“There always seems to be a self-fulfilling prophecy woven into my novels,” J. Courtney Sullivan remarks. “I create a narrative, and then it materializes in my own life.” In her newest work, The Cliffs, a character named Jane returns to her hometown and finds herself in a Victorian dwelling. Coincidentally, Courtney also returned to her hometown and settled into an old Victorian with her husband, two children, and a 13-year-old canine companion. Come explore her surroundings…
LIBRARY
Chairs: Interior Define. Coffee tables: Pottery Barn. Lamp: Target. Curtains: custom via Noelani Zervas Interiors with fabric by Fabricut. Rug: Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, similar.
“I know many individuals who experienced surprise life changes in the initial months of Covid — a sort of reevaluation. A divorce, a career shift, a new baby, or an unexpected pet. For me, it was relocating back to Milton, Massachusetts, which I never thought I’d do. I cherish it, yet I often envision my 14-year-old goth self, who penned stories about suburban emptiness, discovering that we reside here. She would be horrified.”
Sofa: Room & Board “Hutton”, similar. Coffee tables: Pottery Barn. Lamp: Target. Curtains: custom via Noelani Zervas Interiors with fabric by Fabricut. Rug: Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, similar.
“We moved in July 2021. Our furniture collection was minimal, and due to supply chain issues, finding a new couch that would arrive in under a year seemed impossible. I visited Room & Board to inquire about any immediately available couches. There was one: yellow and velvet. I purchased it and decided to design the room around it, starting with navy walls.”
Painting: Leo Dunn.
“A few months after acquiring this sea captain portrait, my best friend and I entered an expansive art gallery in Maine. Surrounded by hundreds of paintings, she pointed to one and exclaimed, ‘I adore that!’ It happened to be a Leo Dunn portrait of Captain Cogswell! She had never seen mine, yet now we each own one.”
DINING ROOM
Light fixture: Shades of Light. Table: Duvall & Co. Chairs: Design Within Reach. Wallpaper: William Morris.
“While we resided in Brooklyn, we welcomed our second child, converting our dining area into our son’s bedroom. I was reluctant to give up the table, so I devised a table tent that transformed it into a firetruck. With cushions, fairy lights, and books, it became a perfect hideout. Now, the dining table is once again a dining table. My daughter and her friends engage in numerous crafts, leaving glitter in every nook.”
Wallpaper: William Morris. Mirror: frame sourced from an antique shop, mirror added later.
“For my 40th birthday, my two closest friends gifted me beautiful decorative bowls. I remember thinking, Wow, we’ve entered the decorative bowl phase of life. In a delightful way — I adore decorative bowls.”
LIVING ROOM
Sectional: Interior Define. Rug: Vintage, similar. Coffee table: West Elm, similar. Side table: “Thrifted at a mid-century modern store in Brooklyn a decade ago,” similar. Wall color: Tallow by Farrow & Ball. Curtains: custom via Noelani Zervas Interiors.
“The day after we arrived, part of the second-floor ceiling collapsed due to an unknown leak. The house retains its original wooden gutters, with walls of horsehair plaster. This is the first home my husband and I have owned, so it’s a steep learning curve.”
“Many women in my mother’s family prefer their middle names. My name is Julie, but no one has ever called me that. While it might appear I’m aiming for a literary flourish with ‘J. Courtney Sullivan,’ even my kindergarten attendance record reflects that name.”
KITCHEN
“After two decades of living in compact apartments, we were thrilled to move into a spacious house. Ironically, when all five of us are home, we often end up in the same room. During parties, guests pile into the small kitchen until I plead for them to spread out.”
Throw rug: Dash & Albert.
“If more than three children are at home, you can guarantee someone is squeezing through the little kitchen window. It’s a rule.”
“The home has delightful historical elements, such as a Harry Potter-style closet under the stairs and a butler’s pantry we devote to storing children’s art supplies.”
OFFICE
Desk: Theodore Alexander. Wall color: Dix Blue by Farrow & Ball. Desk chair: vintage Steelcase, similar. Globe Lamp: Vintage Dansk from Ramble Market. Rug: GreenRow.
