DESIGNING HOMES FOR THE CHESAPEAKE
Photo by Mary Oakey on Unsplash
Living on the water is one of the great luxuries of life in Annapolis. The views, the breezes, and the way life naturally flows toward the outdoors—it all invites a sense of calm and connection. But designing a coastal home that feels elevated and timeless (rather than kitschy or overly themed) takes intention, restraint, and a deep understanding of what makes waterfront living special.
At Katie Rainey Design, we believe your home should feel like you, not a postcard. Here's how we help our clients create refined coastal spaces that reflect their personalities, honor the Chesapeake lifestyle, and feel effortlessly welcoming for generations to come.
1. embrace the setting
A successful coastal home doesn't need bowls of seashells or anchor motifs to make its point. Instead, we take our cues from what’s just outside your windows—the shimmer of the Severn River, the drift of tide grasses, the warm hues of a Chesapeake sunset.
We bring that natural beauty indoors through:
We bring that natural beauty indoors through:
- Incorporating a neutral foundation to keep the focus on the view all while adding pops of color through wallcoverings and textiles
- Using natural, durable textures like rattan, white oak, and grass cloth
- Wide windows that frame the views (and the memories made there)
2. Layer Personality into the Palette
We design for families—thoughtful, dynamic people with stories and style of their own. So we always infuse color, pattern, and personal touches in ways that feel intentional, not overwhelming.
Some of our favorite ways to bring warmth and individuality into coastal spaces:
Some of our favorite ways to bring warmth and individuality into coastal spaces:
- Mixing heirloom pieces with clean-lined new furniture
- Adding playful color through art, textiles, -a bold accent wall of paneling or wallpaper
- Designing rooms for hospitality—inviting spaces where everyone feels welcome
3. Design for Real Life by the Water
True coastal luxury isn't precious. It’s livable. It’s walking barefoot through the mudroom with sandy feet, or hosting a crab feast without worrying about the upholstery.
We think through every detail to make life easier and more beautiful:
We think through every detail to make life easier and more beautiful:
- Durable fabrics that feel luxurious but stand up to kids, grandkids and pets
- Smart storage for paddle boards, coolers, or boat gear
- Mudrooms and outdoor showers designed with family flow in mind
4. Celebrate the Local Landscape
Being a local Annapolis firm, we know how to work with the unique character—and challenges—of building and designing on the Chesapeake Bay.
We don’t just design homes on the water—we design homes for the water, for the families who live here, and for the stories they’ll tell.
Ready to design your forever coastal home?
At Katie Rainey Design, we limit our projects each year so we can give each family the time, attention, and creativity they deserve. If you're dreaming of a home that reflects your love of the water without screaming nautical, we’d love to hear from you.
We don’t just design homes on the water—we design homes for the water, for the families who live here, and for the stories they’ll tell.
Ready to design your forever coastal home?
At Katie Rainey Design, we limit our projects each year so we can give each family the time, attention, and creativity they deserve. If you're dreaming of a home that reflects your love of the water without screaming nautical, we’d love to hear from you.
