DESIGN & DECOR
Botanical Touch
Sayles Livingston Home transforms a Little Compton farmhouse into a living art gallery. PHOTOGRAPHY BY TONY LUONG
I N THE HEART OF LITTLE COMPTON— A PLACE WHERE salt air meets historic farmland— Sayles Livingston Home transformed a simple farmhouse into an immersive sensory haven. This project was more than a renovation: It was the meticulous expression of a life dedicated to design and botany, a physical narrative of curated passions. The concept thoughtfully balances the rustic honesty of farm life with the quiet, sophisticated refinement of distinctive designer pieces. The team treated the home as a living canvas, creating an experience of tactile and visual discovery in every space. The final result is a home that is genuinely warm, profoundly personal and vibrantly alive. A biophilic approach was central to the design, ensuring that the interior remains in continuous conversation with the surrounding meadows and changing seasons. Hand-painted murals and works by local artists animate the walls, complemented by regionally made lighting fixtures and sculptures that enhance the home’ s sense of artistry and place. The residence also serves as an intimate gallery for storied collections: The warm, burnished glow of vintage copper juxtaposes with the earthy, matte finishes of handmade pottery. Unexpected moments of whimsy, like a playful reverence for turtles and insects, carry on a delightful conversation with the otherwise refined palette. Paint, tile, metals, fabrics, various woods and organic shapes and patterns are layered with intention, creating a cohesive and rich environment. ◆
ABOVE: Pedro, a Jack Russell mix, guards the hand-painted mural, potted plants, insect specimens and sculpture made by local artisans in the botanical living room.
RIGHT: The painted eucalyptus motif on the farmhouse sink complements the light blue cabinets, quartzite countertops and herringbone tile.
10 RHODE ISLAND MONTHLY’ S NEST | 2026