low-tech industrial beach house with infinity pool overlooks ostional beach in costa rica

The RH Beach House concept offers a comprehensive solution for furnishing seaside residences, drawing inspiration from various stylish coastal living destinations worldwide, including Mykonos, Sydney, St. Barts, and Malibu. This concept integrates products from over one hundred of RH's existing collections, making them accessible through both print source books and the company's website. The initiative introduces several new designer collaborations, notably featuring modular sofa collections developed by Paola Navone, Jan de Lintelo, and Los Angeles-based Jason Chauncey. These sofa designs are characterized by their easy elegance, relaxed silhouettes, low-slung proportions, deep seats, and loose cushions, contributing to a timeless aesthetic ideal for ocean-facing comfort. Beyond seating, the RH Beach House collection encompasses a wide array of lighting, textiles, additional furniture pieces, and decorative accents suitable for both indoor and outdoor environments. A notable furniture item is an oak brûlé bed frame designed by Luay Al-Rawi, which undergoes a high-heat finishing process to achieve a deep, caramelized tone and a distinctive crackled appearance. For outdoor settings, the collection includes mid-century-inspired poolside loungers by Mario Ruiz, featuring architectural frames now available in teak, paired with handwoven wicker backs and seats for enhanced durability and style. Furthermore, Piet Boon's renowned outdoor collection for RH, the Bonnare collection, is introduced for the first time in sustainably harvested teak. To complete the aesthetic, the RH Beach House concept incorporates several new rustic lighting designs. These include a handwoven blackened rattan pendant and another design inspired by traditional Indonesian fishing baskets. The overall offering of RH Beach House is distinguished by its rich textures, organic feel, and a luxurious yet comforting ambiance, aiming to replicate the desired atmosphere of a sophisticated holiday home. The collection's curated selection allows individuals to effortlessly imbue their coastal properties with a sense of refined tranquility and style, reflecting the diverse influences of global seaside living. #RHBeachHouse #CoastalLiving #InteriorDesign #LuxuryFurniture #OutdoorLiving #DesignerCollaboration #HomeDecor #FurnitureDesign #LightingDesign

This blog post showcases a modern, three-level, three-bedroom beach house located on the Victorian coast in Point Lonsdale, Australia. Designed by builder David McDonald for his brother Peter, Peter's wife Lis, and their children Johanna (15) and Charlie (11), the home serves as a family retreat built to withstand the test of time while offering flexible holiday living. The design emphasizes natural materials, clean lines, and high-quality, durable finishes. The house incorporates several distinctive architectural elements, notably a central lap pool with a 12-person spa and a striking curved rammed earth wall. This eight-meter-high rammed earth wall was a deliberate choice to break away from traditional straight lines, adding a sophisticated, earthy touch to the seaside sanctuary. The construction of this feature required careful planning and heavy machinery, especially considering the pool was already in place. The builder aimed for a strong, contemporary design that would blend seamlessly with the surrounding established vegetation, ensuring longevity and timeless appeal. Inside, the home features an open-plan layout bathed in natural light. The kitchen and living area form the central hub, designed for family interaction and direct access to the northern deck and pool. The kitchen boasts European oak for the island benchtop and flooring, complemented by black facades and stainless-steel kickboards, adding a touch of luxury. The dining area continues this aesthetic with a round dining table and sculptural chairs that echo the kitchen island's curves. The entryway is designed to make a bold first impression with its dark and moody aesthetic. Other notable areas include a flexible study space offering stunning views over Point Lonsdale Lighthouse and Port Phillip Heads. Hallways feature timber flooring and railings, which, combined with the rammed earth walls, add warmth to the interior. Bathrooms incorporate natural textures with limestone tiles and European oak vanities, while playful lighting fixtures contribute an industrial, modern touch. Bedrooms, such as Charlie's room and the master bedroom, are enlivened with bright elements like Kip & Co bedlinen and an Ikea rug, providing a fun and contemporary feel. The master bedroom also includes a dark dividing wall to separate the sleeping area from the wardrobe. The exterior of the home features Australian hardwood timber cladding, chosen for its sustainability and ability to age gracefully, further contributing to the architectural integrity. Another favourite design detail of the builder is the cantilevered timber staircase that elegantly follows the curve of the rammed earth wall. The project was completed in 11 months, adhering to a pre-Christmas deadline for the family's holiday celebrations, showcasing the efficiency and dedication of the builder and his team in overcoming construction challenges to deliver a uniquely designed, durable, and aesthetically pleasing beach house. #RammedEarth #BeachHouse #CoastalLiving #ArchitecturalDesign #SustainableMaterials #FamilyHome #ModernElegance #IndoorOutdoorLiving #PointLonsdale #InteriorDesign