“The highlight of my office is the desk my husband gifted me 15 years ago, when I left my day job to pursue writing full-time. On that desk rests a photo of me and my childhood friend Noreen crafting a snowman in a snowstorm. It serves as a daily reminder of my creative motivation.”
“During our early dating days, Kevin and I connected over our mutual admiration for artist Leanne Shapton. Since Leanne and I collaborated then, I asked her if she had any paintings available for sale. She tore two pages from her sketchbook — a watercolor of brownstones — which I framed for Kevin as a Christmas surprise. Later, for my 35th birthday, Kevin commissioned the artist Samantha Hahn to create a custom cover for the Baby-Sitters Club, inspired by a photo of me with my childhood companions.”
LANDING
“At one time, a girl named Clara must have inhabited this house, as her name is carved into the wooden doors. It’s always intriguing and a touch eerie to uncover new ones.”
PRIMARY BEDROOM
Yellow quilt: The Company Store. Wood bench: similar.
“With children, life becomes a series of extremes. My husband and I are either in this calm, beautiful house working remotely or amid the kids, which is absolutely chaotic.”
“When I was still consuming alcohol, I found myself drawn to writings by those who had quit. Ann Leary authored an amazing book titled The Good House that lingers in my thoughts. I have often written about the ‘good girl’ in families plagued by alcoholism. In my most recent novel, I aimed for sincerity, conveying that sometimes the ‘good girl’ is also an alcoholic who needs to confront that reality. There were countless moments when I felt a strong urge to stop drinking, even though it appeared unattainable. It was, in fact, feasible. In October, I’ll celebrate eight years of sobriety.”
SON’S ROOM
Bedding: Pottery Barn Kids. Bed: Pottery Barn Kids. Nightstand: Ikea. Rocket lamp: Target, similar. Curtains: Pottery Barn Kids.
“As a child, I longed to read The Baby-Sitter’s Club, yet my father urged me to focus on ‘real books.’ Now, I volunteer at the library, which boasts all the titles I cherished growing up, but the kids seem most interested in graphic novels. I occasionally feel like my dad when I catch myself lamenting, What about Anne of Green Gables?! But fostering a love for reading means allowing children to explore the literature that captivates them.”
DAUGHTER’S ROOM
Bed: Pottery Barn Kids. Map: Cavallini Papers. Nightstand: Ikea. Curtains: Pottery Barn Kids. Rug: Pottery Barn Kids.
“Essentially every achievement in our family is commemorated with a trip to Dairy Freeze, so when I finished my book The Cliffs, we did exactly that. My husband shouted, ‘Hooray for Mom, she wrapped up her book!’ My five-year-old chimed in, ‘Now you can quit writing forever!’”
“When my parents vacated my childhood home, they reached out to ask what I wished to keep. I was residing in a studio apartment in Brooklyn, so I told them to donate my childhood toys — but they held onto my dollhouse. I’m incredibly grateful they did.”
STAIRS
Wallpaper: Farrow & Ball.
“One evening, while enjoying pizza with a friend, I sought advice about our back stairs. I had a plethora of paint swatches. She recommended wallpaper instead, prompting me to lay out all my wallpaper samples. She selected one from the collection, held it up, and we both exclaimed, ‘That’s it!’”
PORCH
“The front porch is the perfect spot for napping, sipping coffee, or watching a rainstorm unfold. Every September, we participate in Milton Porchfest, with bands performing on driveways and porches. It’s our favorite day of the year in this town.”
Thank you for graciously sharing your home with us, Courtney, and congratulations on your new novel!
P.S. More home tours, including a vibrant Swedish apartment and an introvert’s retreat.
(Photos by Lyndsay Hannah Photography. Noelani Zervas provided interior design services. As Courtney stated, “After making bold choices, like painting an entire room navy, I encountered decision fatigue. Noelani offered so many wonderful ideas to unite everything and recommended pieces I adore and would never have discovered on my own.”)
