When a home has a wonderful location and good bones, it’s amazing what interior design can do to bring it to life. This was the case with our latest Maine cottage – a second home for Atlanta owners who wanted an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Located in Harpswell, a seaside town on the mid-coast made up of peninsulas and small islands, the home is situated on a quiet street with lovely ocean vistas. When purchased, it was in need of a makeover to create the seaside getaway the owners envisioned. Enter designer Violet Marsh.
Marsh reinvented the cottage, focusing on functionality, comfort, and organic beauty. As with most Maine seaside homes, capitalizing on the ocean views was a priority. Marsh kept to a soft palette that echoes the color of the water, sea shells, driftwood, and rocky cliffs.
In the living room, oversized sofas and chairs outfitted with plump pillows create a restful spot to hang out. Two white-washed coffee tables pushed together create one large area for placing books, drinks, or small plates from the neighboring kitchen.
Simple shiplap walls and open beams on the ceilings make you feel like you’re inside of a boat. Clear glass light fixtures, like the chandelier in the dining space, keep views open, so the focus stays on the beauty of the natural surroundings.
In the kitchen, loads of windows flood the room with light all day long. Marsh kept most of the original materials, adding a new, larger island and light fixture above it. Simple Shaker cabinets, durable soapstone countertops and sink, and open shelving blend function with beauty. We especially love the styling of the open shelves, full but not busy.
As with the kitchen, Marsh re-purposed as many existing materials as possible. The changes didn’t require a complete do-over, but were more intensive than the kitchen. A big mirror, new sinks and countertop, as well as new lighting was added to refresh the room. Additionally, an old tub surround was replaced with subway tile and a glass door.
Cabinets, flooring, and walls were kept original in both bathrooms. Decorative elements complete the look. Gold bamboo-style framed art, rustic earthenware, and a small table painted black add just enough to keep things interesting without going overboard.
Marsh did an amazing job accessorizing the bedrooms, including this adorable guest room. It’s a “nothing matches but it all goes together” approach that we love, much like our last tour of the Coastal Grandma Retreat. Blues in varying shades are complemented by black and white touches, as well as interesting textures from baskets, bedding, and curtains. Even the tote bags and straw hats hanging on the walls add to the eclectic feel.
In the master bedroom, small pops of color, like those on the bed pillows, make a big impact. The variety of textures, including those on the bedding, dresser details, vase, and window seat (see photo below), blend to create a soft, relaxing retreat.
The view beyond becomes part of the room, allowing the outside to flow into the space. Nothing competes, keeping everything in harmony.
The children’s room features twin beds covered in quilts in muted tones. We love the sheets on the right-hand bed – the fox print is adorable! Wicker chairs give kiddos a place to read or sit and put on shoes or boots, and the super high ceilings keep the room feeling light and airy.
We should all be so lucky to have a coastal cottage as beautiful as this one! Even the pups know they have a good thing going.
While a second home on the water may not be do-able for most budgets, adding a coastal feel to your home is within easy reach. Natural elements like wicker, shells, driftwood and sea glass, combined with seaside colors (soft blues, greens, whites, corals, tans), and seaworthy textiles (canvas, jute, seagrass, sailcloth) create a coastal atmosphere without breaking the bank.
For more coastal décor, be sure to visit the other cottages in our House Tour Series!