interiors
On family land stretching back through generations…
A long, meandering family house was thoughtfully designed addressing the ocean vista from their expansive bluff perch, discreetly tucked into the tree-line preserving the views from their guest house perched high above it on the hillside.
It is one room deep for the entire length along the view with a generous eat-in kitchen in the center capturing the spirit of the family’s closeness & food centric focus, with wings extending in both directions accommodating the rest of the common & private spaces.
There is an extensive light filled lower level with recreational facilities for the sports-centric family that opens out onto a path to the beach.
Indigenous planting further ingratiate the house into the landscape complete with a small orchard, grasses & flowers and a robust vegetable & herb garden.
A perfect union of a breathtaking site and a handsome family house capturing the essence of its owners in their environs.
Interiors: Mary A. Rentschler
Primary Architecture: O’Brien Architecture
Interior Architecture: ROAM Architecture - Roberto Palmirini
Photography: Gil Jacobs, Michael Partenio & Lara Fuller
architecture
Situated along the famed Ipswich River estuary in Ipswich, MA, a salvaged mid-1800’s timber frame was resurrected on a concrete foundation along the bank above the estuary.
The original timber frame was extensively modified to meet the needs of the Owner’s program including two bedrooms on an added ‘loft’, a large kitchen/pantry to accommodate caterers, and a great room with prominent stone fireplace and full bar with added timbers.
Classic barn imagery was achieved through detailing and fenestration.
Architecture: John M. Fuller, AIA, LEED AP
Interiors: Amanda Greaves
Photography: Jared Kuzia
interiors
Built in 1786 on the bluff overlooking the Vineyard Haven outer harbor, the Jabez Downs House, renamed by the new owners Harbour House, had numerous architectural interventions over it’s long storied history.
It was a working tavern (and brothel) until the 1850’s, serving seaman landing and anchoring near the lively wharf right below. There were many changes over the next 175 years through different ownership, with the most recent one being by our clients who purchased the house in 2019.
They fell in love with the house and were devoted to preserving as much of the history of the house as possible . Fortunately they found the ideal architect, and support team to carefully weave the past & present together into its current incarnation, adding a sun filled conservatory, a family room, a generous 1st floor bedroom with ensuite bathroom and a recreational basement.
The project was like an archeological dig with much of the history revealed in the process of updating and adding to the entire structure. The diligent team exercised the most delicate of hand and ingenuity in the spirit of preservation throughout the lengthy process.
Our role was to weigh in on the architectural detailing, guiding the careful selection of materials including plumbing, lighting fixtures, tile, hardware, window treatments and creating the color palette throughout the house. To honor the houses long history while ushering it forward both aesthetically and functionally to suit the new owners lifestyle was our mission.
Preserving such an impressive cornerstone of local Island history in the Port town, on behalf of this lovely family, felt incredibly gratifying…helping to create ‘Pride of Place‘.
Interiors: Mary A. Rentschler
Architecture: Joseph W. Dick Architecture, Inc.
Photography: Lara Fuller
interiors
The historic Jethro Athearn house built in 1735 now resides on a Chilmark hillside off North Road adjacent to North Tabor Farm fields.
The new owner’s fell in love with the house at first sight with its abundance of natural wood paneling, wide plank floors, a multitude of big fireplaces, and its surrounding historic gardens. They were committed to honoring the past as they pursued their plan to update the house.
The interior design was focused on historic preservation and bringing light to dark spaces by way of finishes and cleverly integrated lighting. Wood wall paneling was stripped of old uneven finishes and refinished with wax, as were all the wide plank floors.
Hand screened wallpapers, high gloss paints, Turkish & Moroccan rugs, a blend of furnishings, (including locally sourced bespoke pieces), all create a blend of periods in this historic house update.
As the interior designers our mission was "Working with the quirks that time imposed, without obliterating its treasures."
Interiors: Mary A. Rentschler
Photography: Randi Baird
interior architecture + interiors
Forty-seven years ago, & counting, Mary followed her heart at 23 and moved to the island into a quaint, but dilapidated country house from the 40s, on just under an acre of land, which was originally a pig farm in the Port town.
She and her former husband underwent an expansive addition and renovation which was complete by 1989, the year their only son was born, creating a more spacious & functional home.
Fast forward to 2014 - Mary met and married John, an architect, and together they moved a writer’s cottage from the outer VH harbor to be used as their combined business studio on the property - a mere 30 step commute between the house and the studio.
Their home evolved organically since that time with the layering of combined furnishings, art & antiques from their previous lives. They updated finishes and fixtures throughout, creating updated spaces to help accommodate their ever-expanding merged family.
