A? narrow peninsula in Queenstown, Maryland, is a magical spot for admiring the Eastern Shore?s estuary environment. Homes situated on this enviable spit of land are treated to panoramic vistas of both Eastern Bay and the Wye River?a double whammy that lured a couple to purchase a weekend getaway there. ?The house looks at the bay and backs onto the river; we loved the beautiful water views in both directions,? says the wife. ?The location was perfect, not too far from home, and the size was just right for our family.?
She and her husband?lawyers living in DC?s Logan Circle?bought the 5,000-square-foot, 1980s-era abode early in the pandemic, then scrambled to get it ready for sheltering in place with their two young teenagers. Designer Kate Ballou, who had worked with the couple before, updated stodgy, traditional interiors in a hurry, with her clients? spare, mid-century sensibility in mind. ?They love Danish furniture and are real collectors,? Ballou recounts. ?We completed the job over an eight-week period, mainly with beautiful pieces that were in stock at Furniture from Scandinavia by Annette Rachlin in DC.? Streamlined, mid-century Nordic furnishings such as a RadioHus sofa and &Tradition chairs in the living room quickly modernized and simplified the rooms?despite a backdrop of heavy trim and dark cherry wood floors and millwork. Subtly patterned and textured rugs from Matt Camron add softness and woven Roman shades by Woodnotes let in the light. Ballou elevated ...