Coastal Living Magazine, photo by Amy Neunsinger
It all came together on this one. My love of all things blue and white … of furniture crafted by Lee Industries …of the creative work of interior designer Mark D. Sikes … and Coastal Living Magazine’s take-me-away features on drop-dead-beautiful homes. Be still my heart. It’s a Nantucket home washed in a nautical look that takes a fresh new approach to traditional décor.
Coastal Living Magazine, photo by Amy Neunsinger
I wanted to share this beautiful home with all of you, in hopes it will make you as happy inside as it does me. And, I hope it will inspire your great ideas as you imagine what your own home could be. The photos and information in my blog today are from Coastal Living Magazine’s feature “Tour Our 2017 Newport Idea House”, written by Ellen McGauley with stunning photos by Amy Neunsinger.
Coastal Living Magazine, photo by Amy Neunsinger
Everyone who knows me knows I am obsessed with blue and white. So I was fascinated to see how Sikes used this tight palette in completely different ways throughout this Newport, Rhode Island, inspiration house. The color duo is anything but monotonous under his direction, being expressed in fresh new ways though his creative use of textiles and wall coverings.
Coastal Living Magazine, photo by Amy Neunsinger
I’m all about designing your dining room so your guests will want to linger there for hours. Sikes nailed it with these dining chairs, which are super comfortable. We carry these chairs at Nell Hill’s, and they are really popular.
Coastal Living Magazine, photo by Amy Neunsinger
Here’s another one of my Big Loves: checks. This boy’s room? Wow. Just, Wow. Covering all the walls, the ceiling and some of the furniture with buffalo check was a bold choice by Sikes. And, it totally works. Here’s another interesting design choice. Instead of using twin beds, Sikes used matching day beds so the room looked more like a lounge.
Coastal Living Magazine, photo by Amy Neunsinger
In this master bedroom, Sikes said he was designing to match the sea. I love this idea of letting the natural world outside the windows inform your design inside.
Coastal Living Magazine, photo by Amy Neunsinger
The master bedroom sitting area is light and bright, so happy and irresistible. Sikes used Sunbrella fabrics on these pieces, so they are life-ready.
Coastal Living Magazine, photo by Amy Neunsinger
Love this welcoming chair by Lee Industries, tucked into the corner of the master bedroom. The horizontal stripes give this classic a newer, edgier look.
Coastal Living Magazine, photo by Amy Neunsinger
This English rolled arm sofa by Lee industries has always been one of my favorites. It’s a classic that will never go out of style. But, you can give it so many different personalities depending upon which upholstery fabric you choose. Modern, traditional, casual, formal. It can do it all. I like it with either two cushions or three cushions, with a tight back. My old friend looks remarkable in this stunning living room.
Next Week … We’re going to visit the lake cottage of my next door neighbor, to see how she’s transformed it into a romantic retreat.
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Shauna says
February 19, 2018 at 10:44 amHank you for this — I’ve been doing a blue-and-white Lake house and this is just the inspiration I was looking for!
Barbara H says
February 19, 2018 at 3:15 pmI was lucky enough to visit this house this past summer. I never wanted to leave. Every room and outdoor space was heart-stopping. From the paint to the furniture to the accessories, it was absolute heaven. In every room one entered one could hear sighs of delight.
Sandy says
February 19, 2018 at 4:19 pmThis just might be the most gorgeous set of rooms ever featured on this blog. Wow! Thanks for bringing this endeavor to our attention. When can I move in? That said, I’m a bit of a spelling nut and seeing the word Coastal misspelled throughout was rather jarring. Shame on your editor. Maybe he/she had a hard day, so don’t scold. Just have it fixed soon.
Mary Carol Garrity says
February 20, 2018 at 8:19 amHi Sandy, we saw that error right after the blog was published. Oops!!! It’s changed now.Thanks for you comments.
franki says
February 19, 2018 at 5:21 pmWhoa…that’s a lot of blue and white!! Nicely done!! franki
Alycia Nichols says
February 20, 2018 at 8:24 amAs I sit here in the kitchen with an eye toward the family room, I am filled with inspiration! The blue and white color scheme is my absolute all-time favorite, but not a single room in our home has that fabulous color combo in it. Shame on me!!! I know it brings me joy, so what am I waiting for??? Thanks for the spark!
Mary Carol Garrity says
February 20, 2018 at 2:24 pmAlycia, can’t wait to hear about how you add blue and white to your spaces.
Caroline Tuohy-Guerry says
February 22, 2018 at 7:47 amLove Blue & White! My home is a Blue & White Home! Miss living in Kansas close to your store!
What month does this home get featured in Coastal Living?
Caroline Tuohy-Guerry says
February 22, 2018 at 7:49 amWhat month is this home being featured in Coastal Living?
Love Blue & White! My home is a Blue & White Home! Miss living in Kansas close to your store!
Gretchen Parrish says
February 25, 2018 at 1:14 pmI’m so glad that wallpaper is back “in” ! When we built our home 9 years ago we were told by our builder that wallpaper was “OUT”! I have always loved wallpaper and as you can see, these rooms would not be the same without it! I think, as a gal who LOVES interior design (my major in college), you should always design a room with what YOU love, not what the trend happens to be at the time! Love, love, love blue and white! I wish we lived closer to your store, Mary Carol! I’d be in it every day!!!!!!!
Houston Connie says
February 28, 2018 at 12:07 pmI too love blue and white and am getting ready to freshen up some areas of our 17 year old home so this blog is a great inspiration to get on with the chaos ‘re-doing’ creates! I’ve been on the warpath searching for the Coastal Living magazine with the 2017 Idea House article. Finally found it in the September 2017 issue and was able to find the article online at:
https://www.coastalliving.com/homes/idea-houses/newport-rhode-island-idea-house#idea-house-2017-tour-banquette
The magazine may be available from the publisher………..