Designer & Stylist

Gabrielle Messina


Location

Cape May, New Jersey


photographer

Eden Xuân


 

Red door sits at the end of a hallway with white built-in cabinets, natural light streaming through windows.
Panoramic view of a bright modern dining room featuring built-in cabinets, crystal chandelier and light wood table.

The Cape May Cottage Project was a renovation of an original Cape May Victorian home dating from the 1860's, it was turned into a bed & breakfast in the 1980's. Our clients came to us wishing for us to turn it back into a single family home for summers spent by the sea.  It's kind of space that immediately feels like a memory, even on your first visit. Preserving the essence of this 1800s home was priority all the while weaving in thoughtful updates to make it feel relaxed, soulful, and lived-in- inspiration pulled from the historic seaside it resides in. Original architectural details, sun-washed hues, & an effortless blend of old and new, every room tells a story of unhurried days by the shore.

 

“My hope was to create a space that already feels like a memory — even if it’s your very first time stepping through the door.”

 

Gabrielle Messina
A coastal-style entryway features a sisal stair runner, hardwood floors, surfboard decor and a decorative wall mirror.

Entry


The moment you step inside Cape May Cottage, there’s a shift — a deep breath, a sense of stillness. We leaned into the home’s historic bones while layering in some of the owner's personal pieces. The natural textures and clean white walls, front door painted in powdery blue make the space feel bright, collected, and lived-in — the kind of welcome that feels like home.

A spherical capiz shell pendant light hangs above a carpeted staircase with wooden banister in a bright interior space.
A vintage white console table with woven mirror and decorative accents sits in a cozy nook beneath wooden stairs.
Three light blue tassels hang from brass doorknobs on white paneled doors in an interior hallway.
Rustic bathroom with wooden staircase features multiple mirrors, a vessel sink, and hardwood flooring in neutral tones.
Close-up view of wooden staircase with beige sisal carpet runner and traditional turned balusters and newel post.
A carpeted staircase with wooden railing leads upstairs in a cozy entryway featuring hardwood floors and a decorative mirror.
Charming home entryway with wooden staircase, woven mirror, small white console table and decorative basket beside stairs.
A rustic white painted shelf displays decorative items including candle holders, vases with flowers, and glass jars.
Modern coastal living room with sisal rug, white sofa, blue accent chairs, and brass lighting fixtures.

Living Room


The living room is the heart of the home — a layered mix of old and new, where preserved details meet everyday comfort. Gabrielle uncovered original brick beneath decades of wallpaper, restored the marble mantel, and kept the ornate ceiling medallion intact.


A rich, moody brown wallpaper — a subtle nod to the  Brown Room in Cape May’s iconic Congress Hall — the owner's favorite place in Cape May. Coastal tones of soft green and sea glass blue echo the natural surroundings, while slipcovered seating and vintage finds keep the space grounded, relaxed, and timeless.

