Introducing our Rhode Island Shingle project: a classic coastal design thoughtfully tailored to a unique waterfront site with carefully framed views. Prominently visible upon approach, the central gable serves as an architectural anchor, allowing the home to rise gracefully from the coastline beyond. Emphasized by bay and crescent windows, the home’s central axis draws the eye and guides visitors toward the welcoming entry porch.
The generous eaves and bay windows create depth and shadow, strengthening the home’s relationship to the streetscape while highlighting the evolving character of the weathered shingle exterior. Subtle variations in the shingles are echoed in the tones of the Rhode Island stone base, creating a cohesive palette that unifies the home’s primary materials.
Positioned on the middle terrace, the pool highlights the site’s gradual descent and layered landscape. A generous bracketed portico shelters the nearby mudroom entrance, grounding the west gable and providing a strong sense of scale.
The home’s varied roof forms are unified through consistent pitches and clipped gables, while details such as the belled hood and sunburst panel add additional layers of character, enriching the distinctive architectural language of this coastal Shingle-style residence.
At the entry, curved leaded-glass partitions establish a welcoming and whimsical tone, echoed throughout the home in a series of graceful arched openings that reinforce the relaxed character of this Rhode Island retreat. Warm parquet flooring reflects the natural light streaming in from the living spaces beyond, enhancing the home’s inviting atmosphere.
Moving to the interior, the staircase provided an opportunity to weave nautical character into the design. The custom newel post draws inspiration from the silhouette of a historic lighthouse, subtly reinforcing the home’s coastal identity.
Beyond, an open and interconnected floor plan allows for effortless circulation and casual living, creating inviting spaces for both everyday life and entertaining.
The kitchen balances clean, refined detailing with the texture and warmth of beadboard and shiplap accents. At its center, a generously scaled island serves as both a practical workspace and an inviting gathering spot, accommodating casual dining and everyday living.
Cool-toned marble countertops bring crisp definition to the space, complementing the finely detailed cabinetry and contributing to the kitchen’s understated elegance. Beyond, glass-fronted display cabinets in the pantry provide visual interest while adding valuable preparation and storage space, supporting effortless entertaining.
A distinctive feature of the living space is the octagonal breakfast area, which captures sweeping waterfront views through a series of expansive paned windows. Defined by a coordinated pattern of ceiling beams overhead and flooring below, the room’s unique geometry creates an intimate destination for dining, conversation, and enjoying the surrounding landscape.
Another standout feature of the primary living space is the family room’s fully glazed exterior wall, carefully designed to capture panoramic waterfront views. Drawing inspiration from the light-filled character of a traditional enclosed porch, this architectural element blurs the boundary between indoors and out, creating an immersive connection to the surrounding landscape.
The screened porch provides yet another inviting vantage point from which to take in the waterfront setting. Framed by a pair of columns, views extend beyond the porch railings and out toward the sea, creating a strong connection to the surrounding landscape. The furnishings feature a palette of soft, neutral tones that echo the natural colors beyond, reinforcing the home’s relaxed coastal character.
Designed to fully embrace the waterfront setting, the upper levels of the home offer a series of thoughtfully positioned spaces oriented toward the views. On the second floor, bedrooms open onto private balconies, while the expansive third-floor loft incorporates a home gym and the reading area pictured below, providing elevated vantage points to experience the surrounding coastline.
Among the home’s many unique details is an octagonal balcony nestled within the third floor. This charming architectural feature creates a private perch to enjoy the changing light throughout the day, whether over a morning coffee, an evening gathering, or a quiet moment overlooking the water.
Thanks for coming along for a tour of our Rhode Island Shingle home! We welcome you to learn more about the project here:
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