Designer Jamie Merida adds comfort, style and functionality to this Eastern Shore masterpiece.

THE PROJECT
A couple owns a 3,100-square-foot second home in Sherwood, located on Maryland’s gorgeous Eastern Shore. The property offers expansive views of the Chesapeake Bay near the mouth of Eastern Bay. The Cape-style home was solid structurally but needed a complete makeover of its interiors and overall functionality. The couple also wanted their getaway to fit into its surroundings aesthetically. Another factor: With three grandchildren who visited frequently, the homeowners knew their rooms needed to withstand the wear and tear of a great and robust childhood.

THE TEAM
The couple selected Easton-based Jamie Merida Interiors for the significant home refresh and a new pool house. Carol Wheeler, a designer at the firm, took on the project. The couple’s goal was for a relaxed style that lends itself to entertaining family and friends,” says Wheeler. “When I first met the couple at the house, they had a folding card table and two camping chairs. That was it. The rest of the house was empty. The goal was for a comfortable home for entertaining family and friends. The style is very transitional.”

THE SETTING
“The home overflows with welcoming charm; it doesn’t strive for grandeur,” says Wheeler. “With a wall of windows, the view of the bay is incredible.” As guests approach the front door, they’ll see a brick walkway and courtyard surrounded by beautiful flower beds and a small fountain. There is also an extensive vegetable garden and a detached garage.

“With each room, we wanted to make the water view the main focal point,” says Wheeler. “The design complements the setting and doesn’t distract from it.”

STANDOUT SPACES
The home’s mix of elegance and comfort shines in the dining area, with a surfside hall chest from Lexington, Riviera side chairs, a bar cart and pendants from Serena & Lily,

Serena and Lily Riviera side chairs, “beach house expandable dining table,” Shore dining chairs at the head and foot. Headlands hanging pendants by Serena and Lily, Serena and Lily Captiva bar cart and accessories from Bountiful Home.

The soothing primary suite is the perfect sanctuary. The design team layered the space with gorgeous pieces, including a bed boasting a woven abaca frame from Universal Furniture, an Ayline duvet cover, linen shams and a Bubble Matelassé throw from Pinecone Hill, a Dash & Albert blue Homer rug, and lamps from Regina Andrew.

The pool house also showcased the design team’s brilliance. “We used outdoor fabrics and upholstery to withstand soggy wet bathing suits!” says Wheeler. “The colors of the water—soft grays and blue greens—bring continuity to the overall palette inside and outside of the home.”

The sitting area adjacent to the pool house is a master class in comfort. Wheeler and her team selected a range of alluring elements, including waterproof Angel Trail tile from Provenza, a sofa and chairs from Lane Venture, a Marley Stripe Dash & Albert outdoor rug, woven accent tables from Bountiful Home, lamps from Regina Andrew, and a Malibu pouf from Uttermost.

HOW THE HOME IS LIVING
The homeowners couldn’t be happier with their slice of paradise on the shore. “When our grown sons and grandchildren visit, it’s a great place for our family to meet. We love having family here and enjoying the Eastern Shore together.”