A family, after spending years in New York, sought a fresh perspective and discovered it in Annapolis, Maryland, within a historic 1920s waterfront residence. The property not only accommodated their expanding household but also redefined their connection to their environment. Interior designer Christopher Boutlier reflects, “I love Annapolis for its relationship to the water and the particular quality of light that comes with it.”
For Neal Thomson of Thomson & Cooke Architects, the appeal of Annapolis is similarly rooted in the city’s ability to feel worlds away without actually being so. “It feels like a small town, very walkable, and the added element of being on the water is such a game changer,” he says.
Annapolis Charm
The clients, who share the home with their two young children, wanted to gain just enough space while making the most of their new waterfront setting. With relatives nearby and remote work making the move possible, two dedicated work-from-home spaces were essential. Neal Thomson notes that “pulling the heart of the home closer to the water” was a key goal.
To achieve this, the century-old house underwent a significant overhaul. Nearly the entire first, second, and third floors were renovated, with structural reconfigurations on the main level and in the primary suite. Zach Fajen of Fajen & Brown oversaw the construction, which included a complete overhaul of the kitchen, powder room, office, breakfast nook, dining room, and two living spaces, along with extensive work upstairs.
Preserving the character of the house—and its Eastport setting—was essential.
Renovation Details
The floor plan was reorganized to position more formal spaces, including the home office and dining room, toward the front, creating a sense of order upon entry. Casual family spaces occupy the core and rear of the house, where they can take full advantage of the waterfront setting. One important move was preserving the sightline from the front door all the way to the water.
Neal Thomson notes, “It’s not a huge floor plate, but it lives big.” The balance between old and new, refined and relaxed, guided Christopher Boutlier‘s approach to the interiors. The homeowners wanted to avoid a stereotypical beach house, instead pairing the relaxed pace of Annapolis with some of the sophistication and energy they loved about New York.
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In the living room, a palette of cream, tobacco, black, and warm wood allows the water views to remain the star. A paneled fireplace wall gives the room architectural weight, with a dark stone surround providing contrast. The dining room is more atmospheric, with a broad arched opening and dark wood furniture juxtaposed with a woven pendant and relaxed Roman shades.
The combination of structure and informality in the breakfast room strikes a nice balance, according to Christopher Boutlier. The kitchen features clean lines warmed by oak cabinetry, with brass fittings and simple ceiling lights providing definition. An open pantry cabinet received the same attention to detail, with practical storage designed with the refinement of fine furniture.
Upstairs, the primary bedroom features an upholstered bed, tonal bedding, and pale walls, establishing a restful foundation. The adjoining bathroom brings the home’s traditional architecture and cleaner contemporary sensibility together, with a dark wood vanity grounding the pale finishes and an arched tub alcove creating a sense of enclosure.
The powder room offered an opportunity to add drama, with a sculptural dark stone sink sitting against paneled walls, joined by aged brass fittings, dark sconces, and a shapely mirror. Despite its stronger material choices, the room still belongs unmistakably to the rest of the house. The project ultimately came in just under budget, which Neal Thomson calls “a real achievement.”
The finished home feels neither like a New York residence transplanted to Maryland nor a conventional coastal retreat. Instead, it occupies the space between the two: traditional but clean-lined, polished but approachable, and closely connected to the water without relying on a single nautical cliché.
Executing the renovation required careful planning and collaboration. The design team and clients worked together to find creative solutions within the budget. Zach Fajen notes that the budget was finite, and they had to work closely to maintain it without compromising the design.