Modern coastal living room with white furniture, light gray walls, track lighting, and wraparound windows offering ocean views.
Elegant gold and clear crystal chandelier with snowflake design shown in close-up detail against a white ceiling.
Three identical rattan benches with round woven mirrors above them sit against a striped wallpaper in a rustic room.
Modern bright interior room with brick walls, large windows, and gray furniture showcases an open-concept living space.
Modern living room features blue-gray seating and vintage black and white photographs displayed on patterned wallpaper walls.
Ornate white architectural detail of a curved archway featuring decorative scrollwork and classical molding.
Elegant living room with striped wallpaper, cream sofa, blue accent chair, hardwood floors and French windows.
A retro interior wall features geometric patterned wallpaper and three framed black and white artwork prints.
White hydrangea flowers arranged in rustic brown pottery vases on a light windowsill.
Modern living room with white painted brick wall, grey sofa, patterned wallpaper and hardwood floors.
White living room furniture with green accent pillows and a potted plant on small white side table near a doorway.
Modern home bar setup with rattan shelving, potted red flowers, and assorted liquor bottles displayed against striped wallpaper.
Modern living room interior with white walls, wooden slat dividers, comfortable upholstered seating, and brass light fixtures.
Elegant living room with marble fireplace, mounted TV, light blue armchairs, and checkered wallpaper in neutral tones.
Comfortable white couch adorned with decorative throw pillows in pale blue, lime green, and floral patterns.
A dark hardcover copy of Tommy Fox book lying on a wooden surface with rattan or bamboo details.
Cozy living room with blue armchairs, striped wallpaper, hardwood floors, and brass ceiling lights against natural light.
White hydrangea flowers in a stone pot next to stacked books and a lit candle on a marble surface.
Modern living room with white brick fireplace, mounted TV, brass ceiling light, and oval marble coffee table on jute rug.
A vintage black and white photograph shows people gathered on a diving board or dock over water on a cloudy day.
A light-filled room with floor-to-ceiling windows featuring a modern geometric patterned wallpaper design.
Modern living room interior with textured wallpaper, white sofa, sisal carpet, and round black coffee table.
White vase with cream roses sits atop a marble fireplace mantel against white brick wall with dark frame above.
A modern living room with pale blue armchairs, patterned wallpaper, tall windows and a white stone fireplace.
Detailed view of a white painted brick fireplace with an arched opening and dark interior cavity in a historic home.
Hallway with striped wallpaper, white brick fireplace, and hardwood floors leads to bright doorway with indoor plants.
A coastal-style dining room features a beaded chandelier, light blue built-ins, and a natural wood table with white chairs.

Dining Room

With nearly 200 years of stories held within these walls, we were intentional about preserving its soul. Framed by the original plaster crown molding and old wall cabinetry- made new in a fresh coat of powder blue, the room is anchored by a sun bleached wood table, perfect for everything from pancake breakfasts to lingering oyster dinners.


This room is bathed in beautiful afternoon sunlight, The natural, casual textures invite slow meals, easy laughter, and the kind of gatherings that stretch into the evening.

Modern coastal dining room with beaded chandelier, wood table, white chairs and blue-green built-in cabinet on sisal rug.
Elegant sage green built-in cabinets with glass doors frame a doorway leading to a white staircase beneath a crystal chandelier.
Elegant dining room with blue-gray built-ins, crystal chandelier, gold mirror, and light wood dining set on sisal rug.
A white beaded dome chandelier with crystal details hangs from a ceiling, creating an elegant lighting fixture.
Elegant dining room with crystal chandelier, framed botanical prints, and white roses in a modern coastal-inspired setting.
Elegant wooden staircase with white walls and wooden banister in traditional home interior featuring warm hardwood floors.
An elegant gold-framed mirror on a white wall reflects decorative objects and woven baskets in a bright interior space.
Vintage white glass cabinet displaying delicate glassware on multiple shelves with brass hardware and frosted glass doors.
Elegant built-in glass cabinet painted in soft mint green showcases white dishes below a beaded chandelier.
Two framed black and white botanical prints featuring delicate seaweed illustrations mounted on a light gray wall.
Coastal dining room with beaded chandelier, rustic wood table, white chairs, gold mirror and natural jute rug.
Four vintage Chinese celadon glazed ceramic bowls with blue decorative patterns arranged on a wooden surface with white flowers.
Elegant dining room with dark wood table, crystal chandelier, white walls, framed artwork and seafoam green ginger jars.
Chunky oversized coffee table letter decor spelling out 'gather' on a beige jute rug.
Rustic wooden door frame with decorative nails contrasts against white crown molding and striped curtain detail.
A coastal-style dining room features a crystal chandelier, built-in glass cabinets, and a light-colored herringbone table.
Contemporary white dining room with crystal chandelier features hardwood floors and multiple windows for natural light.
Light blue built-in cabinet with glass doors displaying glassware, with woven baskets on the floor.
Coastal dining room with beaded chandelier, light blue cabinets, and a bleached wood table catching sunlight.
A luxurious white built-in cabinet system with glass doors spans the length of an elegant living room interior.
Stylish coffee station with white shelves featuring artwork, coffee maker, mugs, and decorative accessories on subway tile wall.

