"It practically feels like you're on a boat!" When some clients of New York–based interior designer Jenny Wolf purchased a vacation home in Watch Hill, Rhode Island, they leaned into the nautical history of the town. The 5,000-square-foot main house, one of four buildings on the four-acre property, has ocean views on all sides and architecture dating to 1910. "There were beautiful old details, including the kitchen in the basement level and gorgeous old chintz wallpaper that had not been touched since it was built," Wolf recalls. "It was not a project for the faint of heart."
Wolf tapped APD Architects, out of Southport, CT, to meticulously restore the architecture and Diane Devore to give fresh life to the landscaping. Wolf's aim was to make the interiors feel "relaxed and coastal, while still having some nods to a beautiful estate home of its day." The majority of her budget went to fine finishes, per the client's request: European oak floors, Chesneys mantels, period-perfect lighting, and the like. "If it was the best thing for the house and the design, it was done without hesitation," the designer recalls.
For the most part, it was a true gut restoration—one of the only original details that remain is the wood floors in the attic bedroom. "They were beyond repair for staining, so we painted them Hardwick White by Farrow & Ball," says Wolf. Warm white and wistful blues were selected for the walls of the other rooms since, in nearly every one, you can see the ocean.
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Formal Living Room, pictured above: "Bifold doors open to a screened porch overlooking the pool," says Wolf. Grasscloth: Phillip Jeffries. Trim paint: Phillipsburg Blue, Benjamin Moore. Sconces: Urban Electric. Lamp: Serge Mouille. Sofas: custom, The Huntress New York. Rug: custom jute, ALT for Living. Side table: antique. Mantel: Chesneys.
Foyer
A custom striped stair runner by Woodard and Greenstein draws out the blue tones in connecting rooms, while added windows in the stairwell make the room incredibly welcoming. "The idea with a house like this," says Wolf, "was to be able to open the windows in the summertime and breathe in the salty air!" Console: Chelsea Textiles. Light fixture: Urban Electric. Rug: sisal.
Family Room
Located directly off the kitchen, this gathering space is meant for family who wants to hang out with the cook. Vertical shiplap was painted to match the kitchen cabinetry in Shadow White by Farrow & Ball. Mullion paint: Light Blue, Farrow & Ball. Sofas: custom. Side table: Chelsea Textiles. Watercolors: Mary McGuire.
Kitchen
A tiered island pairs bar seating with ample prep space, while a Dutch door leads out to the adjoining outdoor dining porch. Countertops: honed Bianca Carrera marble. Backsplash tile: Waterworks. Cabinetry paint: Shadow White, Farrow & Ball. Lanterns: Oomph. Stools: O and G Studio. Mirror: Mirror Image Home.
Attic Room
Sourced from Crate & Barrel, two white Jenny Lind twin beds perfectly fit into an architectural niche that's covered in block print wallpaper. "You feel enveloped by the space," says Wolf, who also painted the original wood floors (which were beyond repair) white. Bedding: Les Indiennes. Pendant: Barn Light Electric. Rug: sea grass. Sconces: Circa Lighting with Soane shades.
Home office
As requested, this serene workspace for the owner is positioned overlooking the pool. Rope chairs and pendant light: vintage. Desk chair: Charles and Ray Eames. Pillow fabric: vintage. Paint: Phillipsburg Blue, Benjamin Moore.
Cocktail Room
Directly off the living room, this adult entertaining space was lacquered all over in Oval Room Blue by Farrow & Ball and accented with old-world antiques. Pool table: custom, weathered oak. Rug: jute, Merida. Chairs: Hickory Chair in wool plaid. Pendant light: Robert Ogden.
Pool
A series of French doors allow the poolhouse to completely open to a raised sitting area above the pool. Teak furniture: Kingsley Bates. Provides an outdoor living space over-looking pool which is great for Summer entertaining.
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