Inverse Project has designed the 'Beach Barn,' a functional, single-level home situated on a rectangular beachfront lot in Costa Rica's central Pacific area. The design seamlessly integrates with the surrounding natural environment, which features a gentle slope towards the ocean and a grove of coconut palms frequently visited by sloths and macaws. The client's requirement for fluid transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces heavily influenced the architectural concept. The core design inspiration for the Beach Barn is a large barn roof, characterized by differing north and south pitches. This configuration incorporates a clerestory window that effectively captures morning sunlight, enhancing the interior's natural illumination. To ensure optimal comfort in the tropical climate, the design incorporates an open structure that facilitates natural ventilation, allowing hot air to escape through a slot extending the length of the building. The barn roof is supported by two substantial parallel stone walls, establishing a clear axis from the entry point to the seaside. This primary living space extends outwards to define both an arrival courtyard and an expansive outdoor living terrace. Access to the Beach Barn is discreetly located within a lush, tropical courtyard, leading to a prominent, off-center pivot door crafted from Guanacaste wood. This bespoke door features a long, driftwood-inspired pull, meticulously created by a local metalworker. Inside, a unique wooden sculpture, developed using parametric software by Inverse Project, serves as a partial screen for the open-plan living area and visually represents an ocean wave, further connecting the interior to its coastal setting. Maximizing Costa Rica's mild climate, the residence includes a generously sized outdoor terrace for both living and dining activities. A saltwater infinity-edge pool, designed to offer scenic reflections of the ocean, especially during sunset, is a key feature. A large, wood-framed sliding door provides the option to enclose and protect the interiors from the elements when necessary. The interiors are organized around a wide, open central space, flanked by four distinct modules. These modules accommodate three bedrooms and a garage, with the separated volumes creating private garden courtyards that introduce natural light and greenery into the living spaces and bedrooms. The master bedroom is distinguished by Guanacaste wood panels behind the bed, which are designed to mimic the concentric ripples of raindrops on water. Hand-blown glass lamps, resembling water droplets, contribute to the thematic decor, while large windows provide unobstructed ocean views. Bathrooms feature polished concrete floors that smoothly transition to flush slatted wood in the shower areas. Indirect lighting is strategically placed beneath floating sink counters and behind mirrors, enhancing the aesthetic. Brazilian Gneiss stone clads the walls of the central living space, with floor lighting designed to accentuate the stone's texture. Sustainability was a key consideration in the construction. The roof features clay tiles and solar hot water panels, promoting energy efficiency. Large ceiling fans installed in living spaces and bedrooms reduce the reliance on air conditioning. The lighting system, developed by Ilumineisn, predominantly uses indirect dimmable LEDs to conserve energy and allow for adjustable ambiance. The main living space is equipped with a lighting control system that includes preset light scenes and motorized roll-down window shades, offering convenience and environmental control. #BioclimaticArchitecture #TropicalDesign #CoastalLiving #SustainableArchitecture #IndoorOutdoorLiving #CostaRicaArchitecture #InverseProject #ResidentialDesign

K10 Studio has unveiled Casa Infinity, a contemporary concrete residence located on Costa Rica's Pacific coast. This architectural project integrates raw materials to create a modern tropical aesthetic, with a notable L-shaped infinity pool serving as a central design element that visually connects the home's interior with its natural surroundings. The residence is situated on a hilltop in Guanacaste, offering subtle ocean views amidst surrounding Teak trees. The design philosophy behind Casa Infinity focuses on blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces. The L-shaped infinity pool is strategically placed to act as the primary axis around which the social areas of the house are organized, enhancing this connection to the garden and the Pacific Ocean. The architectural composition is characterized by two distinct volumes. The front volume, designed to face the street, is constructed from exposed concrete, providing a sense of privacy and a grand, temple-like facade. Local artisans were involved in creating a dynamic mosaic texture on this concrete surface, adding a unique artistic touch. The main entrance is further accentuated by large Teak wood panels, which introduce a natural and welcoming element to the robust concrete structure. The material palette of Casa Infinity emphasizes a balance between the raw industrial feel of concrete and the warmth of natural wood. Exposed concrete walls and ceilings are utilized throughout the residence, offering a textured finish that imbues the structure with character and integrates it more deeply with its environment. This minimalist approach is thoughtfully combined with wooden elements to achieve a distinct 'tropical' aesthetic. The construction process benefited from prefabrication techniques, which were employed to ensure both the quality and efficiency of the build. In contrast to the concrete front, the rear volume features a striking steel structure complemented by a ceiling made of local Teak slats. This combination creates a visual and material contrast that adds depth to the design. The living areas are equipped with tempered glass doors that can be fully opened, extending the indoor spaces onto terraces and further dissolving the barrier between the interior and exterior. The infinity pool, which wraps around the first floor, includes a built-in bench, offering a space for relaxation and social interaction while overlooking the picturesque landscape. Casa Infinity exemplifies simplicity, sophistication, and high-end finishes. K10 Studio, the Costa Rican architecture firm behind the project, has successfully blended minimalist design principles with the specific requirements of a tropical climate. The design incorporates natural cross ventilation and solar control techniques, ensuring a harmonious and comfortable living environment that continuously fosters a connection to its natural setting. #ResidentialArchitecture #ConcreteArchitecture #InfinityPool #CostaRica #TropicalDesign #K10Studio #SustainableDesign #WoodArchitecture #Guanacaste

This article details a contemporary 6,000-square-foot residence in Southern California’s Manhattan Beach, designed by Montalba Architects. The dwelling spans three floors on a long, deep lot, characteristic of the area's ocean-adjacent properties, and addresses the challenge of dense proximity while maintaining a sense of openness. The exterior features a pared-down palette of plaster, Douglas fir for the roof overhang, and Western red cedar for a textural screen wall, complemented by an abundance of glass, suggesting a voluminous interior presence. The interior design ingeniously mitigates any feeling of compression through a double-height interior courtyard open to the sky, serving as the central organizing element of the home. Entry to the house is through a screened, semi-outdoor garden space on the ground floor. This level contains a guest room and bath, mechanical and laundry areas, a large gym, and an expansive garage designed to accommodate up to six vehicles, catering to the owner’s passion as a Porsche collector. The "real" front door is situated on the second level, accessible via an exterior stairway. On the second floor, an entry foyer overlooks the central courtyard, which features a large maple tree. This alfresco amenity is visible from various points throughout the house, including from the third floor. This level is dedicated to the owners' private spaces, encompassing the primary ensuite bedroom and bath, as well as separate her and his offices. An additional deck expands the usable outdoor area. An indoor, light-filled stairwell connects to the third floor, strategically located to maximize natural daylight. David Montalba emphasizes that a consistent theme in his diverse architectural work is the sculpting and engaging integration of natural light into buildings. The third floor accommodates the main living areas, including a conjoined living, dining, and kitchen zone, alongside a family-media room. This family-media room opens through sliders to an outdoor living space, featuring the tall courtyard and a deck with a lap pool, overlooked by a vertical garden. This vertical garden enhances privacy and adds a unique aesthetic element. The design also incorporates a subtle 'slot of space' on the third floor, allowing for distant views of breaking waves from all rooms. Montalba’s modernist approach is evident in the minimal finishes and furnishings throughout the home. Flooring consists of white oak indoors, transitioning to ipe outdoors, designed to blur the boundaries between interior and exterior spaces. Other prominent materials include vertical-grain white oak for millwork and acid-blasted silver travertine from Belgium for the living room fireplace. The furniture selection features pieces from acclaimed designers such as Finn Juhl, Rodolfo Dordoni, Edward Barber & Jay Osgerby, Roberto Barbieri, and Roberto Lazzeroni. The home also integrates contemporary art from artists like Andy Moses and Casper Brindle, alongside a family heirloom Steinway piano, blending modern aesthetics with personal history. #MontalbaArchitects #ManhattanBeach #ContemporaryArchitecture #BeachHouseDesign #ModernistDesign #InteriorCourtyard #LuxuryResidential #SouthernCaliforniaHomes #ArchitecturalLighting