Outside, they’ve created a pollinating meadow, herb & flower beds, fruit & vegetable gardens, pergolas with grapes, espaliered fruit trees, a croquet court and a fire pit & pizza area outside the coveted sleeping screen porch. All-in, they’ve steadily worked together at what they simply love, creating & maintaining what they consider to be their in-town ‘country refuge’.
Both avid culture seekers, John & Mary love to venture forth into the World both for work & travel…and similarly relish returning to their little piece of heaven in Vineyard Haven.
Interior Architecture: John M. Fuller, AIA, LEED AP
Interiors: Mary A. Rentschler
interior architecture + interiors
A dated contemporary ‘upside down’ house on a hillside with sweeping views overlooking the ocean in Aquinnah was given a total refresh with the reworking of the upper level family spaces and main bedroom. An imaginative new kitchen along with bespoke cabinetry in the living/dining rooms, created a whole new vibe for the house.
The lower level bedrooms and bathrooms were all updated and refurbished.
A number of pivotal local art pieces were purchased, which accentuated the rejuvenation of the house.
Interior Architecture: John M. Fuller, AIA, LEED AP
Interiors: Mary A. Rentschler
Photography: Lara Fuller
interiors
A return after a decade by the original ‘team' to help create new spaces & reimagine old ones in the 'Age of Covid’, accommodating the now grown-up family’s blend of generations working from home.
Close to a total refresh of common areas evolved with custom furnishings by local artisans, bespoke rugs from overseas, and substantial additions to an already coveted local art collection.
The kitchen’s redesign in the heart of the house with hand painted tiles adorning the entire wall further enhanced the pleasurable working & gathering atmosphere.
A 'room of one's own' was created for each family member in consort with comfortable common spaces for them to gather in collectively.
Interiors: Mary A. Rentschler
Architecture: Greenwater Architects
Photography: Lara Fuller
interior architecture + interiors
Longtime clients over the last 18 years purchased an impressive compound situated in Upper Makonikey on a high perch, with 180 degree views to Vineyard Sound & the Elizabeth Islands.
The bones of the structure were good but the decorative identity was far from that of the clients, nor indigenous to the Vineyard. The project would require more than met the eye initially and eventually every surface would be touched and transformed with custom techniques, hand-painted wallpaper, bronze & steel architectural detailing and extravagant amounts of hand painted tiles.
A serious & world class Art & B+W Photography collection, including many local artists, custom furnishings and bespoke lighting fashioned by local artisans, were gathered and blended with pieces from several previous dwellings.
The ‘garden house’ was transformed into an eccentric remote office, and a quaint shed was added to house this athletic family’s recreational toys from a Ducati motorcycle, to a fleet of bicycles, to various watercraft.
Interior Architecture: John M. Fuller, AIA, LEED AP
Interiors: Mary A. Rentschler
Photography: Lara Fuller & Mary Rentschler
architecture & interiors
project photos coming soon….
From demolition to salvation the former Menaca Hill Inn, a 100+ yr old structure originally built in Katama, barged in pieces to Chappy, and reconstructed in 1910, has found new life. It is now a year round residence perched on a bluff overlooking outer Edgartown Harbor from the Lighthouse to the Gut at Cape Pogue Bay.
We have loved this house since before it became a project for us- referring to it as an ‘Oak Bluffs escapee’ due to its gingerbread trim and simple forms. Our mission was to preserve the integrity of the original summer house, while creating a functional and comfy home for a family with 4 children and 2 dogs. An added primary suite provides the owner’s their own sanctuary separated by a breezeway connecting to the common spaces and the children’s quarters.
Architecture: John M. Fuller, AIA, LEED AP
Interiors: Mary A. Rentschler
Landscape Architecture: Kathryn Herman Design, LLC
Photography: John M. Fuller
architecture
The owners of a lovely wooded property opening onto Lake Tashmoo in Vineyard Haven needed additional garage space to house and display a variety of imported classic vehicles and a collection of vintage memorabilia.
A new structure was added on the downhill side of the existing garage, from the entrance, to preserve the views to Tashmoo it was designed with a flat roof on a heavy timber & steel structure, enabling it to accommodate a roof garden for vegetables, herbs, flowers & grasses.
Architecture: John M. Fuller, AIA, LEED AP
Interiors & Styling: Mary A. Rentschler
Photography: Bob Gothard
interiors
In the woods, a bicycle ride to town ….
Evoking a summer camp aesthetic, two compact living spaces, one for the other owners and the other for visiting family & guests, are connected by a boardwalk covered with an arbor. A large screen porch extends the owner’s living space - separated by a full width NanaWall that enhances indoor/outdoor connectivity.
