Justine Morin’s clients, a couple with three young daughters, love infusing antique homes with a fresh feel. This circa-1803 Federal Colonial in Duxbury’s Old Shipbuilder’s Historic District — Morin’s second project with the family — is the childhood home of two sisters who figure prominently in the town’s maritime history. “My clients wanted to honor the original character that remained while ensuring that the interiors didn’t feel frozen in the past,” the founder of J. Morin Design says. They asked that the living room be pulled together enough for adult conversation but also casual enough for family activities such as reading and playing games. The room is neutral, with just the right amount of pattern to make it feel warm, welcoming, and a little bit layered.
1 Morin chose Benjamin Moore’s Seapearl for the walls throughout the home. The tried-and-true neutral gently contrasts the white trim and complements the original dark pine floors. “We wanted this light-filled room to read airy over moody,” she says.
2 On the sofa, striped performance upholstery provides a subtle backdrop for patterned pillows. The bench seat feels modern and the wavy front panel is a playful moment that is juxtaposed with the straight silhouette.
3 The sheer, relaxed Roman shades with stylized flowers are soft and inviting. “We used them on all six windows to meld this space with the one behind it,” Morin says. The mirror, a family antique, reflects light and keeps the focus on the fireplace.
4 Small-scale slipper chairs don’t crowd the conversation area or block the view of Duxbury Bay. Again, Morin stuck to the overall color palette for the upholstery and throw pillows, letting the patterns add interest without distraction. The thrifted artwork follows the same formula.
5 The scalloped side table from Essex Saybrook Antiques Village in Old Saybrook, Connecticut, plays off the sofa front and adds patina. “A balanced mix of new and old makes antiques feel fresh,” Morin says. The clean-lined burl wood coffee table sits seamlessly in the middle, offsetting the older pieces.
6 The vintage-inspired rug from The Rug Merchant in Rockland informed the design direction and color palette.
Marni Elyse Katz is a contributing editor to the Globe Magazine. Follow her on Instagram @StyleCarrot. Send comments to magazine@globe.com.