GLOUCESTER GETAWAY

DESIGNER KARIN HOWE TURNS A NEW-CONSTRUCTION CONDO INTO A FUN, FLIRTY RETREAT BY THE SEA.

- Jennifer Sperry

WHILE GLOUCESTER AS A DESTINATION IS ALL about maritime tradition and Colonial history, the condo chosen by Karin Howe’s client for her weekend retreat is decidedly new. Part of a complex by Giacalone Contracting Corp., sited across the street from Good Harbor Beach, the 2,500-square-foot, multilevel residence was still under construction when she purchased it in 2021.

Although the contemporary unit presented with a variety of luxury touches—tall ceilings, high-end finishes, gourmet kitchen, private balconies, and a roof deck—the new owner wanted to place her own stamp on it. She had already worked with Howe, principal of the full-service interior design firm Karin Howe Design, on her Boston condo, and turned to the expert once again to optimize the potential of her blank canvas.

“Since the condo is so close to the ocean, with water views from the main living areas and primary suite, we wanted to give it a summery, coastal feel,” says Howe of their approach. “We chose fresh, fun colors while keeping the overall feeling bright, white, and clean.”

Attaching to the project during construction allowed the designer to tweak the builder’s package selections to better suit her client’s needs, giving the condo a more custom feel.