Home & Design | Shore Living Magazine | July 2006
DCOR: Design Center of Rehoboth
Rounding the turn to grab a sweet treat at the bakery on Atlantic Avenue a few weeks ago, I stumbled upon a beach shack that had made some radical changes in its appearance. This was not an ordinary expansion or renovation, but something more.
Beautiful signage, luscious landscaping, and an arching arbor entrance enticed me to investigate. Amazingly, this formerly unassuming cottage had been transformed into a sophisticated showcase of interior and outdoor design - right here in Rehoboth Beach!
Partners Ed Alhers and Michael Cusumano purchased the bones of the property from a friend two years ago, with the goal in mind of creating a "living environment that was 'outside the box' of traditional design studios and furniture stores." Once you enter through the front gate, it is apparent that DCOR is about more than mere decoration. It is about integrated environments. The design-duo's philosophy invites one to see that when home design incorporates elements of interior, exterior and landscape design, a truly artful way of living can result.
This idea is apparent from the moment you pull into the drive. "Everyone loves how it feels as well as how it looks," says Cusumano. Indeed, there is a transformative ambiance that seeps into your psyche as you enter. Calming colors work with sophisticated fabrics and furniture pieces, highlighted by carefully chosen layers of accent pieces, artwork and well- placed lighting. The buildings, windows and outdoor spaces, which are small individually, join seamlessly together to give the effect of a larger, inviting space, ideal for entertaining or just enjoying a solitary moment in beautiful surroundings.
The cottage-turned-design-studio renovation is a refreshing alternative to the numerous larger, boxy homes that are cropping up throughout Sussex County. By working within the footprint of the original structure, the new design center preserves the charm of a cottage while conveying an air of urban sophistication.
The kitchen is the first space you encounter upon entering the main building. "Because this is where it all happens," say the designers. "This is where people just gravitate together." Natural light streams in from a number of large windowed doors and several smaller, porthole type windows placed near the ceiling. Through the windows, an entertaining enclave and a lounge area can be seen, giving the feel of an expanded space.
The kitchen is warm yet modern, with stainless appliances and a shimmering bright blue backsplash of Erin Adams glass tiles, from Ann Sachs in Georgetown, D.C.
Cusumano points out that the island countertop is made from a beautiful piece of distressed wood. "This is good example of how we blend classic styling with contemporary design," remarks Albers, who has been recognized in the design industiy as an innovator.
A seating area and fireplace are included in the kitchen and entertaining area, with a cleverly placed flat screen television nestled into a built-in cabinet at the side of the island. The fireplace is a focal point, flanked by framed prints and interesting artwork. Albers has a particular talent for incorporating natural materials and comforting nuances, such as framed photos of friends or pillows accented with seashells, into his surroundings.
Many happy hours could be spent in the kitchen and entertaining area alone. But to do so would mean to miss out on the many other unique features and inviting rooms. AS you move through the showcase, photos of the cottage renovation show the major transformations that took place. Careful not to destroy the heritage of the site, Albers and Cusumano chose to keep the siding of the original structure intact and exposed on an interior wall when it was uncovered.
"Why rip it out?" these gentlemen asked. "It's a part of the home's history!" It is in ways such as this that DCOR is able to incorporate elements of beach living without being cliche.
Across the hall is a gorgeous tiled bath with a shower. Attention to detail is on display here, from the matte finish pewter hardware to the painstakingly placed half-inch tiles running up the walls and on the floor. The blue-green, golden speckled tiles are rich and cool at the same time, as well as modern yet classic.
Another well-planned space is a small sitting room that overlooks a courtyard area. Windows and doors comprise most of two of the walls, allowing the space to open up into the courtyard. The celery color of the walls is cheery and fun, and lends an "outdoor couture" feel to the room. This sentiment is echoed and celebrated by contemporary floral artwork and brightly colored, hand-embroidered pillows, which are paired with traditional rattan furniture. Natural elements are incorporated into the floor, where softly polished river stones have been placed in the center of a high-polish, tile floor.
