At day's end

The Second Empire or Napoleon III style of architecture dates from the 1850s modernisation of Paris and is notable for its raised facades and mansard roofs. Internally, spaces were richly decorated but with clearly defined outlines.

This style was popular in the United States in 1860-80, when the featured property was built. It has recently been extensively remodeled to restore the intrinsic elements of the period, says designer Jon Hattaway of MJ Berries Design.

"The house is located within the environs of Harvard University, an area known for its grand residences. While the property had been allowed to get run down, it was apparent that it could once again be a showpiece."

After a two-and-a-half-year process, the results speak for themselves. The master suite is a picture of Second Empire style filtered through contemporary sensibilities, says Hattaway.

"One of the things I like about the bedroom is that it doesn't feel decorated. Although it's complicated in terms of fabrics and woods it has a simplicity that appears almost organic."

"The idea for the room was that while it had to reflect a period decor, it was to be restful and not demanding on the eye in any way.

"Subtle shading within the color palette and repetition of form and texture have achieved the desired effect," says Hattaway.

The master bathroom however, presents an entirely different aesthetic, the designer says.

"This space has no nuance at all it doesn't suggest white, it is white. Yet through the close attention to detail paid to the joinery, the room avoids being antiseptic."

Free from the need to meet era-specific design protocols, the master bathroom is a response to the wishes of the owner, whose only requirement was that it be white.

"The only design feature here that references the era of the property is the oval window set above the bath," says Martin Potter, also of MJ Berries Designs.

"We designed the bathrooms to be very clean and simple, so we chose predominantly white marbles for these areas. These are rooms that, while a great amount of care and effort has gone into them, don't adhere to any particular aspect of the Napoleon III style," says Potter.

Story by: Justin Foote