You’ll Adore This Bethany Beach Home’s Open-Concept Design

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

A unique custom home in Bethany Beach, designed by Marnie Custom Homes (MCH) and architect Aga Sokolow/Bernardon, caters to two siblings and their families. Situated on Loop Canal, the over 5,000-square-foot residence emphasizes shared living while ensuring privacy through a distinctive dual-wing configuration. The core design philosophy centered on creating equivalent spaces for each family, including two primary suites located on opposing sides of the house to maximize individual privacy. The project presented specific challenges, particularly concerning the oddly shaped lot on Loop Canal, which deviated from traditional Bethany lots. Despite these site constraints, MCH successfully obtained a variance to construct a home that aligns with the local architectural style. The construction also accounted for its location in a flood zone, incorporating measures such as waterproofing the bottom level, reinforcing the bulkhead, and utilizing water-resistant materials on the first floor. Each primary suite features its own indoor-outdoor shower, a standout design element that incorporates ipe decking and privacy walls. These flexible bathing areas evoke the serene aesthetic of Balinese spas, with one shower notably featuring luxurious Billie glass mosaic tiles in an ombré pattern and a unique pivot door, which was the most significant expense in the bathroom design. The house's front door serves as a central divider between the two wings, offering a direct view through to the canal. While the waterside exterior boasts a contemporary feel, the street-side facade adopts a more decorative, local style with gables, eaves, and shingle-style windows. Marnie Oursler was responsible for both the interior design and the structural aspects of the home. The interior includes a great room, illuminated by Andersen Windows & Doors, which seamlessly connects to the dining area and a specialized bar. The bar features a soapstone granite countertop, Decor shaker-style cabinets in Cotton White Oil, and a Sub-Zero wine fridge. Its strategic placement allows for direct access via a staircase to the outdoor pool area and showers, facilitating easy transitions from the beach. The kitchen is equipped with Caesarstone Statuario Nuvo countertops, a Shimmer Waters Edge Surf Textured tile backsplash, Decor shaker-style cabinets (with an island in Hale Navy and perimeter in Chantilly Lace), and high-end Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances, complemented by a Bosch dishwasher. The dining room showcases a custom table crafted by Amish artisans from Dutch Home and Portside chairs by Serena & Lily, under an Abaca design collection chandelier by Elk. Outside, a small, custom 8x9-foot pool, built by Poolside Construction, is positioned just feet from the canal, and is five feet deep. Additionally, the home includes built-in dog crates and a feeding station with a water filler, specifically designed to accommodate the families' pets. This custom residence exemplifies a thoughtful approach to multi-family living, blending functional design with luxurious details and addressing specific site challenges. #customHome #BethanyBeach #multiFamilyLiving #architecturalDesign #interiorDesign #MarnieCustomHomes #coastalLiving #luxuryHome #homeBuilding

Miken Builders, a company founded in northern Delaware in 1986 by Mike Cummings and later relocated to the coast in 1994, specializes in crafting custom beach homes. Mike's son, Sean Cummings, now leads the company. A couple with two college-aged children commissioned Miken Builders to create a custom summer home in Bethany Beach. Sean Cummings collaborated with architect Greg Hastings of Ocean View, known for his 40-year career in coastal construction and ability to create unique coastal designs, a partnership that has spanned over a decade. The resulting custom-designed house, located within walking distance of downtown Bethany, blends traditional coastal elements with unexpected details. The exterior showcases a classic shingle style, featuring a gambrel roofline—characterized by two shallow slopes above two steeper ones—and an oval-within-an-oval window. A distinctive gable emerges from another gable, forming a roof for a third-floor porch-like terrace, a nod to Miken Builders' origins in deck and porch construction. This facade presents an assertive yet inviting aesthetic, complemented by white railings, shingle and metal roofs, and board-and-batten detailing, contributing to a "cottage feel" for the expansive 4,500-square-foot home, which includes five bedrooms, four with en suite bathrooms. The home's indoor-outdoor living experience is highlighted by its 14-by-24-foot screened-in porch, a testament to Miken Builders' expertise in porch design. A casual, swing-like daybed, featuring nautical-style rope and plaid fabric, anchors the space. The porch is seamlessly integrated with the living room through a pair of four-panel French doors, creating a glass wall effect. The house employs an inverted floor plan, common in flood zones, with the main living area on the second floor and bedrooms on the third. A game room occupies the ground floor. Interior design choices, guided by Denise Perkins, lead interior designer at Bountiful Interiors, embrace bold colors and patterns. The home's bright-blue front door foreshadows the vibrant interior. A kitchen island and wet-bar millwork are painted in Sherwin-Williams' Blue Refrain, complemented by vivid wallpaper, primarily from Thibaut, which deviates from typical beach house aesthetics. The clients actively embraced these unconventional color choices. The kitchen features a scalloped fish-scale tile backsplash and cabinetry by Atlantic Millwork & Cabinetry, along with a Kohler stainless steel apron sink. These design elements ensure the house is both visually pleasing and functional. The living room is anchored by a sectional sofa from Universal Furniture, upholstered in performance fabric, and receives ample natural light through the French doors. Whitewashed beams contribute to a modern beach aesthetic. Innovative design extends to the bedrooms. One guest room features a sophisticated bunk-bed design with an extra-large single mattress above a queen-sized bed. A bunk-bed room, designed with future family use in mind, incorporates an ingenious whitewashed staircase with drawer steps and rope handles, maximizing space and utility. A latch on the upper bunk's railing allows for easier bed-making. In one of the main bedrooms, flooring material, specifically wood veneer, was used to create a weathered, faded-blue angled ceiling, complementing the woven headboard from Universal Furniture and contributing to the overall cottage feel. One en suite bathroom showcases subway shower tiles in a herringbone pattern, with the vanity provided by Perkins. These distinctive design choices create a relaxed yet sophisticated aesthetic that reflects the homeowners' preferences for originality. #CoastalCharm #CustomHome #BethanyBeach #MikenBuilders #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalDesign #LuxuryLiving #BeachHouse #HomeDecor

