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Neutral palette in this coastal Maine living room

Marella

A seaside home that boasts unfussy elegance.

Additional Details

Interior Architecture

Knickerbocker Group

Interior Design

Knickerbocker Group

Furniture + Decor

Knickerbocker Group

Photography

Erin Little

Styling

Laura Nero

Right location
calling on a vision

Drawn by the expansive grassy lawn overlooking the ocean, our client purchased a house in a private, unparalleled location set within a charming coastal neighborhood. The hitch? It was a spec house, already under construction and destined for builder-grade finishes and a floor plan that needed tweaking. Recognizing the home’s potential—and desiring personalization—our client asked Knickerbocker Group to quickly help course correct and customize.

Knickerbocker Group stepped in to oversee interior architecture, finishes, fixtures, and decor, incorporating pretty patterns, curvilinear detailing, one-of-a-kind details, and subtle shimmer and shine—all swiftly executed despite a midstream start.

Custom cabinetry in coastal Maine home
The homeowner, a woman with two grown children, sought a design that was feminine, casually glamorous, and inspired by the stunning ocean views.
– Design Team, Marella

A show-stopping kitchen

One of the first spaces the team began working on—and one of the first spaces guests see—is the show-stopping kitchen, located immediately off the entry. The sprayed enamel range hood with stainless steel strapping—inspired by a photo the client brought to an early meeting—is a focal point. It’s framed by iridescent backsplash tile that changes color with the sun, much like the sparkling sea just out the windows.

White, simple Shaker-style cabinets, already on order, received a glamour moment from the addition of custom upper units inlaid with antiqued mirrors and decorative woodwork. Even the soft blue walk-in pantry with ample storage is practical and pretty, thanks to geometric floor tiles, beveled glass backsplash tiles, and sliding doors inset with salvaged stained-glass windows that tuck the space neatly out of view.

The spec house plans lacked built-ins and millwork, so Knickerbocker Group added architectural detailing throughout.
– Design Team, Marella

Romantic and reflective
elements run throughout

In the living area alone, there are matching silver side tables with curvy legs, metallic linen pillows, an opalescent table lamp, and a large rose gold coffee table that anchors it all. Elsewhere, Swiss dot curtains swish in the sea breeze and graceful slipper chairs swivel toward the view.

At either end of the locally made oak extension dining table, wingback chairs have dressmaker-like buttons that run down the back in a neat row. Even the laundry room is lovely, bursting with large-scale floral wallpaper and pale chartreuse cabinetry.

An inspiring exterior

For the oceanside lawn, Knickerbocker Group collaborated on landscape architecture to create an overall plan that includes an infinity pool and a sleek modern firepit. The outdoor stone patio was extended to fit a large dining table. Low-slung, modern furniture is accessorized with pops of orange—the client’s favorite color—which adds contrast against the bright blue ocean.

Enduring allure

Today, the home boasts unfussy elegance and enduring allure, a place worthy of its prime oceanfront spot. For our client, it’s a private, seaside sanctuary—a place that feels distinctly feminine and distinctly her.