With summer on everyone’s mind, let’s take a trip to a young family’s art-filled and lively Cape Cod getaway. Nestled along the picturesque coast of Wood’s Hole, Massachusetts, this waterfront gem is the result of a full-scale rebuild by award-winning, Greenwich-based designer Douglas Graneto and renowned architecture firm Shope Reno Wharton. Needless to say, every inch is show-stopping.
Collaborating closely, Graneto and SRW’s team of architects set out to craft a summer home that reflects the essence of its owners: Art and furniture collectors, entertainers, and lovers of design with a particular fondness for the Swedish aesthetic and remarkable craftsmanship.
Graneto, who began his career working in custom furniture and antique restorations, was a perfect match for them. In all his projects, furniture is a vital component and jumping off point, with the seasoned designer once sharing, “I’m most inspired by really creative, well-crafted furnishings. I love discovering and collaborating with artisanal makers and layering pieces from different periods.”
Having already worked with these clients on their primary residence and another Cape Cod home they briefly occupied, Graneto came into this large-scale project with an intimate understanding of their aesthetic and lifestyle. He wanted to foster a welcoming, cheerful atmosphere for their family and their parade of summer guests, while also honoring their deep appreciation for special objects and art.
And so, the designer set out to create a colorful summer escape that is as much a gallery for cherished pieces as a haven for family fun. It was important that these dual identities meld together rather than fighting against each other, which comes naturally to Graneto who is revered for his talents in juxtaposition.
Art and texture, along with verdant views, play a starring role across the interiors. In one hallway, a 1940 vintage Elias Svedberg cabinet with seed packets applied is both nostalgic and unexpected—an playful nod to nature and Swedish design.
Moving further into the home, the polished and bright kitchen is another visual feast, which was pivotal to get right since one of the owners is a professional chef. Graneto chose to make their vintage copper cookware collection a focal point here, capturing attention with its delicate patina. Meanwhile, light green wood cabinetry and brass fixtures mingle to balance freshness and warmth.
Wherever you are, the home is speaking with sculptural, one-of-a-kind furnishings and rare finds. Graneto reflects, “Our clients gravitate towards unusual pieces that are unique and have a story. You can see this in the living room, which was designed around a curved vintage sofa they had discovered. We sourced a mirroring second sofa, upholstered them to match, and hung custom-designed concrete lanterns above, which were designed and configured to fit this space exactly.”
As the clients are fans of contemporary artisans, the blue Valentin Loellmann coffee table was an organic piece to add along with exuberant artwork and graphic curtains.
Ascending to the second level, the primary bedroom serves as a more serene, subdued retreat within the home. It was also designed around several stand-out pieces, including a wood George Nakashima desk, which has a raw, undone look that harkens to the abode’s coastal location with a long fishing history.
Playing with different eras and textures, Graneto placed a pair of rare orange Larsen “Elizabeth” chairs nearby and went with lightweight, blue curtains for the windows. Made of Sardinian handwoven mohair and flourished with a fringed edge, the curtains and a vintage rug add ethereal, boho flair that juxtapose the minimalist, Scandinavian vibe of the room.
Yet, perhaps the most creative part of the house is something that wasn’t in the original plans.
Graneto recalls, “One of the most loved aspects of this project is the whimsical, Harry Potter-style secret room under the stairs. This space was initially inconsequential and just slated to be storage, but we enlarged it and turned it into a reading nook, complete with a moonlight on the ceiling and peek holes for the kids to glimpse out of when they’re playing inside.”
For this family, their new home is more than just a beautiful place to summer and host on the Cape, it’s an expression of their passions and a keeper of their treasures. Every piece has meaning, every corner invites discovery, and every detail was designed with care.
KVC Builders, Shope Reno Wharton, and Douglas Graneto Design leave behind a radiant residence that will be well-loved, and well-visited, for years to come. If the interiors especially draw you in, click here to see more of the bespoke worlds Graneto has crafted for his lucky clients.