The Pergola House in Playa Grande, Costa Rica, designed by Studio Saxe, represents a harmonious blend of indoor and outdoor living, conceived after the clients experienced a personal loss and sought a fresh start in Costa Rica. The architectural design was specifically tailored to integrate with the vibrant natural landscapes of the region, focusing on a seamless transition between the home and its environment. The project's genesis stems from the clients' desire for a deep connection with nature and an active family lifestyle following the loss of their previous home to wildfires. The core concept of the Pergola House revolves around a series of elegant pergolas. These structures serve multiple functions: they unify the garden with the living spaces, extend the outdoor experience by inviting coastal breezes and panoramic mountain and ocean views into the home, and provide natural shade. The design is characterized by structured rib elements that can expand or contract, adapting to the surrounding topography and existing trees. This adaptability allowed for the incorporation of natural elements directly into the architectural scheme, with intentional gaps in the roofline to accommodate and celebrate the verdant vegetation. Sustainability was a paramount consideration in the design and construction of the Pergola House. The residence generates its own energy through solar power, while the extensive pergolas and overhangs provide natural shading to mitigate heat gain. Strategic placement of windows promotes natural cross-ventilation, drawing cool air from both the ocean and the mountains, thereby reducing reliance on artificial cooling systems. Furthermore, water recycling systems are implemented to irrigate the surrounding landscape, supporting local flora and contributing to the cooling of the home's exterior surfaces. This holistic approach ensures that the house not only minimizes its environmental footprint but also actively enhances its ecological setting. The construction process emphasized efficiency and minimal environmental impact. Prefabricated structural metal ribs were assembled on-site, a method chosen to reduce disruption to the natural landscape. This technique also offered flexibility, allowing the architecture to navigate around existing trees and challenging topographical features. The project utilized a combination of local materials and prefabricated elements, showcasing a commitment to light-touch construction that integrates innovation with traditional building practices. This approach underscores the project's dedication to both aesthetic harmony and ecological responsibility. Completed in December 2022, the Pergola House spans approximately 400 square meters. The design director for Studio Saxe was Benjamin G. Saxe, with interior design by Sofía Interiorismo, landscape design by Studio Saxe, structural engineering by GUIDI Estructurales, and electromechanical engineering by DYNAMO. C+C served as the builder. The clients expressed that the home symbolizes renewal and resilience, providing a sanctuary where family life can thrive amidst nature. The architectural philosophy captivated them with its seamless integration into the environment and its reflection of the inhabitants' personal journey, creating a dwelling that embodies hope and new beginnings in the vibrant Costa Rican landscape. #PergolaHouse #CostaRicanArchitecture #SustainableDesign #IndoorOutdoorLiving #StudioSaxe #PlayaGrande #TropicalArchitecture #EcoFriendlyHome

Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, showcases a diverse range of properties that embody coastal living, each offering unique features and proximity to local amenities and natural landscapes. These homes vary in architectural style, age, and design, catering to different preferences while maintaining a common thread of brightness and integration with their surroundings. In Seagrove, a modern five-bedroom home built in 2020 stands out with its three-story concrete construction. This residence boasts Venetian plaster walls and 12-foot ceilings, creating an expansive and luxurious feel. Radiant-heat flooring is incorporated for comfort, while the kitchen and living areas are distinguished by a curved wall of southwest-facing windows that provide Gulf views. The primary suite and a second bedroom share a private deck, extending the living space outdoors. A notable feature is the rooftop, which hosts a swimming pool and a lounge area, flanked by two palm trees, offering an elevated recreational space. This home is ideally situated within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and the beach, emphasizing convenience and accessibility. Blue Mountain Beach presents a renovated 2005 four-bedroom bungalow located just a three-minute walk from the beach. The renovation, completed in 2021, modernized its interiors, featuring an open main living area. This space includes a chef's kitchen equipped with concrete counters and an in-island induction stovetop, a dining area with direct access to a courtyard, and a sitting area with a tiled alcove and fireplace. The bungalow also offers multiple covered balconies and a crow's nest, providing scenic water views. The exterior is adorned with tropical plantings and a patio that houses a kidney-shaped pool, enhancing the outdoor living experience. North Santa Rosa Beach features a three-bedroom home set on a 19-acre property along Hogtown Bayou. This estate provides 1,900 feet of waterfront access and expansive views of a 39-acre conservation area. The elevated two-story house has an open layout, porcelain-tile floors, a living room with a fireplace, and a kitchen outfitted with stainless appliances and quartz counters. Wraparound porches on both levels offer ample outdoor lounging space. The property also includes a private canal-front dock and a sandy, fenced yard that extends beneath the house, combining natural beauty with practical amenities. The Botany Bayou area offers a five-bedroom bayou home situated on 0.85 acres, complete with a dock that includes boat and jet-ski lifts. The interior features a vaulted main living space with a fireplace and water views, an eat-in kitchen with a butler's pantry, and a primary suite that opens to a hot tub and pool through French doors. A unique sleeping porch with two hanging beds adds to the home's charm. The grounds are meticulously landscaped with lawns, a patio, a pool, a lanai, and a dockside firepit, perfect for outdoor entertaining. In Grayton Beach, a three-bedroom waterside home built in 2002 by Sala Architecture is located within The Lake Place, a gated community on a rare coastal dune lake. The lower level features an airy design with oversized windows and polished concrete floors, while the upper level includes wood floors, a wall of windows, a chef's kitchen, a vaulted living room with a fireplace, and a wraparound covered balcony. The property is wooded and includes a fenced pool, a pool house, and a private dock, offering privacy and direct access to water activities. Finally, Gulfplace off 30A showcases a recently remodeled 2004 three-bedroom townhome, conveniently located a short bike ride from beaches, shopping, and restaurants. The renovation introduced LVP flooring and plantation shutters in all bedrooms, a primary bedroom with French doors leading to a balcony, and a refreshed kitchen. The kitchen boasts a quartz waterfall peninsula, black stainless-steel appliances, and brass fixtures. Outside, there is a front porch and a backyard with a patio and storage shed, with a shared pool just steps away, providing a blend of modern updates and communal amenities. #SantaRosaBeach #FloridaHomes #CoastalLiving #LuxuryRealEstate #HomeDesign #WaterfrontProperty #ArchitecturalDesign #PropertyTour

