An 18th-Century Starter House Saved From Ruin

Since space is at a premium in the compact, 18th-century interior, the homeowner gravitates toward antique furnishings like the upstairs hall's French chestnut flip-top bench, which functions as both seating and stowaway space. The drywall in the upstairs hall and two bedrooms was coated with pigmented plaster, then glazed for a subtly textured, aged look.