The first thing designer Cara Fineman did to transform the barn in her clients’ Newton backyard was paint the entire interior white. “This dark brown barn looked like a frat house” said Fineman, founder of DAG Design based in Dover, said. “Now it’s a cheerful and inviting gathering space.”
Oversized rattan pendants from Serena & Lily, $598 each, are an instant wow that fill the top of the room and set the tone. “The organic material has a casual, coastal sensibility— the barn may be used as a pool house later — without feeling out of place in the suburbs,” she said.
Fineman used shibori-patterned fabric designed by local artist Annie Damphousse of Housse Studio, for the drapery panels, made by Makkas Workroom in Sudbury. “The drapes introduce multiple blue tones and a bohemian vibe that plays off the pendants,” she said.
A pool table and a game table — both white to blend into the background — offer alternatives to screen time. Doc & Holliday’s Santorini pool table, from $7,599, comes in various finishes and felt colors.
Crate & Barrel’s Gather sectional, starting at $4,447, provides ample seating while the bench cushion configuration is ideal for napping. Durable performance upholstery protects against spills. Fineman added a custom pillow made from Katie Ridder’s Turtle Bay Belgian linen. Or, try a sea turtle print pillow from Etsy vendor Ethan Taylor Home, starting at $22.77.
The white oak coffee table brings natural wood to the middle of the space and anchors the seating area. Quince sells a similar one for $300.
Marni Elyse Katz is a contributing editor to the Globe Magazine. Follow her on Instagram @StyleCarrot. Send comments to magazine@globe.com.
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