Minimalism-Meets-Coastal in this Barrington Home

While the architectural type might be classified as Colonial and the location is steps from the water, don’t anticipate finding any wrought iron or wicker at this Rumstick Road address. The interior design stems from sensibilities succinctly described by the husband as “urban super-modern minimalist.” Sitting on 1.6 acres, the property boasts many luxe features like seven fireplaces, a chef’s kitchen, and a master suite with closets clocking in at 18 feet. However grand, spaces throughout maintain a clean simplicity by design.

Originally from London, the homeowners were lured to Rhode Island by Hasbro, Inc. for a two-year stint. Twenty years, two teenagers, and new ventures later, the couple continues to enjoy life in the Ocean State. “We love being surrounded by the water, so close to Boston and New York,” says the husband. When it was time to refresh the Barrington estate, award-winning interior designer Kelly Taylor of KTID was enlisted. Taylor got an immediate sense of the couple’s aesthetic and despite the large footprint, worked to give spaces the vibe of a cool London flat.

“We like clean, simple, non-fussy, and one palette: black, gray, white, navy,” says the husband. Mindful of the preferences, Taylor worked with her clients to infuse an additional hue or two. “I encouraged a little color in the main living area, so we went with purple as a neutral with their colors,” says Taylor adding, “I love purple.” Textures and patterns were brought in to add visual interest and warmth.

Taylor also coordinated structural modifications which included updating the staircase with sleek glass rails, replacing floors, and adding “modern lighting where the house craved it.” Some furnishings were replaced but, notes Taylor, “We also left anything bare that called for simplicity.”

“Like me, the homeowners don’t want the house to be a cliche. Just because it is on the water doesn’t mean everything needs to be blue with nautical themes; a waterfront home doesn’t need to mean clinging to certain colors or ocean themes but rather a modern representation of clean living,” says Taylor. “My mantra is ‘redefine’ coastal living and that’s exactly what we have done here. The bay is the backdrop, and with the white walls, cabinets, and minimalist color palette, Rhode Island is actually the star of the show.”

Says the husband, “Our minimalist style allows the view to become the art around us.” Taylor adds with a smile, “It’s British style with a stunning Rhody backdrop.”