by Nicholas Tindall for Dwelling & Design

A newly-renovated Tidewater Colonial rests on a quiet peninsula along the scenic Eastern Shore. The home and its setting evoke the natural desire for life to be simple, comfortable and full of enriching experiences.

The waterfront location and all of its charming qualities carry through to the home’s interior, elegantly orchestrated by the do-it-all homeowner—wife/mother/homemaker—aka household CEO. Professional assistance with this project, in both the interior design and home furnishings categories, was provided by Fiona Weeks of Dwelling & Design. General contracting services, including construction, painting and project management, were completed by The Southern Tide Group (Easton, MD).

Touring the home, what is most evident are the fun, thoughtful liberties taken every step of the way which exude a ‘young-at-heart’ happiness. This sets the perfect stage for a positive sanctuary and its growing resident family.

A variety of furnishings, tapestries and home décor accessories have been carefully deployed in an intuitive manner that encompasses what life on the Shore is all about–not just the coastal-inspired look, but the sophisticated southern feel as well.

Signature pops of color are strategically scattered, drawing attention from one room to another. Cool blues and lavender hues flow throughout the downstairs living areas, mingled with silver and gold metal accents. Mindful interior design is evident, with intention and subtlety so as not to distract from the surrounding river and shoreline views.

Every surface and its coverings are carefully chosen, contrasting between smooth and rough to the touch. A descriptive analogy of the décor might be “the gentle, incoming tide passing over seashells, lapping against driftwood and vegetation on the sandy shores”.

Wide, newly-milled walnut boards lay side by side underfoot, creating an elegant foundation for all that sits upon them. A clear satin finish allows the inherent colors and qualities of this hardwood to speak in uninterrupted fashion.

The natural features of exposed beams in the family room and thick marble countertops in the kitchen add strength and symmetry to the structure.

Smooth, glossy, milky-white paint adorns the millwork everywhere, reflecting volumes of outside light and effortlessly illuminating the spacious rooms throughout the house.

Patterned textiles are carefully hung up, down and around the walls and windows, creating variation, interest and depth of color and field. These coverings share delightful details of their handmade artisan nature, adding soft texture and personality to each setting.

The kitchen, featuring the palest palette of all, harbors hidden details such as herringbone-patterned glass tile laid inside custom white china cabinets.  A few steps away, one may access the wine cellar (or more of a modern, temperature-regulated aging room), with bottles stacked and organized upon dark walnut racks.

Upstairs features a livelier usage of color, from the energetic paintings in the stairwell; to the micro bursts of pinks and blues in the sitting area; to the gorgeous lemon yellows, shades of gray, and silver metallic finishes of the master bedroom.

Perhaps the most fun and chicest space of all is the walk-in closet featuring rich lilac bench cushions, wildly-colorful floral window treatments and leopard print carpeting. The stylish design sense of the homeowner and collaboration with Fiona Weeks reaches a peak with this creative and well-curated space.

Overall, the grandest accomplishment of the home’s interior design is the impressive consistency and continuity transitioning from one space (and level) to another. Each area is uniquely styled but perfectly, harmoniously compatible. It’s a Shore-bet (a little injection of Eastern Shore humor for you) that a family can be content and comfortable within the confines of this home while also feeling a call or connection to the outdoors–the original inspiration for it all.

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Photography by Dwelling & Design