My design process always begins with the rug,” says designer Melanie Roy, “so finding the right one was essential.” Once the custom silk rug was selected, its soft blue tones inspired by the water, the rest of the palette naturally evolved. After the clients discovered Roy’s work online, their first project with her eponymous design firm was ready to begin.
The clients were completely engaged in the design process and involved in every major design decision. The house is surrounded by spectacular waterfront views, and the couple wanted a luxurious yet tranquil home to embrace that setting, but also reflect their appreciation for art. “My clients wanted the interiors to feel serene and sophisticated,” explains Roy.
The home’s open concept layout was an excellent starting point for Roy’s design, and very few structural changes were needed. Connecting the interiors with the natural beauty just outside was the inspiration for the project. Throughout the home, the intention was to enhance the water views. Roy brought that aquatic vibe indoors through her choice of furnishings. She worked with artist John Procario through Todd Merrill Studio to design custom lighting for the kitchen. Installed just above the island, it recreates an undulating wave. In the living room, the Morten Stenbaek coffee table continues that sense of movement, evoking a surfboard atop The Rug Company’s sea-inspired custom rug.
The Katy Stone sculpture, Aftermath, adds movement to the stairs. A white chenille sofa from Minotti has a polished metal base.
A custom silk rug from The Rug Company inspired the décor for the rest of the home. A pair of R Hughes swivel chairs wear a Romo printed velvet. The ash coffee table by Morten Stenbaek is from Todd Merrill Studio.
In the kitchen, three whimsical pears by Jack Lenor Larsen sit atop a shelf. The lighting fixture in custom bleached ash was designed by John Procario through Todd Merrill Studio. The custom wood and metal table is from Cliff Young, and the chairs are from Restoration Hardware.
The movement of the gray marble walls in the bath mimic the waves outside. Shower fixtures are from Waterworks.
The custom bed is by Upholstery Services, and a vinyl embossed wall covering is from Koroseal. Crystal lamps from Visual Comfort sit atop nightstands from Restoration Hardware. The rug is from Stark.
The property’s landscape design is by Marders. For a sitting area, Roy chose a side table from Walters that sits between teak chairs from Thayers.
Roy brought in a refined palette of blues to reinforce the waterfront connection, and added pattern and texture with custom window treatments and wallcoverings. In the primary bedroom, an Arte wallcovering featuring subtle palm leaves blends beautifully with the scenery outside.
“Because this is a waterfront home, it was important that every room has that same sense of calm while maintaining a refined, luxurious feel.” She focused on enriching the way her clients live in their home every day. A custom banquette was installed on one side of the kitchen island to create a comfortable place to enjoy the water views. The primary bath has a large walk-in shower clad in a richly figured stone that gives the feeling of splashing in the waves just outside.
Artwork was selected to complement the blues and soft neutral tones of the furnishings, and touches of burnt orange added warmth and contrast. Roy carefully placed each piece to create a cohesive story throughout the home.
A garden was also created along the water’s edge with multiple seating areas for casual dining and taking in the water’s restorative properties. The planters placed around the pool mirror the tones in the living room’s custom rug, connecting the indoors with the outside.
Roy’s goal was to furnish the home to reflect the rhythm and elegance of the landscape. Says, Roy, “Creating a peaceful retreat was always the guiding principle.”
