When Matt McDermott and Dillon Jones moved to Providence from New York City after their wedding in 2021, they were drawn to a 1927 Colonial-style home nestled in a Wayland Square enclave on the East Side. “It checked every box,” begins McDermott, of the five-bedroom, two-and-a-half bath property. “We moved from New York because we wanted a different pace of life, but we weren’t ready to give up city living entirely. Providence gives us the perfect mix of urban energy and New England charm.”
Soon after taking ownership, the pair immediately saw the potential in reimagining the main bedroom into a primary suite, a design term used to describe a large main bedroom with an en-suite private bathroom. These tranquil spaces are often compared to home sanctuaries, featuring the elements of a boutique hotel and spa. McDermott and Jones enlisted Warwick-based RIKB Design Build to bring modern functionality and elegance without sacrificing any architectural charm.
“Updating the home wasn’t about reinventing it, it was about bringing forward the history while making it more functional for how we live today,” says Jones. “Beyond aesthetics, our approach to home design reflects the lifestyle of living in Rhode Island. Like Providence itself, where historic brownstones sit next to contemporary art galleries, our home is about balance – respecting tradition while embracing modernity, feeling rooted yet effortlessly livable,” adds McDermott.
The transformation to primary suite started with a redesign to enhance the flow between bedroom, bathroom, and closet. To create a wellness retreat atmosphere, a freestanding soaking tub was installed between two windows to take advantage of sunlight and cross-breezes; a walk-in shower – outfitted in glossy jade-colored tile – features black framed glass doors that connect with the slate-looking tile flooring. “Thoughtful details, like the brass fixtures and integrated lighting along the tile wall, bring warmth and depth, creating a bathroom that feels both luxurious and inviting,” says McDermott.
The dressing area boasts custom cabinetry with deep drawers and shelving in a muted sage green, all accented by brass hardware that echoes design features found throughout the rest of the home. Among the prized elements are the original hardwood flooring and a small window seat. Says Jones, “It’s not just about the design; it’s about how the home works for us. The primary suite redesign was a game-changer; it allows us to start and end each day in a space that feels both functional and beautiful.”
Ideas and resources for making the most of living in the Ocean State.
Instead of an overt beach house look, the homeowners leaned into deep greens, crisp whites, and vintage-inspired decor for refined coastal and historical influences. They favor incorporating natural materials like wood, stone, and brass to reflect the classic New England aesthetic, and for arts and accents, turned to nearby antique stores and artists to incorporate local craftsmanship into their home.
“Our mornings often start at Madrid European Bakery and Patisserie, a small cafe in Wayland Square where we grab coffee and pastries before starting the day. We love stopping by Books on the Square, an independent bookstore that’s been around for over 30 years, to browse for a weekend read. For dinner, Red Stripe is an easy go-to for something casual but delicious, while Palo at the bottom of College Hill is one of our favorite spots for a night out. And when we feel like venturing a little further, Oberlin and Gift Horse downtown never disappoint,” says the couple.
“This project highlights the importance of blending form and function, the challenges of working with a historic home, and the joy of bringing a homeowner’s vision to life,” says Kingsley Catalucci, design consultant at RIKB Design Build, a family-owned full-service residential remodeler. Learn more at RIKB.com.
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