{"id":628818,"date":"2026-09-18T18:54:09","date_gmt":"2026-09-18T18:54:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/628818\/"},"modified":"2026-09-18T18:54:09","modified_gmt":"2026-09-18T18:54:09","slug":"design-a-backyard-barn-in-newton-finds-new-life-as-a-gathering-space","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/628818\/","title":{"rendered":"Design: A backyard barn in Newton finds new life as a gathering space"},"content":{"rendered":"

The first thing designer Cara Fineman did to transform the barn in her clients\u2019 Newton backyard was paint the entire interior white. \u201cThis dark brown barn looked like a frat house\u201d said Fineman, founder of DAG Design<\/a> based in Dover, said. \u201cNow it\u2019s a cheerful and inviting gathering space.\u201d<\/p>\n

Oversized rattan pendants from Serena & Lily<\/a>, $598 each, are an instant wow that fill the top of the room and set the tone. \u201cThe organic material has a casual, coastal sensibility\u2014 the barn may be used as a pool house later \u2014 without feeling out of place in the suburbs,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Fineman used shibori-patterned fabric designed by local artist Annie Damphousse of Housse Studio<\/a>, for the drapery panels, made by Makkas Workroom in Sudbury<\/a>. \u201cThe drapes introduce multiple blue tones and a bohemian vibe that plays off the pendants,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n

A pool table and a game table \u2014 both white to blend into the background \u2014 offer alternatives to screen time. Doc & Holliday\u2019s Santorini pool table<\/a>, from $7,599, comes in various finishes and felt colors.<\/p>\n

Crate & Barrel\u2019s Gather sectional<\/a>, 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\u2019s Turtle Bay Belgian linen. Or, try a sea turtle print pillow from Etsy vendor Ethan Taylor Home<\/a>, starting at $22.77.<\/p>\n

The white oak coffee table brings natural wood to the middle of the space and anchors the seating area. Quince sells a similar one <\/a>for $300.<\/p>\n

Marni Elyse Katz is a contributing editor to the Globe Magazine. Follow her on Instagram @StyleCarrot<\/a>. Send comments to magazine@globe.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

More Fall House Hunt<\/p>\n