10 Design Ideas to Steal from Rhode Island's Ocean House and Weekapaug Inn
The two residential-style hotels have a style all their own—one we're dying to copy.
Few hotels are as inviting as Rhode Island's Ocean House and its sister property, the Weekapaug Inn. With their atmosphere of coastal elegance and New England charm, both lodgings feature residential-style interiors that encourage equal amounts of relaxation and festivity thanks to classic architecture, cozy furnishings, and the perfect balance of trad design and modern comfort. What better places to emulate in your own home? Here, 10 decor takeaways to try now.
DITCH THE DUVET
For a contemporary look that doesn't bely its trad leanings, replace your puffy, duvet-topped comforter with a classic quilt. Far from your grandmother's blanket, the new version is cool, design-savvy, and an absolute must-have for a layered cold-weather bed, whether you opt for a family heirloom, contemporary shapes by Meg Callahan, or color blocking by Louise Gray.
ESTABLISH A COLOR STORY
Punctuate an all-white room—or a neutral wood-clad one—with a hue that goes from light to dark and everywhere in between. Here, chinoiserie ginger jars in an iconic blue-and-white palette coordinate with a boho ikat-upholstered ottoman, preppy striped armchair, Greek-key throw pillows, and vivid floral wingbacks.
ADD ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS
Turn a utilitarian design feature into a scene-stealing work of art. In this instance, the architects combined a three-section, spiral, and straight stairway for a one-of-a-kind look that elevates the room stylistically and creates a grand effect by optimizing vertical space. No room for that kind of improvement? Try molding, chair rail, or wainscoting.
STREAMLINE YOUR KITCHEN
Give bulky cabinetry the heave-ho. Slimmer versions, shown here with discrete silver hardware, both maximize space and lend a more contemporary look, especially when coated in a palate-pleasing soft white shade that allows you to experiment with a colored-stone countertop.
BRANCH OUT IN A POWDER ROOM
A small space such as a powder room is the perfect place to try something different—even if your style is as trad as it gets. This tiny loo is reminiscent of one you might find on a boat, complete with shiplap walls, a marine-style sink basin, and lantern-inspired lighting.
GET CREATIVE WITH MIRRORS
While most would place one giant reflective surface above the headboard in a bedroom, the designers at Ocean House opted for a more unexpected approach. Instead, they placed Empire-style mirrors on either side of the bed, each anchoring a bamboo-style nightstand for a regal look that coordinates with the high tufted headboard.
CONSIDER A BANQUET
If your kitchen is the heart of your home, make it as comfortable to gather as possible. A cozy banquet helps maximize seating and creates an inviting atmosphere when paired with patterned throw pillows.
EMBRACE IRREGULAR ARCHITECTURE
Don't let asymmetrical details prevent you from achieving the layout of your dreams. Here, windows installed in a decorative alcove create a light-filled backdrop for an indulgent soak in a claw foot bathtub.
ADD STRATEGIC POPS OF COLOR
Use color to divide a large open-layout room with a monochromatic palette into discrete areas with different functions. In Ocean House's Penthouse Suite, tufted coral chairs delineate a formal dining area without overwhelming the space.
HAVE FUN WITH KIDS' ROOMS
In a vacation home or a welcoming family home, you can never have enough bedding. No formal bedroom? No problem. When space is an issue, make good use of an alcove with a creative bunk-bed situation.
