painting
    • Home Makeovers
    • Small-Space Decorating
    • Traditional Home
  • Holidays & Entertaining

    Holidays & Entertaining

    See All Holidays & Entertaining
    International Women's Day: The Powerful Story Behind This 111-Year-Old Tradition

    International Women's Day: The Powerful Story Behind This 111-Year-Old Tradition

    What began as a small movement, has grown into a global holiday dedicated to celebrating the strong women in our communities.
    • Valentine's Day
    • Mother's Day
    • Easter
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July/Memorial Day
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
    • New Year's
    • Juneteenth
    • Hanukkah
  • Rooms

    Rooms

    See All Rooms
    Living Room Furniture Layout Ideas

    Living Room Furniture Layout Ideas

    Get tips for arranging living room furniture in a way that creates a comfortable and welcoming environment and makes the most of your space.
    • Bedroom Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Bathroom Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Kitchen Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Living Room Decorating and Design
    • Dining Room
    • Home Office
    • Kid's Rooms
    • Baby Nursery
  • Shopping

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. BHG.com
  2. Decorating
  3. Styles & Decor
  4. Traditional Decorating & Design Ideas
  5. This Historic Home Is Both Bold and Inviting

This Historic Home Is Both Bold and Inviting

By Sally Finder Weepie and Tori Mellott June 22, 2020
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin FB
handpainted stars on floor
Credit: John Bessler

Designer Nick Olsen charts a course for bold color and pattern in an adventurous client's historic Sag Harbor home.

Start Slideshow

1 of 10

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Compelling Twists

living room with blue walls and yellow chairs
Credit: John Bessler

Great white whale? Hmm. Lapis blue might be more interesting. Because while Michael Lorber was captivated by an old sea captain's home in Sag Harbor, New York, he wasn't so smitten by its ubiquitous neutrals. However, he knew just the designer to weave compelling twists into the storyline of his newly purchased abode: Nick Olsen, one-time Miles Redd protégé, 2012 Traditional Home New Trad, patron of color, and proponent of pattern.

1 of 10

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 10

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Historical House

entrance with greek-style columns
Credit: John Bessler

"I wanted a lot of color, fun, and nautical flair," says Michael, a luxury real estate broker. "I wanted a true captain's house."

That he got. The house was built in 1810 by primary craftsman Benjamin Glover on Captains' Row in Sag Harbor during the town's whaling days. It was added to and combined with a neighboring house in 1850, gaining beautiful Greek Revival-style -columns, moldings, and newels. "The house has such strong history and architecture," Olsen says. "I was excited to work on it and to bring in Michael's design ethos. He doesn't shy from color and pattern—we're a great fit that way."

2 of 10

3 of 10

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sunny Entry

entryway with green light fixture
Credit: John Bessler

Olsen's infusion of color starts in the entry hall, where a decorative paint finish by artist Chris Pearson gives walls the look of sunbaked yellow bricks. "I like that yellow is a happy color but also a historical color," the designer says.

The thread of yellow continues on upholstered armchairs in the living room, where it pairs with hints of green (a nod to -Michael's affinity for lettuceware) and an explosion of blue on hand-painted walls.

"I love Bunny Mellon homes, and I was inspired by the rich blue crosshatch pattern in the dining room of her Manhattan home," Olsen says. To suit the interior architecture of this historic home, however, Olsen dialed down the drama, bypassing flouncy draperies in favor of simple white linen shades.

3 of 10

Advertisement

4 of 10

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

High Impact Colors

dining room with landscape mural fireplace
Credit: John Bessler

In the adjacent dining room, blue reigns once again—this time on a customized de Gournay wallpaper that celebrates the history of Sag Harbor, including its sailing ships and its synagogue, the oldest on Long Island.

While the scene harks to the past, its hues speak to today. "We recolored the whole design from softer colors to give it high impact," Olsen says. "It intensifies a historic notion without being overwhelming."

4 of 10

5 of 10

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Nautical Vibe

handpainted stars on floor
Credit: John Bessler

Navy-and-white-striped shades offer geometric contrast to the organic feel of the wallpaper and subtly reinforce the nautical vibe, which gets another nod in the kitchen courtesy of compass stars on the hand-painted blue-and-white floor.

5 of 10

6 of 10

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Inviting Primary Suite

bedroom with blue-and-white striped wallpaper
Credit: John Bessler

A blue-and-white pinstripe wallpaper serves as the backdrop for a tufted red leather headboard in Michael's handsome primary suite. Blue linen curtains juxtapose red doors and deep masculine dashes of red in a tapestry rug, one of numerous pieces that Michael brought in from previous homes.

6 of 10

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 10

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Feels Like Home

seating area with blue wave wallpaper
Credit: John Bessler

"Nick knows that I'm a sentimental person," Michael says. "He includes things that are important to me and make me feel at home. It doesn't feel like I just moved in here. It feels like I've been living in this house for 15 years."

7 of 10

8 of 10

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Big and Bold Color

bedroom with green walls and pink door
Credit: John Bessler

Bits of Michael—via his collected pieces—and blasts of color keep right on coming on the third floor, where each guest room has its own identity. One room pairs emerald green lacquered walls with a soaring floral headboard.

8 of 10

9 of 10

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Whimsical Collection

bedroom with red and black rope motif wallpaper
Credit: John Bessler

Another teams whimsical, red-and-black rope-motif wallpaper with a geometric headboard and an array of new and previously owned furnishings. "It's a hodgepodge lodge of pieces brought together for the comfort and delight of Michael's guests," Olsen says.

9 of 10

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 10

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Inviting Colors and Textures

bar area with american flags
Credit: John Bessler

Among the unexpected surprises are Michael's art pieces. "He collects all genres of art, from Lichtenstein to nautical pieces that he finds on eBay. He even has vintage needlework that sailors used to do when they were bored at sea," Olsen says. "He has a sense of humor, personality."

In fact, personality shines throughout the home. "There's something to look at in every room, but it's not a circus house—it feels inviting," Olsen says. "I love the mix of colors and textures, the study in contrasts. In the end, I appreciate history, but I don't want a home to read as a museum. I want to bring it into today."

10 of 10

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Sally Finder Weepie and Tori Mellott

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 10 Compelling Twists
    2 of 10 Historical House
    3 of 10 Sunny Entry
    4 of 10 High Impact Colors
    5 of 10 Nautical Vibe
    6 of 10 Inviting Primary Suite
    7 of 10 Feels Like Home
    8 of 10 Big and Bold Color
    9 of 10 Whimsical Collection
    10 of 10 Inviting Colors and Textures

    Share & More

    Tweet Email Send Text Message
    • Better Homes & Gardens BHG Logo Products at Walmart
    • Better Homes & Gardens BHG Real Estate Real Estate Services
    Better Homes & Gardens

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
    • Books from Better Homes & Gardens
    • Help
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithBH&G is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Better Homes & Gardens. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.bhg.com

    Sign in

    View image

    This Historic Home Is Both Bold and Inviting
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.