Knickerbocker Group
Knickerbocker Group
Darren Setlow
Approximately 70 steps from the private Casino Beach and in need of love and repair, this 20th century home was the perfect fit for a family that wanted a Maine summer home with character. Having two college-aged daughters and plenty of friends and family, their top priority for the new beach house was enough space for entertaining and throwing weekend parties.
We have about twenty people here at a time. The whole point of having a vacation home for me, is to come with your friends. It’s so much more fun that way!– Homeowner, Chasing Waves
As with many older homes, various additions over the years had left the house with some odd spaces. Knickerbocker Group’s lead architect and interior designer considered the plan as a whole and realized that simply changing a few walls and openings could significantly improve the flow and make better use of the existing space without increasing the existing footprint.
Knickerbocker Group’s interior designer knew the kitchen would be the homeowners’ main attraction, so she designed a space that is comfortable and pragmatic for their lifestyle.
Complete with two small islands, a built-in banquette, and a closet that Knickerbocker Group transformed into an alcove for the stove, the kitchen offers enough space for cooking and entertaining. The homeowners refer to it as the “WOW room.”
The design team continued the entertainment theme by building an outdoor terrace with granite steps and natural stone, adding a second set of white French doors to create two points of access from inside to outside.
When the homeowners have gatherings, the terrace is an accessible space for guests to overflow and mingle. It allows them to have outdoor seating with a grill, creating a relaxed approach from both the side yard and the beach.
We looked at a tile pattern that you might find in a 1930’s bungalow as a way to honor the historic nature of the house.– Lead Interior Designer, Chasing Waves
For house visitors, Knickerbocker Group transformed a small upstairs office into a bunk room by taking underutilized eave space from a closet and replacing it with a twin-size bed that sits opposite a set of sea foam bunk beds.
The result is a third, comfortable bunk for the occasional sleepover. Under the beds are built-in drawers for storage—an example of how the interior designer managed to use every inch of the house without adding to its footprint.
“I wanted to keep the character of the house, but still have the modern conveniences,” the homeowner said while motioning to the indoor gas fireplace that lives near the new 20th century style shelving space. With six beds, three baths, a mini bar, living room, and game room, the family has found their haven for summer and weekend getaways.
We listen, collaborate, and care. Simply put, we do what’s right—for our clients, community, and this unique place we all call home.
