A Connecticut Sea Cottage with Traditional Blue & White Style

Step inside designer Lee Ann Thornton’s charming Connecticut sea cottage, where timeless style meets coastal ease. Joined by her daughter and design partner Allie Resor, Lee Ann gives us a tour of the home she knew was meant to be theirs the moment she saw the view out to the lighthouse.

Originally from California, Lee Ann has brought her signature indoor/outdoor lifestyle to the East Coast, blending traditional New England design with breezy West Coast sensibilities. The home is filled with thoughtful layers—slipcovered furniture, blue and white accents, wicker textures, cozy quilts, and romantic linens—all working together to create a nostalgic, Ralph Lauren-esque vibe that feels like a timeless summer on Nantucket.

Hydrangeas line the exterior, while inside, shiplap walls and classic coastal touches make this space feel both relaxed and refined. Lee Ann and Allie—who work together at Lee Ann Thornton Interiors—share how they’ve infused the cottage with personal style, a love for entertaining, and a deep appreciation for romanticizing the everyday. This is a home where tradition meets ease, and every detail tells a story.