design : lisa tharp
How was your weekend? We were pretty productive and got to enjoy time with friends as well… it was really nice and the weather cooperated (finally)! I’ve got a new Design Eye Training post lined up for you today. We’ll be analyzing and admiring a gorgeous open concept living room, dining room, entry, and kitchen that has me dreaming of warmer weather. Designed by the talented, Lisa Tharp, this waterfront space is packed with character, custom furnishings, and is ideal for casual & breezy oceanside living. This is an excellent example of perfectly executed “beach house” design without feeling overly nautical or themed. Click through to chat interiors with me today…
To quickly recap… in our Design Eye series, we observe and admire design fundamentals like scale, texture, pattern, material use, lighting plans, color, floor plan & layout, and a variety of intentional styling & interior moments pulled together by the pros. It’s an exercise I used to practice often in design school, and one I still enjoy today. By discussing and breaking down well designed spaces in greater detail, you’ll begin to train your “design eye”, build upon the design fundamentals, and can apply some of these things to your own home, if they appeal to you. I also feel like this series can really help you hone in your personal aesthetic, determining what you like and dislike… and most importantly, why. Ready to give it a try?
design : lisa tharp
Aside from striking blue doors, the paint colors throughout this home are bright and neutral… the perfect backdrop for textural materials, wood tones, plus the palette allows the view to speak for itself. I love the painted enamel shades on the dining room light fixture- that was something I immediately noted! You’ll notice lots of lighter materials in this space- linen chairs, weathered wood, cotton drapery, etc.
design : lisa tharp
There’s no denying a simple white kitchen (when done well) looks very classic and withstands the test of time. This minimal kitchen features affordable beadboard in place of tile, with a soapstone backsplash behind the range- it creates a nice focal point, providing balance to the opposing living room side while keeping things budget friendly. For an open concept space, I appreciate that it still feels cozy and inviting. I’m also really into the millwork and ceiling details throughout this home. Look at the ceiling in each room and prepare to be mesmerized!
design : lisa tharp
I think the floor planning is really well done- all of the furniture has a modern appeal that pairs nicely with the millwork and striking view. The gray, blue, tan, brass, and wood tones certainly play well together. The minimal styling is also very tasteful… modern, minimal, and classic.
design : lisa tharp
This asymmetric art vignette really spoke to me. I love that everything is weighted to the right side of the sofa to provide balance… the stacked art & gallery light, the floor lamp, and even the coffee table book.
design : lisa tharp
I’m also reading lots of warm and cool tones paired alongside each other for a well rounded and interesting palette. Peep the textures above, too: paper textures, shiny brass, brass patina, performance upholstery, a grasscloth coffee table, a woven natural rug, etc. There is plenty of seating to take in the scenery, converse, and everything seems very functional.
design : lisa tharp
I think one of my favorite details in the entire home are the sconces flanking the artwork above the fireplace. Check out their profile below! Those forged petal details are gorgeous.. so stunning and sculptural.
design : lisa tharp
What did you love about this space? Did anything specific jump out to you? I found the color palette, textural elements, and custom upholstery especially beautiful. Be sure to follow Lisa on Instagram for more timeless design inspiration. She’s amazing! Looking for more beach or lake house design inspiration? You may found this Pinterest board I’ve compiled to be helpful! Here’s to a wonderful week ahead. I hope you have a good one, friends!
