Guiding light

The traditional beach cottages and houses that line the coastal areas of New England and Rhode Island have a distinct architectural style one that is uniquely American. Shingled eyebrow dormers, arches and painted wood trim are all typical features of such houses built around the turn of the last century.

It's a look that appealed to the owners of this new house, who also wanted the interior of their home to reflect a nautical influence. Interior designer Joe Davis says this look is particularly noticeable in the master suite, where the shape of the bathroom takes its cue from traditional lighthouse architecture.

Like many lighthouses, the room is octagonal and features a vaulted, three-and-a-half story ceiling that culminates in a turret, encircled by leadlight windows. Davis says the small, ocular windows above the mirrors are also a reference to marine architecture.

"The house is an amalgam of traditional American beach house designs, although many ideas have been reinterpreted," he says. "The white-painted ceiling, mouldings and beadboard wainscoting in the bathroom are all part of the local beach vernacular. They help to keep the design clean and simple. Positioning the tub in the center, beneath a window, is also typical."

While a checkerboard marble floor adds plenty of visual interest, there are no fancy borders.

"The room is not lacking detail, but it hasn't been lavished with ornamentation," says Davis.

Simply-styled white-painted cabinetry provides his-and-hers vanities, which incorporate compartments for vertical towel rails, helping to eliminate clutter in the room. Large, oval mirrors are positioned in front of white shuttered windows, because natural daylight is the most flattering, says Davis.

Light blue walls feature stencilled hydrangeas a pattern copied from fabric in the master suite and also used on a chair in the bathroom.

Story by: Trendsideas