A Mid-Century Retreat

In our latest project reveal, a full gut renovation of a mid-century home in Marblehead, our design team layered coastal warmth into timeless architecture. Blending clean lines, natural textures, and a soft, sun-washed palette, this home honors its roots while feeling entirely reborn.

Can you walk us through the overall design vision for this project?  

The homeowners were returning to the wife's hometown to be closer to family, so from the very beginning we wanted the home to feel like an homage to that sense of belonging. The architecture itself has strong mid-century roots, and because this was a complete gut renovation, it was important that the integrity of the home was honored rather than erased. At the same time, its Marblehead setting and water views naturally called for a softer coastal influence. By layering the clean lines and warm wood tones of mid-century design with modern coastal furnishings, textures, and finishes, we created a home that feels timeless, intentional, and deeply welcoming.

This home has a distinctive coastal New England character — How did the location and architecture shape your design direction?

Coastal design doesn't have to rely on obvious nautical references to feel connected to its surroundings. Instead, we focused on capturing the feeling of the coast through a refined palette, natural materials, and an overall sense of ease. Because this is a seasonal home and a sanctuary for the homeowners during the warmer months, we wanted every space to evoke a relaxed, light-filled atmosphere while remaining sophisticated and true to the architecture. The result is a home that feels undeniably connected to Marblehead without ever feeling themed.

What was the client's initial vision and how did their priorities come to life in the finished space?

From our earliest conversations, it was clear that our vision aligned closely with the homeowners'. Preserving and celebrating the architectural character of the home was always the priority, while creating interiors that felt fresh, functional, and inviting for the way they live today. Every design decision was guided by that balance respecting the home's original identity while thoughtfully introducing modern comforts and a layered, collected aesthetic that feels authentic to the family.

Were there any unexpected challenges along the way and how did you navigate them?

One of the biggest design pivots involved the dining room lighting. Our original plan called for a continuous linear fixture, but it became back ordered and once the ceiling beams were installed, it became clear that the layout wouldn't accommodate it as intended. The backorder was something that allowed us to pause. Rather than compromising the design, we shifted to a series of individual pendants that achieved the same visual rhythm while allowing us to precisely control their placement between the beams. In the end, it became one of those moments where the challenge actually elevated the design, and the pendants are now one of our favorite features in the home.

Are there any details in this home that feel especially like you as a design firm?

Our work is often recognized for its ability to create richness and visual interest through texture, layering, and thoughtful materiality even within the most neutral color palettes. While every project is tailored specifically to our clients and never follows a signature formula, our design philosophy naturally carries through. We believe restraint can be just as impactful as boldness, and this home is a perfect example of how subtle variation in texture, tone, and material can create spaces that feel warm, elevated, and deeply lived in.

What was your approach to furnishing the space and how did you decide what belonged?  

Our approach was to curate pieces that felt effortless rather than overdesigned. We balanced timeless foundational furnishings with distinctive statement pieces that add character without overwhelming the space. Throughout the home, we intentionally layered varying wood tones to create warmth and authenticity, while introducing soft gray-blues and muted coastal hues to subtly reflect the surrounding landscape. Our client loves plans and the greenery layered in every space livened it tremendously. Every piece was selected not only for its beauty, but for how it contributed to a home that feels collected, comfortable, and enduring.