Massachusetts home renovation: hidden pantry & 200-year-old bakery table define cozy

A Massachusetts Home’s transformation reveals a secret “confessional” pantry and a repurposed 19th-century French bakery table at the heart of its design.

Interior designer Meta Coleman, of Waltham, Massachusetts, orchestrated a five-year renovation of a 1930s Cape Cod Home for homeowner Amanda Knorr, founder of Knosen Antiques. The project masterfully merged the original architecture with a 1990s addition, resulting in a space brimming with English antiques, whimsical tramp art, and woodland motifs.

“It couldn’t be too traditional—they’re a young family,” explained Meta Coleman. The design infused the Home with a playful energy, pairing custom Balineum tiles with a Waterworks faucet, handles, and pulls, complemented by vintage accessories sourced from antique shops, secondhand stores, Brimfield Antique Flea Market, and house museums. The renovation wasn’t just about aesthetics; it was a journey of discovery, sparked by a shared appreciation for antique wooden sleigh beds.

Knorr and Coleman’s connection began with the discovery of similar sleigh beds, and their collaborative process unfolded at a deliberate pace, collecting furnishings and art over time. The result? A deeply personal and inviting space, rich with history and character.

One of the most striking features is a hidden pantry, cleverly concealed behind a pedimented façade with Greek-style columns and molding. Coleman describes this secret space as “the confessional,” a playful nod to its function.