Designing the Ultimate Second Home Retreat
We are always looking for ways to incorporate thoughtful design to transform second homes into dream retreats. In this month’s Journal, we share key takeaways from three unique design projects that perfectly balance comfort with style and functionality to create the ultimate home away from home.
Having spent years designing boutique hotels, we've honed the ability to create spaces that not only exude luxury and style but also provide the comfort and efficiency guests desire. This expertise gives us a better understanding of how to design a vacation-like space in a family's second home.
Designing a second home requires a thoughtful approach to creating a space that serves as an escape while also feeling like an extension of the lifestyle you want to embrace during your time away. Whether it's a peaceful coastal retreat or a mountain sanctuary, the key to a successful second home is to ensure it reflects both the environment and the owner’s personality. From a connection to a location to customized spaces for relaxation, designing a second home can transform any space into a peaceful respite for families to reconnect and recharge.
Keep reading for a few of our second-home designs that offer inspiring insights for the perfect getaway.
Narragansett, RI
In our A Multigenerational Ocean Oasis project, we took a unique take on coastal design by focusing on innovative design details uniquely tailored to gathering and relaxing. Working closely with the teams at DiMauro Architects and Sweenor Builders, we designed experiential spaces throughout the newly constructed 10,000 sq. ft. coastal property that allowed this growing family to use the home to its fullest potential. From an indoor surf shop and bunkhouse to a reading den and second-floor lounge equipped with a pool table and bar, every detail was designed with togetherness in mind.
Truro | Cape Cod, MA
Located in the Cape Cod town of Truro, A Modern Beach Retreat Beckons is the perfect example of embracing a home’s natural surroundings to imbue a sense of place. The soft, modern design we incorporated throughout the home perfectly complemented its expansive panoramic views of the ocean and its white sandy beaches. Using a neutral color palette, organic materials, and modern design elements, we created a fresh and airy vibe that captured the coastal feel and offered this family of five a space to relax, unwind, and make lasting memories. We also paid special attention to the materials we selected to ensure they were durable enough to withstand the wear and tear of three young boys while being easy to maintain, allowing the family to enjoy their summer.
New Hampshire Mountains
Switching seasons to our winter getaways, our Customized Ski Retreat project, nestled in the mountains of New Hampshire, highlights how personalization and thoughtful planning can elevate a spec home into a truly unique family retreat. In this project, which is currently in progress, we are reimagining the original floor plan to better align with how the family planned to use the home. Key design elements include a fireplace wall in the center of a double-story great room and a well-thought-out mudroom with custom lockers to meet all the needs of an active day out on the slopes. The perfect combination of customization and thoughtful design creates a second home that balances style and practicality.
Want to learn more about our approach to designing a destination home? Download our Destination Home Design Guide for Rachel’s best tips for planning the ultimate family retreat.
Live well,