A generous stone patio with integral fire pit for gathering further enlivens the interstitial space between structures.
The interior detailing includes wooden walls + ceilings, built-in beds with bedside tables, and a curved corner dining banquette. All is contrasted with a Saarinen dining table, splashes of hand painted wallpaper, painted accent walls and art.
Easy summertime living is the hallmark of this unique project.
Interiors: Mary A. Rentschler
Architecture: sullivan + associates ARCHITECTS
Photography: Gil Jacobs & Dan Cutrona Photography
architecture
For a magnificent farm estate in South Dartmouth perched among pastures overlooking Buzzards Bay and the Elizabeth Islands, a decaying cottage was replaced with a replica crafted to feel like a modern-day version of what was unable to be repurposed. To function as a guest house, a single bedroom was added with a full bath, kitchen and an open living/dining space with fireplace.
The adjacent lap pool, solitary in a nearby pasture with breathtaking views over the pastures to the Bay, was in need of a structure to provide shade and outdoor amenities for pool-goers. Taking clues from the adjacent barn structures and miles-long stone walls, a ‘lanai’ was developed to provide shade as an open-air hangout. The cedar frame roof is a work-of-art by Vermont craftsmen (who also built the cottage), set on stone piers fabricated from stones gathered on the property.
Architecture: John M. Fuller, AIA, LEED AP
Interior Architecture: Mary A. Rentschler
Photography: John Fuller & Mary Rentschler
interior architecture + interiors
A loft located in an industrial building on Main Street along the East River in the Dumbo neighborhood of Brooklyn, NY, was gutted and built-out to include a primary bedroom suite and a 2nd bedroom/office.
The main living space with views to the Manhattan Bridge & East River includes a new kitchen, extensive built-in cabinets, window seats to conceal perimeter convection units, as well as new lighting & finishes throughout.
The prominent, existing arched windows in the building were the inspiration for the updated architectural detailing in the custom design throughout.
Interior Architecture: John M. Fuller, AIA, LEED AP
Interiors: Mary A. Rentschler
Photography: Client’s Photos
architecture + interiors
The Owners of a charming vintage dormered Cape on a ‘world-class’ site overlooking Squibnocket Bight & the Atlantic Ocean wanted to create a main bedroom with integral bathroom by eliminating one of the four small upstairs bedrooms and a tiny shared bathroom.
To maximize views, the original small windows on the gable end were replaced with new custom window assemblies inviting in ocean breezes and opening up to the scenic vista.
The remaining bathrooms were gutted and completely refurbished with vintage fixtures, custom finishes and vivid Moroccan tile schematics unique to each.
Architecture: John M. Fuller, AIA, LEED AP
Interiors: Mary A. Rentschler
Photography: Mary Rentschler
architecture + interiors
The same clients of ‘Moshup Trail - 1’ acquired the neighboring developers underperforming house with similar sweeping ocean views from a higher perch on the hillside to provide a house for visiting family and friends, as well as rental income.
The 35 year old ‘upside down’ house was gutted to the studs and added onto at the lower level to create 3 ensuite bedrooms and a central family room.
The upper level was revamped to include a ‘state-of-the-art’ modern kitchen with a coveted ‘look-out’ bar with panoramic ocean views, a deluxe main suite and comfortable, light-filled and breezy living space with water facing decks all around.
Architecture: John M. Fuller, AIA, LEED AP
Interiors: Mary A. Rentschler
Photography: Lara Fuller
interiors
This heirloom compound included a meticulously restored original farmhouse, relocated on the grounds as the guesthouse, and the addition of a gracious main house for the family. The project included accommodating a family of five, plus dogs, while showcasing an extensive local art collection, a blend of country antiques, transitional furnishings, rugs and rich natural fabrics.
In the main house the sun-filled kitchen is the heart of activity for this food centric, close knit family, with a glassed in porch designed as a place for dining & gathering.
Incorporating the old green barn door upstairs (which is visible from the entry foyer below) was a successful nod to the farm’s history.
In the the renovation of the original farmhouse the bunk room was fashioned & built out of an attached utility space in anticipation of the next generation.
An inviting pool house & pool, naturalized indigenous plantings, artistic stone work, and an extensive vegetable garden with water feature, all work harmoniously to enhance the inherent beauty in this special hideaway.
Interiors: Mary A. Rentschler
Photography: Gil Jacobs
architecture
High up on the shoulder of Mt. Will in Newry, Maine, this lodge overlooks the Sunday River Valley with views across to the Sunday River Ski Area and the Mahoosuc Range beyond.
