A storybook Tudor in Brookline found its way into the modern era thanks to one local designer’s expert eye.

The main living room features charming and chic details.

Tudor homes always offer a dose of whimsy into everyday life—especially when designed by Ana Donohue of Ana Donohue Interiors (anadonohueinteriors.com). One family called upon the local expert for a redesign and gut renovation that wrapped up last year. “This client wanted something truly unique, which allowed me to bring unexpected and interesting furniture layouts and materials to the design,” says Donohue. “They allowed me the freedom to create something special, which is always the best gift a designer can receive from their clients.”

While most of the family’s existing pieces were midcentury modern, the five-bed, five-bath home ultimately came together with contemporary and traditional pieces layered with midcentury details. “We wanted to nod to the Tudor architecture but in a colorful, more contemporary way,” notes the designer. Throughout the 4,487-squarefoot property, vibrant hues, eye-catching patterns and textures wow, offering a warm and eclectic ambiance. After passing through the traditional, tall Tudor door, guests can glide into the inviting main living room.

The staircase features a wrought iron railing

Here, traditional details like a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace are married with modern accents like a blue and cream rug, baby blue chairs paired with orange-red pillows, two wood cylinder coffee tables and more. Tall shelves bookend a large window, which baths an adjacent seating area in natural light.

Colorful curtains add a pop of color to the dining room

Archways guide you through the rest of the main level, including the dining room. The bright and airy space is adorned with colorful patterned curtains, gold chairs and a contemporary glass light fixture. Additional details like a wrought iron railing guiding visitors upstairs and a lower level TV family room complete the home. Overall, the project was a success for both the client and the designer.

One of the home’s chic living spaces.

Donohue concludes, “I loved the Tudor architecture and enjoyed creating a design that brought the beauty of the original iron and wood details to life.”