chic (and colorful) in nantucket

If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you know it’s no secret I have a slight crush on designer/architect extraordinaire Steven Gambrel.  If you’ve ever perused his portfolio, it’s not hard to see why.  While all of his work is absolutely amazing, I have always been drawn most to how beautifully he pairs a cool blue color palette with lots of texture – so much so, in fact, that it’s become the aesthetic to which I’ve used as reference to decorate my own home.  So, it came as a complete surprise that I would fall head over heels for a bright, colorful Nantucket hideaway he designed and recently added to his portfolio.  This little gem is full of saturated color and bold pattern and textiles while still adhering to Gambrel’s signature style by layering lots of texture (those grasscloth walls and seagrass chairs in the dining room are heavenly!) and mixing classic pieces with both modern and antique finds.  It has an undoubtedly fun, fresh feel while still being elegant and sophisticated and THAT, my friends, is what makes the man a design genius! 

The dining room is spectacular….grasscloth walls, millwork painted a soft blue, those fabulous curtain panels, a brass chandelier and those amazing dining chairs paired with a more traditional table is layering at its best:

Colorful curtain panels and a mix of comfy furniture is surprisingly soothing in the living room:

I love, love, LOVE the subtle hints of coral and aqua in a guest bedroom; the grasscloth warms up the space and that coral trim line coordinates perfectly with the striped bedding and headboard.

An impressive array of hydrangeas are a beautiful compliment to a navy blue painted ceiling, a hanging lantern, coral cushions and a driftwood table on the back porch.  Another reminder that I desperately need to make up my mind on patio furniture so I can enjoy the Fall weather we will eventually be getting!

What do you think?  Do you prefer a cool, neutral color palette or a bright and bold one?

 To see more of this gorgeous home, check out Gambrel’s portfolio.