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Collection by Kelly Dawson

Splashes of Color Enliven an Abstract Painter's Crisp White Home

Built atop the foundation of a flood-damaged home, this 3,000-square-foot Maryland home features vibrant furniture placed in front of stunning views of a nearby estuary.

For more than 20 years, a small French Colonial fell short of its potential on a secluded Maryland estuary known as “Solitude Creek.” It didn't take advantage of the waterside views just beyond its door, and if anything, the water had the upper hand: previous floods had rotted wood and spurred the growth of mold. But despite the property’s disrepair, a couple saw what it could become. They partnered with Robert Gurney, FAIA, and project architect Kara McHone to construct a house that better suited its surroundings. First, the architects had to meet the most prominent code violation: the new home had to be built above a base-flood elevation. “We were required to build on the existing rectangular-shaped foundation,” Gurney says. “If we altered or increased the size of the existing foundation, we would have not been able to build near the water.” Gurney and the team scrapped the original structure and increased its base height by two feet. Then, the architects brought in windows—lots of them. The owners asked for light-filled spaces where they could display artwork, since one is an abstract painter. But they also wanted to take in the setting as it always should have been seen.

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“The finished materials are intended to be neutral and timeless, primarily employing woods and white walls,” says Gurney. “Color was introduced in juxtaposition to the neutrality.” When the sun isn’t shining, a Montigo gas-burning fireplace provides warmth next to neon WGS stools by Gallotti&Radice.
“The finished materials are intended to be neutral and timeless, primarily employing woods and white walls,” says Gurney. “Color was introduced in juxtaposition to the neutrality.” When the sun isn’t shining, a Montigo gas-burning fireplace provides warmth next to neon WGS stools by Gallotti&Radice.
Since one of the owners is an artist, the property also had to act as a live-in gallery. An Arne Jacobsen Egg Chair stands across from matching Le Corbusier LC1 Sling Chairs in the living room.
Since one of the owners is an artist, the property also had to act as a live-in gallery. An Arne Jacobsen Egg Chair stands across from matching Le Corbusier LC1 Sling Chairs in the living room.
The maple-veneered kitchen cabinets were designed by Gurney and fabricated by Dovetail Millwork. Brookside Veneers were used on the wall cabinets and island, which enclose a Monogram refrigerator. A Felix Black barstool by Mark Daniel from Crate & Barrel sits on the opposing end.
The maple-veneered kitchen cabinets were designed by Gurney and fabricated by Dovetail Millwork. Brookside Veneers were used on the wall cabinets and island, which enclose a Monogram refrigerator. A Felix Black barstool by Mark Daniel from Crate & Barrel sits on the opposing end.
Maple floors with with a white-oil finish were used throughout the home, including at the second-story landing. A Platform Bench by George Nelson offers a more practical alternative to the playful Tatino ball chairs by Baleri Italia.
Maple floors with with a white-oil finish were used throughout the home, including at the second-story landing. A Platform Bench by George Nelson offers a more practical alternative to the playful Tatino ball chairs by Baleri Italia.
“They wanted to integrate outdoor living, which we did with a series of decks accessible from the living level, a screened porch, and a large second-floor deck accessible from the second-floor master bedroom,” Gurney says. An Eames Molded Plywood chair is positioned next to the window.
“They wanted to integrate outdoor living, which we did with a series of decks accessible from the living level, a screened porch, and a large second-floor deck accessible from the second-floor master bedroom,” Gurney says. An Eames Molded Plywood chair is positioned next to the window.
The owners wanted a light-filled home with plenty of waterside views. Gurney also employed Weather Shield Windows & Doors to brighten the structure with varying panes, and he strategically placed the openings for ideal levels of sunlight.
The owners wanted a light-filled home with plenty of waterside views. Gurney also employed Weather Shield Windows & Doors to brighten the structure with varying panes, and he strategically placed the openings for ideal levels of sunlight.
HardiPlank lap siding wraps around the exterior of the home, while a combination of mahogany and cement-board rainscreens provide contrast.
HardiPlank lap siding wraps around the exterior of the home, while a combination of mahogany and cement-board rainscreens provide contrast.