sweet dreams by the seashore Bright, airy and casual, this revamped master bedroom now offers a serene haven ideal for soothing reverie and relaxation.
A casual beach vibe comes to life with a relaxing white color palette, wicker furniture, seascape accents and natural bleached maple floors. The overall effect is a bright and airy quality that exudes charm, comfort and carefree style.
Text by Nayda Rondon Design by Laurie Burke-Boice
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Photography by Wing Wong
Mary Ellen Cositore, a happily single woman recently retired from a fast-paced corporate career in the city, loves to unwind with family and friends at her vacation retreat in Sea Girt, a home she co-owns with an older brother. To make it a welcoming place that’s perfect for entertaining, Cositore has often turned to designer Laurie Burke-Boice, owner of L.D. Burke Designs in Monmouth Beach. The designer has always delivered, transforming the Cape Cod’s living room, open-concept dining area and three guest rooms into inviting spaces. “This client and I have been working together on various projects since 2003,” says Burke-Boice. “We are at a point in our client/designer relationship where she lets me have free rein with my creativity and trusts my expertise.” “She gets me,” adds Cositore. “She knows what’s important to me and asks all the right questions to get at the core of how I live, what I value and what will bring me the most ease, comfort and functionality.” So when Cositore decided to focus—finally—on her own inner sanctum, she naturally enlisted Burke-Boice. “Now that I’m retired and spending about 80 percent of my time at this home, I wanted a room that would reflect that lifestyle change. It was time for something that was bright and soothing.” Burke-Boice’s mission: turn her client’s dark and cluttered master bedroom into a serene haven more in keeping with the home’s breezy beach style. She started by adding three skylights to let in the light. She replaced a bulky window air conditioner unit with a streamlined cooling/heating wall unit placed over the window frame; this not only increased the light flow, but also
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