A vintage waterman’s cottage got a new lease on life when the owners tapped Jamie Merida Interiors to overhaul its outdated spaces. The goal was to convert the two-story, 1,600-square-foot Cape Cod into a guest house. Overlooking Harris Creek off the Choptank River in Wittman, Maryland, the diminutive structure comprised two bedrooms and one bath, a living room, den and small kitchen. “The wife asked for a casual, welcoming aesthetic with a nod to nautical style,” explains designer Denise Perkins, who spearheaded the redo. ”She wanted the living room to accommodate maximum seating for their large family and friends, and stressed that it needed to be extremely functional and practical.”

Working with Cronshaw Carpentry, Perkins opened up the choppy main floor by replacing a wall between the den and living room with a steel support beam and columns. The bath was enhanced with fresh tile and a soaking tub. New millwork injected character and functionality while the staircase was refreshed with accent paneling and cable railings. A palette of crisp white and dark blue nods to the nautical theme while maintaining a streamlined, sophisticated vibe. The chic kitchenette features custom cabinetry and a mosaic backsplash from Architessa.

Renovation & Interior Design: Denise Perkins, Jamie Merida Interiors, Easton, Maryland. Renovation Contractor: Scott Cronshaw, Cronshaw Carpentry, Easton, Maryland. Styling: Charlotte Safavi.