Bill and Dorrie McGonigal, the homeowners, designed their oceanfront dream home in Kure Beach, North Carolina, with a strong emphasis on glass, leveraging Bill's background in the commercial glass installation industry. The house, slightly under 5,000 square feet, was built on a lot-and-a-half of oceanfront property not in a flood zone, adjacent to a beach access. The couple, who began vacationing in Kure Beach in the 1980s, purchased the property in 2011, which initially housed a bungalow and an apartment building that were subsequently demolished to make way for their new home. The design inspiration for the house was drawn from various sources including television shows, magazines, and past vacations. The McGonigals collaborated with Jimmy Doster, president of Doster Building Company in Wrightsville Beach, who was intrigued by their vision for a modern, unprecedented design. The construction process was highly collaborative, with the homeowners actively involved, especially in the early stages, sharing their expertise in glass installation. Bill and his sons even participated in installing a portion of the glass, a process that Doster's team then learned and completed. The build spanned two years, characterized by continuous brainstorming and problem-solving, without the involvement of a traditional architect, evolving organically through the combined expertise of the homeowners and the builder. A key feature of the home is its extensive use of hurricane-resistant commercial-grade glass for the ocean-facing exterior. These custom-fabricated panels, measuring up to 7 feet wide and 10 feet tall, were chosen for their durability and ability to maximize ocean views. The exterior also incorporates white painted glass tile, sizable glass panels, and bamboo planks, with ipe decking for the outdoor porches and electric solar panels on the roof, all chosen for low maintenance. The front entrance is marked by a slab of marble, and the property includes a four-car garage and a ground-level apartment designated for grandchildren. The interior design continues the theme of openness and reflection. High-gloss white cabinets in the kitchen complement carved concrete countertops mixed with cobalt and royal blue glass aggregates, mirroring the ocean's colors. Radiant heated porcelain tile is used throughout the home for flooring and accent walls. A glass staircase imported from Italy serves as an architectural centerpiece, alongside hand-blown glass light fixtures and one-inch thick glass railings fastened by metal clips, ensuring maximum transparency between floors. Embracing a minimalist lifestyle, the home features only two closets and sparse furniture in most bedrooms, with beds floating in the center of the room, all oriented towards the ocean. The master bathroom boasts a custom-fabricated sandstone tub, weighing over 2,000 pounds, which required a crane for installation before the final exterior wall was constructed. This tub was inspired by two sandstone vessels the McGonigals found. Upstairs, guest bedrooms accessible via the mezzanine feature painted glass sliding doors in various colors like blue, green, and coral, with each room offering ocean views over the glass railing. The design allows every bedroom to have an oceanfront perspective, a rare feature for a five-bedroom house. The outdoor spaces, including an infinity pool and a rooftop deck with 360-degree glass railings, are designed for year-round enjoyment, providing panoramic views of the ocean, Kure Beach, Carolina Beach, and even Wrightsville on clear days, fulfilling the homeowners' desire to immerse themselves in the coastal environment during their retirement. #GlassHouse #ModernArchitecture #OceanfrontHome #KureBeach #CustomDesign #CoastalLiving #LowMaintenance #SustainableDesign #LuxuryHome

