Soaring Ceilings and Wrapped in Windows

“When we first started working on this project, the architect had designed a wood ceiling with steel I-beams and we had gorgeous, huge window systems,” Shea says of the shell her and the design team had to work with. While it was an impressively soaring space, “I really wanted it to feel cozy,” Shea explains. “My goal is always to draw you in and make you want to sit for a while.”

To rectify, Shea and the design team added subtle curves to the once straight up and down limestone fireplace. “It was very contemporary,” she explains. “I wanted to soften it just a little bit.” The window seats flanking the fireplace introduced another problem related to scale. “When we were designing this, we tried to introduce sconces coming from either sides and we couldn’t because they looked [really small].” To match the scale, the built-in benches were installed slightly higher than what is normal to help offset the oversized design.

With the furniture, Shea and the design team wanted to “go classic with the main sofa and then add interest with some of the side pieces,” she explains. One of those pieces is a plaid sofa. “I felt really strongly that we needed a pattern in this space,” Shea notes. “It’s a vacation home and we had the room to go a little bolder. It’s a classic pattern that will stand the test of time.”

Explore the entirety of the great room below, and watch the webisode to follow along as Shea guides us through the rest of the home.