Beverage Station


An underused closet turned beverage station. Tiled walls, a pot filler & built in refrigerator are tucked-away to create this beverage nook. A spot reimagined for morning rituals and evening wind-downs; equal parts functional and charming.

White subway tile kitchen shelves decorated with coffee maker, art prints, and minimal modern decor in neutral tones.
Wooden cutting board with lemons and floral decor on white countertop with decorative framed artwork in background.
Fresh cut lemon halves on rustic wooden cutting board with white flowers and glassware in soft natural lighting.
A black and white striped geometric wallpaper pattern surrounds a circular white recessed ceiling light fixture.
Kitchen counter display with coffee maker, white ceramics, cutting board, and citrus fruits against subway tile backsplash.
Four white coffee cups and saucers arranged on a shelf with vintage equestrian artwork framed in the background.
A stylish coffee station with white subway tile backsplash features floating shelves, a coffee maker, and beverage fridge below.
Rustic kitchen bar with row of elegant French bistro-style stools along white counter against hardwood floors and windows.

Kitchen


The kitchen needed more than just a refresh — it needed to become a place to gather. We opened up the galley-style layout to connect it with the rest of the home. Powder blue cabinets with updated hardware, original casement windows,& the owner's favorite shade of bold pink on the side door lends charm and color. With an island that seats six and views into the sitting room, it’s a space built for slow mornings and effortless entertaining.

A bright red door anchors the end of a white hallway with built-in cabinets and natural light streaming through windows.
Bright kitchen interior with white countertops, large windows, and natural light streaming in.
White modern kitchen counter with windows and houseplants showing sunlight streaming in from multiple angles.
Modern brushed nickel faucet in bright white kitchen with large windows and marble countertops.
White peonies in ceramic vase with fresh lemons on marble counter in bright kitchen interior.
Modern kitchen interior with pink door and wooden floors features dark grey counters and rustic wood elements.
Bright kitchen counter with white roses in a metal vase, lemons on a wooden board, and bistro chairs with checkered seats.
Modern white kitchen with bright windows, green plants, and clean countertops featuring vintage-style brushed metal fixtures.
Large white peony arrangement with lemons on marble counter below framed artwork.
Row of rattan and bamboo bar stools with woven seats lined up at a kitchen counter.
Modern kitchen with white cabinets, wood floors, and a striking pink door adding a pop of color.
Sage green cabinet with brass hardware and arched mirror on top with rattan lamp shade.
Modern white kitchen interior with marble countertop and black and white checkered bar stools next to a window.
Bright white kitchen with gothic arch windows, gray cabinets, and a counter-to-ceiling bank of windows letting in natural light.
Built-in white drawers beneath a row of bright windows let natural light stream into an airy interior space.
Vintage-style shelving displays glass cups above a windowsill with pink flowering plants in a ceramic pot.
Row of French bistro barstools line a white counter in a coastal-style kitchen with hardwood floors and natural lighting.
Close-up of vintage-style chrome faucet on white marble countertop with small soap dish.
Coastal vignette with vintage sailing ship artwork, pink peonies, and wicker tray on white dresser by window.
Elegant kitchen with white flowers, bistro stools, and marble countertop island.
Elegant white kitchen counter with vintage faucet, white flowers in vase, and bistro-style seating.
Sunlit kitchen counter with windows and potted plants, featuring a modern black faucet and sink in warm color tones.
Bright modern farmhouse kitchen with white walls, wooden barstool seating, and natural light streaming through multiple windows.
View through doorway into kitchen with bright pink interior door and stainless steel refrigerator on hardwood floors.
Long white cabinets with brass handles and houseplants sit beneath bright windows in a sunny hallway storage area.
White mid-century modern dresser drawer showing detailed craftsmanship with brass cup pull hardware.
A cozy kitchen space with rattan bar stools, white windows, a wooden bowl centerpiece, and natural lighting.
Potted plants line a white windowsill in an airy hallway leading to a striking red door at the end.
White ceramic vase with red flowers and greenery displayed on jute rug beside coffee table books in cozy living room setting.

