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Jersey Shore Home and Pool House Renovation With Coastal Influences

From: Laura Krey Design

Rather than falling into predictable beach house clichés, Laura Krey Design crafted this refined modernist sanctuary with subtle English maximalist influences that celebrate its oceanside location through thoughtful restraint and artistic discovery. Instead of obvious nautical themes, designers wove coastal references throughout the space via curated accessories and commissioned art pieces.

Photo: Manu Rodriguez, Benjamin Reynaert (Stylist), Mercer General Works (GC), Brendan McHugh/McHugh Architecture (Architect). From: Laura Krey Design

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White Cottage Exterior With Yellow Bike

The refreshed house is comfortable, tasteful, and welcoming year round. Its elevated design goals meet the needs of practical living and respect environmental impact.

Photo: Manu Rodriguez, Benjamin Reynaert (Stylist), Mercer General Works (GC), Brendan McHugh/McHugh Architecture (Architect). From: Laura Krey Design

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Console Table With Bar

A handsome console table was turned into an equally appealing bar at the foot of the stairs. Trays corral cocktail mixers and a collection of vases. Artwork pulls the eye up into the room.

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Before: Garage and Poolhouse Exterior

Instead of demolishing the existing garage and poolhouse, Laura Krey maintained much of the original structure, refurbishing and updating it.

Photo: Manu Rodriguez, Benjamin Reynaert (Stylist), Mercer General Works (GC), Brendan McHugh/McHugh Architecture (Architect). From: Laura Krey Design

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White Shingled Poolhouse and Pool

Sustainability is an important part of how Laura Krey plans her designs, so she chose to preserve and maintain much of the existing poolhouse.

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Before: Poolhouse and Planters

Adjacent to the pool was a poolhouse, but the structure wasn't so functional or inviting.

Photo: Manu Rodriguez, Benjamin Reynaert (Stylist), Mercer General Works (GC), Brendan McHugh/McHugh Architecture (Architect). From: Laura Krey Design

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White Poolhouse Exterior With Shower

Designer Laura Krey kept the poolhouse structure but upgraded it with new cream-colored shingles, snappy black trim and lighting, and best of all, an outdoor shower.

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Before: Living Room With Gray Paneling

Wood paneling over the fireplace felt top heavy and the built-in cabinets, while practically helpful, gave the room an unbalanced look.

Photo: Manu Rodriguez, Benjamin Reynaert (Stylist), Mercer General Works (GC), Brendan McHugh/McHugh Architecture (Architect). From: Laura Krey Design

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White Transitional Living Room With Purple Ottoman

In recreating the living room, designer Laura Krey removed the blocky paneling from above the fireplace and added a new, larger surround that better fit the space. Built-in cabinetry was extended all the way to the ceiling and balanced by a sculptural column and arrangement on the opposite side.

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Before: Sliding Door and Deck

A sliding door offered access to the home's deck and backyard, but the opening was small and didn't maximize the view's potential.

Photo: Manu Rodriguez, Benjamin Reynaert (Stylist), Mercer General Works (GC), Brendan McHugh/McHugh Architecture (Architect). From: Laura Krey Design

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White Transitional Breakfast Nook With Caned Chairs

Laura Krey replaced the chunky sliding glass door with lighter, airier French doors trimmed in black. The room became even more inviting with the addition of a breakfast nook. A built-in banquette lines the corner and the oval dining table is easy to walk around on your way outside.

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Before: Room With Backyard Access

There wasn't much flow in the house and the windows and door out to the backyard failed to create a welcoming connection between indoors and out.

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Before: Room With Two Windows

Rooms in the seaside home were a basic blank slate with handsome wood floors but little other personality.

Photo: Manu Rodriguez, Benjamin Reynaert (Stylist), Mercer General Works (GC), Brendan McHugh/McHugh Architecture (Architect). From: Laura Krey Design

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Pink Cottage Bedroom With Green Chair

This upper floor bedroom offers a hush of calm. Palest pink wallpaper wraps the space in serene color. The noble canopy bed is a retreat in and of itself. In the corner, Laura Krey placed a mint green armchair, a surprising and delightful hint of contrast.

Photo: Manu Rodriguez, Benjamin Reynaert (Stylist), Mercer General Works (GC), Brendan McHugh/McHugh Architecture (Architect). From: Laura Krey Design

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Purple Built In Bookshelf

The mauve built-in bookshelves are a refreshingly sophisticated dose of color in this sitting room.

Photo: Manu Rodriguez, Benjamin Reynaert (Stylist), Mercer General Works (GC), Brendan McHugh/McHugh Architecture (Architect). From: Laura Krey Design

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Gray Transitional Bathroom With Square Tiles

Laura Krey covered the walls of this bathroom in glossy square gray tile. The subtle texture and sheen instantly elevates the look. Brass fixtures pull in warmth.

