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Houzz Tour: Modern Beach House With a Custom Twist
A family name inspires the interior of a colorful townhouse on Chesapeake Bay
Most people have a pretty standard idea of what a typical beach house looks like: blue and white, gold hardware, linens, cottons, and seagrass rugs. But for this East Coast couple, that had already been said and done. Since the couple had just redone a beach house in a traditional style, they wanted their new home on the Chesapeake Bay to be different.
Designer Bruce Palmer had designed the couple's other house, so they recruited him to tackle this new project. They wanted a place that was relaxed but contemporary, comfortable but cutting edge — a place where they could entertain and feel at home. Palmer created a look he and the clients describe as "SoHo meets the Chesapeake" — a blend of warm colors, natural materials, and modern furniture.
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Designer Bruce Palmer had designed the couple's other house, so they recruited him to tackle this new project. They wanted a place that was relaxed but contemporary, comfortable but cutting edge — a place where they could entertain and feel at home. Palmer created a look he and the clients describe as "SoHo meets the Chesapeake" — a blend of warm colors, natural materials, and modern furniture.
Browse photos of beach houses
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| The clients' last name starts with an S, so Palmer used this as a common theme throughout the house. The curved copper portion in the stunning mirror fireplace surround is an understated tribute to the family's last name. The surround was custom made by an artist in Annapolis, who hand-hammered and molded the copper for the piece. The mirror is actually two-tone — the bottom half is peach, and the top half is clear. Wall color: Benjamin Moore Cinnamon Slate Rug: Cotton Chenille and Rayon from A.M. Collections NYC |
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| Since the clients really wanted something new and different for this home, Palmer wanted to choose a unique color palette. In the end, the warm colors of the living room textiles ended up dictating the purple and brown palette for the rest of the home. Sofa: Vladimir Kagan with Jim Thompson Fabric Coffee Table: Vladimir Kagan Floor lamp: Serge Mouille Curtains: “Gloria” from Bergamo Fabrics Chairs: Papa Bear Chairs by Hans Wegner |
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| The clients wanted to fully appreciate the home's beautiful ocean views. Palmer opened up the first floor, creating a larger space encompassing the kitchen, dining and living room. This main space is on the ground floor, near the front door, so the family can see the water as soon as they walk into their home. Pendant: Boyd Lighting Dining table: John Saladino Chairs: Vladimir Kagan |
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The clients love modern and mid-century pieces, so Palmer scoured antique shops and stores in New York for clean, Danish-style pieces. Glass accessories and mirrors add a bit of flair to distinguish the look from the standard mid-century modern style.
Console: Edward Wormley for Dunbar
Console: Edward Wormley for Dunbar
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| The hardwood floors are made of a bleached and limewashed oak that almost has a driftwood feel. The reddish veneer of the cabinetry provides a bright contrast to the understated hardwood. Palmer curved the the kitchen island into the same "S" shape as the form on the living room fireplace surround. It is also the perfect shape for guests to sit and chat at while dinner is cooking. Cabinetry: Etimoe Veneer from Premier Cabinetry Barstools: BDDW NYC Pendants: Plug Lighting Countertop: Yellow Bamboo Granite Backsplash: Melagrano Hexagon Tile from AKDO |
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| Bold and reflective fireplace surrounds are present in all the major rooms of this house, including the master suite. The tile in this surround is made of a metallic, iridescent glass. Grasscloth wall coverings and a simple rug keep the room grounded. Duvet: Kuba from Bart Halpern Rug: Kravet Wall color: Silk Grasscloth from Nobilis Rocking Chair: Vladimir Kagan Tile on fireplace surround: Oceanside Glass Tile |
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| The home's guest bedroom is a warm and cozy space where guests can snuggle up for the night. Its rich golds and oranges flow perfectly with the browns and purples in the home's other rooms. Bed frame: J Robert Scott Rug: Missoni Chaise: Vladimir Kagan |
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| The master bathroom had a few constructional challenges for Palmer, who had to reduce the size of the original layout in order to add a guest bathroom on the same floor. However he was able to take advantage of what was originally a window bump-out, turning it into a master shower. Wall color: Benjamin Moore Penny Vanities: Rosewood Veneer from Premier Cabinetry Vanity countertop: Picture Stone/Teakwood Limestone |
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The guest bath is smaller but just as luxurious. A mosaic-tiled shower echoes the trim around the vanity, and a glass vessel sink brings in the same beach-glass elements that are used in the other rooms in the house.
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| Natural colors and materials played a huge role in the home's design. Palmer used an elegant combination of different woods, stones, textiles, leathers, and plant materials to create a look that feels luxurious and relaxed. All of these materials are very visible throughout the design, but their neutral tones tie them all together. Sofa: J Robert Scott with Peruzzi fabric from Nina Campbell Arm chairs: Rose Tarlow Wall color: Benjamin Moore Irongate Coffee table: J Robert Scott |
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"This home definitely fits my personality," says Palmer. "It's clean, edited, and well-chosen. I tend to take a very natural and organic approach to material selection."
Tile on fireplace surround: Walker Zanger
More Houzz Tours:
Eclectic Country Beach House
Style and Surprise in The Hamptons
Restored Eichler on the Waterfront
Tile on fireplace surround: Walker Zanger
More Houzz Tours:
Eclectic Country Beach House
Style and Surprise in The Hamptons
Restored Eichler on the Waterfront
Ideabook updated on Jan. 8, 2012.
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nothing mid-century here.
gretchen g.
When done right, and I believe this home was, you do not have to force a theme into a particular era.
Remember this is a beach house. You are allowed to wear board shorts and a dress shirt together. Just relax a little!