By her own account, the wife developed “analysis paralysis” fairly early in the process. “I had a clear vision of what I wanted, but when it came time to actually pick the fixtures, couch color and carpets, I froze,” she says. So, the husband volunteered to take over the project with one caveat: She couldn’t set foot in the house until the project was complete. “I really wanted this to be a magical experience for her,” he says, “and it was clear early on that the process was ruining the joy.” The wife concurred, and so the husband soon began working with designer Kelly Ferm, who reports she was “excited and inspired” to tackle the project.
Before Ferm could start, the existing country French décor with its emerald green carpets and floral print draperies had to go. The initial plan for a largely cosmetic redo, however, was soon thwarted by some underlying challenges and a desire on the husband’s part to expand the scope of the project. Once those issues and requests were addressed, it wasn’t long before Ferm began transforming the interiors into the light and airy retreat the owners envisioned. Central to the beach chic motif was a palette inspired by the locale. “I looked out to the jade blue ocean and imagined this back-and-forth play with soft greens and blues inside,” says Ferm, who hunted for fabrics in those hues to complement the coastal theme.
“Textiles are a very important part of the process, and I won’t settle until I find something that’s perfect,” says Ferm, pointing to linen with a vintage vibe she used for the balloon shades in the living room and again for the dining room draperies. “Their old-world, relaxed nature added that hint of jade that is indicative of the ocean right outside. Once I found it, I built the palette around it.” A quintessential spa tone appears around the home, from the accent pillows and armchairs in the living room to the sea pearl quartzite counters and backsplash in the kitchen. Creamy hues on the walls further enhance the calm aura, while fabrics on the living room sofas are practical and durable. “We wanted the house to be formal enough for dinner parties but also be bulletproof for kids, dogs, sand, water and friends,” says the husband.
Nine months after they began the project, Ferm and her team worked around the clock preparing for the big reveal. “This was extra special, as the wife had not seen any progress on the house for months,” Ferm recalls. With pillows plumped, vases brimming with fresh flowers, candles lit and mood music playing, she and her crew retreated so the couple could be alone. “From the driveway, I could see my husband standing in front with a smile on his face,” says the wife. When he finally opened the door, her reaction said it all. “She has been my best friend for 26 years,” he says, “and seeing her so surprised and happy as she walked through the house was like magic.”
— Mandy Pantiel