Bohlin Cywinski Jackson designed the San Marino Residence, a waterfront property on Miami's Biscayne Bay for clients who own a California winery. The clients sought a home that would emphasize lush tropical surroundings and facilitate indoor/outdoor living directly on the water. The residence is situated on a narrow, wedge-shaped lot, and its design expands towards the waterfront, maximizing views and access to the bay. The architectural composition consists of three distinct linear elements. A two-story volume accommodates the primary living spaces, providing ample room for daily activities and relaxation. Adjacent to this, a single-story wing houses a guest suite and an office, offering privacy and dedicated workspaces or accommodations for visitors. A key architectural feature is the elevated lap pool, which extends dramatically into the backyard, providing a striking visual element and an elevated recreational space. The most distinctive aspect of the design is the cantilevered pool, which projects an impressive 18 feet over the home's main entry and walkway. This bold design choice creates a memorable visual statement and an architectural landmark for the property. The main living and sleeping areas are housed within the primary structure, designed to integrate seamlessly with the outdoor environment. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors are a prominent feature, allowing for abundant natural light and enabling ocean breezes to circulate throughout the interiors, which is crucial for maintaining comfort in a tropical climate. To mitigate direct sun exposure and prevent excessive heat gain, the design incorporates large roof overhangs, which provide shade and contribute to the home's energy efficiency. Inside, a large expanse of windows illuminates the staircase, connecting the sleeping quarters on the upper level with the living spaces below. This design choice ensures that even transitional areas within the home are bathed in natural light and offer visual connections to the surroundings. The overall design prioritizes a contemporary aesthetic while addressing the specific environmental conditions and lifestyle desires of the homeowners. The blend of sleek architectural lines, thoughtful material selection, and strategic orientation towards the water creates a residence that is both visually stunning and highly functional for its Miami Bay setting. The home serves as a luxurious retreat, embodying modern indoor/outdoor living with a focus on both comfort and innovative design. #WaterfrontHome #BiscayneBay #ModernArchitecture #CantileveredPool #IndoorOutdoorLiving #TropicalDesign #BohlinCywinskiJackson #MiamiHomes #LuxuryResidence

This article highlights the design philosophy and execution of a beach house in Pulpos, Peru, owned by Bettina Lolas and designed in collaboration with Venezuelan-born designer Carlos Mota. The home is characterized by its open-air structure and a relaxed, bohemian aesthetic, eschewing traditional beach house tropes. Lolas, a creative consultant based in Lima, acquired the house in 2008, drawn to the laid-back atmosphere of the surfer town and the architecture of the 1980s Juvenal Baracco-designed property. Mota's design approach focused on creating a comfortable and unfussy environment where furniture and decor would gain character and patina over time from the coastal elements. For instance, the outdoor dining table is crafted from butcher's block wood, complemented by folding bamboo chairs that Mota painted black for added drama. The living spaces are kept minimal, emphasizing comfort over extensive furnishings, with a custom sofa banquette topped with pillows from John Derian serving as a key seating area. A notable design choice is the use of museum posters for wall art instead of expensive paintings, contributing to the home's carefree vibe. The primary bedroom features an Indian screen, painted white by Mota, which functions as a headboard, adding texture to the concrete walls, and is adorned with a vintage Turkish suzani bedcover. The bedroom also provides direct access to the pool area, where Mota extended a bamboo wall to enhance privacy from neighboring properties and incorporated a sculptural cactus garden around the pool's edge, chosen for its resilience to direct sun and heat. The collaboration between Lolas and Mota proved highly successful, leading to plans for a second beach house project in Máncora, northwestern Peru. The Pulpos beach house is described as a place where Lolas feels happy, free, and relaxed, particularly when enjoying the terrace overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The article underscores Mota's unique vision of a beach house that blends seamlessly with its natural surroundings while offering a distinctive and relaxed living experience. #CarlosMota #BeachHouse #PeruvianDesign #OpenAirLiving #BohemianStyle #CoastalDecor #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalRenovation #OutdoorLiving

This article showcases the transformation of a Cornish beachside house into a home filled with coastal charm, reflecting the owner Juliet Mayhew's journey from initial skepticism about the region's appeal to fully embracing its unique character. Initially, Juliet, an Australian, found Cornwall's shingle beaches a stark contrast to the white sands she was accustomed to. However, a sunny second visit, including a boat trip along the Helford River, changed her perspective, leading her to appreciate the special allure of the area. This shift in perception was crucial as she and her husband found a house in a prime, secluded location overlooking the sea, offering views of bobbing boats and lush oak-covered hills. The process of acquiring the property was a notable undertaking, requiring an early morning drive from London to place a successful bid before the house went to the open market. Following the purchase, the couple dedicated significant time to planning improvements, aiming to seamlessly connect the interiors with the stunning outdoor spaces. A key structural alteration involved creating an open-plan kitchen and sitting room by knocking through a wall, enhancing light and maximizing the sea views from all main rooms. The kitchen, which was an existing feature, received a stylish update with pale grey painted cabinets, and its large central workspace was designed for entertaining. As an experienced interior designer and party planner, Juliet meticulously curated the home's aesthetic over a year, drawing inspiration from the sea. Her approach involved extensive online searches for marine-themed decor, including rope lamps, fabrics with coral motifs, shells, boats, oars, driftwood stools, and a large compass. This intentional and overt embrace of nautical styling, rather than a subtle nod, infused the house with distinct character and visual interest. The sitting room, with its expansive windows, allows residents and guests to fully immerse themselves in the spectacular views, complemented by a vibrant color scheme that defines the coastal living space. The dining room's lively color palette mirrors Juliet's energetic personality and her love for entertaining, a central consideration in the home's redesign. Upstairs, the main bedroom was expanded to include a larger balcony, creating a space that evokes the feeling of a ship's deck. Juliet particularly enjoys sitting on the balcony and watching boats, finding it a source of deep relaxation. In contrast to the home's more vibrant areas, the guest bedroom offers a serene atmosphere, decorated in a calming palette of blues and neutrals, directly inspired by the surrounding coastal environment. Optimizing the outdoor living experience, the terrace was reconfigured after observing the sun's path throughout the seasons. This thoughtful adjustment allowed the couple to fully leverage the breathtaking views of the Cornish coastline. The entire renovation and decoration project underscore a deliberate design philosophy that blends personal taste with the natural beauty of the location, creating a harmonious and uniquely styled beachside residence. #CoastalHome #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #CornwallLiving #NauticalDecor #OpenPlanLiving #SeasideProperty #HomeStyling

