3 min readWith Nancy Meyers as her compass and interior designer Nicola Manganello of Nicola's Home leading the charge, Katie Sturino set out to renovate her vacation home in Westport, Maine. "It was just quintessential cabin in the woods that had great bones but needed work—it was built in 1986, and we were the third owners," Sturino says. "After living for so many years in New York, I was ready to sink my teeth into a project. That said, it is the most extensive renovation project I have ever done! We completed a full gut renovation, reconfigured the living room layout and moved literal rooms! The staircase, laundry room, and multiple bathrooms were all uprooted."
Although Sturino, the founder of Megababe and a body acceptance advocate, loves fashion and her tastes run toward maximalism, the views of the water and her wish for a relaxing getaway ultimately resulted in a tranquil, neutral palette, with a lobster thrown in here and there for good measure—after all, it is Maine.
“We really centered the design around the spectacular water view,” adds Sturino. “Not only did we want to maximize visibility to the water, but we also sought to emulate the tranquil vibes of the sea. We replaced the gray tile in the great room with large oak planks and reconfigured the living room so that the dining area had water views and great natural sunlight.”
Manganello deftly transformed the formerly "creepy cabin" into Sturino's coastal grandmother fantasy, lightening up the finishes and reconfiguring the living room so the dining area now boasts water views and ample sunlight. The five-bedroom, four-bathroom house is equally functional as a serene vacation spot by the sea and party hub for gathering friends and family. A twin guest bedroom was designed with loved ones' children in mind, while comfortable bar chairs from The Inside serve as Sturino's Zoom command station in the kitchen—and also, obviously, the ideal spot for an afternoon aperitivo.
Almost instantly, the home transformed into a well-deserved oasis for Sturino. "We've had a great summer of visitors, and it's so nice to see the house being lived in and enjoyed."
FAST FACTS
Designer: Nicola Manganello of Nicola's Home
Location: Westport, Maine
The space: A five-bedroom, four-bathroom house originally built in 1986
MUDROOM
Lobster wallpaper acts as a cheeky nod to the seaside escape.
"This is my first mudroom, and I couldn't be more thrilled!,” says Sturino. “The little details offer the perfect welcome into the home as a safe space to retreat. This room is my singular homage to classic Maine design."
KITCHEN
A blue-and-white palette leans classic coastal, with fun pops of pattern.
"The blue tiled backsplash paired with the white cabinetry offers a bright welcome to the kitchen,” says Sturino. “I love perching on the striped bar chairs for an afternoon break or a Zoom with my Megababe team. My kitchen's impeccable organization is all thanks to Neat Method's Organization System."
PRIMARY BEDROOM
Wood-clad vaulted ceilings add the perfect rustic touch.
"This bedroom is a calming respite teeming with life,” says Sturino. “I really wanted to experiment with textures, from layered rugs to accent pillows. The view, of course, ties it all together."
GUEST BEDROOM
A toile-inspired wallpaper adds a cheeky wink.
"This bedroom is the ultimate sanctuary with so much privacy and where I get my work done,” says Sturino. “I love the nod to Florida with the Katie Kime wallpaper, called Florida Toile."
BATHROOM
Subtle nautical touches hint at the home’s Maine locale.
"This bathroom is just good fun—a playful nod to East Coast nostalgia,” says Sturino. “And, of course, all the bathrooms are adequately stocked with Megababe products."
About the Designer
Nicola Manganello is the owner and principal designer of Nicola’s Home, based in Yarmouth, Maine. For over 25 years, Nicola has designed luxury homes that illuminate natural beauty while keeping the focus on functionality. Her all-women design team specializes in creating homes that showcase the individuality of each client, utilizing timeless accents in every room.
