Striking a Balance in Stone Harbor

When Studio 882 client, Megan G., began building her new shore home, she had two goals in mind - to create the perfect sanctuary for her family, but to also use it as a desirable vacation rental when they weren’t in residence.

Designing a new home involves careful planning, and designing a space for both personal use and for potential renters requires striking the right balance between high-style and high-function. To find this balance, Megan returned to our Studio 882 team, who helped design her primary home, and enlisted the expertise of Studio 882 Interior Designer and Creative Director, Nicole Lembo.

Finding the right mix of durable furniture and finishes was critical. Lembo, who in addition to her interior design background, spent decades in the fashion and textile industries in New York City, knows her way around shore-friendly, family-friendly performance fabrics. “It used to be that performance fabrics only came in a few colors and textures, like the stiff canvas used for outdoor awnings, but now there are almost endless options in every color and texture – ranging from velvets, linens and chenilles, to bold colors, neutrals, and fun patterns,” explains Lembo. “For homes near the water, I recommend fabrics that are more than just stain resistant and that are also liquid repellant, quick drying, and anti- mold and mildew.”

With the help of Studio 882 Interior Designer, Dara Schlotzhauer, Lembo and Megan chose a fresh palette of varying shades of blues, greens, creams and ivories, accented with pops of coral. Natural wood tones, lacquered grasscloth and rattan finishes were incorporated to give the home an earthy warmth. “I use nature for a lot for color stories. I like bringing the outside in, and using wood tones, and other natural materials for layers of texture,” says Lembo.

Added Bonus

Marketing a rental property requires high-quality photography of the furnished and styled space. Yet, waiting for furniture to be delivered to photograph the space would have delayed Megan’s marketing plans. That’s when our team offered a unique solution.