Renovated Inn Brings Old Nantucket Back Into Fashion

    NANTUCKET, MA, May 20, 2016 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Nantucket's Roberts Collection unveiled a newly renovated and redesigned Roberts House this season. The Roberts House, the original cornerstone of this collection of four downtown Nantucket inns, is the final piece of The Roberts Collection to be renovated. Now, this property has an entirely new look showcasing independent artists and a Nantucket-inspired boutique design.

With its original pine floors, decorative moldings, and grand windows, renovating the 16 guest rooms in the collection's namesake presented a unique opportunity. It was essential to remain respectful to the building's historic architecture and the sense of familiarity and comfort that devoted guests return to each year while giving the space a design-forward reimagining.

Scott Allan, general manager of The Roberts Collection, illustrated the intention of the redesign: "We wanted to brighten up The Roberts House with clean, colorful designs that reflect the beauty of Nantucket while introducing a touch of modern aesthetic to this beautiful downtown icon."

To tackle this challenge head-on, the Collection brought in Annsley McAleer, the Boston-based interior designer behind all of the property's interiors. After creating the ideal situation for the traditional aesthetic to flirt with modern decor, McAleer commissioned several rising artists to create custom pieces to occupy the interior walls of the Robert's House.

"As designers, we love opportunities where we get to be a bit more daring than usual. We can work with lesser known artists, use the brighter colors and patterns. It's so much fun and allows for a bit more excitement in each space", said McAleer.

Upon check in, guests are met with the collection's most contemporary piece, a colorful canvas hung above the fireplace by Beth Winterburn. An exploratory artist residing in Memphis, Winterburn created a dynamically contrasting piece by combining the natural flow of cool and bright summer tones, with bolder, more calculated details. The presence of blues, corals, whites, greens, yellows, mint and pops of red make for a cheerful, whimsical piece of artwork. The hallway of the Robert's House also features several sketchbook pieces from her "Abstracts on Paper" collection.

Another set of artworks were created by South Carolinian artist Dorothy Shain. Gaining quick popularity for her signature bikini illustrations, Shain created 15 original pieces in deep blues, reds, and greens. Working only from a sampling of textiles and color palettes from the rooms, the set remained much of a surprise until being delivered to their new home in the Roberts House.

"I hope the designs will provide guests with a new element of surprise this season and for many seasons to come. I picture guests wanting to come back to the hotel to see what their next room will look like," said McAleer. "Each room has its own unique touches, whether it be the color scheme, the patterns, or the artwork."

Inside the 16 guest rooms of the Roberts House, crisp white backgrounds provide the foundation for McAleer's take on Nantucket's signature American coastal style: the bold design scheme relies on pops of color in tones of navy blues, greens, and deep reds.

Intricate patterns, wallpapers, and textiles are central to the modern approach: creations by Sister Parish, and Massachusetts' own design gurus, Mally Skok Mally and Oliver Blumgart, are featured throughout the rooms. Seagrass carpets and burlap-covered chests provide texture, tying the decor together in ideal coastal harmony. Embracing the coastal allure of the island, the main dining room will feature tables by Dunes & Duchess, the Connecticut-based company of Stacy Kunstel and Michael Partenio. The adventurous duo provides nautical inspired furniture and fixtures, adding whimsy that is key to The Robert's House mystique.

Beach photography by Sarah Winchester hang on the walls to transport the tranquil energy of the sea indoor, further highlighting the island's natural beauty.

Allen adds,"We are incredibly pleased to offer our guests a complete collection of beautiful inns that blend history and modern chic in downtown Nantucket. It will be exciting to see our guests, returning and new alike, be totally wow-ed thanks to the vision of Annsley."

The Roberts Collection is a boutique inn in downtown Nantucket, easily walkable down cobblestone streets from the ferry, restaurants, and shops. The Collection consists of the newly constructed Gate House, the Roberts House, the Meeting House, and the much anticipated final member, the Manor House. Encircling a private outdoor courtyard, the Collection provides a secluded space for renewal within the island's energetic downtown.

http://www.therobertscollection.com

# # #