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Before: Room With Dots

Wood floors were stained deep brown, the ceilings were low, and there was little to no natural light.

Photo: Manu Rodriguez, Benjamin Reynaert (Stylist), Mercer General Works (GC), Brendan McHugh/McHugh Architecture (Architect). From: Laura Krey Design

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Blue Cottage Bedroom With Spindle Bed

The pattern play in this bedroom—on the wallpaper and the bed's vibrant pillows—nods to the English maximalist style that influenced designer Laura Krey throughout the house. The spindle bed blends into the fun.

Photo: Manu Rodriguez, Benjamin Reynaert (Stylist), Mercer General Works (GC), Brendan McHugh/McHugh Architecture (Architect). From: Laura Krey Design

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Country Craft Room With Checked Curtain

This adorable retreat was custom made for peaceful afternoons painting, crafting, and soaking in the natural light. A cheery checked curtain is a clever way to introduce hidden storage. The room gets depth from light colored paneling.

Photo: Manu Rodriguez, Benjamin Reynaert (Stylist), Mercer General Works (GC), Brendan McHugh/McHugh Architecture (Architect). From: Laura Krey Design

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Coastal Small Bathroom With Fish Wallpaper

The house is located at the Jersey Shore, so Laura Krey wanted to reference the coastal setting but in unexpected ways. In this bathroom, funny fish swim across the wallpaper and the vanity is painted ocean blue.

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Before: Small Bathroom With Blinds

The powder room had potential, but vanilla fixtures and a mosaic tile floor didn't inspire.

Photo: Manu Rodriguez, Benjamin Reynaert (Stylist), Mercer General Works (GC), Brendan McHugh/McHugh Architecture (Architect). From: Laura Krey Design

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Blue Cottage Powder Room With Octopus Sconce

Powder blue wallpaper and a ruffled mirror now infuse the powder room with charm. Laura Krey swapped out the old sink for a sophisticated gray marble one and enlisted the help of artist Adam Wallacavage, who created the octopus tentacle sconce.

Photo: Manu Rodriguez, Benjamin Reynaert (Stylist), Mercer General Works (GC), Brendan McHugh/McHugh Architecture (Architect). From: Laura Krey Design

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Blue and White Bathroom With Pink Branches

For this bathroom, Laura Krey paired graphic wallpaper with deep blue floor tiles. Light wood and white tiles on the wall keep the overall mood bright.

Photo: Manu Rodriguez, Benjamin Reynaert (Stylist), Mercer General Works (GC), Brendan McHugh/McHugh Architecture (Architect). From: Laura Krey Design

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White Contemporary Sitting Room With Surf Board

Rather than falling into predictable beach house clichés, Laura Krey wanted to craft a refined modern sanctuary with English maximalist influences that celebrates the oceanside location through art and other creative touches.

Photo: Manu Rodriguez, Benjamin Reynaert (Stylist), Mercer General Works (GC), Brendan McHugh/McHugh Architecture (Architect). From: Laura Krey Design

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Blue Bedroom With Built In Bunk Beds

This bedroom shows off Laura Krey's playful use of color. Blue walls are contrasted by bright white built-in bunk beds and shelving. The bookshelves' orange interior is a happy energy burst.

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Before: Backyard and Poolhouse

Instead of dismantling the poolhouse and garage, designer Laura Krey found ways to maintain the original building but upgrade the facade with more refined elements.

Photo: Manu Rodriguez, Benjamin Reynaert (Stylist), Mercer General Works (GC), Brendan McHugh/McHugh Architecture (Architect). From: Laura Krey Design

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Outdoor Dining Table With Blue Tablecloth

The backyard is an oasis for summer entertaining. Lush garden beds surround a patio and dining area, perfect at breakfast or in the evening.

Jersey Shore Home and Pool House Renovation With Coastal Influences

White Cottage Exterior With Yellow Bike

Console Table With Bar

Before: Garage and Poolhouse Exterior

White Shingled Poolhouse and Pool

Before: Poolhouse and Planters

White Poolhouse Exterior With Shower

Before: Living Room With Gray Paneling

White Transitional Living Room With Purple Ottoman

Before: Sliding Door and Deck

White Transitional Breakfast Nook With Caned Chairs

Before: Room With Backyard Access

Before: Room With Two Windows

Pink Cottage Bedroom With Green Chair

Purple Built In Bookshelf

Gray Transitional Bathroom With Square Tiles

Before: Room With Dots

Blue Cottage Bedroom With Spindle Bed

Country Craft Room With Checked Curtain

Coastal Small Bathroom With Fish Wallpaper

Before: Small Bathroom With Blinds

Blue Cottage Powder Room With Octopus Sconce

Blue and White Bathroom With Pink Branches

White Contemporary Sitting Room With Surf Board

Blue Bedroom With Built In Bunk Beds

Before: Backyard and Poolhouse

Outdoor Dining Table With Blue Tablecloth

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