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Homes | Home Tours
By Celeste Goh
Aug 07, 2024
Cover Designed by Travis Ritchie from R&D Design the new home design adapts traditional New England architectural principles with contemporary sensibilities
Designed by Travis Ritchie from R&D Design the new home design adapts traditional New England architectural principles with contemporary sensibilities
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Discover how this coastal retreat in West Tisbury combines classic New England architecture with vibrant colour schemes
Lying just south of Cape Cod in Massachusetts, Martha’s Vineyard is an affluent New England summer colony surrounded by pristine sandy beaches, colourful cottages, and lighthouses, accessible only via boat or air.
Read more: Home tour: An interior designer’s Parisian chic makeover of her New York home
Here, in the idyllic town of West Tisbury, couple Julia and David have established their quaint holiday home, which they visit with their two daughters in the summer months and during off-season, while their good friend Kay resides all year round with her dog.
Above The idyllic holiday home overlooks the Vineyard Sound and the coveted Lamberts Cove
The idyllic holiday home overlooks the Vineyard Sound and the coveted Lamberts Cove
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Perched on a clay cliff overlooking the Vineyard Sound and the coveted Lamberts Cove that attracts families and small boats to its shores, the modest-sized pied-à-terre was formerly an old New England bungalow, characterised by its clean-lined and symmetrical shape and form.
Typically, the wood-framed construction features efficient one- or two-storey forms like the iconic saltbox and a specific palette of materials–namely cedar planks, shingles, bronze or steel metals, and stone.
These materials are chosen for their resilience against harsh salt air, fluctuating humidity, and the cold, crisp northeastern winds and rain typical of the fall and spring shoulder seasons.
See also: What crazy rich Asians are looking for in luxury property today, according to an expert
Photo 1 of 3 The new vernacular style blends traditional architectural principles with contemporary sensibilities
Photo 2 of 3 Vertical cedar siding and bronze metal components for the front doors and roof
Photo 3 of 3 The landscaping around the plunge pool evokes a Mediterranean ambiance
The new vernacular style blends traditional architectural principles with contemporary sensibilities
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Following the blueprint of the old structure, the new design of the home by Travis Ritchie from R&D Design represents a thoughtful adaptation of traditional New England architectural principles to meet contemporary needs and environmental demands.
Mika Durell, founder of interior design firm Able Moraine, explains: “Essentially a single-level structure with a basem*nt, featuring vertical cedar siding and bronze metal components for the front doors and roof, the contemporary version of the architectural vernacular that has evolved over time in response to New England’s climate.”
Don’t miss: Home tour: A quiet luxury home by the peaceful waters of the Hamptons
Above The foyer with blue-themed woodwork and flooring
Above Maximising views of the surrounding landscape
The foyer with blue-themed woodwork and flooring
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Moreover, the home’s modest size and efficient layout enable excellent interior airflow, cross breezes, and ample sunlight throughout the main level with the living and dining rooms, bedroom suites, as well as the kitchen area, and an office and library space on the small volume on the second floor.
The contemporary design also maximises views of the surrounding scenic landscape, including in the basem*nt that houses the laundry room, entertainment lounge and gym, and Kay’s personal suite, accessible through a separate entrance from the side of the property adjacent to the plunge pool.
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Above The living room with matching furnishing and artwork in soothing green
The living room with matching furnishing and artwork in soothing green
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When it comes to injecting character and eclecticism into the cosy-sized home, Durrell had only to look to the vibrant homeowner for inspiration.
“Oftentimes, the homes we design are super neutral and calm, as our clientele typically wants a very serene calm environment when they come to Martha’s Vineyard–however, Julia loves colour,” recalls Durrell of the homeowner who had experience working on similar interior design projects.
“She was very daring, and willing to take risks, which was really fun to bring to the table as a designer,” the interior designer added. “She had very strong ideas of what she liked, and she made solid and confident decisions, which was also refreshing.”
See also: Home tour: A dreamy holiday villa in the bucolic Sri Lankan countryside
Above The neutral-toned kitchen with art pieces exuding Provencal charm
The neutral-toned kitchen with art pieces exuding Provencal charm
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Above Shimmering zellige tiles that recalls the inside of an oyster shell
Above Vintage dining chairs with upholstery that adds vibrancy to the room
Shimmering zellige tiles that recalls the inside of an oyster shell
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Playing on Julia’s affinity towards colour, texture and pattern, each room features a different colour palette with furnishing and colour-stained wood panels in similar colourways: blush for the primary bedroom and ensuite, green for the guest suite, and raspberry and orange in Kay’s bedroom.
“A single piece of fabric or wallpaper or paint chip would inspire the client, and we would organise the palettes and rooms accordingly,” adds Durrell, who also had to cater to Julia’s sudden creative whims.
“She texted us about these vintage dining chairs and fabric she found, which she already had Chairloom upholstered, and will be sending our way,” the interior designer remembers. “We have to learn to pivot with these independent moves Julia made, and complement her inspiring moments in execution and finality.”
Don’t miss: Tips from Michelin-starred Chef Raymond Tham on how to choose the right kitchen countertop
Above A rose stained vanity in one of the bathrooms
Above A Calacatta viola marble tub with plum mini hex floor tiles
A rose stained vanity in one of the bathrooms
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Above The ensuite in Kay's bedroom is awash in bright orange
Above Another bathroom features statement jade green accents
The ensuite in Kay's bedroom is awash in bright orange
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Emphasising the bold colours in each area of the home are natural stone materials: ranging from the landscaping around the plunge pool that evokes a Mediterranean ambience reminiscent of the Southern France charm; to the shimmering textured Zellige tiles upon the kitchen’s backsplash that recalls the inside of an oyster shell, which can be found on the beach below the house’s bluff, accessible from the edge of the lawn through a flight of steep wooden stairs.
“My favourite room in the house is the bathroom with the tub of Calacatta viola marble, plum mini hex floor tiles, rose stained vanity, and textural neutral wall tiles,” Durrell chimes in. “The colours are deep but not intrusive, wild but calming, and the materials are rich but well balanced–good design details achieved in this special one-of-a-kind space.”
Read more: Home tour: A timeless apartment in Potts Point, Sydney infused with continental charm
Photo 1 of 2 The blush-toned primary suite
Photo 2 of 2 The guest suite in coordinated hues of green
The blush-toned primary suite
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Above Raspberry pink for family friend Kay's bedroom in the basem*nt
Above A single piece of fabric or wallpaper would inspire the homeowner
Raspberry pink for family friend Kay's bedroom in the basem*nt
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The definitive colour schemes in each room and main living spaces also provide a neutrality for the homeowners’ extensive art collection, “everything from abstract artworks to classic landscapes by local artists and those found while travelling,” says Durrell.
The collection includes the artwork in the living room evokes the landscape paintings of British artists like Turner or Constable, and the ones in the kitchen that exudes a charming Provencal aesthetic.
“Travel and worldliness are important to this family, so I am not surprised to find many different global styles sprinkled throughout the home,” the interior designer concludes.
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Credits
Photography
Jared Kuzia
Topics
New Vernacular New England Bungalow Luxury Home Holiday Home Colours