Livable Design on Cape Cod

(Photography: Amber Jane Photography)

Home to 25 years of family gatherings, a quintessential Cape Cod summer house receives a refresh to celebrate the joy of living on the Cape.

The Ireland-based homeowner and his new wife sought to update the living areas of the home while preserving its welcoming, comfortable atmosphere. Enter Kelly McGuill, owner of Kelly McGuill Home, known for her understated elegance and mastery of livable design.

“When I received a phone call from a man with a fabulous Irish brogue, I was intrigued,” McGuill shares. “He had a soft spot for Cape Cod and this house, and decided to embark on an addition and renovation of the entire house.”

(Photography: Amber Jane Photography)

At the heart of the renovation was the addition of a new great room—a space large enough to accommodate family gatherings that had outgrown the home’s original layout. Partnering with Brian Camara of Custom House Building, McGuill infused the entire home with thoughtful custom details, including the homeowner's beloved palette of blue and white.

The new family room was designed to be a true gathering place, featuring a stunning stone fireplace and cozy seating. The table was matched to the white oak flooring, while a herringbone pattern on the mantel, created from leftover oak, offers an elegant and artistic touch. Custom built-ins, gallery lights, and carefully selected pieces offer a layered, cohesive look, creating a comfortable, stylish sanctuary for both large family gatherings and intimate evenings.

(Photography: Amber Jane Photography)

McGuill notes that ‘comfortable, but not precious’ was a guiding principle for the entire revamp.  “Every fabric is a performance fabric—stain-resistant and fade-resistant. We wanted the home to feel inviting, where nothing was off-limits,” she explains.

(Photography: Amber Jane Photography)

Though the kitchen had been updated before McGuill's involvement, her subtle changes offer a dose of new energy, including a fresh coat of paint, new stools, and the removal of a large wooden valance over the windows to open up the space. McGuill selected sconces from Visual Comfort, charming gingham window treatments, and brass hardware to complement the kitchen’s white oak accents. Personal touches include family photographs and a framed letter from the client’s father. 

(Photography: Amber Jane Photography)

In the connected dining room, McGuill added a custom-made banquette and Vermont farm table, surrounded by intricate wainscoting and beadboard details. Nearby, a Serena & Lily bar cart adds a touch of whimsy. “With this house, you walk in and it just makes you smile,” McGuill affirms.

(Photography: Amber Jane Photography)

The home’s sitting room also received a thoughtful update, with four comfortable chairs gathered around a central round coffee table. With this new arrangement, the space evolved into a warm, inviting area where friends and family could gather, relax, and connect. Simple details such as candle holders and light décor touches, enhance the space without overwhelming it, keeping the focus on comfort and connection. 

(Photography: Amber Jane Photography)

Even the basement, affectionately dubbed “the garden level,” received an update—out went the old bunk beds and worn furniture, and in came a fresh new space for family to enjoy, complete with Irish relics and cherished wall art. 

(Photography: Amber Jane Photography)

Balancing the needs of a growing family with a classic Cape aesthetic, McGuill created a home where comfort, beauty, and tradition converge. Marked by thoughtful details and timeless design, the newly renovated home will serve as a backdrop for decades of summer memories to live on.

Interior Design: Kelly McGuill Home, Construction: Brian Camara, Custom House Building & Development, Carpentry: Scott McKay, Custom House Building & Development, Photography: Amber Jane Photography