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**Inside J. Courtney Sullivan’s Lively Home, Filled with Comfy Reading Spaces | Cup of Jo**
For those who cherish literature and inviting interiors, stepping into the abode of celebrated author J. Courtney Sullivan feels like stepping into a fantasy. Renowned for her bestselling works such as *Maine*, *The Engagements*, and *Saints for All Occasions*, Sullivan has fashioned a home that mirrors her profound passion for storytelling, comfort, and creativity. Recently highlighted on the popular lifestyle blog *Cup of Jo*, Sullivan’s residence serves as a tribute to the significance of thoughtful design, where every nook beckons you to sink into a good book.
### A Residence That Narrates a Tale
Upon entering Sullivan’s home, it becomes evident that this is a setting curated by someone who grasps the value of storytelling. Each room is adorned with personal details, from vintage furnishings to meticulously chosen artwork, recounting the narrative of Sullivan’s life and interests. The walls are embellished with framed book covers, family snapshots, and prints that evoke feelings of nostalgia and warmth.
Sullivan’s home is not merely a living space; it’s a sanctuary for creation. As a novelist, she dedicates countless hours to writing, reading, and self-reflection, and her home is thoughtfully designed to facilitate these pursuits. Each room possesses its own distinct aura, yet they all share a common theme: an adoration for books and a profound appreciation for the splendor of daily existence.
### Cozy Reading Spaces: A Book Lover’s Paradise
One of the most noteworthy aspects of Sullivan’s home is its plethora of inviting reading nooks. Whether it’s a sun-soaked window seat, a cushy armchair nestled in a corner, or a chaise lounge surrounded by bookshelves, each nook is crafted to create the ideal ambiance for losing oneself in a tale.
In her conversation with *Cup of Jo*, Sullivan elaborated that these reading alcoves are vital to her creative process. “I require a book-filled environment,” she noted. “There’s something about being in a space resembling a library that aids my focus and prepares me mentally for writing.”
These nooks are not just practical but visually enchanting as well. Sullivan exhibits an eye for blending textures and hues, resulting in settings that feel both warm and stylish. Plush throws, patterned cushions, and soft lighting amplify the coziness, making it easy to envision hours spent engrossed in a novel.
### A Passion for Vintage Finds and Personal Significance
Sullivan’s home is brimming with vintage treasures that imbue the space with a sense of history and enduring quality. From mid-century modern pieces to antique rugs, each item carries a unique backstory. In the *Cup of Jo* feature, Sullivan shared that numerous objects in her home were found during her journeys or inherited from family, enriching the home’s story with deeper meanings.
Among her cherished items is a vintage typewriter positioned on a desk in her writing area. “It may not serve a practical purpose, but I adore having it there, representing the rich legacy of writing,” she shared. “It connects me to the past, to all those who paved the way before me.”
Beyond vintage furnishings, Sullivan’s home is adorned with personal keepsakes, including framed letters from loved ones and books passed down through generations. These elements not only enhance the character of the space but also inspire her writing endeavors.
### A Nurturing Environment for Family and Creativity
While Sullivan’s home undoubtedly serves as a writer’s paradise, it’s equally designed for family living. As a mother, Sullivan has cultivated a space that is both functional and inviting for her kids. The living room is a vibrant blend of toys and books, featuring a designated play area where her children can unleash their creativity.
In the *Cup of Jo* feature, Sullivan discussed the challenge of balancing her writing with motherhood. “Finding time to write is not always simple, but residing in a home that feels like a refuge helps,” she remarked. “I want my children to grow up immersed in books and art, feeling free to be imaginative and creative.”
### The Impact of Thoughtfully Crafted Spaces
For J. Courtney Sullivan, home transcends mere shelter — it’s an environment that encourages creativity, strengthens family ties, and offers a sense of comfort and belonging. Her vibrant, literature-filled residence reflects her character and passions, serving as a testament to the significance of thoughtful design.
In her interview with *Cup of Jo*, Sullivan shared insights for those hoping to create their own cozy reading spaces: “Begin with a comfortable seat, incorporate good lighting, and surround yourself with books that ignite your imagination. It need not be elaborate — just an oasis where you can dive into a story.”
For both readers and design aficionados, J. Courtney Sullivan’s home stands as an inspiring example.
