What we’re about to say won’t shock you. Designing or renovating a home, especially a waterfront home, can feel overwhelming. With so many ideas, decisions, and site-specific factors to consider, knowing where to begin is often the hardest part. That’s where we come in.
At TMS Architects & Interiors, we help guide clients through the process by offering clarity, experience, and expert advice. Recently, New England Home Magazine sat down with Cristina Johnson, a Principal Architect and lead Interior Designer at TMS, to discuss what makes waterfront home design unique, and what homeowners should consider when planning a house by the ocean, a lake, or any water-adjacent site.
Designing a home on the water comes with a beautiful set of opportunities and some thoughtful challenges. In this article, Cristina shares insight into key design decisions, including:
Window Size and Placement
To maximize views while managing glare and exposure.
Material Selection
Choosing finishes that withstand salt air, sun, and seasonal conditions.
Color Palettes
How coastal light affects paint colors and interior selections.
Whether you’re building along the New England coast, on a lakefront lot, or overlooking a harbor, your home should respond to its surroundings while reflecting your lifestyle and personal aesthetic.
You can read more of Cristina’s insight on the New England Home Magazine website:
We’ve worked with our clients to design homes on the ocean, on the lake, in the city, and everywhere in between. If you’re planning on building or renovating your home and want guidance from a team that understands and considers both site and story, contact us or explore our portfolio for more inspiration.
Weaving through the picturesque roads of coastal New England, it’s easy to spot the region’s signature architectural styles; from classic shingle-style homes to Colonial, Greek Revival, and Victorian influences. While these styles are familiar, each custom home tells a unique story shaped by client vision, site-specific constraints, and the natural character of the land.
Our Ocean Contemporary project is no exception. Designed with a blend of New England coastal charm and Floridian inspiration, this modern shingle-style waterfront home reflects our clients’ family roots and lifestyle priorities.
Featured in the July/August issue of New England Home Magazine, the home’s story is told through the lens of our senior project manager, Lafe Covill, who shares insights on balancing client desires with the complexities of a tight, waterfront lot.
The final result? A custom waterfront retreat that combines elegant architectural details with a comfortable, livable interior. A home that is timeless, functional, and rooted in place.
📖 Read the full article and explore the Ocean Contemporary project here:
Modern Shingle-Style Home Balances Sleek Design and Water Views – New England Home Magazine