Island Living Refined
- Aug 1
- 2 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
ASID 2023 Excellence In Design Second Place Winner
IDS 2023 Designer of The Year 1st Runner Up
Surrounded by water and shaped by generations of island life, Martha’s Vineyard provided the natural inspiration for this family retreat. Rather than relying on familiar coastal motifs, Reed & Acanthus took a more considered approach, drawing from the colors, textures and relaxed character of the island to create a home that feels unmistakably connected to its setting.
Designed for a large family that loves to entertain, the interiors needed to be as practical as they were beautiful. Multiple areas for dining and gathering were incorporated throughout the house, while durable, easy-care fabrics and furnishings allow the family to enjoy the home without formality. The result is colorful, comfortable and sophisticated—a relaxed interpretation of coastal living designed to be enjoyed by family and friends.
In the children's bedrooms, each child selected a favorite color as the starting point, giving the rooms their own personalities while maintaining a connection to the palette and character of the rest of the house.
Kitchen
With a large family and frequent guests, flexibility was central to the design of the kitchen and dining area. The generous space was divided into several places to dine, gather and entertain, allowing it to work equally well for everyday family life and a full house of summer visitors.
A large-scale paisley fabric at the windows established the palette and became the starting point for the room. Crisp, bright and layered with shades drawn from the surrounding landscape, the space captures the spirit of Martha’s Vineyard without feeling overtly nautical or themed.
Entrance Hall
The traditional shingle-style architecture of the house provided an opportunity to introduce something unexpected at the entrance. A modern console, transitional lamps and contemporary artwork create a subtle contrast to the more traditional architecture, immediately establishing the mix of old and new found throughout the house.
