studio clearstory window

The studio comprises two equally sized spaces—one for Miriam and one for Simon—connected by double doors. The in-between space acts as storage, a small kitchenette, and Miriam’s dark room. Each studio space has been designed to meet the specific needs of the artist. Miriam’s space, for example, is punctuated by an enormous round window that allows her to draw inspiration from the surrounding landscape, while the walls in Simon’s space are dedicated to timber and tool storage.

Artist and homeowner Simon Quinn in his studio space. Clerestory windows run along one wall, allowing natural light into the studio without compromising storage needs.

“My studio space is so glorious,” says artist and homeowner Miriam Nabarro. “The round window is a kind of thought space where ideas are born, and pocket doors open out to the verandah so I can work both inside and outside. It’s a very flexible space.”

“The fireplace really turns out to be a focus of the deck and the house,” says Marlatt. “We use it a lot more than I ever thought we would, frankly.”

Marlatt built the cabinets in place from Russian Birch plywood, and the counters are a thin application of Neolith stone. The backsplash is glass, making for easy clean-up, and a few of the cabinet fronts are painted Masonite, for fun pops of color. The ceramics on the shelves are by Burgevin.

The great room in the new addition. “Every day walking into that big room, you just have that, ‘Oh, wow,’ moment,” says Marlatt.

On the home's north-facing rear facade, rows of stacked windows by Sierra Pacific usher in ample natural light. "Most of the time, we don't have to turn on the lights,

High transom windows preserve privacy from neighbors while letting in light. “You're very close to your neighbors, but I was just really struck by the sense of community that you have in a houseboat neighborhood,” says David. “There are unique challenges that are also opportunities, to live small and be close to people you live near.”

The living area features a Strato CB2 sectional that Melody owned before the couple moved in together. In the kitchen, pendants made by the pair hang over a concrete-topped island.

A General Electric stereo cabinet and a 1950s chair are among the vintage pieces in the living room.

Potted greenery is abundant throughout the house.

Bob’s office has a teak wall unit by Sven Ellekaer for Albert Hansen, a 1960s chair by Ib Kofod-Larsen for Selig, and a vintage Nelson Ball clock.

After purchasing a property in Westerly, Rhode Island, Sean W. Spellman and My Larsdotter converted the garage on their lot into their live-work home and made the primary residence a rental.

A walking path connects the guesthouse with the rest of property.

“I take great pride in showcasing original artworks in the guesthouse,” says Diana. “Most of the artists I represent either live in or have strong ties to Maine.” The primary bedroom features shibori linen pillows Diana hand-dyed and an oil painting by Peter Bodnar III hanging above the bed.

The home has five skylights that make the interiors feel bright and welcoming. The kitchen cabinetry is from IKEA, but Brian customized it with plywood doors. To punch up the neutral palette, deep green subway tiles make an eye-catching backsplash.

The linear quality of the stepped ceiling is best experienced from the loft area, where the home office is situated.

The lap wood siding on the exterior of the compact dwelling imitates the Craftsman-style homes that populate the neighborhood.