One of the biggest alterations for the little cottage occurred in the master bedroom. The front door was moved and relocated to the kitchen and entertaining area, and the ceilings expanded. Existing walls were torn down and the doors shifted. All of this work made way for a larger master bedroom to accommodate furnishings with presence, from the lines of Berman Falk and Jonathan Charles. In this room, pieces are mixed together, showing that antiques and modern style can be complimentary. Luxurious 500-thread-count linens, handmade pillows, sisal rugs and snuggly throws abound in this space. Well-placed accents like large mirrors, sophisticated shells and unusual artwork complete this upscale cottage's comfortable sleeping quarters.
Off the master bedroom is a small office, with a beautiful, British Isles-inspired corner desk and bookcases. Just around the corner is an incredible display of functional art in the form of handmade plates, bowls, platters and cookware from Provence, France.
Throughout the house, lighting is simple and beautiful, like in the kitchen area where suspended lighting from Stone-gate Lighting in Texas is used to bring the eye down from a high ceiling and to high-light artwork.
Integral to the success of the interior design of the house are the outside spaces, which are skillfully landscaped for ease of care and visual appeal from within. "I call this the entertaining enclave," Albers reveals. A simple, circular rattan table and chair set is tucked into a square area surrounded by wooden decking walkways. Across from this entertaining area is a seeming oasis. Here, the chaise partner to the rattan table and chairs extends an invitation to relax beside an Asian-inspired reflecting pool, complete with waterfall. This is outdoor living at its best!
Not only does DCOR offer a gallery full of beautiful and functional design ideas, but the center also acts as a resource within the community in a variety of ways. For instance, the center hosts the works of guest artists. By offering a venue unlike a gallery, artists can display works in a home environment, much like the setting in which the work may eventually inhabit. Artists also enjoy taking advantage of all the natural light and specialized gallery lighting that the center offers. Future events may include local culinary artists, as plans for group classes in the kitchen area are being cooked up!
Unlike a showroom or storefront, the owners view DCOR as a design "tool" for their clients and for the design community ar large. In a work environment housed apart from the main cottage, DCOR offers a myriad of samples of fabric, carpet, area rugs, accessories, window treatments, drapery rods and design books. The design center strives to be a local resource, always adding samples to be up-to-date and contemporary. Clients and designers interested in perusing can call in advance to reserve time to browse at their leisure.
Albers and Cusumano say that DCOR's clients are as diverse as the color palette. Some are interested in consultations for paint colors or coordinating area rugs. Others are new to the area and may want to renovate a second home. Many of these clients come with pieces that need to be married into a new style. A few come with nothing and start with a blank canvas. Whatever the I need, DCOR is willing to meet the challenge. The design team of Ed and Michael place a priority of working within established budgets, taking care to help guide people in their decisions to ensure a happy outcome.
"We view design as a collaborative process, one in which communication is open and people feel confident and satisfied with their decisions," says Cusumano. "Good design takes time and we all work together to ensure our customers love the end result," adds Albers.
The two weren't sure in the beginning which direction in design that they would head, but now they offer a variety of resources for just about every aspect of home design, from drafting to the details. In order to accommodate the requests of their clients and to ensure a coordinated interior and exterior, DCOR's services truly run the gamut. Local contractors and subcontractors are hired whenever possible. Their expertise is apparent and includes knowledge of:
- Design and Space Planning
- Lighting and Electrical Plans
- Kitchen and Bath Design
- Selection of Materials and Finishes
- Color and Paint Selection
- Landscape and Outdoor Living Design
- Project Management
- Long-Term Design Plans
- Furniture and Fabric Selection
- Window Treatments
- Redesign of Existing Furnishings
Albers and Cusumano truly enjoy working together and find that their personalities are complimentary and well suited for the design business. Both have an obvious eye for composition and design. As partners, they believe that they see in each other what they may individually lack in their own self confidences, allowing them to strengthen each other within their relationship. Their charisma and passion for design is shown in their attention to quality, innovative style and personalized customer service. Albers and Cusumano are constantly on the go, learning about what's new in the industry, designing inspiring interiors and outdoor living spaces, all while helping their customers have the best quality finished designs possible.
To be inspired by Albers and Cusumano, visit DCOR, Design Center of Rehoboth, at 112 Atlantic Avenue, Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. or by appointment. Information about special events or contacting the design team at the center can be found online at www.rehobothinteriors.com.
