Those dedicated fans will have heard me mention L. Francis Herresmhoff a time or two before. When I have quoted him a half a dozen times or more, you will start to quote him too, because he was funny, and rather insightful. Now you are in on my secret plan. L. Francis said: “To most people, particularly the ladies, there are two types of wood, one is stained red and called mahogany and the other is not stained red and is not called mahogany.” This wood will be the basis of concept 3 for project number 5.
My tiny hesitation with this design concept is that it leans a little toward the nautical. It all started with the desire to have a brightly varnished mahogany countertop in the kitchen. I wasn’t even thinking about cabinets – just the beautiful finish of the wood, gleaming under a perfect pendant. I wanted something other than my standard Carrera marble counter. It’s not as if I have fallen out of love with it or anything, it’s a beautiful material. It’s more of a case of absence makes the heart grow fonder… I think.
I can see the cabinets painted in a deep muddy blue, hand carved mahogany cleats for door and drawer pulls (how in heavens name am I ever going to be able to retire)? The backsplash done in a rough hewn ship lap, a la the powder room at Nantucket’s Cru. Beautiful. If I were to go all the way it would require a pretty big effort as I would want the mahogany baseboards too. Instead of molding (no problem for most places – they don’t have it anyway) I would replicate the same simple base but apply it to the wall, adding a piece of quarter round to the top. elegant.

I love the rough and the polished side by side. It’s got personality.
I have always wanted a built-in around the headboard of the bed. This concept begs for it – so screaming boat cabin sheik I can’t stand it. Why the heck not? This is Boston, a port city after all. There are boats everywhere. Go luxury liner or go home.
One more concept to go before you weigh in.