5 Things that Transformed the CC ACK Beach House

Now that the home is in its final stages of design, I’m finally able to slow down and truly enjoy the space - less time spent unpacking, cleaning, and organizing!

There are so many design elements I absolutely love, but a few standouts have truly transformed the home and made a lasting impact.

Here are my five favorite design elements in our home:

PAINTED ENTRYWAY FLOOR

Lynn Morgan Design (who we partnered with on the home) has always believed in the power of a great entrance. When we first partnered three years ago on our Connecticut home, she had the same mantra: the entryway sets the tone.  It’s the first thing you and your guests see, so it should make an impact.  With that in mind, we decided to paint the floors in a bold, decorative geometric pattern. The result is something truly special.  It's a striking, statement-making moment the second the front door swings open.

Credit: Zofia Crosby

"SHELLY/PEARL" THE WHALE

Another entryway staple in our home is  our hand-carved wooden whale wall art. Our daughters named her Pearl, then changed it to Shelly, and back to Pearl again. Depending on the day, she goes by one or the other, but either way, we love her.  She was handcrafted on Nantucket by Nantucket Whales, which makes her feel all the more special and perfectly at home here.

Credit: Zofia Crosby

NAUTICAL GALLERY WALL 

Shortly after we purchased the home, I began searching for design inspiration and came across a fun coastal gallery wall that climbed a staircase. It sparked the idea to create my own version with a nautical theme centered around ships. I wanted to blend antique and new pieces, but found it surprisingly challenging to source new artwork that complemented the vintage feel. That challenge actually inspired an idea to create a collection of vintage-style nautical art for Cailíní Coastal, which will officially launch on June 6th.  The wall itself is still a work in progress.  I’ve made it up to the first landing, but plan to continue it around to 2 or 3 more landings. I’ll keep adding to it as I discover new pieces that catch my eye, making it a fun, evolving project.

Credit: Zofia Crosby

FRENCH SHIP PLATES 

In keeping with the home's nautical and maritime theme, these blue and white ship plates were the perfect addition. I actually designed them in collaboration with one of the oldest earthenware makers in France (craftsmen who have been producing earthenware since the 1700s). Production began even before we purchased the home, as each piece is made entirely by hand.  The moment we bought the house, I knew these plates belonged here, displayed as wall decor. I love how they look styled together above our striped kitchen banquette.  They bring both character and a sense of history to the space.  You can shop them here!

Credit: Zofia Crosby

PAINTED STRIPE WALLS

Another decorative painting detail makes the list! While we used plenty of wallpaper throughout the home, which I absolutely love, we decided to switch things up in one space with a different approach - painted stripe walls (another brilliant idea from Lynn Morgan). We went with bold blue stripes(Benjamin Moore Soft Sky) and added a thinner pop of green (Benjamin Moore Ocean Air), and I just love how it turned out.  This is my eldest daughter’s bedroom, but honestly, if I were a guest in this house, this is the room I’d choose to stay in. I love it that much!

Credit: Zofia Crosby

Fore a behind-the-scenes look at the design of the Cailíní Coastal Nantucket Beach House, be sure follow @ackbeachhouse.