This 2,300 square foot, seven-bedroom beach cottage, is the summer home of interior designer Janie Molster, located in Nags Head, a beach town on North Carolina’s Outer Banks. The designer wanted a place that she could spend with her family, casual and relaxed yet brimming with colorful details. The design challenge presented itself with needing to have lots of bedrooms, but not a lot of space for storage. The designer used pegs on the walls to hang things on. Her thought was that if your things did not fit on the pegs, that you have probably planned to stay too long!
Above: The exterior facade of this beach cottage reflects the local vernacular, with it’s cedar shakes and wrap-around-porch.
The designer has a large family, four boys in their 20’s and one younger daughter. The boys like to bring their girlfriends to come visit during the summer, so the home gets pretty busy. The designer needed to accomodate her summer home to entertain guests and also use durable fabrics and materials for heavy use. Bedrooms have been fully maximized for guests to share accommodations. Living spaces are open and spacious, decorated with furnishings that are comfortable and inviting.
What We Love: This charming beach cottage offers a collected aesthetic, full of charming decor and bursts of playful color. The wrap-around porch is our favorite space in this home. It offers a cozy atmosphere for relaxing after a day at the beach and is perfect for evening entertainment. Overall the designer did a fantastic job of maximizing every square-inch of this space to accomodate her family and friends for summer vacations.
Readers, what do you think of this charming cottage, would this be what you would imagine for your ideal summer retreat? Let us know in the Comments below!
Above: The original wood panelling on the walls and ceiling was preserved, this way there was no upkeep like painted walls entail. The bare wood helped to serve as a backdrop to the bolder decor selections throughout the main living spaces.
Above: In an open space, a striking Suzani or other decorative textile hung like a curtain can help to define a dining area. The plain dining table was given a whitewash to add visual interest. The wall sconces are seashell mobiles.
Above: The living room is open to the dining room, which has been decorated in a pink, brown and white color palette. Furnishings includes a sectional that frames a Moroccan-inspired ottoman and a vintage Turkish kilim.
Above: Everything has its place in this small 120-square-foot galley kitchen, where dishes and tools are kept to a minimum. The designer says she has to shop daily for groceries since storage is at a minimum.
Above: A guest bedroom features wallpaper with maps, a classic beach house element. The designer selected nautical charts of the local waters and other places from the region that have special meaning.
Above: The master bedroom features feminine touches, from the canopy bed to the ruffled bedskirt and floral patterned linens.
Above: A wraparound porch offers an additional 2,200 square feet of living, dining and entertaining space to enjoy. The palette outdoors was inspired by nature. The designer selected natural driftwood art to decorate the wall, along with hurricane lanterns. This outdoor space catches fresh sea breezes while also providing relaxing water views.
Photos: Courtesy of Janie Molster Design
9 comments