HOME: An Arcadia

Life & Style

home | decor | influencer

Fresh Start

A Colonial in rural Exeter is remodeled to reflects its homeowner’s love of the ocean

Sometimes even a house that’s the age of your typical college student can appear dated inside. This was the case for a three-bedroom, four-bath Colonial set on five acres in Arcadia, the rural village in Exeter. “My client’s house was stuck in a ‘90s time warp,” explains Michelle Parenteau, the Johnston-based interior designer/artist tasked with bringing this home into the present. “It lacked color, comfort, and functionality,” she explains.

Out went the brass ceiling fans with their frosted floral glass shades and in came a series of more streamline switches, like the striking blue pendant that hangs over the kitchen pass-through window. Not one to be matchy-matchy, Parenteau employed a range of coordinating blue tones in accents like cobalt glass tile for the kitchen backsplash, and via art, tableware, linens, and furnishings in related hues to connect zones. Says Parenteau, “I help my clients embrace color and not to fear it.”

To resolve the comfort and functionality issues, the kitchen countertop was extended with enough room for two stools. In the living room, the beige fireplace got

Photos by Grace Lentini

a face-lift with blue mosaic tile in a wavy pattern. To accommodate the homeowner’s live-in parents, the downstairs bathroom was completely gutted for their use. A large walk-in shower with seating was created with heated flooring and a double vanity, and an expansive niche was built into the back wall, also outfitted with floating shelves to keep bathing essentials at the ready.

Parenteau was also in charge of choosing new furniture and brought in a dining table “big enough for entertaining,” along with other pieces, adding, “new lighting was installed in every space of the house.”

The family, who recently moved into their refreshed abode after purchasing it in early 2022, are thrilled with the updates. “It’s upbeat and fun,” begins the homeowner. And what makes them happiest about their new home? “The colors and art, they are peaceful and homey.”

GET RHODY STYLE

Ideas and resources for making the most of living in the Ocean State.

EXPLORE ARCADIA If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, you are likely familiar with the small secluded village of Arcadia, known for the Arcadia Management Area, the largest recreational area in the state. Another point of interest is the Tomaquag Museum. Located on the Exeter side, the museum, whose mission is to educate and promote thoughtful dialogue regarding Indigenous history, culture, arts, and connect to Native issues of today, is open for public drop-in visitors on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Learn more at RIParks.com; TomaquagMuseum.org

REMODEL LOCAL “I always stress the importance of using the highest quality of materials. I feel it’s so important to support local vendors,” says Parenteau who list the following vendors for this project: The Blind King, Providence; Cardi’s Furniture & Mattresses, West Warwick; John Camara, painter; East Coast Countertops, Cranston; J and K Lighting, Johnston; Lubrano Electric LLC, Rehoboth, MA; Rhode Island Tile, Cranston; Supply New England, Warwick; and Town Glass, Smithfield. Learn more about Michelle Parenteau at MichelleLeeDesigns.com

Want your home featured in So Rhode Island?

Email Elyse@ProvidenceOnline.com to learn more