Escape to the Cape
Greg Feller of Hudson Home expertly crafts a serene seaside retreat for a couple’s Cape Cod Getaway.
Layered with rich textures, this inviting living space features a sectional sofa upholstered in a soft neutral fabric from Larsen and accented with throw pillows from Colefax and Fowler, both through Cowtan & Tout, Brown Jordan, and John Rosselli & Associates. A custom, blue-washed wood coffee table anchors the room, complemented by armchairs, upholstered in a floral print by Cowtan & Tout, which is the same fabric used for the floor-length billowing curtains that frame outdoor views. A side table by Thomas O’Brien for Century Furniture adds classic charm.
When a pair of Boston empty nesters set out to build their dream retreat on Cape Cod in 2023, they had a clear vision: coastal charm without the clichés. To bring this concept to life, they turned to longtime collaborator Greg Feller, co-founder and principal of Hudson Home, entrusting him with every detail of their ground-up, design-build project. The 25-year high-end interior design veteran got to work on designing this ground-up construction of a four-bedroom, three- and-a-half-bath, two-floor home with an aggressive targeted completion date. “The design brief was to complete everything— soup to nuts. The owner brought nothing to this second home except two chairs,” Feller quips.
“The setting very much informed the design of the house,” Feller continues. “The Cape Cod vernacular is such an integral part of Cape Cod. The house is in a small neighborhood within a short walk to the beach and was designed to be sympathetic to its surroundings.”
Woven chairs by Lane Venture through CAI Designs, upholstered in Perennials fabric, a vibrant floral tablecloth by Schumacher for Matouk through Designers Linen Source, and a large cantilever umbrella by Tuuci provide an ideal spot for alfresco dining. The poolside chaise lounges as well as the sofa and lounge chairs in a distinct seating area under a pergola are by Lane Venture through CAI Designs, and upholstered in Perennials fabric. Occasional tables by Brown Jordan.
While the clients were adamant about not wanting an interior design aesthetic that references a typically overdone coastal motif, they were specific about “wanting the house to feel beachy but warm at the same time.” Feller explains, “This was accomplished by using real, natural materials. Barn wood from Northern Canada casts a soft glow onto the neutral rooms.” Also, blue and green tones in furnishings and upholstery evoke the sea, while the beiges and browns reflect the sandy coastline.
The layout of the first floor nicely flows from living to dining to kitchen spaces, thanks to thoughtful designs by Feller, who understood that his clients were opposed to an open-concept home. Since they enjoy entertaining in a more formal way, room distinction was important to them. “We accomplished this by use of glass partitions and cabinets that allow light to penetrate the spaces while giving each space its distinct feeling,” Feller offers.
Left: A bright kitchen seamlessly blends style and functionality, with custom cabinetry by Greg Feller in Benjamin Moore Classic Grey with hardware from Emtek through House of Rohl Studio and sleek stainless-steel appliances. Refrigerator by Sub-Zero, oven, range, and dishwasher by Thermador, pendant lights by Visual Comfort through CAI Designs. An antique statement runner gives a plush experience underfoot. The oversized custom island made by Feller, has open shelving and a farmhouse sink, and invites effortless cooking and conversation. Large windows with draperies and Roman shades by Cowtan & Tout frame the picturesque backyard view.
Right: An antique table from Morocco and eye- catching turquoise pendant light fixture, both found by Feller in his world travels, combined with woven chairs, designed by Thomas O’Brien for Century Furniture, perfectly outfit one of several outdoor seating and dining areas.
Abundant windows let the sunshine stream inside while creating sightlines to the welcoming outdoor poolside gathering areas. Besides the chaise lounges surrounding the pool, an alfresco dining area shaded by an oversize umbrella and lounge seating area under a pergola provide ample outdoor seating.
On the second floor, two of the guest rooms are perfectly symmetrical, each boasting its own en suite bath—one wrapped in soothing shades of blue, the other in subdued green tone. The third guest room, however, takes on a more playful approach. Feller thoughtfully designed custom bunk beds to create a cozy, inviting spot for his clients’ visiting grandchildren.
Left: A sun-drenched nook to the rear of the living room offers a touch of whimsy with a sleek marble-topped game table and woven rattan chairs, both by McGuire. A sculptural pendant light by Visual Comfort and woven planter adds layers of texture to create interest.
Right: The serene vibe of this home continues outside, where the poolside retreat comes to life with a classic, black-framed lounge chair, ottoman, and sculptural side table from Century Furniture, upholstery by Perennials.
The primary bedroom embodies classic Cape Cod elegance with a fresh, refined aesthetic executed in the upholstered headboard, adorned with an intricate floral pattern, serving as a focal point. A serene palette of soft blues and crisp whites establishes a soothing, sophisticated retreat, while layered textures add depth and warmth. “I love the eclectic use of texture on this project overall,” Feller notes.
Because Feller had worked with the clients for years, their trusted relationship made the design-build process remarkably smooth. “Of everything that was presented to them—including all architectural detailing, cabinetry, furniture, lighting, finishes, tile, etc.—there was only one fabric that the client declined to use,” he notes.
Left: Melding tranquil blue hues with elegant textures, the primary bedroom features a statement tufted headboard by Cowtan & Tout, linens by Matouk through Designers Linen Source, and lamps by Visual Comfort through CAI Designs. Upholstery and trim on the plush armchairs are from Colefax and Fowler through Cowtan & Tout, as is the drapery fabric. French doors out to a terrace invite in natural light and peaceful outdoor views.
Right: Sunlight, shadows, and serene green tones afford a soothing ambiance in this beautifully designed en suite guest bathroom, with custom millwork by Feller, punctuated with lighting by Visual Comfort through CAI Designs.
With a deep understanding of the couple’s aesthetic and vision, Feller delivered a home that exceeded expectations—completed on schedule and move-in ready by Memorial Day 2024, just as the clients had requested.