Sunday, March 14, 2010

Chappaquiddick Boat House

Some of my most favorite spaces are smaller ones. And this recent renovation by Hutker Architects in Martha's Vineyard is no exception.
Formerly a boat house, the 1,100 square foot renovation opened up the space and provided a wonderful ocean escape for the family. Built right over the water, it's almost as if you are on a boat.
Upon entering the neutral decor lets the water views take center stage. You will notice that the trim, walls and ceiling are all painted the same color. This is an old decorating trick. If the trim was a painted a whiter shade than the walls your eye would stop (even for the briefest second) at each opening. By keeping the color uniform your eye stops only when it sees the view or into the next room. I find this trick really opens up a room.
The family room has plenty of seating and the ottoman coffee table is a wonderful addition which adds a nice textural element and a few extra seats. Again a neutral sofa is key and the pillows add the dash of color. Notice the beamed ceiling and beadboard above.
This kitchen is perfect! It has all the amenities you need in a carefully designed space. Green soapstone and rattan stools compliment the family room decor. I really like the different rugs. Not matching the rugs, but choosing complimentary colors adds another layer of interest.
Who would guess that this small area could seat 8 adults? A good trick in a limited area is to add a banquette. I am sure you can even fit more if they were children! Pale blue dominates this area, but notice it compliments the ocean and because it is so subtle it does not compete with the view. Every ocean retreat needs a hideaway spot and this one is lovely. Built in drawers provide much needed extra storage. I like the addition of arched opening - it is a wonderful way to frame the spectacular view.
Finally the porch - what a beautiful spot to relax. For more photos click here.
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Enjoy the the weekend!!

30 comments:

  1. I love the reading nook and that porch. I enjoy visiting M.V.- but in the autumn!

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  2. Oh....what a view. Nice pitcures:)

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  3. What a L O V E L Y posting!! I especially love the arched hideaway and the porch with the amazing view.

    /Nona

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  4. Trim, gorgeous and efficient, almost like on a boat itself!
    Lovely small home on the waterfront!

    XX
    Victoria

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  5. Thank you for your sweet comment and I have done the same. Have a lovely weekend.

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  6. I wish I was drinking my coffee on that deck right now! So pretty.

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  7. Gina,
    I always know that when I visit you I'm in store for something special. This boat house is no exception. Am loving the two arm chairs in the living area & I'm a sucker for built in hide-aways. Now I'm off to catch up with more of your wonderfulness!
    xo Lisa

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  8. For me, I think it's all about the cozy coves, and the clean visual through out the home.

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  9. What a beautiful home! I love the reading niche.

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  10. OMgosh Gina! I can just feel the good energy in that lovely home. And all that natural light! How can you not be content and happy there! What a spot! Happy weekend, dear! Ox Mon

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  11. I think I could spend a lifetime in the house! Love every inch I do!

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  12. Oh this is splendid....I love the cape, and MV & N....wish I was there now....smiles.

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  13. Love the window seat/reading nook and the view!

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  14. I, too, love little spaces, especially at the shore! That view from the dining room is amazing, and I can just imagine being curled up in that little hideaway spot, watching the boats, reading a book and taking a nap.... chasing the sunny spot like a cat.
    Thanks for sharing and have a wonderful weekend, Gina!
    xo Isa

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  15. Hi Gina~
    Hutker Architects does such fabulous work! Love these pictures showing off small spaces.
    Donna

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  16. Who needs lots of room when you could be enjoying such a fresh,clean, cozy, relaxing yet functional amazing spaces found in this home? I don't think I would ever want to leave the porch, that view is to die for. Seeing inviting houses such as this really makes me believe spring is in the air.

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  17. I just love the first picture! The arch gives it so much character!

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  18. A wonderful post about the boat house. The window seat/nook is my favorite and the porch.

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  19. Just beautiful, how could you go wrong with a view like that! Love the painting technique of using the same colour on walls and trim
    alicia

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  20. Now this can only be described with one word :B-E-A-T-I-F-U-L !!!!!!!! Love the place,right by the sea and the colors used inside...made me long for summer!!!!! SO bright and fresh!!!!! Thanks for sharing,this was a delight! Now I´ve got to check out those architects!!!!!!

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  21. This is beautiful but I'm still hung up on the Swedish Home tour. My poor husband! I have been driving him crazy about painting since I saw the photos!!!!

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  22. yes this house is divine, thanks for showing it!

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  23. I love it when a house on the water lets the view and the surroundings set the tone - this is perfection!

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  25. I am in love! I have been to Martha's Vineyard and would love to own something there! Dream, dream, dream....

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  26. Take me away, Pleeeez!! I absolutely love every single element in this home, I would change nothing. I can only imagine what it would be like to sit on that porch and view the boats in the bay, definitely Sigh worthy, thank you for sharing these wonderful images, loved it, Kathysue

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  27. This is such a beautiful home -- absolutely love the fact that it's built right at the water. And the decor is perfect -- soft, serene, and as you said, it really encourages your eye to take in the amazing views through the windows.

    Kelly

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  28. What a wonderful home to retreat to - love it :)

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  29. What a peaceful place! Has such soothing and harmonious feel to it.
    Love the exposed beams of the ceiling and all that air and light!
    Could curl up in that built-in daybed right now - or sit quietly and content in one of the deckchairs on the veranda.. Heaven!

    xCharlotta

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  30. What a great porch...and I love the bed-in-a-cubby!

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