When a couple of empty nesters moved from the DC area to the Eastern Shore, they reached out to designer Laura Butler to complete the interiors of their Colonial-style new build in the Arcadia Shores neighborhood of Easton. “Because she trended more glamorous and he leaned more traditional, we tried to blend their styles to create calm, neutral spaces that respect the traditional architecture of the home,” shares Butler. Take the family room, shown here: With expansive views of the Miles River, the designer didn’t want to upstage the scenery, so she brought in a soothing, nature-inspired palette of gray-blues and taupes.

Custom millwork and paneling nods to architectural details found in the light and bright adjacent spaces, but to create a cozy contrast, she painted the walls Benjamin Moore’s Marina Gray.

With six different points of entry to the room, the furniture layout had to be methodically plotted. A perfectly scaled custom sectional by McKinley Leather, upholstered in dog-friendly fabric, anchors the room while ensuring plenty of space to circulate; nearby French doors fold open to provide seamless flow to the dining and grilling terrace. Featuring a fireplace surrounded by an Old World-inspired mantel from Francois & Co., the room offers a snug haven year-round with views that are hard to beat.

Interior Design: Laura K. Butler, Butler Interior Design, Kent Island, Maryland. Builder: Focus+ Construction, Easton, Maryland.