Zozaya Arquitectos has completed Casa Piscina del Cielo, a residence perched on the coastal slopes of Mexico’s Pacific coast, serving as both a home and an integral landscape intervention. The project's design was significantly influenced by the site’s unique topography and existing ancient boulders, which the client requested to be incorporated into an unconventional and paradigm-breaking structure. The entrance to the home is defined by strong geometric forms and stone surfaces, guiding visitors through large doors into a central courtyard. During excavation, massive natural rocks were uncovered and subsequently preserved in their original positions, transforming them into sculptural monoliths that anchor the home’s layout. From this central stone courtyard, Casa Piscina del Cielo expands, featuring a main living space sheltered beneath a towering palapa. This thatched canopy allows the area to remain open on all sides, welcoming sea breezes and abundant natural light. The living, dining, and kitchen areas seamlessly flow into one another, forming an expansive communal space that feels both open and protected. Service areas are strategically positioned to one side, ensuring they do not disrupt the continuous flow of the primary living spaces, which extend onto a covered terrace equipped with a pergola, grill, and bar, offering unobstructed views of the horizon. One of the most notable features of Casa Piscina del Cielo is its swimming pool, which cantilevers 27 meters (90 feet) beyond the cliffside. This pool, suspended dramatically over the coastline and the ocean below, incorporates a square glass window in its floor. This architectural detail provides a unique underwater view of the surf, creating the illusion of floating between the sea and the sky, and thus giving the project its distinctive name and character. The interior design, overseen by DRDS, draws inspiration from the surrounding landscape, emphasizing restrained detailing and furnishings that harmonize with the site’s textures. Adjacent to the courtyard, a cinema and office space are situated next to a guest suite that opens onto its own private terrace. On the most secluded lower level, the main bedroom and a gym are located, both offering views of a tranquil terrace that frames distant ocean panoramas. From this sheltered vantage point, the striking silhouette of the suspended pool above becomes an intrinsic part of the coastal scenery. Taller Entorno was responsible for the landscape design, which thoughtfully integrates plantings and pathways into the terrain, ensuring the house appears to emerge organically from the hillside rather than imposing upon it. This approach establishes a continuous connection between the natural slope, the rugged stone formations, and the constructed elements of the residence. The material palette curated by Zozaya Arquitectos reflects regional authenticity, incorporating woven palm for the palapa and interior ceilings, parota wood for its warmth, and chukum plaster to evoke the surrounding earth. The use of exposed concrete, steel pergolas, and wood decks creates a dialogue between traditional local craftsmanship and a style that borders on brutalism. The home also incorporates passive design strategies and water recycling systems, contributing to its sustainable performance. Overall, Casa Piscina del Cielo represents a harmonious blend of innovative architecture, natural integration, and luxurious living on Mexico's Pacific coast, embodying a unique response to its challenging yet beautiful site. #ArchitecturalDesign #CoastalHome #InfinityPool #MexicoArchitecture #SustainableDesign #LuxuryResidence #LandscapeIntegration #ModernArchitecture

Allyson and Paul Riser, who annually vacation along Highway 30A in Seaside, Florida, embarked on a project to build a family retreat on a narrow, challenging lot in the heart of Seaside. Initially skeptical of the neglected strip of land, which they mistook for overflow parking, the Risers were ultimately convinced by its unparalleled location—catty-corner from Seaside’s town square and a short walk from the beach, offering wide views of the Gulf of Mexico. This prime location was a critical requirement for their large family, consisting of four grown children and a daughter-in-law. To overcome the constraints of the unusual lot size and accommodate their family's needs, the Risers enlisted Seaside architect Ty Nunn and Birmingham interior designer Fran Keenan. Their primary objective was to create sufficient bedrooms and gathering spaces, while Allyson also sought to infuse the new Florida build with the character and timelessness found in the old coastal homes of the South Carolina Lowcountry. Nunn designed a three-story house, one room deep and three rooms wide, with the kitchen and main living area located on the top floor to maximize the exceptional views. Keenan faced the challenge of incorporating the Lowcountry aesthetic, which often features large, low-slung roofs, into a tall three-level structure. A trip to Paris provided an unconventional solution: installing large, pop-out windows in the roof to flood the third-floor living area with natural light, creating a bright and airy space that became the focal point of the home. Inside, Keenan and her colleague Sara Walker curated an interior that reflected the surrounding landscape without resorting to overt beach-themed decor. The color palette, inspired by the blues and greens of the Gulf, features grayish blues, whites, muted turquoise, and faded aqua, fostering a sense of peace and serenity. The light-colored floors were specifically chosen to mimic sand, cleverly concealing any beach sand tracked in by the family. The design incorporated a mix of antique furnishings and architectural details such as wide-wood-paneled walls and detailed casing to give the new house an immediate sense of history and character. Keenan emphasized that using "old things" helps keep a space fresh and unique, breaking away from conventional design norms. The decor was further enhanced by layers of art, including framed textiles and pressed botanicals, adding personal touches and fostering conversation. A notable feature is the stairwell art gallery, filled with over 120 vintage nautical paintings collected from various vendors across the Southeast, including estate sales in Little Rock, making an otherwise functional space a vibrant display of personal history and curated taste. A large coastal landscape painting, discovered at Scott Antique Markets in Atlanta, became a centerpiece in the sons' room, symbolizing a nostalgic piece that could be passed down through generations. Ultimately, the home serves as a cherished gathering place for the Riser family, facilitating connection and creating lasting memories as their children grow. #BeachBungalow #CoastalHome #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #SeasideFlorida #FamilyRetreat #ArchitecturalInnovation #AntiqueDecor #NauticalArt