Sitting Room


Just off the kitchen, this room was designed to feel like a warm exhale. We kept the tones soft — a blend of sea glass, driftwood, and chalky white — while mixing in vintage artwork and natural textures. It’s a place for barefoot afternoons, open windows, and lingering after lunch.

Elegant living room with seafoam blue upholstered chairs, floral pillows, and a round woven ottoman near a large mirror.
Close-up view of a white spindle chair armrest with gray cushioning against a floral wallpaper background.
Lifestyle flatlay featuring green plants, pink flowers, and beige decor elements arranged on a woven natural texture background.
A cozy living room corner with a sage green sofa, potted red flowers, decorative bowl, and magazines on a jute rug.
Four connected photos showing a bright sunlit room with white windows, light blue curtains, and a floral area rug.
Coastal style entryway with natural jute rug, sage green cushions, and red roses in a rustic vase.
Large woven seagrass bench ottoman adds natural texture beside white sofa and traditional patterned rug in living room.
Cozy bedroom interior with upholstered bed, striped bedding, woven table lamp and rattan nightstand in neutral tones.

Primary Bedroom


The primary bedroom, was the innkeepers personal room, laundry and storage room — we added wall treatments that felt like they have always been here- light-filled, tonal and layered with texture. Soft linens, sun bleached wood and crisp white make it a perfect place for an afternoon nap or restful night.

A cozy bedroom interior with natural woven bamboo shades, white bedding, and soft neutral decor elements.
Modern gray bedroom with rattan nightstand, white table lamp, striped bedding and geometric patterned area rug.
Natural woven bamboo window shade in beige hangs over a white-framed window with light filtering through.
A white ceramic table lamp with woven basket shade sits on a wooden nightstand beside a striped pillow and upholstered headboard.
A minimalist interior scene showing a curved light blue couch or sofa against a white paneled wall.
A cozy bedroom with gray bedding, woven nightstand, white table lamp, and geometric patterned area rug.
DIY tutorial showing the transformation of a table lamp with a woven basket shade in a bright coastal-style room.
A framed landscape painting of cloudy skies hangs on a white paneled wall above a light blue surface.
Elegant marble pedestal sink with subway tile backsplash, chrome faucet, and blue bottle accent in modern bathroom interior.

Primary Bath


Wrapped in floor-to-ceiling white subway tile and grounded by honed marble hex flooring, the downstairs primary bath feels both timeless and refreshingly clean. We selected a sculptural marble pedestal sink that anchors the space with old-world elegance, paired with polished nickel fixtures that nod to vintage coastal hotels.


A built-in shower niche and classic plumbing add subtle utility, while every surface reflects soft, natural light. From the simplicity of a single bloom to the thoughtful texture of a cotton towel, no detail is overlooked — creating a space that feels elevated yet approachable, luxurious yet unpretentious.

White marble pedestal sink against subway tile wall with pebble floor in bright minimalist bathroom setting.
Elegant white bathroom with subway tile walls, marble hexagon floor tiles, and built-in shower niches featuring modern fixtures.
White peonies in a marbled ceramic vase against white subway tile wall on a white surface.
A light blue decorative tassel hangs from a white door handle against a white bathroom door.
Elegant bathroom interior with marble countertop, vintage faucet, and white subway tile backsplash against bright window light.
Close-up details of brushed nickel bathroom faucet fixtures with cross handles mounted on white marble countertop.
Close-up view of polished nickel bathroom faucet handles and spout on white marble counter.
Modern bathroom shower head and handheld sprayer in brushed nickel finish mounted on white subway tile wall.
Detail of white marble bathroom featuring a curved wall edge with subway tile backsplash and polished stone surfaces.
White marble bathroom features hexagonal floor tiles, subway wall tiles, and elegant pedestal sink with chrome fixtures.
A delicate white flower sits in a brass vase on a marble bathroom counter near vintage-style faucets and window.
A serene modern bedroom with a wooden bed frame, white bedding, bamboo shades, and a beaded chandelier.

