Martha's vineyard home gets a sunny makeover – with a few design battles
Bailey McCarthy, known for her exuberant Pink Poodle Parties and lifestyle brand Biscuit Home, envisioned a summer residence saturated in yellow. The result? A 19th-century captain’s Home on Martha’s Vineyard transformed—with a healthy dose of negotiation—under the discerning eye of designer Amber Lewis. The story isn’t just about a vibrant color palette; it's a testament to the delicate balance between friendship and professional collaboration, proving even the most audacious visions require a grounding in practicality.
The 'extra' vision meets pragmatic design
McCarthy’s initial desire for an all-yellow house—kitchens, trim, the works—faced a firm but friendly veto from Lewis. “Nope! We’ll get in color, but in a way that makes sense,” Lewis recounts. This wasn’t about stifling creativity; it was about channeling it. The challenge was to merge McCarthy’s penchant for the extravagant with Lewis’s signature relaxed-refined aesthetic. The aesthetic challenge was compounded by the property’s initial state: “The whole house was a jumbled mess,” Lewis admits, a condition demanding a strategic overhaul before even discussing color.
The solution? A reimagining of the spatial layout. Lewis proposed creating a single, flowing space reminiscent of a hotel lobby, from which smaller, more distinctive rooms would radiate. This concept provided the structural backbone for the project, allowing for pockets of playful extravagance without overwhelming the overall design.
A poolside pavilion and unexpected flooding
The “extra” truly manifested in a poolside cabana—a signature project of architects Curtis & Windham. Fabricated in rust-proof metal and finished in a striking striped pattern, the pavilion delivers the vibrant color McCarthy craved. But the project wasn’t without its surprises. A multilevel movie room, complete with wall-to-wall cashmere carpet and an astonishing 326 yards of fabric, became the unwitting stage for a watery reminder of the Home’s maritime past. “I think the captain was reminding everybody that he was there,” Lewis wryly observes, referencing an unexpected 18-inch flood.
Nautical sophistication and botanical delights
Beyond the cabana, the Home’s design weaves in subtle nods to its coastal setting. A speakeasy, concealed behind a bookcase, features wave-inspired wainscoting and a custom mural by de Gournay, creating a sophisticated, nautical atmosphere. The dining room showcases a de Gournay wallcovering featuring native plants, allowing McCarthy to incorporate her desired colors—including a more subdued yellow—within a cohesive botanical theme. The meticulous attention to detail, from the handwoven striped fabrics by Guy Goodfellow Collection to the carefully selected native plants, elevates the design beyond mere aesthetics.
Compromise and continued collaboration
The project, initially a test of friendship, proved to be a resounding success. Lewis and McCarthy discovered a productive working rhythm. “We now know how we work,” Lewis states confidently. “We could totally do this again!” The Martha’s Vineyard Home stands as a vibrant example of how opposing design sensibilities can converge to create something truly unique and enduring.