Our Story
Our name highlights a blend of different elements much like our design approach.
Brownstone
Brownstone is a deep brown type of sandstone which was instrumental to the building of numerous US cities beginning in the late 1600’s. It is found in many landmark buildings throughout the Northeast and beyond, and has also lent its name to the beautiful “Brownstones” found throughout Brooklyn as well as other parts of New York City. As a sturdy but slightly softer stone, Brownstone allowed artisans to create beautifully intricate detail work. Brownstone also has a personal connection to Seth as the small town he grew up in housed the quarries that provided most of the Brownstone used throughout New England from 1690-1938.
Sage
Sage can represent so many things related to our work. Sage is of course a peaceful green color that finds its way into some of our designs. It is also an amazing plant that can withstand harsh New England winters with its hearty branches that support the soft velvety leaves and beautiful purple flowers. Many say that the smell of sage evokes a feeling of warmth and coziness, for us it brings out the feeling of autumn in New England with a brown butter sage sauce drenched over ravioli (yes, we are foodies too). Traditionally sage is also used in many cultures to cleanse a home’s energy. This is a goal we strive for in all we do as well. Helping you to find and create a space that works for you and your loved ones.
Seth Hodge - Owner/Lead Designer
Growing up in a small town in Connecticut, Seth’s design style is rooted in the classic architectural style of the Arts and Crafts movement (sometimes referred to as Craftsman) with influences from Mid-century Modern, Industrial (urban loft), Farmhouse, and Vintage Modern. Whether restoring the classic design in an old home or infusing craftsmanship and detail into a newer build, Seth finds the beauty in highlighting timeless architecture elements and blending them with clean new design concepts and high quality finishes and materials.
All that said… Seth also looks for ways to sneak fun and function into every design. He believes that a touch of whimsy should surprise you when you least expect it and that even the most beautiful spaces need to work well for those existing in them. He thinks book storage belongs in every home, that you should be able to find a cozy space to enjoy a cup of tea, coffee or cocoa and that the colors of your home should bring you comfort.
Seth lives with his partner David, and a rambunctious husky/chow-chow (Lucy) halfway between Boston MA and Providence RI in a 125 year old Craftsman Bungalow which he is restoring.
How It Began
As a 13 year old, when selling magazine subscriptions for a school fundraiser, Seth watched many of his friends buy their own subscriptions to Sports Illustrated or Mad Magazine. Seth however took it upon himself to subscribe to Architectural Digest and went on to spend countless hours pouring over designs and creating his own in his sketchpad. As he continued to foster this love for design, he also executed many of these designs in his bedroom and throughout his home (to the frustration of his very supportive parents) sometimes with, but often times without permission.
Whether designing a bookcase with cubbies to highlight his artwork and building it with his father in their basement workshop or painting an intricately detailed faux brick wall in his bedroom (which his parents were shocked to find the next morning) after being inspired by the industrial 90’s loft lifestyle in the original “Real World” he always had some project up his sleeve. Creating a comforting, fun, and functional space that truly reflects on the life and experiences of its owner has always been at the root of Seth’s design style.
In The Community
Brownstone and Sage is proud to partner with Old Colony Habitat for Humanity in providing design services and regular build support for local habit builds and families.