Vineyard charm: designer unearths island’s rustic soul in coastal home

Forget nautical clichés – this Martha’s Vineyard estate breathes a distinctly local spirit, a testament to designer Nina Farmer’s commitment to capturing the island’s raw, enduring character. It’s a space where the landscape itself dictates the interior design, a deliberate echo of the surrounding beauty.

A grounded approach

Farmer’s brief was simple: translate the exterior’s weathered elegance into the Home’s DNA. “It’s unusual to find a house where the landscape is already mature and developed,” she explains. “The previous owners spent a lot of time and effort on the grounds.” This wasn’t about imposing a style; it was about amplifying what already existed.

Unexpected hues and timeless textures

Stepping inside, the design immediately feels…lived-in. Farmer deftly juxtaposes unexpected color palettes – a BDDW sofa paired with a Pierre Frey-covered Nickey Kehoe sofa – while anchoring the space with reclaimed oak ceilings and handwoven wool stools sourced from 1stDibs. Details like Atelier Vime wicker pendants and Jennifer Christy’s local artwork add layers of texture and personality.

A table for gathering

The sprawling dining table, a custom Dos Gallos piece, speaks volumes about the homeowner’s priorities: “They wanted to seat a lot of people,” Farmer notes. “This table is extra long.” It's a focal point designed for connection, reflecting the island’s tradition of communal gatherings.

Beyond the beach house trope

This isn't your typical beach house. Farmer intentionally steered clear of predictable coastal aesthetics, opting instead for a vernacular style rooted in the up-island’s farmhouses and rolling hills.