The Stillwater: A Coastal State of Mind
Interpreting coastal ease through warmth, texture, and thoughtful materials
When this new-build town home in Fairport, NY was nearly complete, the homeowners came to us with a clear feeling in mind. Having spent much of their year in Naples, Florida, they wanted their Rochester home to reflect the same sense of lightness and ease. Our goal was to design a home for them that provided this without leaning too literal or out of place for its setting. Our role in this project focused on soft design: furniture, finishes, lighting, and layers that would bring warmth, personality, and a subtle coastal sensibility to the home, while remaining grounded in its surroundings.
Designing Coastal - Without the Obvious
Rather than relying ob overt coastal motifs, our approach centered on materials and tone. Natural wood, linen, and warm brass finishes became the foundation, creating an atmosphere that feels relaxed yet elevated. Soft blues - our clients’ favorite - were woven throughout the home in a way that feels intentional and timeless rather than thematic.
The result is a space that nods to coastal living through texture and light, not symbolism - an interpretation that feels equally at home in Fairport as it does in Naples.
Dining with Presence
One of the most defining moments in this home is the dining room. An Urban Electric chandelier in heirloom brass and Dutch blue anchors the space, offering a refined pop of color without overwhelming the room. Beneath it, a solid white oak dining table grounds the space, paired with blue leather dining chairs that quietly reinforce the color palette.
Layered window treatments in the dining room and family room - double rods with white linen drapery over soft sheers - add movement and softness, filtering light throughout the day and elevating the home’s overall presence.
Bedrooms Designed for Light and Ease
In the front guest bedroom, abundant natural light became the inspiration for texture-forward choices. Raffia wall covering with a subtle white stamped pattern adds depth and visual interest while maintaining an airy, relaxed feel - an underrated way to introduce warmth and craftsmanship.
The primary bedroom continues this balance. A woven bed frame serves as a quiet focal point, paired with a blue area rug, a medium-toned wood dresser, and a neutral upholstered chair. White bachelor’s chests replace traditional nightstands and increase storage, keeping the space feeling light, and unfussy while still functional.
A Home That Feels Like Both Places
This project is a reminder that great design doesn’t always require structural changes. Sometimes, it’s about listening closely - to how clients live, where they find comfort, and what they want to feel when they walk through the door. By translating the spirit of their Naples home through materials, tone, and restraint, we were able to create a town home that feels warm, personal, and quietly transportive - coastal in mindset, yet perfectly suited for life in Rochester.
