Antique Revival: Historic Homestead Reimagined in Sterling, MA

Joshua Allen Design Team
Jun 27
3 min read

Updated: Jul 14

There’s something so special about stepping into a centuries-old home. The creak of original floorboards, the subtle nuance in rooms built by hand, the sense that generations have lived and shared in each other's lives within those walls. That’s exactly what we felt the first time we walked into one of Sterling, Massachusetts’ oldest homesteads—a home rich with history, character, and the opportunity for us to take part in bringing it all back to life. Welcome to the Antique Revival whole home design!

At Joshua Allen Design, we specialize in thoughtful, transformative renovations—but this project was truly extraordinary. Not only were we entrusted with renovating a local landmark, but we were asked to help turn it into a true estate: one that celebrates its heritage and history while fully embracing modern living.

📸 Photos by: Robin Falk Photography unless noted otherwise.

The Design Vision: Honoring the Past, Elevating the Present

Our clients came to us with a clear and inspiring goal:“Let’s modernize this home without losing the charm.”

That meant preserving the historical layout where possible, retaining unique architectural quirks, and carefully choosing materials and finishes that felt authentic yet also elevated. Every design decision was a balancing act between reverence and reinvention.

From the very first sketch, the vision was clear:

✔️ Create a luxurious, functional living experience

✔️ Let the charm of the home’s age shine through

✔️ Highlight architectural integrity wherever possible

✔️ Introduce custom elements that feel storied and rare

The Must-Haves: Luxury Meets Legacy

The clients wanted standout, unexpected spaces—ones that don’t exist in the average home. Together, we curated a dream list that included:

A massive custom primary bathroom with both modern comfort and classic appeal
A bold and dramatic butler’s pantry, hidden behind cabinetry, that feels like entering a secret world
Two kitchen islands for maximum hosting potential and everyday functionality
A cozy library nook in the upstairs foyer—an intimate surprise that reclaims overlooked space with purpose

Favorite Design Moments

This project is full of spaces we love, but a few stand out:

The Kitchen: Expanding and elongating this space allowed us to showcase what we believe is truly the heart of the home. With dual islands, high-end finishes, and custom millwork, this kitchen now supports everything from weekday meals to elegant entertaining.

The Hidden Butler’s Pantry: Disguised behind unassuming cabinetry, the butler’s pantry is a stunning contrast to the rest of the home—moody, deep, and dramatic— and highly functional. It offers surprise, sophistication, and serious storage!

The Upstairs Library Nook: Nestled at the top of the main stairwell, this small library is as unexpected as it is delightful. It turns what could have been wasted square footage into a timeless corner filled with books, character, and intention.

The Challenge of Historic Homes (and Why It's Worth It)

Working in an antique home always presents challenges—and this project was no exception. Between load-bearing structures that couldn’t be moved and aging materials (hello, hand-forged nails from the original build!), we had to design thoughtfully and strategically to preserve the home’s footprint while still expanding and improving wherever possible.

Older homes don’t often offer clean lines or straightforward framing—but that’s part of the beauty. With the help of an incredible construction team and a highly engaged client, we tackled every challenge head-on and created a home that’s not only beautiful but built to last for generations to come.

Final Reflections: A Collaborative Legacy

This was not an overnight transformation. It involved an incredible team of contractors, architects, tradespeople, and design experts, and every detail was handled with care and precision. The result is a perfectly crafted, custom-designed home that respects the past while living fully in the present. This property is no longer just a house—it’s an estate. A true Antique Revival!

🫶 We’re so honored to have been a part of this once-in-a-lifetime transformation—especially in our hometown of Sterling, MA.

Ready to Write Your Own Revival?

At Joshua Allen Design, we specialize in preserving the soul of old homes while updating them for today’s lifestyle. If you have a historic property that needs thoughtful, beautiful design—we’d love to help.

📞 Book a consultation today and let’s talk about your dream project.📍 Based in Sterling, Massachusetts, serving clients across New England!