Michael J. Lee

“It was important that the rooms be light, crisp, and clean,” says Driscoll. “I made beige interesting by using different textures.”

SITED ON A PARCEL with awe-inspiring ocean and marshland vistas, this Osterville retreat is designed to let the landscape take center stage at all times. “Summer, winter, fall, even when it’s raining — it doesn’t matter, the view is magnificent,” says Boston-based designer Cynthia Driscoll, who worked with the owners to create the home’s interior. In deference to the scenery, Driscoll steered clear of bright colors and patterns in favor of beiges in various textures. For visual interest, she incorporated items with appealing shapes. Beige, as it turns out, can be beautiful.

1 >A SMALL OCCASIONAL TABLE finished in gold leaf was selected for its spindly legs, which mirror the tree branches outside the master bedroom window.

2 >A GLASS CHANDELIER crafted by David Iatesta “adds a little bit of glitz to the very simple room,” says Driscoll.

3 >TO ADD A TOUCH OF COLOR to the space, a painting was commissioned incorporating blues that recall the sea.

4 >THE HAND-PLANED WOODEN HEADBOARD has a “driftwoodesque” quality to it, says Driscoll.

5 >ZOFFANY MANUFACTURED both the woven grass-cloth wallpaper and the beige-and-white fabric used on the hammered-metal bench at the foot of the bed.

6 >A GLASS-TOPPED TABLE with silver-lame finish in the living room reflects the light and the landscape.

7 >A RALPH LAUREN CHAIR upholstered in a beige-and-taupe check fabric by Christopher Norman provides a comfortable perch to take in the view.

8 >BUILT-IN BOOKSHELVES showcase ocean-inspired accents, including an aqua-glazed Asian-style jardiniere and a large mother-of-pearl platter.

9 >A CUSTOM-MADE COFFEE TABLE is wrapped in burlap that has been painted and glazed.