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The Treehouse: ‘New England Sensibility With a Twist’

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The Treehouse: ‘New England Sensibility With a Twist’

November 1, 2024

For lovers of old homes, new builds can often feel sterile and soulless.

Not this Shaker-inspired four-bedroom new construction in Moultonborough, New Hampshire, on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee. With architecture by Streibert Associates (based in Cape Cod) and interiors by Heidi Lachapelle Interiors (based in Portland, Maine), the project is a paean to “traditional style rooted in New England sensibility with a twist,” says Heidi.

“The home was built for a young and active family and serves as a summer retreat where they spend lots of time with extended family,” she continues. “They encouraged us to select pieces that were high-quality and would stand the test of time. And they were up for color and pattern and layers. The end result is a highly functional space that has unpredictable design details.”

Below, Heidi gives us a tour of the Treehouse (the nickname is inspired by its densely wooded property), a Shaker-inspired new build.

Photography by Erin Little, courtesy of Heidi Lachapelle Interiors.

modest proportions—ceilings that aren&#8\2\17;t too lofty, rooms tha 17
Above: Modest proportions—ceilings that aren’t too lofty, rooms that aren’t super-sized—are an immediate indicator that this isn’t your normal new build. In the living room, covering an Esme sectional from Sixpenny with indigo quilts is both a stylish and practical idea for a young family. (See Save the Sofa: 5 Easy, Good-Looking Ways to Protect the Favorite Seat in the House.)
much of the furniture in the home skews traditional; heidi and her team often i 18
Above: Much of the furniture in the home skews traditional; Heidi and her team often introduce modern twists via the lighting. “We like to avoid using recessed lights where possible and these fixtures were just another way to bring surprising design details into the house,” says Heidi of the Concrete Cape lights from Cedar & Moss. “They diffuse light nicely while still bringing in good light.” The Edith floor lamp is from Atelier Vime.
jib doors conceal storage closets for toys and games. all the millwork in the r 19
Above: Jib doors conceal storage closets for toys and games. All the millwork in the room (and the brick fireplace surround) are painted in Farrow & Ball String; the walls are painted Benjamin Moore White Dove. (See whites 10 Easy Pieces: Architects’ White Paint Picks.) The armchairs are upholstered in Jasper Fabric’s Red Stripe Oak in Saffron.
the home has an open layout on the first floor but stills feels cozy and intima 20
Above: The home has an open layout on the first floor but stills feels cozy and intimate. This is the view from the dining area to the entry (delineated by the round table and Chisholm Clean lantern from the Urban Electric Co.) and just beyond, the den (anchored by Nickey Kehoe’s Classic High Arm Sofa, upholstered with Camden Cotton Check fabric from Schumacher). To the left of the den is the living room.
a game or reading table, depending on who&#8\2\17;s using it. bois de chene 21
Above: A game or reading table, depending on who’s using it. Bois de Chene fabric from the House of Scalamandré covers the chair seats and the Swing Arm Sconce from Nickey Kehoe. The Frey Armoire from Pinch is painted in Benjamin Moore Kurkuma. (See 10 Easy Pieces: Modern Wood Armoires.)
bianco statuario marble counters and cabinets painted in benjamin moore spanish 22
Above: Bianco Statuario marble counters and cabinets painted in Benjamin Moore Spanish Olive create a soothing palette. The artful Mia sconces are from RTO Lighting. (We are fans of art in the kitchen; see The New Art Gallery: 12 Favorite Kitchens with Paintings on Display.)
providing some drama in the kitchen is a large house cord pendant light from wo 23
Above: Providing some drama in the kitchen is a large House Cord Pendant light from Workstead. The Wayland Half-Bow stools are from O&G Studio. Iroko wood tops the island.
this ranks as one of the best mudrooms we&#8\2\17;ve come across, thanks to 24
Above: This ranks as one of the best mudrooms we’ve come across, thanks to this perfect shade of olive on the walls and trim (Benjamin Moore Silken Moss) and verdant wallpaper (Grace by Jasper Wallcovering).
heidi made sure to design ample storage space in the mudroom. &#8\2\20;the  25
Above: Heidi made sure to design ample storage space in the mudroom. “The clients wanted the home to function well for children and have storage for all kinds of lake-related items and fun summer activities,” she says. The Helios cord pendant is from Workstead.
Above: The laundry room shares the same wall treatments s the mudroom.
just off the laundry room is the primary bedroom. the floor here, made up of cl 28
Above: Just off the laundry room is the primary bedroom. The floor here, made up of clé’s thin bricks called Foundry Flats, sets a clear line between the public living areas on the first floor and the bedroom.
the quiet and peaceful primary bedroom. 29
Above: The quiet and peaceful primary bedroom.
the second floor landing. &#8\2\20;it serves as a space for the children to 30
Above: The second-floor landing. “It serves as a space for the children to play or watch a movie out of the way of the downstairs living areas,” says Heidi.
Above: The kid’s room and bathroom share a palette. The bed and bathroom millwork are all painted in Farrow & Ball Card Room Green.

See also:

And for another project by Heidi, see:

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