While the exterior embraces a timberframe vernacular, the owner wanted a more ‘sophisticated lodge’ interior. The main level centers on a massive river stone fireplace with integral pizza oven across from a ‘heart-of-the-house’ gourmet kitchen with pantry.
In lieu of expressive timbers, the design includes a series of milled white oak columns, ceiling coffers and extensive trim. The oak stair with crafted iron guards with carved panels is the focus of the living space.
A screen porch with wood stove on a raised hearth has panoramic views of the valley and mountains beyond.
Well situated decks provide for outdoor living including a fireplace, hot tub, grilling deck and an integrated wood shed. There is a two bedroom guest suite above the garage.
Architecture: John M. Fuller, AIA, LEED AP
Interiors: Owner & John M. Fuller
Photographer: Jeff Roberts
architecture + interiors
A writers cottage formerly perched on a bluff overlooking outer Vineyard Haven Harbor was discovered on a trailer in a power line after being saved from demolition. We bought it and moved it to our property above town and placed it on a full foundation.
As an example of the ‘quintessential cottage’ found throughout the island towns, the mission became to preserve the integrity of the cottage while winterizing it for year round use as a guest house, subsequently commandeered for Lake Street Studio’s home.
The charm in these cottages lies in the simplicity of the exposed frame and pine boards that clad the structure viewed from the inside, so we added insulation on the exterior and recreated a trim package unique to these simple structures.
After adding a full bath with claw-foot tub and a galley kitchen, the space was white-washed for brightness, with painted grey floors. A gas fireplace surrounded with salvaged materials, vintage custom and industrial lighting and painted floors finish the space.
Architecture: John M. Fuller, AIA, LEED AP
Interiors: Mary A. Rentschler
Photography: Gil Jacobs & Nina Bramhall
interiors
This freestanding townhouse in Georgetown is situated in a coveted neighborhood only blocks away from the bustle of ‘M’ St., and has a meandering, tiered garden courtyard, koi pond and carriage house out back.
The addition of bespoke furnishing and lighting, an eclectic art collection, combined with the clients’ penchant for eccentric detail, all worked to embellish this compact/urban space making it quite a gem.
A historic carriage house, AKA the ‘man cave ‘, sits in the backyard with original exposed brick walls. An industrial parti within includes an edgy home office with an Italian Murphy bed and a well equipped kitchen & bar, all accommodating a blended family & robust entertaining inside & out.
Interiors: Mary A. Rentschler
Architecture: sullivan + associates ARCHITECTS
Photography: Gil Jacobs
architecture
A modern house that reflects the lifestyle of a young family, including a Balthup kitchen to satisfy the most discerning foodie, a living area framed with steel and concrete to accommodate raucus dance parties, an intimate home theater and his/her work spaces.
Designed as a series of connected ‘pods’ that follow the slope of the terrain, curved profiles enhance the flow from high to low. Ledge on the site inspired the use of stone on the façade and interior walls of the main living spaces, and giant windows bring the outside in.
Architecture: Fuller Associates, Inc.
Interior Design: Celeste Cooper / Susan Orpin
Site Design: Zen Associates
Photography: Sam Gray
interiors
This was a challenging remodel incorporating several storage units of family Antiques & Art, timeworn rugs gathered by the client from all over the World and endless books. The collection of personal pieces were blended together with new furniture, lighting & accessories transforming the three level space into an eclectic and functional home.
The three bathrooms and kitchen were completely renovated and Moroccan tiles were installed in each adding a rich layer of pattern.
The railroad tie retaining walls around the house were severely failing, so tiered stonewalls with garden beds were installed and planted with pollinating flowers & shrubs along with a patio and fire pit area, making the outdoor yard a great destination.
The complete transformation of this property was a delight not only for the client but also his family, who are longterm clients of Mary’s for over 20 years. Her vision entrusted to the next generation of this family is certainly gratifying.
Interiors: Mary A. Rentschler
Photography: Lara Fuller
interior architecture + interiors
On the shores of Edgartown Great Pond overlooking Janes Cove, this renovation succeeded in updating a house lacking any meaningful detail into a ‘HOME’ incorporating the personalities of six family members plus the family dog.
This project included a newly renovated kitchen that utilized the limited space more successfully. Architectural detailing was added throughout the home including: wooden ceilings & walls, a coffered living room ceiling and mantel embellishments, all helping to create a richer backdrop for the clients' diverse art collection. The addition of colorful antique rugs created a layer of color and pattern that helped animate the spaces.
