Donald and Allyson Scarlata know a thing or two about quirky old homes by the sea. For all of their rich histories and architectural charm, the past relics of coastal grandeur often come with complex issues and myriad spaces requiring next-level restoration. The couple had been renting a home in Saunderstown for some time, along with Lola, their eight-year-old Vizsla-mix rescue, when they decided it was time to plant roots. The Scarlatas were willing to compromise on some features in their home search, as homeowners must, but there was one thing the couple wasn’t willing to budge on: the home had to be near the water.
At the time, there was just one waterfront home on the market in Saunderstown, the coastal village straddling North Kingstown and Narragansett. The single-family home built in 1890, just steps from the Plum Beach Club (established in 1923), was a diamond in the rough; the former grand dame perched above Narragansett Bay came with serious needs.
“Due to disrepair and aging, it had been on and off the market for more than four years,” says Allyson. “Being native New Englanders who have lived in older homes in the past, we knew what this home would require from us – or thought we knew.” As the owner of Colonial Mills, a braided rug manufacturing company located in Rumford which has been in business for 47 years, Donald knows more than most about extraordinary craftsmanship. With a unique appreciation for age-old artistry and earnest workmanship, the couple was committed to bringing back the integrity of the home.
The couple turned to Craig Couture, a kitchen and bath designer at Cypress Design Co. in East Providence, to merge past and present. Together, they chose Benjamin Moore’s Paper White for the interior wall color throughout, giving the home a clean, crisp canvas that embraces the spirit of yesteryear. The outdated kitchen had a complete overhaul to meet contemporary demands, but gives a nod to traditional styling. New Shaker cabinets align with the cottage vibe of the home, chosen specifically as the style has also withstood ever-changing trends. The couple added custom paneling to their appliances from Wickford Appliance to give the kitchen a warm, inviting feel. “Due to the smaller size of the home and its open concept, I didn’t want the appliances to stand apart from the beautiful cabinetry,” says Allyson. Original ash flooring with a durable five-inch-wide solid white oak was refreshed, and to maximize coveted views of Narragansett Bay, six windows were added to the ground floor.
When it came to furnishings, lighting, and other features, Couture and the Scarlatas mixed antique finds with carefully selected newer pieces that work with the eclectic textures of the interior. Looking around, Allyson shares, “it was one of the first homes built in Plum Beach. We were told it had once been referred to as the heart of the neighborhood.” The restored home beats on.
Ideas and resources for making the most of living in the Ocean State.
In this Plum Beach stunner, the homeowners worked with Couture, who embraced a neutral color palette to let Mother Nature shine. “Our main view is Narragansett Bay,” says the homeowners. “This is what provides the pop of color to our decor.”
The Scarlatas say that living in a small town in the smallest state has advantages. “Of course, the ocean is close no matter where you live, but we also have quaint towns, museums, beautiful nature trails and the city of Providence,” says Allyson, adding that they often frequent the neighboring village of Wickford. “We usually dine on the outside deck at Tavern By the Sea [and] often shop at Beauty and the Bath, and Green Ink.” Other favorite local stops include the weekly farmers market at Casey Farm, just a mile from their home, and The Farmer’s Daughter in South Kingstown.
Scarlata’s Colonial Mills braided area rugs are sold nationwide through select retailers. Visit the factory outlet store at their facilities in Rumford. Learn more at ColonialMills.com.
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