Keeping things fuss-free and fabulous is what it’s all about for Nadine Ferrata’s home away from home. Borrow these ideas to give your own home a vacation house vibe.
Less is More: Maintain a streamline look by keeping clutter to a minimum. Use tricks like concealing items in tall decorative baskets and stacking things like books so they serve as decor.
Leg Up: Make small spaces appear larger with legged furniture that offers comfort at a small footprint.
Seaside Feels: Use color and texture to imbue a subtle coastal theme. Think: pale grey or white walls, mostly bare flooring and windows, and natural fibers.
Nadine Ferrata lives in Chicago where she’s a busy real estate agent and designer. She moved to the Midwest in her twenties after growing up on the East Coast, always knowing she’d return one day. “I love Rhode Island,” says Nadine, who in 2017 purchased a Cape Cod style home in the Bonnet Shores area of Narragansett. “I grew up in a small Cape very similar to this home. I think it brought back some childhood memories.”
Sounding like the real estate agent she is, the first thing Nadine mentions about what drew her to the house is location, location, location. “The property checked off many of the must-haves on my list.” Coveted coastal features like an outdoor shower and views of Narragansett Bay were items that this house fulfills. “And it’s not too large, and has really good bones,” she says.
An avid traveler and photographer, Nadine is always looking
for design opportunities involving rehabbing and new construction projects. For this house, she worked with the DiStefano Brothers Construction team of Marisa Navakauskas on color and design details, and project manager Eric Perez on a range of renovations. Upper level ceilings were opened and raised to increase overall volume. “I love my bedroom. This truly is my happy place.” On the main level, renovations include ample counter space, subway tile, floating shelves and a chic built-in nook with big squishy pillows. The living room has a recessed fireplace, perfect for cozy nights. Furnishings are streamline with tall legs, making the most of the visual space.
Nadine describes her decorating style as comfortable and sophisticated. “I try to look at everything from a question of will it stand the test of time?” This includes selections like classic light grey walls that serve as neutral backdrops for art in a colorway she doesn’t anticipate tiring of. Most windows have minimal treatments to serve as unobstructed showcases for the natural views outside. A bit of a minimalist, Nadine notes that she aims for a seaside aesthetic without being predictable. “I like keeping things clean and fresh, that’s the key. I’m careful not to add too much beachy stuff.”
Dividing her time between Chicago and South County, Nadine and her dog Gracie still have some things on their to-do list. “I’m planning on a few small things as soon as I can on my next trip and I would like to also hang a few additional photos I have taken that are very special to me. This truly is my happy place.”
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