y Cottage€¦ · and seashells. SUNROOM BLISS While lots of East Coast homeowners use their...

80 cottages & bungalows | cottagesandbungalowsmag.com

CountryCottage,

City

See how color, light andelegant textures combinein this cottage on the cape.

B Y A U T U M N K R A U S SP H O T O G R A P H Y B Y M I C H A E L J . L E E

Chic

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august | september 2015 81

CHEER UP. Incorporating the home-owners’ love for patterns, Elizabeth

included two cheery ginghamottomans, perfectly offsetting the

beige armchairs and couch but notdistracting from the view.

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THE FIRST RULE OF COASTAL DECORATINGis find the view; then dress everything elseaccordingly. When Elizabeth Swartz’s clientsrequested a country cottage with upscale,city style, she knew one thing would be primary: the stunning coastal landscape.The original split-level, three-bedroomMassachusetts home was nestled right nextto the waterfront but didn’t highlight thebreathtaking views.

“This was a completely new construc-tion on an existing footprint,” Elizabethsays. “It was important for the new house totake advantage of the fabulous views.”

The results are a two-story, four-bedroommasterpiece that features a glass-enclosedsunroom, windowed breakfast nook, andindoor and outdoor kitchens, all designedto let in the ever-changing sky and sea.With sharp pops of color, timeless furnish-ings and unique uses of patterns, Elizabethcreated a seaside paradise without suc-cumbing to the obvious themes of creamsand seashells.

SUNROOM BLISSWhile lots of East Coast homeowners use

their cottages for weekend getaways,Elizabeth’s clients wanted one place forboth weekday and weekend living. Sincethey have grown children, they requestedboth gathering places for get-togethersand hideaways for focused work. With itshuge windows, the sunroom was the per-fect balance for their needs, a stunningplace for reflection that could easily doubleas a comfy spot for hangouts. “We wantedto celebrate the water and provide a fun,casual environment,” Elizabeth says.

The three walls were framed in windowsand Elizabeth selected clean white paint,roll-up blinds and green quartzite tiles forthe floor. The furniture is a mix of traditionaland casual pieces that kept the focus on thewindows. Elizabeth incorporated patternsand pops of color, giving the sunroom asummery feel year round.

| OPPOSITE | MAKE IT OVER.The homeowner incorporated

a lot of her existing furnish-ings but had them restyled for

a more casual, fun look. Shewanted a comfortable yet

traditional vibe.

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HAPPY PLACE. The homeowners wantedtheir home to be comfortable for familygatherings, so Elizabeth created a warmand inviting environment in the livingroom with botanical-print armchairs and alight blue couch.

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BREAKFAST SANCTUARYElizabeth oversaw construction on a cus-

tom dining nook designed to “bump out”from the room and hand selected brightlycolored striped fabric for custom cushionsand curtains. While the homeowners chosetranquil hues in other areas of the home,they loved explosions of color in artfulplaces, including the nook, where color off-set the dark-stained oak floors.

“The nook’s bold colors and patterns werechosen to be bright, cheerful and fun,”Elizabeth says. “They help create a morecasual look and feel, while allowing the tra-ditionally detailed custom cabinetry, mill-work and furnishings to anchor the spaces.”

CLEVER KITCHENS Easily the house’s crown jewels, the indoor

and outdoor kitchens allow the homeownersto seamlessly transition between settingsand give them the option to entertain eitherinside or out in the open. Elizabeth includeda sink, grill and burner in the outdoorkitchen, specifically for cooking lobsters. “Thehomeowners are known for their lobster din-ners on the water,” she says. The couple oftentake their skiff across the harbor to thefarmer’s market and purchase lobsters fromthe back of a truck.

THE FURNITURE IS A MIX OFTRADITIONAL AND CASUALPIECES THAT KEPT THEFOCUS ON THE WINDOWS.

FUN FIRST. Elizabeth found several patterned fabrics to reupholster the homeowners’ existing

furniture. The only requirement was that they wereplayful so the rooms didn’t feel too formal.

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WITH SHARP POPS OFCOLOR, TIMELESS FURNISHINGS AND UNIQUE USES OF PATTERNS,ELIZABETH CREATED A SEASIDE PARADISE WITHOUTSUCCUMBING TO THEOBVIOUS THEMES OFCREAMS AND SEASHELLS.

The appliances were purchased as stain-less steel bodies, since they would bedurable and provide weather-tight storage.The bodies were inserted into wood sur-roundings that tied together both kitchens,giving them an integrated look.

Stunning color interplay and breathtak-ing views make this home the ideal seasidegetaway for this busy couple. It functionswonderfully for the two of them yet effort-lessly accommodates visits from their children and grandchildren, too—truly the perfect city-chic, country cottage.

S E E S O U R C E S , P A G E 1 4 4

| OPPOSITE | RAINBOW SHERBET. Thebright color theme continues in the

breakfast nook where pinks, green andcitrus tones capitalize on the bay win-dow light, making a sweet sunny spot.

The window treatments, allowing thecouple to let in the coastal breezes,

were motorized for their convenience.

ISLAND STYLE. The long, narrowkitchen island sports drawers for

seamless extra storage.

WITH FEELING. Bross Blue Brushedmarble topped the kitchen counters and

created a dramatic backsplash.Elizabeth picked it for its textured finish.

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BenjaminMoore’s Rosy

Blush pink

ROSE-COLORED GLASSES. In order to givethe home study a bright, bold aesthetic,

Elizabeth selected Benjamin Moore’s RosyBlush pink for the main wall. It created a

focal point against the white furniture andcustom wool carpets.

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Whether you are designing yourspace around a lush backyard,ocean view or mountain landscape,here are some things to keep in mind.

PASTEL PALETTE. While statement colorswere used in the office and bathroom, thehomeowners wanted a tranquil environ-ment in their master bedroom and optedfor soft greens and blues to tie in withtheir waterfront view. The room wasdesigned to be opened up or closed off,depending on their needs.

Floor-to-ceiling windows are a great way to keep yourview front and center. However, opt for two or threestacked windows instead of just one big one. That way,your windows will have visual appeal and dimension.

Consider motorizing your window treatments. It can bedifficult to draw curtains on large windows, but you willwant to control the light and your privacy.

Make sure your window coverings enhance or complimentthe great view—rather than distract from it.

Keep your furnishings a little subtle. If you have a stunningview, opt for classically elegant pieces in calming colors. Itwill keep the focus on the view without competing with it.

With a ViewDesign

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STONE FACED. The master bath-room featured a diverse use ofmarble, including Alba Chiara

slabs chosen for their beautifulgreen and rose-colored veins.

FINISHING TOUCHES.Cosa Calacatta marbletiles were used in theshower and accentedwith white Caesar Stoneshower jambs.

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y Cottage€¦ · and seashells. SUNROOM BLISS While lots of East Coast homeowners use their...

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