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Our young clients from Boston wanted a getaway from their fast paced, high-pressure lives. A place where they could unwind and unplug. A place their daughters could experience simple summer play and exploration. And a place so peaceful it may just bring them back throughout the year.
They found it in Little Compton, Rhode Island. With its unique combination of rural and coastal, Little Compton provided everything they were hoping for, and more. The tiny summerhouse they found last fall provides a sense of community just a stone’s throw from the water.
While the house offered easy-living just in from the beach, it lacked the functionality our clients needed to host extended family and friends. Moreover, the house’s maple floors and golden color palette didn’t provide a sense of place and the coastal home aesthetic they imagined.
Last fall they called upon taste after our work together on their Boston home. Our renovation design enabled a January 2015 construction start and completion by June, in time for summer living and a July 4th gathering.
Here’s a look at this now idyllic cottage, before and after.
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A wall between the Kitchen and Living areas was removed to make room for an island, open up the space and take in the water views. And the door to the master bedroom was removed to provide greater privacy and improve furniture placement in the room.
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Reclaimed white oak floors reminiscent of driftwood were installed through out the first floor and stairwell. Tired built-ins in the Living Room were removed to visually enlarge the space. Now, a navy blue console packed with storage space and our client’s sail boat model take center stage and provide a strong focal point across from the front door.
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Our client’s antique bench, made by her grandfather, paired with coastal-inspired furnishings creates a cheery welcome just in from the beach.
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The once small kitchenette was replaced with a bright and open Kitchen. Windows on either side of the range offer a view of the children’s play space in the backyard. Stain resistant solid surface countertops that resemble sand, and the distressed floors provide forgiving finishes that keep everyone relaxed at the beach.
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The once dark stairwell was visually enlarged with a stainless steel balustrade and walnut handrail and newel post. Uninspired sheetrock was replaced with shiplap on the half wall and a white oak cap wraps the space in cool gray texture.
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Our client’s beloved area rug from Turkey and a family arm chair was combined with bright bed linens to bring the comfort of old and the serenity of new to the getaway bedroom.
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Low, matching chaises designed by taste were custom made for the living area to maximize seating and provide his and her lounging spots to take in the water view. A soapstone wood stove rotates to be enjoyed from any area of the open living space and invites year-round visits to the ‘summer house’.
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Open shelves encourage guests to ‘help themselves’ and simplify setting the table and clean-up. Walnut counter stools by Rhode Island’s own Asher Dunn punctuate the cool gray palette. Painted cabinetry designed by taste and fabricated by Stephen Plaud keep the details simple and straightforward.
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Before, the girls’ bunk room lacked warmth and charm. Today, vintage touches and some of our clients own pieces are collaged together to bring a kids room meant to inspire and transcend the usual catalog-sourced scheme.
Many thanks, as always, to the team we assembled to help transform the house and super-please our special clients.
taste team member Wendi Dicely Scalora, Interior Designer
Cy Gibson of Gibson Building Company, General Contractor
Stephen Plaud, Kitchen Cabinetry
Allied Floor Covering, Countertops
Kyle Caldwell, Photography
Visit our full gallery of photos for this space at tastedesigninc.com
