Hot Take: Carol Reed Shares Her Modern Approach To Maritime Design

Rooms that blend a modern approach and Maritime character are interior designer Carol Reed’s signature. “East Coast design is naturally unpretentious while reflecting craftsmanship,” she says.
Carol recently restored the kitchen and pantry in this circa-1784 Dutch American home in Shelburne, N.S.
Atmosphere You Like To Create In A House: A feeling of warmth, calm and comfort.
Into: LED lighting. It’s finally won me over. I recently used it in a project to illuminate a cathedral ceiling, and the effect is like daylight spilling in. Try the Hue White Ambiance starter kit by Philips.
Over: I don’t like to label anything as “over” or out. If something is done well and its owners love it, it’s always “in” in my books.
- Photographer Janet Kimber
A corner vignette from Carol’s guest barn features an antique Nova Scotia pine cabinet, a classic Windsor chair and vintage Maritime finds.
Choose One Room In The World To Redecorate: Any vacation flat in Edinburgh, Scotland. I’d go modern and luxe, with a dose of crisp linens and handsome tweeds, then I’d scour secondhand shops for vintage accents.
- Photographer Courtesy of Carol Reed Interior Design
Item In Your Home That Most Reflects Your Personality: A coffee table made by my late brother. It was built a few years ago with salvaged boards from our house and an old wood beam we found washed up on the shore outside. It reflects everything I love and value most.
- Photographer Sara Jewell, Concept Measures
If You Could Buy Only One More Thing For Your Home: The Artemide Tizio 35 table lamp; it’s timeless and functional.
One East Coast Maker To Know: MacAusland’s Woollen Mills in Bloomfield, P.E.I. I use the blankets in my home, my clients’ homes and gift them for special occasions.
Tweed blanket, $150 (queen) MacAusland’s Woollen Mills
House & Home July/August 2022