This blog post explores a 5,445-square-foot Bethany Beach home designed by C&E;, a third-generation interior design studio led by Kate Winnington. The design ethos, described as 'coastal and elevated,' deliberately moves away from stereotypical kitschy coastal aesthetics, opting instead for elegance, luxury, and warmth. Situated on Fenwick Island, surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and a picturesque bay, the home seamlessly integrates its natural environment into its design. A central goal of the project was to blend modern architectural elements with the inherent oceanside atmosphere. Winnington aimed for an organic and earthy feel, layering various natural textures and maintaining a relatively neutral color palette. Subtle modern touches were incorporated to enhance the overall design without overpowering the coastal essence. This approach is evident in an entryway alcove, featuring wooden cladding, a custom console table, a modern mirror, and a carefully placed light fixture, all contributing to the 'coastal modern' aesthetic. Texture plays a crucial role in the home's design, evolving naturally throughout the project as outdoor views influenced interior choices. The space showcases a rich array of natural and nature-inspired textures, including weathered wood, a limewash-finish fireplace, boucle armchairs, and natural stone. This symphony of textures contributes to an earthy, inviting atmosphere, making the neutral color palette more dynamic and elevated. Winnington emphasizes that achieving the right balance of shades and textures is vital to creating a sophisticated space. The design continuously acknowledges the strong influence of the beach environment, ensuring that all elements complement rather than compete with the outdoor views. The neutral color palette and textures are directly inspired by the natural tones outside, implemented subtly to prevent them from dominating the scenery. Winnington's favorite room, the custom-built kitchen, exemplifies this philosophy with natural stone counters and backsplash, wooden cabinetry, open shelving, and a mix of gold and matte black hardware. She highlights the kitchen as a key investment area in a home, given its central role in daily life. The article also discusses how organic elements can be incorporated into any home, regardless of location. Winnington suggests using natural fibers and textures like jute, bamboo, cane, and rush in rugs and mixed-material furniture to introduce an earthy and organic feel. While most of the home maintains a neutral palette, the main bedroom diverges with dark, moody black paneled walls combined with a wood-clad ceiling and a textured bedframe. This bolder choice creates a cozy, retreat-like ambiance, demonstrating that master bedrooms are ideal spaces for design experimentation due to their function-forward nature and relative size. Finally, the integration of C&E;'s own furniture line into the design was seamless, with pieces thoughtfully selected to enhance the nature-inspired aesthetic. Winnington notes that such projects often see elements falling into place effortlessly, making the furnishing process intuitive. The furniture, including outdoor sofas and streamlined wooden coffee tables, reflects a sculptural quality through curves, details, and mixed materials. This Delaware home serves as a prime example of coastal modern style, balancing elevated design with an appreciation for its natural surroundings. #CoastalModernDesign #InteriorDesign #BeachsideHome #OrganicDesign #NeutralPalette #NaturalTextures #CustomKitchen #MoodLighting #DelawareHome

Shari and Med Lahlou, an Upper Northwest D.C. couple, transformed a challenging, narrow oceanfront lot in Bethany Beach, Delaware, into a spacious and airy second home. Initially, the couple purchased a small 1970s "beach shack" in 2020, which they used for two summers with their children. Recognizing the need for a more functional and robust structure, they decided to build a new home. Their primary residence is in the Spring Valley neighborhood of Upper Northwest D.C., where Shari works as a trial lawyer and Med owns five Washington restaurants. The lot, zoned for only one dwelling and just 17 feet wide, presented significant design challenges. The Lahlous engaged Marnie Custom Homes, specifically builder Marnie Oursler, known for her ability to maximize difficult spaces. Construction took place between 2022 and 2023, with the family able to enjoy their new home by June 2023. The initial vision included a main house and a separate guest cottage, but due to zoning restrictions, Oursler, in collaboration with architectural firms Gentilucci Designs of Bethesda and the Barker Design Group of Washington, D.C., devised a creative solution. The final design features two slender, three-story wings—one for the main house and the other for guests—connected by a rectangular central deck that incorporates a swimming pool. This innovative layout ensures that both sections of the house benefit from ocean views. The 4,332-square-foot structure includes six bedrooms and 6½ bathrooms. The main house wing, directly facing the beach, contains three bedrooms with en suite baths, an open kitchen, and a great room. The guest wing provides a living area on the second floor, a two-car garage on the ground level, and three bedrooms, including one with bunk beds. An exterior staircase and a laundry room in the guest quarters enhance privacy for visitors. The central deck, measuring 40 by 17 feet, is constructed from weather-resistant ipe-wood planking and features a 7-foot by 8.6-foot fiberglass pool, 5½ feet deep. The pool was strategically placed in the middle of the lot to capitalize on southern exposure, ensuring sun exposure throughout most of the day. The deck railings were installed at an obtuse angle to create a more open feel, and a bar with seating for four, along with built-in planters for perennial flowers and herbs, adds to the outdoor amenities. This is one of five decks on the property, including a large one off the second level of the main wing with ocean views. To compensate for the narrow footprint and enhance the sense of space, the design emphasized natural light through extensive use of glass doors and oversized, often floor-to-ceiling, windows. Nine-foot ceilings in most rooms, along with wire balustrades on the interior stair rails, contribute to an airy aesthetic. The floors, covered in pale wood-look vinyl, further reflect light. The kitchen, designed by Sarah Kahn-Turner of Marnie Custom Homes, was tailored to Med Lahlou’s background as a restaurant owner, prioritizing functionality within the constrained space. It features a long, lean layout with appliances concealed behind cabinet panels, a 15-foot-long island with seating for six, and a neutral color palette with gold finishes. Throughout the home, Shari Lahlou selected furnishings in blues, whites, and natural tones to complement the coastal environment. Aquatic-inspired art, including a mixed-media painting by Elizabeth Langreiter, adorns the walls. Unique light fixtures, such as an agate stone chandelier and a Dale Chihuly-style glass piece, are found in various rooms. The primary bedroom suite on the third floor of the main wing is a highlight, featuring a blue glass chandelier, cathedral ceilings, and wraparound floor-to-ceiling windows that provide panoramic ocean views. Bathrooms incorporate diverse blue, gray, and white tiles, each with distinct patterns and styles, adding to the individualized character of the home. The overall design successfully creates a tranquil and functional oceanfront retreat despite the architectural challenges of the lot. #oceanfrontHome #beachHouse #narrowLotDesign #customBuild #bethanyBeach #modernCoastal #architecturalInnovation #luxuryRealEstate #interiorDesign

