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By Elizabeth Heubeck | Photography by Stylish Productions
The transformation of this exquisite waterfront home began with the client’s simple request for a few recommendations regarding modest home repairs, recalls architect John Braithwaite of Atelier 11 Architects. However, as so often happens once exciting ideas and positive energy begin to flow between client and architect, the project started to take on much broader proportions than simply “touching up a couple of areas,” per the initial suggestions—eventually involving both renovations and additions to the original property.
Atelier 11 designed a complete re-configuration of the back end of the home, enabling it to flow seamlessly into two generously-sized porches that look out onto the yard. And what a view! It includes an enticingly curvy pool surrounded by tasteful landscaping and leads to a welcoming new pool house that offers unobstructed views of a charming creek.
For the interiors of the home and pool house, the homeowners turned to Jamie Merida Interiors based in Easton. So many waterfront homes default to “coastal cute”—think knock-you-out nautical blues, big fat stripes, and whimsical anchors. Not this one. Amanda Friend, a designer for the firm at the time, worked with the client to achieve a far more sophisticated design sense throughout the home.
With lots of soft grays, pale blues, and pretty teals, the subtle color palette throughout the house and pool house creates a relaxed and peaceful vibe. It’s a fresh—and decidedly refreshing—take on traditional tidewater, observes Merida.
“You exhale when you walk through the door,” he says.
The color palette promotes a feeling of relaxation, but the home’s unique accessories keep one’s senses fully engaged. This is particularly true of the splashes of eclectic and standout furniture choices. Barrel-back chairs, for instance, were custom cut down “just a hair” to allow them to fit comfortably around the dining room table. In the pool house, a weathered, English round Gothic revival table provides the perfect foil for an otherwise clean and modern space, says Merida. Carefully positioning the table with a window behind it, Merida set the window to frame the scenic trees in the distance—almost like a painting.
But, this being a waterfront home enjoyed most fully in the summer, the gaze tends to travel outside. “You look straight out onto the water and pool. That’s what it’s all about,” Merida says.
Details make a home stand apart. And throughout this project, strict attention was paid to the smallest details—starting with renovations to the house and extending to additions built on the property.
With their soft palettes and mindful appointments, both pool house and home speak the same design language, conveying personal warmth and comfort. Only with care and discipline can parallel visions such as these unfold.
Architecture: Atelier 11, John Braithwaite, atelier11architecture.com, Easton, Maryland | Interior Design: Jamie Merida Interiors, jamiemerida.com, Easton, Maryland | Furniture: Bountiful Home, jamiemerida.com/bountiful-decor/, Easton, Maryland | Styling: Charlotte Safavi, charlottesafavi.com
Annapolis Home Magazine
Vol. 11, No. 2 2020