Interior designer Corey Damen Jenkins has successfully transformed a grand 1920s summer estate in the Chesapeake Bay area using what he describes as "restrained maximalism," creating a more livable and relatable space for a growing family while preserving the home's historic American Colonial Revival character. The ELLE Decor A-list designer, based in New York, is known for his signature style that combines polished traditionalism with modern elegance, vibrant colors, and playful touches.
The 12,000-square-foot residence serves as a prime example of Jenkins' design philosophy and is featured as one of ten projects in his upcoming book, "Design Reimagined," set for release on September 2nd. This publication serves as a companion to his 2021 debut monograph, showcasing his ability to blend historic architecture with contemporary living needs.
Jenkins' approach centers on incorporating clients' existing collections into new designs, whether they own Louis XVI daybeds, vintage sunburst mirrors, or antique wooden swans—all of which appear throughout the shore house interiors. "What I always tell my team is that a client's vision, taste, and collection are like bricks in a brick wall," Jenkins explains. "And we are the mortar holding it all together. In the end, you should see the client's personality, not ours."
The designer's philosophy becomes most evident in the home's front hall, where walls are covered in cheerful yellow grasscloth from Kravet. Jenkins notes that "the client's favorite color is sunshine yellow," and they wanted to celebrate that preference throughout the design. He enhanced the wall covering by glazing it with a special plaster mixed on-site by local artisans, creating a textured patina that complements the space's crisp white architectural moldings.
For the front hall's furnishings, Jenkins reimagined the clients' existing pair of armchairs by reupholstering them in blue-striped fabric from his collaboration with Kravet. He also added a custom skirted loveseat, a gilded Aerin floor lamp from Visual Comfort, and window treatments featuring a blue and white floral pattern. The previously mentioned antique wooden swans hold a place of honor on an antique console positioned just beyond the front door.
The coastal-inspired color scheme flows throughout the entire residence, beginning with a sky blue plaid stair runner by Patterson Flynn. A vintage sunburst mirror and a collection of crystal swallows from Lalique decorate the staircase area off the front hall. The second-floor library continues this theme with a grouping of antique sea-foam colored chairs and features a teal and mossy green scenic mural paired with a leather-topped table.
Even the home's outdoor spaces maintain the coastal aesthetic, with the rear terrace overlooking the water decorated in blue and white furnishings. An installation of antique Moroccan plates adds an international element while staying true to the overall design theme.
Upstairs, Jenkins once again incorporated the homeowner's love for yellow, wrapping one of the guest rooms in a two-toned yellow botanical wall covering from John Rosselli Associates. "Because the pattern is busy, I wanted to use simple linen drapery and paint the ceiling white," Jenkins explains. "The best maximalism is governed by restraint," he adds, summarizing his design philosophy that allows for bold choices while maintaining visual balance and livability.
