The clients of Indian designer Sashya Thind, who works in Boston, gave her an intriguing brief: they wanted their house to visually represent their time spent in Denmark. This was by no means a mere whim; rather than aiming for a cliched theme representation of Nordic design, they engaged Thind in conversation about some of the best modernists. “As soon as we discussed the possibility of incorporating Finn Juhl’s Chieftain, Artichoke, and Whisky Chairs, we realized this was going to be a fantastic project and completely in sync with one another,” Thind explains. “All of the timeless masterpieces that characterize the area.”
Thind, a third-generation architect following in the footsteps of her mother and grandmother, was the ideal choice for this project. For the 8,000-square-foot Massachusetts residence, she applied her signature style of warm minimalism to every detail. Each material, finish, and decorative piece was thoughtfully selected to create an atmosphere of subtle luxury, with a clear influence from Scandinavian design of the ’40s and ’50s. The home features a spacious family room, along with an open kitchen and breakfast area. The kitchen’s double islands and expansive perimeter counter offer both seating and storage for the family. Designed to withstand the demands of a young family’s active lifestyle, the seating area near the kitchen becomes the heart of the home. “After several years of living in rented spaces and adapting to our surroundings, we wanted a home that truly supported our lifestyle,” share the homeowners. “We aimed for a space where things are easy to store and access (for both adults and kids, as I want to encourage self-sufficiency), without overwhelming visual clutter.”
A clean white color scheme flows throughout the home, complemented by rich navy tones in the furniture and warm wooden accents. Timeless Scandinavian materials, chosen for their ability to age gracefully, add an enduring quality to the design. “Our goal is to select and source well-crafted products that will last,” Thind explains. “The focus is on durability and design longevity. We believe these pieces can be passed down through generations.” This philosophy is evident in Thind’s careful furniture selection, with the home showcasing some of the finest examples of mid-century modern design from both Scandinavia and America. From Eames chairs and iconic Finn Juhl pieces to Ingo Maurer lighting, Poulsen lamps, and Carl Hansen designs, the home serves as a true archive of collectible treasures.
Thind kept a close relationship with nature throughout the house. Marvin installed sliding doors from floor to ceiling that open the living room to a sun-dappled patio. Outside, a carefully chosen combination of ornamental grasses and native plants produces a landscape that is both cultivated and untamed. The house comes to life in a new way as the sun sets over the Massachusetts countryside. New layers of texture and detail are revealed when the interiors take on a golden tone and shadows dance across the walls and Finn Juhl’s Whisky Chairs. Thind’s ability to create with both the heart and the eye is demonstrated by the house. In short, it is “A small but strong reminder of Europe in America,” as she puts it.
