A New England–Inspired Home Where Warm Minimalism Leads

Step inside a home by Tharon Anderson Design, where warm minimalism, refined craftsmanship and family-focused living come together in a contemporary take on New England architecture.

A family home outside Boston balances clean-lined modernity with an inviting, textural warmth, a space shaped for lively gatherings, quiet moments, and everything in between.

Set in the leafy suburb of Wellesley, 20 minutes west of Boston, this 14,500-square-foot home presents a contemporary interpretation of classic New England architecture. White-painted brick, a stucco exterior and a cedar-shingled roof give the house a timeless presence, while inside, soaring ceilings and interconnected rooms create a rhythm of openness and intimacy. It’s a place where volumes feel intentional, light is carefully considered and every space has been shaped with purpose.

Designed by Tharon Anderson Design for a vibrant, sports-loving family of five, the home operates as both a calm sanctuary and an active hub. With three children and a beloved boxer dog in the mix, the brief called for interiors that were elevated yet endlessly liveable, refined spaces that could shift effortlessly from adult dinner parties to weekend gatherings of teenagers and teammates.

A double-volume living room brings together sculptural furnishings, honed stone and soft neutrals, all anchored by panoramic garden views.

Where Minimalism Finds Warmth

The interior palette leans towards restraint, but never austerity. “Our goal was to create an interior that remained inviting for a young and active family,” says designer Tharon Anderson McEvoy, who led the project. Clean lines, natural textures and a warm neutral spectrum set the tone, supported by thoughtful transitions between rooms.

Light pours through the home, emphasising a materiality shaped around tactility rather than pattern: natural oak, plaster, stone, mixed metals, wool, linen and mohair. “Mostly neutrals; ivory, greys, taupes, browns and black, with subtle hints of colour,” McEvoy explains. “It’s a palette you never tire of.” Durability was essential too, guiding the use of indoor–outdoor textiles designed to withstand family life.

From the open kitchen and great room to the softer, more intimate living spaces, including a cigar lounge and light-drenched sitting room, each area strikes a balance between formality and ease.

Calming tones, layered textures and generous natural light define the main bedroom suite, a quiet retreat shaped for rest and ritual.

A Worldly Perspective, Sharpened at Home

The design narrative blends global influences with personal intuition. Although McEvoy often draws inspiration from travel, this project was shaped during the stillness of the post-pandemic years. “I studied images of designers and architects I admire, Vincent Van Duysen, Scott Mitchellm but then went inward to create something unique,” she notes.

Her background in classical architecture and a childhood shaped by the traditional-coastal interiors of Nantucket informed the home’s grounding principles. But the result moves beyond that vocabulary. “Over time my work has evolved from the beachy aesthetic many clients once requested. Now I prefer tailored, modern-leaning spaces with neutral palettes and a strong emphasis on texture. A home should feel calming and enveloping.”

A sunlit dining space framed by expansive glazing, where clean lines and contemporary silhouettes set a serene rhythm.

Architecture and Interiors in Dialogue

Architecturally, the house nods to classic New England forms while distilling them through a contemporary lens. Conceived with Catalano Architects and built by Soderholm Custom Builders, the exterior’s steep gables and defined volumes sit comfortably within their wooded setting. Inside, material choices were made with quiet discipline: tiles, stone, plumbing and lighting selected for their architectural integrity; fabrics and rugs chosen for their depth of texture rather than decorative pattern.

Landscape architect Dan Gordon completed the vision, weaving the home into its surroundings through thoughtful plantings and outdoor circulation.

The kitchen pairs expressive stone with warm timber and sleek, modern lines, a refined balance of craft and clarity.

A Family Home with Room to Grow

Beyond its formal rooms, the house is built for movement, noise, growth and the rituals of a busy family. The lower level is a favourite: a children’s sanctuary with a game room and full sports court, where local basketball players sometimes host practices.

Private spaces are equally considered. The six bedrooms are spread across three levels, each designed with the same careful attention to proportion, mood and materiality found throughout the home.

In the main bathroom, quiet luxury unfolds through restrained detailing, natural light and a soft, tonal palette.

The Challenge, and the Reward

The project unfolded over more than two years, requiring intense coordination across disciplines. Yet the result feels effortless: a home that reconciles architectural clarity with a softness suited to everyday living. It is a place shaped by collaboration, craftsmanship and a designer’s ability to translate both heritage and modernity into an environment that feels wholly lived in.