Gerts Way: A Modern Beach House with a Mid-Century Soul

RSS

Some houses need more than new finishes — they need vision.

When our clients first walked through Gerts Way, what they saw was potential. What others might have dismissed as dated or disjointed, they recognized as an opportunity to reimagine the home entirely. With guidance from their trusted realtor and a team of experts brought in early, they were able to look beyond the “before” and envision what this property could become.

The result is a thoughtful, full-scale renovation that transformed Gerts Way into a modern beach house with a subtle mid-century twist — a home layered with warmth, intention, and deeply personal details.

Interior Design, Furniture & Decor: Vineyard Decorators

General Contractor: TC Pierce Enterprises

Landscape: Donaroma's

Before the renovation, the house suffered from disconnected spaces and awkward transitions. Flooring changes interrupted the flow, rooms felt compartmentalized, and the home lacked cohesion.

One of the most impactful design moves was opening the sunroom to the rest of the house. This created a dynamic, multi-level living space that now feels purposeful and inviting. The upper level houses the kitchen, bar seating, and a small round dining table, while the lower sunroom becomes the heart of the home — anchored by a large custom dining table made on the island and paired with custom Lee Industries dining chairs.

The kitchen underwent a full renovation, balancing clean lines with warmth and texture. Cabinets painted in Benjamin Moore’s Waterfall set a calm, coastal tone, while natural materials keep the space grounded.

This kitchen is not just a workspace — it’s a gathering place. The openness allows it to connect effortlessly to the surrounding living areas, reinforcing the home’s new rhythm and flow.

Beyond dining, the space transitions seamlessly into a comfortable conversation area with a sectional and leather lounge chairs, designed for long dinners that turn into late-night conversations.

New hardwood floors throughout the home further unify the spaces, replacing the visual stops and starts of the previous layout and creating a sense of continuity from room to room.

Art plays a central role throughout Gerts Way, adding personality and narrative to a mostly neutral palette.

In the formal living room, the absence of a television was intentional. Instead, art takes center stage above the fireplace, allowing the space to function as a place for conversation and reflection rather than distraction.

In the entryway, a striking piece by Santiago Garcia from Eisenhauer Gallery immediately sets the tone. His iconic Converse series — timeless, playful, and unmistakably bold — anchors the space. Below it, a rattan console paired with ivory leather poufs and a travertine lamp creates a moment that feels both nostalgic and fresh, subtly nodding to another era.

The iconic Eames chair and ottoman form a reading nook elsewhere in the home, paired with a playful black-and-white photograph that reminds you not to take life too seriously — an understated but meaningful moment in the design.

The primary bedroom is rooted in craftsmanship and legacy. The bed, nightstands, and dresser were made by a Virginia woodshop using locally sourced wood — bench-made pieces crafted with care and purpose. These real wood elements honor the homeowner’s father, who was a furniture maker, and bring a deeply personal layer to the space.

Upstairs, the twin bedroom features custom headboards made in our in-house workroom, upholstered in fabric designed by a summer resident. A woven light fixture suspended between the beds adds a bespoke touch, making the room feel one-of-a-kind.

The powder room is intentionally bold — a playful blue concrete sink paired with Zac & Fox wallpaper creates an unexpected, joyful contrast. It’s a reminder that even small spaces deserve personality.

The renovation extended into the basement, transforming it into a fully realized living area. A cozy media room with a sectional invites casual lounging, while a tucked-in twin bed nook provides overflow sleeping for summer guests. Local photographer Larry Glick’s work brings a sense of place and storytelling to the space, grounding it in the Vineyard.

Beyond the interior, Gerts Way expanded outward. The back porch was extended to better support outdoor living, complemented by a new pool and thoughtfully designed landscaping by Donaromas. These additions complete the home, creating seamless transitions between indoors and out — essential for Vineyard living.

This project is a testament to what happens when clients trust the process — and the people they’ve chosen for their expertise. Guided early on by their realtor, and supported by a collaborative team throughout construction and design, Gerts Way was allowed to become everything it was capable of being.

Sometimes, all it takes is creativity, vision, and the willingness to see beyond what’s there.

The transformation of Gerts Way proves that with the right team and a shared commitment to quality, even the most overlooked spaces can become extraordinary.