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Peggi
April 10, 2023 at 5:18 amGood morning! Hellooooooo, gorgeous oceanfront views. Even still, the first thing that struck me was the lighting. Ha. Those rusty red lacquered shades, conical wicker floor lamp and gracefully curved sconces just grabbed me. I really dig the slightly varying shades and clean modern lines of all the upholstered furniture. Almost like sea glass with its softened edges and frosty tones. I also note the use of neutrals and texture-taupe, gray, tan, brass, wicker, grasscloth- even the warm vanilla parchment of the architectural drawings. I certainly think she nailed the sand and sea vibe without being too literal. While obviously a high-end home, I appreciate the attention to practicality with performance fabrics, minimal floor coverings and the informal dining table (love the elongated surfboard shape!). I also admire how comfortable and inviting the open floor plan feels; that can be difficult to achieve with such modest styling. Maybe that’s all the beautiful millwork and ceiling details doing their job? The one tiny miss for me is the soapstone behind the range. I see that it’s balancing the big black square of the tv at the other end of the space, but to me it’s jarring, especially as I note an overall minimal inclusion of black. A small point in an otherwise lovely space! Goodness knows, I am dreaming of ocean breezes! I’m also excited to check out her portfolio. Thanks for an inspiring Monday and new designer introduction. I’m glad to hear that your weather cooperated this weekend. We also had a lovely sunny Sunday. Phew. It felt nice. Here’s to a super week, Sarah! (I’ll be keeping you both in my thoughts.)💜
Sarah
April 11, 2023 at 6:57 pmRight?! I wish I could be transported to the ocean right now. It finally hit 70 here today and I didn’t know what to do with myself… so nice! I loved that light fixture- especially the color. So pretty. I think my favorite design element is the ceiling details in this house. You hit the nail on the head describing the colors- sea glass, warm vanilla parchment, rusty red… I feel like you have a calling in color copy writing! If I ever get to design a collection of any sort, I’m hiring you (but seriously). I agree that the soapstone may look better with a different application. I’m wondering if it was a budget thing? Marble, having less contrast, would have been less noticeable, in regards to the transition. Speaking of ocean breezes- your Maine trip will be here before you know it!! The weather here has been amazing, but I’m hearing more snow is on the way. I’m choosing to be optimistic and oblivious- here’s to hoping the weather report is wrong. Hope you had a great day! xo
Lauren
April 11, 2023 at 7:19 amGood morning! Our weekend was full of sunshine and family gathering. Spring is finally here- windows have been flung open for the first time in months, and the fresh breezes are rejuvenating. I’m glad you were able to have a productive weekend in advance of Emmett’s surgery- plus sunshine?! Yay!!!! Fingers crossed spring sticks around for you. You aren’t wrong about this being a beach house done right. The layout is done especially well, highlighting the magnificent views in every direction, while still offering balance, symmetry, and separation of space. The muted blues, natural wood tones, and warm neutrals are lovely. The ceiling details are what stand out to me the most. I’m seeing a lot of these slim profile beams popping up, and it’s serving fantastic examples of what could work in my own space. Here, I’m fond of the addition of beadboard in between the beams, and having that repeated as the kitchen backsplash. To me, beadboard is one of those features that looks right in a beach house. The dining room light fixture in particular is a profile that I’m in love with. Not being a fan of most traditional chandeliers, I find that I’m drawn to the symmetry and uniqueness of fixtures like this. I can’t even with the sweet shades! Every fixture in this space is gorgeous and a wonderful scale. You know I’m not generally a fan of an all white kitchen, but for some reason I expect it in a beach house. Maybe that’s because the best examples allow the surroundings to be the showcase, or maybe because the clean look speaks to a vacation home- but I love this example. I will say, I’m not the biggest fan of the single slab of soapstone- it kind of looks like a piece of electronics in the pulled back image, and the range hood is getting lost for me. The minimal decor is a breath of fresh air, and I love that it places the focus on the function of this space as a place of gathering. I can just imagine the hours of wonderful conversation and quality time, with the stunning view. Such a well done space! Thank you for sharing Sarah; I hope surgery for Emmett goes well, and that you have had a lovely week so far.
Sarah
April 11, 2023 at 6:48 pmHi Lauren! I love hearing you had a happy Easter weekend with the fam! It has felt so wonderfully spring here these past few days. I’m avoiding my weather app because I hear we’ve got more snow coming in on Thursday. Today it hit 70 and I sat outside and worked from my laptop- it was joyous! Of course I enjoyed reading all of your observations about today’s Design Eye post. The ceiling treatments were my favorite in this home- so creative and textural! Emmett is all prepped and ready to go Thursday… he had his pre surgical visit and everything is set. Thanks for thinking of us! I’ll update everyone the day of :) Hope you have an amazing week, friend! xo