Written by Victoria Hittner / Photography by Vanessa Lentine
When Leigh Lincoln and Aly Morford were contacted by the homeowners of this coastal Connecticut home, "there was an immediate alignment in values," say the designers. "A love for natural materials, a desire for spaces that feel welcoming and unfussy, and an emphasis on designing for connection and enjoyment of the beautiful surroundings, inside and out."
Lincoln and Morford prioritized materials and layouts that fit an indoor-outdoor lifestyle and honor the surrounding waterfront views. Meals and conversations are just as comfortable at the oak table in the dining room as the firepit on the over-water deck. With intentionally layered seating areas, ample sunlight, and soft, natural textiles, each room invites its occupants to linger, whether over breakfast in bed or a lively conversation in the kitchen. "Our work is grounded in creating homes that invite slowing down, where design supports real living, family connection, and a sense of calm," say Lincoln and Morford.
Cofounders and principal designers of California-based firm Pure Salt, Lincoln and Morford melded more traditional East Coast elements like paneling and tailored upholstery with the more relaxed, breezy aesthetic of the West Coast for an end result that authentically matches the lifestyle of the family calling it home.
The designers were tasked with creating "generous gathering spaces, a kitchen that could function as both a workhorse and a social hub, and bedrooms that felt like private retreats for guests." And with stunning views of the water from nearly every vantage point, indoor-outdoor living became a natural focus.
Natural fibers, low-pile rugs (resistant to weathering and family wear and tear), layered textures, and a sun-drenched palette of neutrals highlight the home's best features while still feeling practical. Custom linen drapery provides a complementary frame to the picturesque views outside. Lincoln and Morford's choice to focus on a simple palette and organic materials "allows the environment to take the lead."
Architectural modifications were minimal—a home showcasing the surrounding landscape so beautifully needed few changes. The over-water deck invites unwinding alfresco, with a firepit and unfettered access to the Atlantic. The deck's weather-worn woods and washes are reflected in the home's other gathering spaces.
In the dining room, a round oak table and woven chairs (favorites from the Pure Salt Shoppe) feel comfortable for a family meal or dinner party. The beaded chandelier is functional art—its airy whimsy enhancing, not detracting from, the space's natural light. The kitchen's oversize seagrass pendants (also from the designers' Shoppe) help create differentiation amidst a seamless transition from the dining area. The varied surfaces of the handmade zellige tile and mix of open shelving and cabinetry play with both light and depth befitting the home's indoor-outdoor harmony.
Steps away, a curated mix of structural, woven chairs and soft layers make the living room an inviting place to rest and linger. Lincoln and Morford say the secret to creating the "relaxed, lived-in feel . . . is all about subtle contrast and tactility."
Upstairs in the primary and guest suites, layered linens keep spaces cozy while bolder prints and metal finishes add a touch of sophistication. A wavelike wallpaper in the attic suite bathroom "echoes the movement of the sea, making the bathroom feel like a jewel box full of unexpected charm." Soft, sandy palettes and repeating patterns on pillows and bedding reminiscent of those downstairs keep the bedrooms feeling fresh but cohesive.
"We focused on evoking the feeling of the coast rather than referencing it literally," say Lincoln and Morford. "Our vision was to create a coastal retreat that feels elevated yet entirely approachable, something timeless rather than trend-driven."
Ultimately, the duo created a haven for both daily living and entertaining, something that honors the family's lifestyle and surrounding landscape. Every design element was intentionally crafted to showcase the subtly changing beauty of the ocean and coastline. "The goal was to create a home that feels calm but never static," say the designers. "Even with a clear vision, the way the interiors interact with the shifting light and water views adds a dimension that you can't fully anticipate—it's what ultimately brings the project to life."
Originally published in Home by Design — Beach & Beyond 2026 (Aug/Sep Issue)
