Reimagining a Boutique Inn Experience

WINTER HOLBEN was tasked with transforming an outdated Victorian bed and breakfast into a distinctive, contemporary boutique inn in the picturesque seaside village of Rockport, MA. Surrounded by Cape Ann’s rich cultural history, art galleries, and thriving dining scene, the inn was envisioned as a destination for travelers with a passion for wanderlust and aesthetic pleasures.

Our design process began with in-depth research into the unique attributes of the area and the target guest demographic. The objective was to create an ebullient experience—one that would celebrate the eclectic, creative spirit of Rockport's artist community while harmonizing with the serene coastal atmosphere. The strategy embraced a vibrant, eclectic design, juxtaposed with the building’s historic Victorian details, which helped preserve the inn’s character while infusing it with a modern sensibility.

"Our firm had the privilege of working with Winter Holben for the interior design of our boutique inn in Rockport, MA: The Rockport House. This was a challenging project that involved renovating an existing, dated bed and breakfast property into a modern, stylish inn, without destroying the original character. We selected Winter Holben because we wanted a firm that could offer a unique design to match our business goals and appeal to our target customers. We ended up with a design that is bold, colorful, ebullient, and certainly not mainstream. Feedback from our initial guests is that we nailed it. It was great working with Elisa and her team and we will do so again on future projects." Taylor McMaster, Managing Partner

Each guest room was thoughtfully curated, combining restored architectural elements—such as the ornate ceilings—with furnishings and finishes that enriched the space. The diverse range of styles, colors, and textures offered guests a variety of experiences, tailored to their preferences. For example, one room features crisp, graphic lines in a radiant golden yellow above a king-size bed, while another suite is enveloped in custom wallpaper created in collaboration with Thatcher, a bespoke wallcovering studio.

From the overall conceptual strategy to the smallest details of fabric and decor, WINTER HOLBEN crafted a cohesive and vivid interior design, resulting in a rich ambiance of opulence, relaxation, and discovery. The Rockport House now stands as a testament to the power of architecture and design to evoke a sense of place—offering guests not just a stay, but a sensory journey that connects them to both the locale and their own sense of wonder.

Design Services:

- Customer Experience Strategy
- Unique interior design for each guest room and suite
- Common space design
- Furniture, furnishings and art selection
- Custom wallcovering design