The Loft in This 200-Year-Old Building Has Stunning Ornate Windows

Adrienne Breaux
·3 min read
Arched picture window with natural light, pink modern armchair next to larger blue cushioned armchair next to deep lounging modern white armchair with throw pillows
Tara Wendler, who shares this two-bedroom, 1100-square-foot loft in downtown Salem, Massachusetts with her husband, their son, and a dog named Finn, says her favorite part of the space is all the natural light. Credit: Tara Wendler Credit: Tara Wendler
Arched picture window with lots of natural sunlight, pink modern fabric arm chair, tall vertical wood cabinet with shelving and drawers and etchings in wood, blanket basket on floor
"The windows are just stunning! They literally light up my day!" she exclaims. Credit: Tara Wendler Credit: Tara Wendler
Arched picture windows, round woven art installation on wall, modern wood desk with pink fabric chair between windows
Arched picture window with sunset, pillar in middle of room, modern wood and fabric couch, round woven art installation on wall, two seat table in front of window
"For decorating I would say buy pieces that speak to you. Pick a central piece like a rug and you can build your room or space around that. I start with a couple colors I love and go from there," she continues to advise. Credit: Tara Wendler Credit: Tara Wendler
White bedding with tassels on edge, sage green throw, floating shelves, ornate mirror above bed,

ABOUT THIS TOUR

HOME TYPE: Loft

LOCATION: Downtown Salem, Salem, Massachusetts

STYLE: Bohemian, Eclectic

BEDROOMS: 2

SQUARE FEET: 1100


Tara Wendler, her husband, their son, and a dog named Finn all share this two-bedroom, 1100-square-foot loft in downtown Salem, Massachusetts. “The first thing that attracted me to this space was all of the beautiful ornate windows,” Tara begins. “The natural light is amazing. I love drinking my coffee and watching the sunrise every morning.”

“The windows and open space create a wonderful feeling of being part of the outdoors and nature while still being inside,” Tara writes. “We also have a great view of the Halloween activities that go on here in Salem, but we can keep our sanity while enjoying them from the privacy of our home.”

Arched picture window with sunset, pillar in middle of room, modern wood and fabric couch, round woven art installation on wall, two seat table in front of window
Credit: Tara Wendler Credit: Tara Wendler

The character of the apartment also drew the family to this space. “This building is over 200 years old,” Tara explains, saying that she really enjoys “living in a building and city with so much history.”

But, while the building’s historic character has been maintained, Tara and her family’s home is anything but old or stuffy looking. “Color really affects my mood so everything I have is in a similar color palette. Pastels and cool colors keep me calm and grounded,” she explains of her home decor style, which she describes as a mix of natural woods and calming colors. “I also love natural wood, plants, and art. I don’t know if I necessarily have a style; some pieces just speak to me and when that happens I usually end up buying them.”

Arched picture window with lots of natural sunlight, pink modern fabric arm chair, tall vertical wood cabinet with shelving and drawers and etchings in wood, blanket basket on floor
Credit: Tara Wendler Credit: Tara Wendler

Shop This Home

  • Happy bird picture in the living room — Anthropologie

  • Blue, pink, and cream chairs in the living room — Anthropologie

  • Dusty pink living room rug — Lorena Canals

  • Living area bookcase and carved stool — Anthropologie

  • Office nook wall hanging — West Elm

  • Office nook desk — Anthropologie

  • Office nook velvet pink chair — Target

  • Bedding — Anthropologie and Toast

  • Bedroom lamp — Anthropologie

  • Bedroom mirror— Anthropologie

  • Bedroom pillows — Lulu and Georgia

  • Bedroom rug — Serena and Lily

  • The ladder and plant are from local Salem stores: Oak & Moss and Spruce. I bought the sheepskin rug from Etsy

Thanks, Tara!

This tour’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.

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