The Oaks, a popular waterfront wedding destination (located in Royal Oak, MD), recently underwent some interior design upgrades. Don Wooters of Dwelling & Design was hired to guide the project.

The owners of the establishment wanted a look that would attract younger groups and couples specifically, but that would also have a wide appeal as well. They were looking to get away from the traditional country cottage look that had existed in the main house for decades.

With Don’s help, and inspiration from their local surroundings, they decided to go in the direction of coastal style. This genre can encompass everything from blues and whites, to turquoise and neutrals, as well as ocean and Chesapeake Bay themed textiles and décor.

Other requests included providing an inviting seating area with maximum comfortability. After all, this room is a congregating area which houses the wedding party before the ceremony, and after the reception it becomes a relaxing lounge area.

For this project, plenty of navy and blue and white stripes found their way on upholstered sofas and chairs; and décor items such as lamps and ginger jar. Custom Thibaut fabric pillows inject bursts of light blue and green, which help to avoid a strictly two-color scheme. Whitewashed and distressed wood elements hint at old boats, piers and even crab bushel baskets and compliment the original old pine floors. Since the room features no windows, the large-scale artwork provides imaginary glimpses of the local scenic waterways. An antique decoy sits upon the painted white mantle.

Other rooms that were updated included two first floor bathrooms, stairwell, and second floor hallway. The bathrooms received new wallpaper and painted mirrors (with the men’s room featuring vintage soda signage and Coca-cola machine). The stairwell and hallways received new window treatments, carpeting and paint job.

For more information about The Oaks Waterfront Inn, visit the-oaks.com.