Gracious Living

Mirrored transoms raise the height of these low, out-of-scale living room windows. The seaside view inspired the palette of blues, grays, and sand hues that give the space a relaxed European feel.

A bland, badly proportioned space became a beautiful and balanced living room with the addition of darkened beams, a contoured limestone fireplace surround, a country French chandelier, and pale seaside color.

The uniquely shaped dining chairs are custom-made mahogany-and-cane Regency wheel-back reproductions. The backs look like ship wheels and the proportions are perfect for the low-ceilinged room. Chippendale-style transoms extend the nearly all-glass room.

Intricate chairs become heirloom pieces if cared for correctly; these classic pieces will look amazing for the generations that follow.

Understated window treatments take the best advantage of an incredible view. Neutral-tone drapes with natural tassels highlight rather than overpower the world beyond the window.

The transom motif and seaside hues continue in the master bedroom, where the drapery fabric inspired other materials in the room. A mix of fabrics keeps the bedroom from being too precious.

Five integrated fabrics lend sweet sophistication to this young girl's bedroom. The nautical theme of the home disappears, but the muted elegance remains.

Layering fabrics in the same color family keeps this look together. Individual pillows or fabric elements can be removed or replaced as the occupant grows.

A bedroom designed to feel like a sailboat berth is almost any young boy's dream. An authentic nautical theme is carried out in a palette of rope gold colors, ship wood hues, and black. A copy of an antique bed anchors the space.