No one seemed to want to take on such a large project, so we decided to,” says Blair Moore with resolve, describing the ramshackle saltbox on a patch of farmland in Tiverton. “We craved the space we once owned in Australia, and had driven by this farm many times.” The “we” is her family, an industrious clan originally from the land Down Under who relocated to the US in 2009. Based in Rhode Island and New York City, and doing business as Moore House Design, they specialize in sustainability, transforming neglected properties – including a rag-tag architectural assortment ranging from cottages to a Quonset hut, and a farmhouse that needed rescuing.
“We have been watching this building deteriorate for many years,” says Moore, who refers to the 18th century farmhouse affectionately as “her”. One of Rhode Island’s original King’s Grant farmhouses, in the 1700s land was given as a grant from the king of England to start building estates. “This late 1730’s farmhouse was one of ten of these properties. A long and unconventional project, we’re preserving history while bringing 21st century elements to the over 6,000 square feet home,” says the designer. The majority of the remodel for the kitchen, living, dining room and master suite, involved restoring original floorboards, custom paneling details, and beautiful windows. This project also includes a large open plan garage section and a silo with a secondary master suite. “It’s a beautiful example of new and old living in harmony,” says Moore.
Endeavors like the farmhouse require time and patience. “If you are in the middle of a renovation phase, create some zen zones within the space. Something that is cohesive and tonal in color will help relax your senses from the chaos of design,” she advises.
An interior designer, Moore has a vision for each dwelling and her signature aesthetic of farmcoast simplicity runs through the family’s myriad properties. “Each has its own story and style. It is up to the designer and homeowner to pay attention to what the architecture is telling you,” she offers. Describing her vision as minimal with a sustainable vibe, Moore looks for reclaimed wood and salvage, uses mixes of leftover paints from projects, and seeks furnishings at antique shops as much as possible, layered with modern shapes and décor.
“We usually live in a space for about a year or two before we deep dive into the land of renovation,” explains Moore of the process. “Time tells you a lot about a home and your wants and dreams about what it can become. I believe it is our duty to pay attention to these aspects in every home to help tell the home’s story for generations to come.”
Ideas and resources for making the most of living in the Ocean State.
“We pride ourselves on design for generations. With a philosophy informed by our respect for historical architecture, our intention is to design with out-of-the-box creativity while staying true to the original character of a structure. We create cohesive interiors that focus on function while layering organic and sustainable elements that bring depth and sculpture into your space. We think like architects, but we blend structure with design and comfort, taking a holistic approach throughout your home.” Learn more at MooreHouseDesign.com
Bringing the outside in with large windows and plenty of plants, and grounding spaces with old and vintage pieces, are pieces of advice from Moore that are applicable to most any room.
If you follow NYT bestseller cookbook author-turned-social media sensation Barbara Costello AKA @brunchwithbabs you may already be familiar with the work of Blair Moore, as Costello’s Norwalk, CT home is part of the Moore House Family portfolio. Look for The Basket House story on the blog at MooreHouseFamily.com/blog
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