Guest Bedroom I


Guest Bedroom I was designed as a crisp and calming retreat, rooted in simplicity and comfort. Gabrielle layered soft coastal blues with natural textures — from the woven headboard and Roman shades to the tailored embroidery on the bedding. Painted floors and vintage spindle furniture give the room a lived-in, cottage feel, while the nearby window desk creates a quiet nook for morning writing or reflection.


The ensuite bathroom takes a moodier turn with deep ocean-toned zellige tile in the shower — a grounding contrast to the bedroom’s airy palette. It’s a space that feels both thoughtful and restorative, with every detail chosen to support ease and rest.

Serene coastal bedroom with bamboo shades, white bedding, and natural wood bed frame illuminated by a beaded chandelier.
White peonies arranged in a glass vase under a classic drum lampshade create an elegant vignette.
Minimalist bedroom corner featuring white bedding, woven headboard, and soft blue table lamp by window.
Minimalist bedroom interior with natural light streaming through windows and bamboo shades.
Serene bedroom with white linens, bamboo shades, and natural light creating a peaceful coastal ambiance.
Ornate capiz shell flush mount ceiling light fixture in cream tones against a white ceiling.
Elegant white vintage desk and chair against a window with natural roller shade and white peonies in a vase.
Serene bedroom with beaded chandelier, wooden bed frame, and woven bamboo window shades.
Modern bathroom interior with dark teal tiles, glass shower enclosure, and contemporary fixtures in a sleek design.
A modern bathroom shower with dark teal tile walls, a chrome showerhead, and built-in glass shelf niche illuminated by light.
Dark teal tiled bathroom walls with chrome shower fixtures and recessed lighting create a modern, sleek atmosphere.
Cozy living room with pink walls, gray sofa, coastal artwork, and a geometric jute rug viewed through doorway.

Guest Bedroom II


This guest suite blends layered design with a lighthearted sense of place. This bedroom and sitting room was pink when we found it., which the owner loved. We embraced a bit softer shade of blush for th e walls and creamy white trim, setting a serene tone that continues into the adjoining lounge and bath.


In the ensuite bath, the details shine: a lacquered navy vanity with brass hardware, a marble countertop, and a checkerboard tile floor all lend classic charm. The standout?A vintage inspired  pineapple damask wallpaper that wraps the space in subtle playfulness — a nod to hospitality and a reminder that design can be both elevated and joyful.

A cozy living room corner with a white sofa, beach artwork, and geometric patterned area rug.
Close-up view of a gray sofa with white cushions beside a dark wood side table on painted white floorboards.
Cozy living room corner with white couch, beachy artwork, and gray accents features a modern side table with vase of flowers.
White flowers in a vase beside gray throw pillows and stacked books on a black metal table against a beige wall.
A powder room featuring blush pink damask wallpaper, white wainscoting and gray tile flooring.
Elegant bathroom vanity with marble countertop, brushed nickel faucet, and peach floral wallpaper above white wainscoting.
Elegant white damask floral pattern on a soft peach or blush colored textured background.
A bathroom vanity with blue cabinets and marble top against blush damask wallpaper features a brass mirror and white towel.
Geometric floor tiles pattern in white and gray with corner of blue vanity cabinet visible.
Elegant bathroom vanity with marble countertop, brass fixtures, and wood-framed mirror shelf featuring toiletries.
Elegant marble bathroom vanity with vintage silver faucets, glass soap dispenser, and gold-framed mirror above.
Serene white bedroom with green accent pillows features a quilted bedspread, arched window, and woven rattan side table.

