Joyful, collected, and welcoming best describe this coastal gem of a home. Bursting with treasures from art and antiques to seaside finds, it’s a full, happy place complemented by incredible ocean views. And even though it looks like it’s been here for decades, surprise! It’s a recent build.
[All photos courtesy of Molly in Maine.]
The second in our House Tour Series, the newer home is a traditional shingle-sided cottage right on the water. The interiors take advantage of stunning ocean views thanks to an abundance of windows, allowing inside and outside to blend seamlessly through color, texture, and light. Fabric and paint choices in shades of blue and white are an extension of the ocean beyond.
You can’t help but smile when you tour this home owned by fellow blogger Molly in Maine. Filled with comfortable furnishings, everything is beautiful, but nothing is too precious. It’s a kick-off-your-shoes and put-up-your-feet kind of place. Just ask family dogs Maddie and Cisco!
Though the house is newer, it could easily be mistaken for one that’s been here for decades. Pine floors, wide trim on windows, doors, and baseboards, and a collection of vintage furnishings create instant patina. Fabric choices in shades of blue and white are an extension of the ocean and sky beyond.
A gallery wall in the living room features sea shell prints that reflect the coastal setting. We especially love the painting of one of the family dogs snoozing on a sofa. The display hangs above a vintage dough bowl overflowing with shells and starfish. The centerpiece, flanked by two wire plant holders, sits on a well-worn chest of drawers.
Around the corner in the dining room, antique duck decoys float on a vintage sideboard. A collection of blue and white transferware decorates the white tongue and groove wall. Old wooden spools and a plate rack lend warmth, while starfish and flowering branches add another textural element.
The dining room table affords more views of the ocean beyond, making it a choice spot to enjoy a meal. It’s flanked by casual chairs that carry on the blue and white color scheme. Above, an open chandelier enhances the airy feel. More blue and white transferware pieces adorn the two-sided stone fireplace, and a seagrass rug softens the floorboards.
In the adjacent kitchen, glass-fronted cabinets showcase dishes and stemware. The blue and white palette dominates in this space with cheery blue pantry doors, white countertops, and a gray-blue tile backsplash. A pot rack made from copper plumbing fittings keeps pots and pans within easy reach.
The nearby mudroom offers the perfect spot to remove wet, sandy shoes, hang jackets and leashes, or write a grocery list. It’s also home to a blue-tiled dog wash which makes cleaning muddy paws super convenient. More vintage items, including animal prints, canning jars, wooden shoe forms, and basketry decorate this functional space. Striped mats in blue and tan sit atop an earth-toned tile floor, while a collection of oars fit perfectly into a corner by the door.
In the master bedroom, a pencil post bed takes center stage with each post crowned by a conch shell. Stripes, florals, paisley, and checks blend harmoniously in this relaxed room. Vintage blue wicker completes the scene, adding to the patina.
Step inside the hallway bathroom upstairs and you’ll find dual sinks with white marble vanities and polished chrome legs that are both functional and beautiful. A blue painted floor, white-painted tongue and groove walls, and a blue-tiled shower keeps things bright and crisp. A mix of textiles, including the rug, stool fabric, storage bins, and shower curtain lend softness.
The guest bedroom features prints and paintings reminiscent of the home’s coastal locale. Maddie and Cisco enjoy some downtime on the quilt-covered bed that features an Eastlake-style headboard and footboard. Second-hand side tables holding books, lamps, and vases of flowers add to the eclectic, relaxed vibe.
Just as quaint as it can be, this guest bathroom uses beadboard wainscoting and a blue and white botanical wallpaper as the backdrop. A vintage marble-topped table serves as the vanity. Plumbing fixtures are mounted on the wall above the elevated porcelain sink. An antique mirror flanked by matching sconces stands in for the typical medicine cabinet. And a large butterfly print hangs above a vintage church pew.
Outside, you’re invited to relax on the deck or in the garden. Grab a glass of wine or your favorite drink and unwind among wildflowers, shorebirds, and the lapping waves. What a wonderful way to end (or start) the day!