FROM TOP : A moody mountain painting broods over the guest suite , where dusty sage on the walls and a wool Pendleton blanket create a cozy cave , and Moroccan tile in a minty hue adds energy to morning showers .
two , so the interiors had to accommodate them as well . This meant comfortable but still luxurious , special but not too precious , and always up for a little fun . The couple had inherited a few integral pieces of furniture , including a grandmother ’ s down-filled couch , an antique writing desk and a few pieces of art . Balancing these multiple personalities with the family ’ s active lifestyle , Whitehead reupholstered select furnishings in Turkish chenille and Italian textiles from Kravet to allow for fussfree play dates and movie nights with popcorn , so grandmother ’ s antique chaise could still be part of their lives .
“ They have really high-quality pieces . So it wasn ’ t about taking useful furniture and putting fabric on it . It was about reupholstering really high-quality furniture in high-quality , durable fabric , and creating a piece that ’ s stronger than the sum of its parts ,” Whitehead says . “ We stripped pieces down , brought them back to the original , and found we were sitting on a gold mine of things that were important to the family .”
The Marshalls bought the land with Cordtsen Design Architecture ’ s architectural renderings already complete . They adjusted the layout , roofline and stairway to render a home that suited them , says architect Rebecca Zaylor of CDA .
“ We created a unique design feature by widening the opening for the main stair . The light from both the second- and third-floor windows traveled down to the first floor . Another unique element was the cathedral ceilings on the third floor , which maximized the amount of finished space in the house ,” Zaylor says . “ Then we really got into the details of the interior . All the millwork was custom , from the kitchen cabinets to the bar area , bathroom vanities to the fireplace surround .”
This bespoke aesthetic reverberates throughout . On the first floor , open-concept living spaces revolve around that staircase for a fluidity that feels like the nearby sea . Dusty sage on the kitchen ’ s Shaker cabinets is a subtle nod to the couple ’ s Midwestern memories , while black soapstone counters and a large center island with bar stools from Warren-based O & G Studio remind little fingers and guests that messes are part of the fun .
It opens to the dining room and bar , where walnut built-ins counter the boldness of the tempest crystal quartzite backsplash . A custom dining table from Jeff Soderbergh Sustainable Furnishings of Portsmouth beckons the family of four or friends for meals , then sends them out the sliding doors to the backyard for a basketball game and pool time .
The adjacent family rooms flow into each other here too , for a cohesive , cozy family catch-up zone . Granny ’ s Aztec green couch and exquisite antique chairs in rust-toned chenille flank a stone fireplace and built-ins loaded with books that radiate a winter wonderland vibe , while a seagrass rug underfoot speaks beach . Pocket glass doors lead to the formal sitting room , where performance grass cloth on the walls , modern graphic art from Rhode Island artist Dina Doyle , and a velvet couch speak to the home ’ s bold yet muted duality .
The hard-working parents acquisitioned the entire second floor for their primary suite , laundry , office and guest room . This is the only space that offers soothing neutral tones to induce a much-needed respite , from a plush cream-colored chaise and heritage brick fireplace in carbon to a sand-toned bathroom .
Meanwhile , the children have their own mischievous bedrooms , bathroom and playroom on the third floor . It ’ s here that a spicy jungle scene and forests climb the walls , zebras trot across linens and pillows , and warm green tiles blend with patterned throw rugs atop custom-stained hardwood oak floors .
The space now embraces its multiple personalities , permeating each sun-filled corner .
“ This all creates a fantastic vibe , because the house doesn ’ t feel brand new , which they wanted ,” Whitehead says . “ It reads moody , but there are great elements of youth and vitality , where young people live here , among their antiques . It ’ s textured and funky , yet traditional , and very un-Newport .” 🆁
34 RHODE ISLAND MONTHLY I FEBRUARY 2025