If our last house tour of Harbor Cottage provided a window into minimalism, this “coastal grandma style” retreat is an exercise in maximalism! Color, prints, and textures combine to create a joyful waterfront retreat that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Designer Lisle McKenna brought her A-game to the task of refreshing this 30-year-old home for the new owners. Fusing styles reminiscent of Dorothy Draper and Sister Parish, McKenna layered ginghams, ikat prints, and quilt patterns with hand-painted murals and florals. Throw in stacks of books, vintage objects, and furniture in varying materials and you have a layered look that just works.
Lots of white paint (it covered some rather dark paneling) keeps the interior spaces from feeling too busy, which is important with so much going on. The living room alone features florals, ginghams, trellis, and other fabric prints. Underfoot, a blue and white area rug anchors the room. A wicker coffee table and side tables offer a beachy living vibe in this otherwise elegant home.
One of our favorite rooms, the entryway sports a hand painted floor and a Dutch door in the perfect shade of blue. Clam shell wall sconces flank a painting of a fish that hangs above an antique bench with a beautiful patina. The octagonal table in the center of the room offers a spot to drop mail or keys, though the homeowners like a colorful vase, flowers, and books. And we are in love with the lantern hanging from the ceiling!
“WOW” best describes the incredible dining room! This one was love at first sight for us. Slip covered chairs in a striking blue and white block print surround the dining table – a family heirloom. The rattan hurricane candle holders keep the ocean feel going, as does the hand painted mural on the walls. The scale of the mid-century mirror above the sideboard is just right and reflects the mural painting along with the ample light.
Venture into the kitchen and you may never leave. The cheerful aqua paint, white-tiled backsplash, gingham stools, and brass pendant lighting is a symphony of color and light, beauty and simplicity.
Just off the kitchen, the keeping room provides a cozy spot for morning coffee, afternoon reading, or that evening glass of wine. An unfussy jute rug, comfy upholstered furniture and plenty of windows echo the casual elegance seen throughout the house.
Arguably a favorite room for family and visitors, the large sun porch features lots of wicker, cushions covered in a variety of prints, and that swing! Soothing shades of green flow effortlessly between the inside and outdoors, with the eye stopping long enough to enjoy the stunning water views.
In addition to abundant seating, there’s also space for dining on the sunporch. A sleek table with a metal frame and wicker chairs invite you to enjoy a meal and linger a while longer while enjoying such an amazing spot.
And just when you thought it couldn’t get better, you find yourself in this heavenly master bedroom, complete with deck overlooking the coastline. The mix and match approach to fabrics and colors continues in this space, with sage green dominating, followed by red accents. It’s sumptuous without being snooty.
The bathroom offers a respite from color and prints with lots of white and blue tiled accents.
Lastly, a sweet nursery for the grandbaby features a soft blue and white palette with touches of color. While there are multiple fabric prints and blue hues, it’s a calming space that could lull any little one to sleep.
This stunner of a cottage proves that coastal grandmother style has never looked better.
For more swoon-worthy tours of Maine coastal cottages, check out the links in our House Tour Series overview article and stay tuned for more!