Nags Head, a picturesque beach town in North Carolina, is the cherished setting for a newly rebuilt home that promises to evoke the charm of yesteryears. This home, redesigned by Winsome Interior Design, prioritizes a relaxed and timeless feel, capturing the essence of a dwelling that has been part of its beachfront community for generations. With a thoughtful approach to design and functionality, the aim was to create a home where friends and family can effortlessly unwind in a space seemingly untouched by modern construction.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Architect: Arianna Pannoni
Design Partner: Kasey Bedford
Furniture Designer: Unique Kitchens & Baths
Location: Nags Head, North Carolina
Interior Design Firm: Winsome Interior Design
Starting with the architecture, the designers employed period-inspired millwork and selected finishes known for their aging potential, providing the home with an antiquated charm that belies its recent construction. One of the standout features is a thoughtfully configured layout that accommodates modern living without sacrificing historical aesthetics. A previously underutilized closet off the kitchen has been transformed into a vintage-style built-in coffee bar, blending seamlessly into the fabric of the home. Similarly, a sunlit dining nook—carved from the home’s wraparound deck—now comfortably seats twelve, catering to the social needs of the homeowners during the bustling summer months.
In collaboration with Unique Kitchens & Baths, the kitchen showcases a two-tone cabinetry design that nods to culinary icon Julia Child, evoking a subtle vintage vibe. A combination of open shelves and cabinets provides a harmonious balance between display and storage, enhanced by the choice of unlacquered brass hardware destined to gain patina with use. This aged elegance extends throughout the home with painted wood floors, traditionally favored in coastal regions for their resilience to sand and saltwater. The selected blue hue not only honors historical trends but also flows beautifully across the 2,030-square-foot interior, contributing to the cohesive aesthetic of the space.
Storage solutions were cleverly reimagined, particularly in the bedrooms. Foregoing conventional closets in favor of space-efficient storage and case goods reflects the laid-back lifestyle of the coastal retreat. As designer Arianna Pannoni notes, the emphasis is on minimalism; a simple corner to stow a suitcase suits the vacation mindset of lounging in swimsuits and shorts. As much as the design focuses on aesthetics, it equally emphasizes practicality, ensuring the home remains a functional retreat for the owners and their guests.
The furnishing choices throughout the home aim to maximize comfort and scenic views. The living room layout is strategically designed to enhance ocean vistas, featuring custom-made furniture upholstered in high-performance textiles that resist the wear of beach life. Vintage elements, such as rattan chairs and bespoke ottomans, add layers of texture and nostalgia, paying homage to the home’s coastal milieu. Likewise, the bedrooms exude a vintage-inspired coziness with Lake August and Schumacher fabrics, evoking a sense of warmth and tranquility ideal for rejuvenating sleep.
Further embracing historical charm, the home’s bathrooms and accessory spaces are adorned with materials designed to age gracefully. In the primary bathroom, V-groove paneling and a Sanderson print ceiling conjure images of nautical adventures and serene cottages. Accessories with a patina finish, like Bleu Provence faucets, harmonize with lanterns and sconces to provide ambient lighting reminiscent of early light sources. These design decisions foster an ambiance that is both enduring and serene, perfectly encapsulating the homeowners’ vision of a retreat that feels as timeless as the shoreline it overlooks.
