In recent years, the internet has become slightly obsessed with a relaxed-meets-refined design aesthetic known as “Coastal Grandmother,” inspired in part by Hollywood director Nancy Meyers (Something’s Gotta Give, It’s Complicated). If Nancy were to be reincarnated as a beach house along the misty shores of Maine, the result might look something like this. “My client said she wanted her house to look like a grandma’s cottage,” says designer Katie Rosenfeld of this shingle-style family getaway edging seagrass dunes on the Atlantic Ocean.

Of course, that “effortlessly layered over time” look is no easy task, especially if you’re creating a space from scratch. One trick: A haphazard, not-too-contrived color scheme. “I think not being too strict about a scheme is actually the key,” says Katie. “It comes out better when you’re not trying. I like for things to be a bit ‘off.’ ” Fixtures in unlacquered brass, a metal that’s been used in shipbuilding for centuries, adds to the feeling that the home has seen its fair share of Vacationland summers.

The whole house is a testament to that don’t-overthink-it approach, exuding a casual, come-what-may spirit that provides a relaxed back- drop for the couple and their three sons’ preferred summer pastimes, which include beach bonfires and family movie nights. “The home feels far removed from the daily hustle of life,” says Katie. “It is a very American, lobster rolls-on-the-Fourth kind of house.”

LIVING ROOM

Maine Home Living Room

“We had more textiles than we had places for, so we had to keep making more pillows!” says Katie. Other pretty fabric touches in the living room: the patterned curtains (fabric by Pierre Frey), which pull together all the colors in the space, and a big bench-seat sofa. Neutral bamboo shades help balance it all. “I always try to layer woven shades underneath drapery, and the bamboo felt very beachy,” says Katie. The designer also had an oversize square-shaped ottoman upholstered with a durable vintage rug. Its flat and roomy surface easily accommodates everything from backgammon to books and beverages.

SITTING ROOM

Sitting Room with Blue Chairs

“Throughout the whole design process, there was this conversation of where people would eat and where people would gather,” says Katie. “And the answer ended up being, ‘anywhere.’ ” Case in point: The cozy sitting room, which features sit-and-stay-awhile armchairs upholstered in an indigo block-print fabric by Lisa Fine Textiles.

KITCHEN

freeman coastal kitchen

Ye olde Shaker and English kitchens inspired the home’s cook space, designed in partnership with Jannell Zarba of Damiana Design + Project Management. “There are a lot of scullery and back of house aspects to the kitchen,” says Katie, including punch-outs in the larder cabinetry, while wooden knobs nod to simple Shaker styles. The cabinetry paint color (Silver Lining by Benjamin Moore) echoes the billowing seas beyond the windows.

DINING ROOM

Maine Dining Room

Because of its proximity to the cook space, the informal dining room really functions more as an eat-in kitchen. Reproductions of old rush farm chairs (from Redford House) with custom-made cushions add to the relaxed feel. “It’s just the kind of a house where it’s free and easy,” says Katie. The salty ocean air courtesy of French doors also contributes to the breezy demeanor.

UTILITY ROOM

Yellow Maine Laundry Room

In the mudroom—make that sand room—a vintage flag adds graphic punch atop wallpaper by Les Indiennes, and porcelain floors that look like slate have the hard-wearing feel of yesteryear.

PRIMARY BEDROOM

Outfitted in blue and Nantucket red, the bedroom evokes an all-American spirit without feeling kitschy. The rush bed adds texture.

BATHROOM

Maine Bathroom

The open and airy bathroom features a clawfoot tub perfectly situated in front of the window (that view!). In the shower, painted Carrara marble tile brings pretty color and texture.

GUEST BEDROOM

Yellow Maine Bedroom

“This bedroom is quintessential New England—very cozy and nostalgic,” says Katie, who had almost everything custom-made down to the bedskirt featuring eyelash fringe. Adding to the ambiance are buttery yellows that feel as warm as the summer sun, including a checkered blanket and painted bedside chest (Somerset Bay by Modern History).