Modern design & confident color make this historic home feel fresh
Welcome to The Filomena, a 19th-century rectory in the rolling hills of Western Massachusetts—renovated by design-obsessed couple Michael Bolognino and Nick Spain.
For a recent shoot, we bridged the house’s well-preserved historical details with our most contemporary collections for a result that’s just as cool as it sounds.
Rich, saturated wall colors, clean-lined furniture and modern lighting transform the historical interiors into a contemporary space that’s all about the art of the mix.
“Of all the interior design tools, color is the quickest way to tap into emotion—we just wish people weren’t so afraid of it!”
—Nick Spain, homeowner
You can’t go wrong with bright, cheery walls. If that feels too daring, keep your furniture foundation neutral and bring in bold-hued accents you can refresh when the mood strikes.
“It’s not that you don’t like red or yellow or whatever; it’s just that you haven’t found the right shade yet.”
—Nick Spain, homeowner
This ’70s-inspired look has made a comeback. Light-reflecting lacquer and high-shine metallics instantly brighten a space. We love them paired with matte wood finishes.
Think pulled-together versus matchy-matchy. An array of earthy tones and textures—with pops of warm, rusty orange—feels organic and lived-in.
The men behind The Filomena
For their first-ever reno, which was not for the faint of heart, Michael Bolognino and Nick Spain revamped this 19th-century rectory just two years into their relationship. “It was a true pressure test that involves all the stress factors: money, time management, unpredictable challenges, the list goes on,” says Michael. “One time, Nick chucked his engagement ring at me, and we had to dig it out of the renovation rubble.”
Fast-forward through countless mood boards, paint color picks and lessons learned: The two marked the project’s completion by celebrating their wedding at the house. “We had a really strong sense that somehow it would come together,” Nick says. “The ultimate culmination was everyone we care about enjoying it with us.”