Nantucket charm: florida couple trades two homes for coastal elegance

A Florida couple, accustomed to splitting their time between Raleigh, North Carolina, and Ponte Vedra Beach, has significantly shifted their lifestyle after a complete home renovation. The transformation? A stunning Nantucket-style cottage in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, designed by Nellie Howard Ossi of Nellie Howard Ossi Interiors. The couple is now spending less time in Raleigh, hinting at a profound change in priorities.

A palette of calm: how a designer created a coastal sanctuary

The project, a ground-up build, saw Ossi and her mother, Phoebe Howard, collaborate closely with Heritage Home Group from the outset. The clients’ brief was simple: a blue and white color scheme. Beyond that, they entrusted the designers with complete creative control – a rare opportunity for any designer.

Ossi masterfully employed the classic nautical color palette throughout the 5,800-square-foot home. The main living area, a spacious great room, is anchored by deep blue accents against a neutral backdrop. Although the great room and the all-white kitchen are technically open-concept, strategic furniture placement and varied interpretations of the blue and white palette subtly define each space. This approach results in a home that feels both sophisticated and welcoming, effortlessly suited for everyday living.

But functionality was just as vital as aesthetics. Ossi enlisted Amelia Gabriel, a professional organizer from Jacksonville, Florida, to help the couple settle into their new home. Gabriel worked with the clients to understand their lifestyle and efficiently organize their belongings. “She helps them pack up their stuff and bring it to the house, but puts it away in a thoughtful way catered toward how they’re going to live in their new space,” Ossi explains.

The home’s layout emphasizes a seamless flow, from the generous entryway to the intimate dining room and the inviting covered patio. “Everything in the home is beautiful but also approachable for everyday real life, which, in my opinion, is the perfect sweet spot,” Ossi says. While offering private retreats, the design also prioritizes gathering spaces.

A closer look: key spaces in the coastal cottage

The living room features comfortable sofas, a statement chandelier, and a rug that ties the color scheme together. The kitchen boasts a striking zellige backsplash, an oversized plaster hood, and rich Windsor-style stools, creating a space that is both tailored and relaxed. A hidden bar area adds a touch of drama.

In the primary bedroom, light, texture, and quiet patterns create an atmosphere of tranquility. The ensuite bathroom echoes the blue and white theme with reeded vanity fronts and wicker baskets. The guest bedroom introduces a playful contrast with repeated patterns on the curtains and bed frame.

Outside, the covered patio, complete with rattan accents, serves as an extension of the living space, perfect for entertaining. Palecek pendant lights illuminate the area, while the overall design seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor living.

With both parents involved in interior design, Nellie Howard Ossi followed a natural path. Her firm, Nellie Howard Ossi Interiors, brings a Southern coastal sensibility to every project, crafting timeless designs that adapt to her clients’ lifestyles. This isn't just about beautiful spaces; it's about creating homes that truly reflect the people who inhabit them.