6 Summer Retreats and the Design Studios Behind Them
Step inside designer-led summer homes that evoke a deep sense of nostalgia. Projects from studios like Reath Design, Nina Farmer Interiors, and Prospect Refuge Studio offer a masterclass in elevating the summer experience while instilling a profound sense of place.
There’s something inherently magical about summertime—a brief window of weeks defined by slowing down and soaking in. Interior designers understand this notion on a deep level. When tasked with designing summer retreats for their clients, they create the backdrop for so-called “core memories” to take shape.
Whether it’s a cottage by the sea or a farmhouse in the woods, there’s an opportunity to push the boundaries of creativity while instilling a deep sense of place. It’s an exercise in evoking a sense of nostalgia worth returning to year after year. Step inside six summer retreats across the U.S., each designed as a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Cape Ann Summer House
Location: Gloucester, Massachusetts
Designer: Reath Design
An unabashed application of color is the defining feature of Reath Design’s Cape Ann project. Primary hues, vintage pieces, and pattern drenching are all at play, each working in parallel to layer character within a soulful seaside escape. There’s much to admire in the fearless design choices featured throughout, including the unexpected harmony between bold colors and classic coastal elements that set this home apart.
Photography by Laure Joliet
Coastal Maine Retreat
Location: Harpswell, Maine
Designer: Nina Farmer Interiors
Midcoast Maine is often hailed as a place like no other. Situated just far enough from the tourist crowds, it’s the quiet coastlines and salty air that summer dreams are made of. Nina Farmer embraced this distinct setting by steering clear of a predictable seaside aesthetic. Instead, she focused on a sophisticated blend of layers and textures that honored the cottage’s architectural features. From the subdued, earthy palette to the mixed-era pieces, every design choice is made with the intent to quietly highlight the seaside views that define this summer retreat.
Photography by David Mitchell
Yond Cottage
Location: Schroeder, MN
Designer: Yond Interiors
The North Shore is Minnesota’s landlocked answer to a coastal escape. Luckily, the rugged beauty of Lake Superior offers its own kind of magic, best enjoyed from summer retreats like Yond Cottage. Julia Miller of Yond Interiors led this passion project, reimagining a forgotten property into a luxury vacation rental inspired by the colors and materials of its surrounding context. While summer is an exceptional time to visit, many would argue there is magic to be found year-round.
Photography by Erin Little
The Cabin + The Snug
Location: Anderson Island, Washington
Designer: Heidi Caillier
When one of the most influential designers set out to renovate a 1970s waterfront cabin, she brought a fresh perspective that revitalized the space while honoring its history. The cabin showcases Heidi Caillier’s masterful approach to rich, moody paint colors that breathe new life into the home’s existing wood paneling and contrast the open, airy views. Vintage treasures rub shoulders with modern pieces, creating a dialogue of old and new that captures an ‘elevated summer camp’ aesthetic.
Photography by Haris Kenjar
Boden House
Location: Stone Lake, Wisconsin
Designer: Prospect Refuge Studio
When Victoria Stass’ clients envisioned their summer retreat, they sought a space that would embody a deep sense of nostalgia. Prospect Refuge Studio’s design for Boden House did just that, capturing the essence of summer memories with a modern, artful touch. Set in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, the newly built cabin blends clean lines with rustic charm, featuring elements like white oak, natural stonework, and plenty of tasteful pattern drenching. In essence, the ultimate backdrop for treasured family memories.
Photography by Matthew Williams
Martha’s Vineyard Beach House
Location: Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
Designer: Nina Farmer Interiors
A summer spent on Martha’s Vineyard is perhaps the most quintessential New England experience. Similarly to her Coastal Maine project, Nina Farmer didn’t let the traditional notion of a beach house constrain her design vision. Instead, she embraced the property’s relaxed, surf shack vibe with an elevated sensibility. Brightening up the interiors was the first order of business, followed by filling the home with vintage, one-of-a-kind finds that create a warm, collected feel.
Photography by Eric Roth
BY: ANASTASIA CASEY