When Arizona-based homeowners sought a second home near their New York-based family, they didn’t just want a pied-à-terre — they envisioned a sanctuary. What they got, thanks to designer Crystal Maki of Silverwing Interiors, was a high-rise hideaway in Highlands, New Jersey, reinvented as a serene yet dynamic azure oasis, where every room nods to the sea without ever resorting to clichés.
“I wanted to weave in a deep, saturated colour but balance it with neutrals so it didn't feel overwhelming,” Maki explains. Drawing direct inspiration from the nearby Atlantic shoreline, she layered tones of teal, turquoise, and ocean blue to transform the 1,100-square-foot apartment into a cohesive, contemporary escape that’s as energising as it is elegant.
Modern Meets Marine
The result? A deeply personal, modern coastal retreat that embraces bold colour, shapely silhouettes, and tactile finishes while steering clear of traditional nautical motifs. “The owners wanted a home in beach hues but not necessarily beachy — meaning they wanted the colours, but not the kitsch,” says Maki.
This delicate balance is evident the moment you step into the open-plan kitchen, where rich teal cabinetry and a dramatic dimensional backsplash tile from Tilebar set the tone. Minimal hardware and brass shelving add sophistication, while clean-lined cabinetry keeps the palette grounded. “I was going to balance the teal kitchen with a neutral because I wasn't sure my client would go for a colour-saturated kitchen,” Maki admits. “But her partner was the one who suggested it — and she was all in.”
Blue in Every Mood
From there, the colour story flows effortlessly through the apartment. In the living room, a creamy sectional anchors the space against a backdrop of abstract patterns in ocean-inspired hues, while curved furniture and layered textures echo the natural movement of water.
A sculptural gold coffee table and wavy side table reinforce the sense of playfulness that ripples throughout the home.
In the guest bedroom, a cool turquoise palette is softened by sandy undertones and whimsical accessories — a subtle nod to beach glass and sun-warmed shores.
Meanwhile, the primary bedroom exudes tranquility with a moody Nordic Knots rug, a grasscloth accent wall by Phillip Jeffries, and a bold blue bed that anchors the space.
Throughout, modern lighting choices—from asymmetrical sconces to sculptural chandeliers—highlight the apartment's clean architectural lines, while Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) floors add both practicality and polish in the humid coastal climate.
An Ocean-Inspired Escape, Without the Obvious
Despite its deep colour commitment, the apartment never feels loud or overwhelming. That’s by design. “They leaned heavily toward modern design and clean lines, but not minimalism,” Maki says. “It was about finding that sweet spot where the space felt lively, but livable.”
Accessories and art were chosen with care — layered books, tactile pillows, sculptural boxes — adding soul without cluttering the space. Even the entryway, with its curated console from Four Hands and playful mirror by Uttermost, sets the tone for what’s to come: an apartment that feels custom-tailored, joyful, and utterly original.
Why Blue Works
There’s a reason blue dominates so many homes — and why it works so effortlessly here. “Blue will never go out of style,” Maki notes. “It’s calming, fresh, and versatile.” From the sky-like hues of the guest bed to the bold, saturated blues of the kitchen and primary suite, the home captures every mood of the sea — from tranquil stillness to energising surf.
And for the homeowners, this second home has become more than just a getaway. “Occasionally she texts me and calls her home ‘Heaven’,” says Maki with a smile. “That’s when you know you got it right.”
In this Highlands high-rise, Crystal Maki has conjured a retreat that’s equal parts coastal, colourful, and contemporary — a refreshing reminder that seaside homes can be both deeply personal and boldly modern.
Credits
Interior design by Silverwing Interiors, Instagram: @silverwinginteriors
Photography by Will Ellis, Instagram: @willellisphoto