Interiors: Mary A. Rentschler
Interior Architecture: John M. Fuller, AIA, LEED AP
Contractor: Mark Hurwitz Designer Builder
Photography: Gil Jacobs
interiors
This home is a 2nd collaboration with these clients, who moved into an in-town Edgartown Cape after living on acreage in Chilmark.
The house has slowly evolved over time as we have tackled it, room by room, over the last several summers. It has become definitively more personal for each family member - with the astute direction of the matriarch.
The TV room connected to the LR was an exercise in adding color & pattern in contrast to the monochromatic serene LR next door.
The husband’s office was a very deliberate high-end, formal refurbish including his favorite designer’s furniture, fabrics & light fixtures.
The only daughter collaborated on her bedroom design by repurposing a bed she loved from their old house as a starting place. She also helped in the lower level TV room where they all gather for movies by bringing back an abstract painting from the family’s travels to Rome - which now adorns the walls in the airy lower space.
This house is an elegant, clean house with a growing Art collection, reflecting this wonderful family’s character & style.
Interiors: Mary A. Rentschler
interiors
Four Winds is an artful compound for creative clients. It features a sentinel connector ‘Gallery’, with niches for ever-changing art installations, running through the middle of the long house .
On one end of the connector is the Primary bedroom suite on the 2nd floor with an edgy spa bathroom with a balcony and a tub incorporated into the bedroom. The lower level bedroom wing is for the two daughters and their families. The other end of the connector includes an open kitchen and a great room, with a feature stone fireplace opening onto a generous screened in porch.
‘Thinking outside the box' was a guiding aesthetic throughout the project, resulting in a unique & artistic environment successfully echoing the ethos of this amazingly inventive family.
This project was a true collaboration between the clients, architects and designer start to finish, in its organic evolution.
Interiors: Mary A. Rentschler
In fashion, the finishing touch of a scarf, a cravat, the quintessential handbag or pair of shoes…completes the outfit and sets it in motion, animates it…creates beauty.
To me, composing a room is like getting it dressed…adding a collection of textured & colored pillows, the gestural drape of a complimentary throw, the vessels & objets adorning the tables and shelves that form visual connections…adding layers of richness & interest & beauty.
-Mary A. Rentschler
A light fixture is the shiny object, the jewelry in the room, a beacon to guide specific activities, the sculptural object to animate the ‘sky of the room’.
They can thread the multiple spaces throughout a house together, addressing the 3 levels of light…hopefully smartly and in an aesthetically pleasing way.
-Mary A. Rentschler
The expressive and artful layering of texture, materials & pattern culled from a myriad of styles and choices, locally or from around the World, help tell the story of the Inhabitants of the dwelling - enhancing it inside & out.
When these elements magically come together playing off one another, they create a complimentary world that entices and draws one in.
-Mary A. Rentschler
A bedroom begs to be a sanctuary to retreat to, to dream in…uniquely personal, comfortable & tranquil…layered with sublime Art, colors, fabrics, patterns & textures, much like a bird feathering its nest…
-Mary A. Rentschler
Kitchens are the heart & soul of a dwelling, where food, family and friends come together…where the design of the space accommodates all the functions of food management & preparation in consort with a well-considered space for gathering to share it in…hopefully, in close proximity.
The careful selection of the cabinetry, appliances, surface materials, lighting, hardware, colors, furniture and Art are all vital to one another and to the success of the whole.
-Mary A. Rentschler
‘The Divine is in the Details’
There are endless opportunities in designing, renovating and building houses, to create solutions that are aesthetically pleasing and perform beautifully…
With an abundance of amazing artisans & craftsmen on Island to help create and fabricate custom solutions to the issues at hand… well designed, bespoke solutions can surely work to enhance a project.
-Mary A. Rentschler
Plain sheetrock walls often beg for color, texture and/or some adornment in our world.
The combination of painted plastered walls and wallpapered rooms, or just a select wall here or there of either, offers a level of richness & interest that helps create contrast, surprise and beauty in any house…having grown up in wallpapered summer and winter houses, I am definitely drawn to adding interest to walls & ceilings
-Mary A. Rentschler
The combination of natural stone and tile is a challenging and rewarding partnership.
Traveling to domestic and foreign destinations (Morocco, Spain, Italy, Mexico, the South West, etc.) where tile is the core of those cultures’ aesthetic & lifestyle - where typically the courtyards, kitchens, bathrooms, floors and stairways are fully tiled - I became enamored of the primitive elegance and functionality of the saturated glazed colors, textures, patterns and shapes of their uniquely, individual tile.
-Mary A. Rentschler
