Patricia Fortunato, ASID

Patricia Fortunato, ASID From Historic Federal to Modern Classic

This historic urban home is perfectly situated for enjoying all that Portsmouth, New Hampshire has to offer. Located in the heart of the city’s historic district, it is steps away from the waterfront, Strawbery Banke, Prescott Park and the downtown. The three-story brick building is estimated to have been built around 1815, but while its origins and exterior are Federal in design, stepping inside transports you to a thoroughly modern interior.

Throughout the residence, massive scarred posts and beams are visible reminders of the building’s past. In contrast, Pat chose white walls which are also the perfect backdrop to the clean lines of finely-crafted modern furniture and the color palette of whites, creams and grays. The white walls also set off the art pieces favored by the homeowners, including paintings by Maine-based artist Marvel Wynn and sculptor Tom Corbin, noted for his bronze figures. Handmade carpets are used throughout, as are a host of natural materials and textures.

Upon entering, and passing through a small vestibule, guests come to a game room with a welcoming blend of hardwood floors, brick fireplace and stately windows with city views. The room has a hidden kitchenette and large pocket doors close off the space from an adjacent guest room, thus creatIng a serene sleep/sitting area even though the bustling city sidewalk is just feet away.

A long hall leads to the back of the residence and spaces for the home office, utiIities, and garage as well as the narrow flight of stairs to the second floor. The office is done in shades of charcoal black, gray and white, creating an atmosphere conducive to productivity. A painting of Strawbery Banke provides a pop of color.

The second floor features the kitchen, dining room and living areas. The cherry-paneled kitchen cleverly conceals appliances and features a backsplash of natural Calacatta stone, which is known of its mix of warm and cool gray and gold veining.

The narrow dining room was a challenge but is beauIfully fitted with a pedestal table in bold black lacquer, walnut chairs, and as its focal point, a handmade iron chandelier featuring handblown glass globes. The shards of gold emanating from the chandelier are reflected in the soft gold carpet. The French-inspired chairs are upholstered in black chenille with an ecru oval drop pattern which ties to the shape of the stunning table.

The TV room uses a small leather sectional to create an intimate social area. The metal furniture was incorporated to tie in the hand-hammered truss connector brackets and the round table provides a sculptural element.

In the Living Room, the two small sofas face each other, creating a centerpiece, and encouraging conversation. The natural agate wall sconces, which flank the fireplace, pick up the pattern of the carpet.

The second floor opens to an unexpected and spacious deck, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the ambiance of coastal living.

The third floor is home to the three bedrooms, including the primary bedroom and two guest bedrooms. The ceilings are open to expose the massive trusses which support the roof. These impressive structures run the full length of the third floor, bisecting walls and doorways.

In the primary, the upholstered winged bed, placed along a windowed wall, creates a cozy cocoon for sleeping. Swivel chairs near the windows allow one to look out at the streetscape, historic sites and the nearby river.

In the front guest bedroom, the heavy ceiling trusses are a focal point. Their geometric image inspired the triangle pattern in the carpet. The tall, upholstered headboard is covered by a tabbed pinafore, done in black—a sharp contrast to the overall cream and gray palette. Soft cream ceramic table lamps on gunmetal nightstands blend cozy with modern.

In the back guest bedroom, the black painted platform bed is both striking and useful, with generous storage drawers on each side. The abstract carpet design inspired the black and cream fabric of the upholstered chairs.