Phase One at the Tea House is officially complete, and we’re pretty stoked on how it turned out. Tucked into the historic Straws Point neighborhood in Rye, NH—just steps from Jenness Beach—this home had collected a lot of layers over the years. Think heavy marble, extravagant columns, and ornate details that, while impressive, felt a little over the top and visually busy.

Our goal was to strip things back and bring the house closer to its roots—keeping what felt right for a coastal New England home while making it feel lighter, calmer, and more cohesive. In the entry, we swapped the curved, ornate staircase for a more traditional design that feels timeless and fits the architecture of the home. We also replaced the heavy front doors with tall, solid wood doors with glass panels, flooding the foyer with natural light and framing views of the neighborhood beyond.

Throughout the main hallway, we installed white oak herringbone floors to add warmth, texture, and a subtle coastal vibe that feels relaxed but still refined. Upstairs, the primary bath got a full refresh, transforming it into a bright, airy retreat designed for slowing down after long beach days.

Phase Two—tackling the kitchen—kicks off this spring, and we can’t wait to keep the momentum going.