This blog post details the renovation of a 1912 historic foursquare home in Pacific Grove, California, undertaken to maximize ocean views and incorporate smart storage solutions due to its small footprint. Interior designer Kristen Pena of K Interiors spearheaded the project for a family whose generational history is rooted in the town. The renovation aimed to honor the home's historic character while modernizing it for family-friendly living. The previous layout was fragmented with a central staircase, resulting in small rooms lacking cohesion. The kitchen and bathrooms were significantly outdated, necessitating a full gut remodel to improve flow and style. The design process began with establishing a color palette that complemented the home's architecture and the surrounding coastal environment. Custom built-ins and storage were integrated throughout the house to accommodate the homeowners' antiques and heirlooms. While the family appreciated bold colors, the chosen scheme was described as rich and saturated, applied in a historically grounded manner. A key alteration involved enclosing the front porch to create a more comfortable space for enjoying the ocean views, particularly given the area's often cold, foggy, and windy conditions. The new living room features custom built-ins and a large window seat designed to offer additional viewing opportunities. The dining room now includes a custom bar with an antique mirror and brass shelving. In the kitchen, a glazed brick tile backsplash extends to the ceiling, and storage is maximized with shelving above the window and doorway. The cabinetry color in the kitchen was specifically selected to extend the color story initiated by the copper countertops. Dining room chair fabric was chosen for its durability and resemblance to textiles collected during the homeowner's travels, making it suitable for frequent family and guest use. The first floor also encompasses a guest bedroom and bathroom. Moving upstairs, the primary bedroom is adorned with grasscloth wall covering and blue painted millwork. The primary bathroom stands out with a freestanding soaking tub and distinctive lighting. A notable artistic element in the primary bathroom is the hand-painted walls and ceiling by Caroline Lizarraga, inspired by the local foggy and cloudy weather, executed in a playful color scheme of blue, green, and purple. The upper floor also houses a children's bedroom and a home office. The office is equipped with a custom daybed and features whale-themed Melville wallpaper by Cole & Son. A third-floor bonus space offers expansive views through skylights that can be opened, creating a versatile indoor-outdoor environment for relaxation and small gatherings. Post-renovation, the home spans 2,095 square feet, boasting four bedrooms and three bathrooms, an increase from its original configuration. The homeowners express satisfaction with their revitalized seaside residence, anticipating many years of memory-making. The home was recognized with a Heritage House Award by the Heritage Society of Pacific Grove in 2024, acknowledging its successful blend of historical preservation and modern functionality. #SeasideHome #PacificGrove #HomeRenovation #OceanViews #InteriorDesign #HistoricHome #CustomBuiltIns #CoastalLiving #FamilyFriendlyDesign

Surfside House, designed by Andrew Burges Architects, is a compact family home in Clovelly, a beachside Sydney suburb. This project involved converting an existing semi-detached dwelling, where the ground floor was reimagined into bedrooms, and a new open living space was added above. The design responds to the coastal hillside site, suggesting a new neighborhood character through its tower-like form and integrated garden platforms. The ground floor of the Surfside House houses three bedrooms arranged around a central stair and study. The architects utilized overly wide doors to enhance light distribution and extend the perception of space. A main bedroom faces the street, while two children’s rooms at the rear open onto a small garden and connect to each other. This thoughtful allocation of doors creates a sense of continuous space throughout the ground level. To maximize the utility of the small rooms, built-in sleeping lofts were incorporated, providing each child with a private elevated space featuring a small window. The varied ceiling heights on this level, with their bulkheads and thresholds, define distinct areas and manipulate natural light to create pockets of shadow, making the rooms feel discrete even when doors are open. In stark contrast to the ground floor, the first-floor living room is a singular, expansive open space. Large windows offer ocean views and invite breezes, while nearby treetops and new planter beds bring greenery close to the interior. Timber walls and sliding screens contribute to a treehouse-like ambiance. A rear deck extending from the kitchen further integrates planting through built-in garden beds. The kitchen, dining, and lounge areas are unified under a raked ceiling that ascends to a generous corner skylight, making the room feel large and spacious. The kitchen joinery is crafted to resemble bespoke furniture, reflecting its role as the heart of the home for a cooking-focused family. Despite its open plan and large windows, the living room maintains a cozy and inviting atmosphere due to deliberate design choices. Deep reveals around most upper-level windows encourage occupants to sit and converse by the sill. A subtle separation between eating and lounging areas is achieved through a few steps and a low credenza, effectively zoning the space without dividing it. This allows for a sense of containment provided by the timber furniture. The Surfside House stands out in Clovelly, an area that has seen significant development from its original simple cottages to a mix of units, duplexes, and contemporary homes. The state government's "Complying development" planning controls have often led to new constructions that disregard neighborhood character. Surfside House, with its hardwood board cladding, clean roofline, and raised planters, intentionally diverges from the traditional brick cottage aesthetic. Its tower-like form, visible through a gap in banksia trees, is designed to harmonize with the rich vegetation of the eastern suburbs. The timber cladding blends with the giant banksias, and the built-in planters integrate with the tree canopy. This design approach not only revived a dilapidated cottage but also provided a growing family with a functional and aesthetically pleasing home within their community, potentially offering a new vision for neighborhood character and priorities. #SurfsideHouse #AndrewBurgesArchitects #CoastalLiving #ResidentialArchitecture #SydneyHomes #CompactDesign #ArchitecturalRenovation #SustainableDesign