Spring has only just begun, but that isn’t holding us back from professing our love for all things summer. That includes the most beautiful beach homes, like today’s tour of a Kennebunk, Maine abode that was originally planned to be a rental—that is, until the owners decided they wanted to make it their full-time home. With designer, Katie Goodrich of Ivory & Bone Interiors, behind the welcoming, modern-nautical vibe, it’s no surprise that they went all in. Katie is walking us through the home below, along with imagery from Freebird Photography.

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Interior Design: Ivory & Bone Interiors | Photography: Freebird Photography

From Katie Goodrich of Ivory & Bone Interiors… The project began when I was approached by a previous client who mentioned that their family recently purchased a rental property in Kennebunk, Maine. A year back, I had helped them with a contemporary design in Newburyport, MA but this time around, things would be different. They wanted me to style their beach house with a modern, nautical look that was appealing to renters.

I was excited to hone in on a calming, beachy vibe that would appeal to the masses, yet I aimed to take tiny risks. I wanted this beach house to feel safe but special. I wanted the renters to feel like they were not in a home, but a moment in time, as if this house plopped down from the sky, catered just for them. I did this by incorporating tiny unique touches that were very intentional like the penny striped tiles on the shower floor paired with the bathing suit prints or the mother’s sweet bedtime song anchored by the mini camp light between two twin beds. It’s that tailored effort that subliminally warms the soul.

Another goal for this project was to accomplish a nautical look without being obvious. My clients get sick of me saying this but I always try to show vs. tell…Integrate the subliminal vs. the literal. For example, rather than hang a photo of the ocean, or use a buoy as a doorstop, I try to add in elements OF the coast. For example, a patinated lantern or a cement end table that’s reminiscent of a beach pebble. Another way to veer from the ordinary is to showcase TROPICAL elements like green plants of the lighter variety or a mahogany and cane chair. My family is from St. Croix so these easy, breezy materials always thread through my work.

Alas the project came to an end but was quickly followed by the biggest pay-off of all! My clients loved their new property so much that they sold everything in Newburyport and moved in! Just like that, an investment turned into a home-sweet-home! And they lived happily ever after by the sea.

Interior Design: Ivory & Bone Interiors | Photography: Freebird Photography