Dormitory


At the top of the home, we transformed the former attic into a dreamy third-floor dormitory — designed for sleepy beach days and late-night laughter. A bedroom that sleeps 8 - it's softly sloped walls, dressed in airy blues and greens that echo the sea just blocks away. Woven side tables, striped wool rugs, and a mix of block-printed and tasseled pillows create a casual yet curated rhythm.


The arched windows are framed in a powdery blue-gray, letting natural light flood in while nodding to the Victorian character of the home. Practical touches — like individual sconces and a slate-toned ensuite bath — ensure the space feels just as considered as the rest of the cottage, making room for both memories and rest.

A narrow staircase with beige carpeting leads upward between white walls with a handrail mounted on one side.
White minimalist bedroom with metal bed frame, matching side tables, and elegant window treatments in natural light.
Bright bedroom interior featuring white bedding, green accent pillows and arched window with wall sconces.
Cozy attic bedroom with white iron bed frame, striped rug, and arched window featuring green accent pillows.
Cozy bedroom corner with arched window, white bedding, green accent pillow, and fresh peonies on side table with wall sconce.
A cozy attic bedroom with white bedding and arched windows shows different angles of the same peaceful space.
Twin white iron beds flank a wicker side table beneath an arched window in a bright attic bedroom with striped carpet.
A series of interior photographs showing cozy bedrooms with vintage-style furnishings and soft natural lighting.
Modern gray subway tile walk-in shower with white trim and glass door features sleek minimalist design.
Modern bathroom shower stall with light gray subway tile and dark bronze fixtures mounted on white walls.
Modern bathroom shower enclosure with grey tile walls and black fixtures mounted against white walls.
Historic Victorian home with mint green siding, black shutters, and ornate white porch featuring decorative gingerbread trim.

Exterior


Crisp white "gingerbread" and black shutters create a classic contrast, while beadboard porch ceilings and brass fixtures nod subtly to the home’s seaside location. The wraparound porch invites you to slow down — whether it’s rocking chairs at golden hour or bare feet after a beach day.




Blue bicycle parked on stone pavers beneath a white porch overhang of a light blue house.
Elegant white Victorian house with black shutters and ornate wrap-around porch featuring decorative gingerbread trim details.
Ornate white Victorian porch detail showing decorative corbels and trim work against light blue siding.
Classic white New England style house with black shutters and decorative porch trim.
Elegant white porch with ornamental lattice railings and burgundy accents on a traditional Victorian home.
Vintage turquoise blue bicycle with wicker basket and silver handlebars parked on stone pavement in multiple angles.
Historic white house with ornate Victorian porch features green shutters, blooming azaleas and a stepping stone path.
White columned porch with decorative trim and black shutters stretches across a classic home exterior.
White Victorian style house with ornate wraparound front porch featuring decorative lattice and gingerbread trim details.
Classic Victorian home entrance with white porch railings, ornate brackets, and burgundy screen door against pale blue siding.
A white Victorian house with ornate trim features a welcoming front porch adorned with flowering bushes and landscaping.
Vintage black door handle with ornate metal decorative plate mounted on a white-framed glass door.
Victorian-style porch with ornate white railings, decorative brackets, and vintage fan fixtures on a mint green house.
Decorative star-shaped pendant light fixture mounted on a white porch ceiling with detailed trim.
Close-up view of white dormer windows with black shutters and ornate architectural details against green foliage.
A vintage ornate ceramic doorknob with floral design mounted on white paned glass doors.
Figure in white dress stands beside mint green built-in cabinets in elegant living space with hardwood floors.

Final Note


"The Historic Cape May Cottage"  was an incredibly special project. Designed and renovated for a family to hold summer memories for generations to come.


My greatest hope is to continue breathing life back into homes like this — restoring what was, while creating space for what’s next. There’s something sacred about old houses, especially here in Cape May. They hold stories. And I’m endlessly grateful to be part of telling them."

 

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Modern white kitchen with arched windows and sunlight streaming in, featuring a long countertop with fresh fruits and plants.