When Ellen Kelly, artist and co-owner of Newport-based luxury stationery design house Champagne and Ink, and her husband Bill Kelly decided to embark on turning the first level of their Middletown property into a short-term rental, they thought no further than the island they call home for inspiration. “The joy for me was creating a space that feels welcoming,” begins Ellen. “I wanted to reflect the ease of a summer vacation – when you can sit and relax and feel the breeze and the warm sun.” After the bulk of the remodel was complete, a chance meeting led the pair to Kelly Rosadino of Two Twenty Interiors, an interior designer in Newport who specializes in helping short-term rental owners rework their spaces.
“I knew a couple of things about how I wanted the space to be, but I didn’t know how to go about executing it. That’s where Kelly came in and executed everything to perfection. She took haphazard ideas and a few pieces we already had and pulled everything together in such a cohesive way,” says Ellen. “She shared so much information with me about the rental aspect of the project as well, not just the interior design side, but also knowing what guests are looking for. I found that to be as valuable as her interior design abilities.” Rosadino echoes Ellen’s feelings about the collaboration, “We quickly aligned on a budget and shared vision: creating an atmosphere that would feel intentionally effortless and relaxed. The kind of experience where guests immediately want to kick off their shoes and settle in.”
Serene and stylish were the guiding principles in furnishing the home. “I wanted to keep in mind as we were working through the space that nothing was overdone,” Ellen explains. Rosadino adds, “In designing the bedrooms, we chose full-length mirrors, an iron and ironing board, closet hangers, and a luggage rack in each room. Simple essentials that are often overlooked when styling a rental make a big difference in regard to the overall experience.”
Crisp whites and classic deep blues used throughout are a constant reminder of being on Aquidneck Island, but unique pieces like the bright green velvet chairs, the long oak dining table, and even the entryway with its nooks for pet supplies (furry friends are welcome here) are thoughtful and elevated. “We pulled colors from the ever-changing ocean tide, which is why you’ll see various shades of blue used throughout,” says Rosadino. “The home just has such a fun and light energy that you can sense and feel.”
Thinking of starting a rental of your own? “It’s been proven that pristine white linens signal to guests that the bedding is thoroughly cleaned between stays, and therefore they are more incentivized to book your rental over another listing,” says Rosadino.
“I think we’re proud of all these little things people don’t even see, but if I had to pick a room, I might be most proud of the bathroom. I’m just really happy with how it came together,” says Ellen of the results.
“When it came to the bedrooms, we opted for jute and sisal area rugs to withstand the suitcases and traction,” notes Rosadino. Learn more about her work at TwoTwentyInteriors.com
Products from Rhody brands and goods from nearby small businesses are well represented in The Gilded Gull, and include Coastal Ave Design, E. Frances Paper, Erin McGinn Photography, Little Chateau, Newport Sea Salt, Shore Soap Co., and Young Designs Floral Studio. Learn more about this “guest favorite” at airbnb.com: The Gilded Gull; @thegildedgull
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