Restoring Soul and Color: The Maestri Family Home in Manchester-by-the-Sea
For Katrina and Luca Maestri, home is not just a place—it’s a feeling. After years of renting around the world, from Singapore to São Paulo, the couple sought a place to finally put down roots with their family. They found it in an 1894 Victorian overlooking the harbor in Manchester-by-the-Sea, rich with history yet longing to be brought back to life.
“It was in sad shape,” Katrina recalls, “but I could feel what it used to be. I was excited to uncover its soul.”
Reimagining History with Care
With their lease ticking down, the Maestris partnered with OLSON LEWIS + Architects and Anderson Contracting Services for a renovation that would honor the home’s past while shaping its future. Working with principal architect John Olson, Katrina’s clear vision helped guide the process—often designing one step ahead of construction.
“It was a collaborative sprint,” Olson remembers. “Katrina brought energy and clarity, and we matched her pace.”
The renovation preserved much of the original woodwork and seven fireplaces while thoughtfully opening spaces for modern living. A key architectural gesture—a new veranda with twin gazebos—paid homage to Katrina’s Southern roots, blending warmth and hospitality into the home’s New England character.
Designing a Home That Feels Like Home
Color played a central role in the home’s rebirth. Katrina, with guidance from architectural color designer Kimberly Collins Jermain, embraced bold, saturated hues—turquoise, plum, and deep greens—that reflect years of global living and personal style. From a glossy plum library to a turquoise family room, each space balances historic charm with personal vibrancy.
Throughout the home, eclectic treasures collected over decades—Indonesian doors, Italian church carvings, Thai warriors—meld seamlessly with modern fixtures and furnishings. The result is a home that feels both worldly and rooted, historical yet alive with personality.
Beautiful Places, Personal Stories
At OLSON LEWIS + Architects, we believe Beautiful Places aren’t just designed—they’re discovered through listening, understanding, and working alongside clients to honor their unique stories. The Maestri home stands as a testament to that process: a house infused with color, culture, and joy, built not just to be lived in—but to be loved.
As Katrina reflects, “It probably shouldn’t have worked as well as it did, but it’s very personal—and it feels like home.”