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

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

Shutterstock founder Jon Oringer and his wife Talia embarked on a search for a home in Miami Beach that would align with their vision of a welcoming oasis, distinct from the prevailing aesthetic characterized by aggressive geometrics and glossy surfaces. Their quest led them to a property overlooking Biscayne Bay, which, despite requiring significant renovation, offered an exceptional location and views. To transform this property into their dream home, they enlisted the expertise of AD100 interior designer Kelly Behun, who had previously worked on their Bridgehampton residence. Behun is recognized for her ability to create interiors that blend fanciful elements with refined sophistication, resulting in spaces that are both imaginative and serene. The home’s architectural transformation was initiated by Blaze Makoid of BMA Architects, who softened the exterior’s angularity with bronze and wood accents and introduced a sculptural staircase to enhance the interior’s dynamism. This established a visual language emphasizing fluidity and warmth, a quality the homeowners desired. Behun further collaborated with To Better Days Building, another AD PRO Directory firm, to realize the couple's vision. Within this architectural framework, Behun curated a vibrant collection of pieces from a global network of artisans, combining them with striking art and vintage items. Each room's design is often anchored by a central element, such as a unique lighting fixture or a captivating artwork, which harmonizes the color, pattern, and scale. Contemporary materials like white oak, plush fabrics, and muted metals are employed in sculptural forms, grounding the whimsical elements in an atmosphere of elegance and luxury. The entryway, for instance, features a custom stained glass light fixture by Greek artist Kostas Lambridis, whose design reflects the client's personal narrative. This piece hangs above a Mimi table by Garcé & Dimofski, complemented by Martino Gamper circus stools and a woven chair from Space Available Studio, all echoing the fixture's colors. Similarly, a stained glass fixture by Maarten de Ceulaer commands attention in the dining room, balancing a substantial table by Yabu Pushelberg. In the double-height library, four ceiling pendants by Bennet Schlesinger, inspired by cumulus clouds, playfully disrupt the room's formal upholstered seating arrangements. The lounge is enlivened by a cut-paper collage of dancing women by Heidi Lanino, set against curvaceous furniture by designers like Achille Salvagni and Chris Wolston. For the children’s playroom, a Nuage fixture by Wout Wessemius creates an ethereal ambiance. Beyond individual pieces, foliage plays a crucial role in animating the spaces. Large Alocasia Calidora leaves at the second-floor atrium window add drama to the primary bedroom. Landscape architect Raymond Jungles collaborated on the home's vegetation, including an immense American oil palm at the entryway that helps scale down the property, contributing to a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere despite its grandeur. The overall design achieves a ravishing and rejuvenating effect, perceived as both sublime and sensual by the homeowners. Jon Oringer praised Behun’s capacity to translate their identity into the living space, affirming that the designer successfully delivered a home that is uniquely theirs. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #LuxuryHomes #MiamiArchitecture #ContemporaryDesign #CustomFurniture #ArtCollection #LandscapeDesign #ArchitecturalDigest

This article showcases a luxurious three-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bathroom condominium located on Tampa’s Bayshore Boulevard. The residence, occupying an entire floor of the Sanctuary at Alexandra Place, was designed to balance modernism with comfort for its owners, Lisa and Philip Stein, who downsized from their Palma Ceia home in 2021. Interior designer Carin Zwiebel of CZ Designs Tampa was responsible for bringing the 3,900-square-foot space to life, emphasizing customizations that maximize the stunning water views through extensive glass walls. Zwiebel's design philosophy centers on creating interiors that are both exquisite and functional. The condominium's design incorporates striking, colorful art pieces strategically placed in custom nooks against white walls. To introduce natural elements, textured stone and wood accent walls were integrated throughout the space. The furnishings include cozy upholstered seating paired with sleek, low-profile tables, contributing to the overall comfort and modern aesthetic. Various chandeliers and unique lighting fixtures were chosen to enhance the home's ambiance, creating a warm and inviting glow. The homeowners express deep satisfaction with the design, describing their residence as calming, peaceful, and a source of happiness. Key areas of the home are highlighted, including the foyer, which features marble inlay mosaic tile flooring by Artistic Tile, a clear table by Michael Dawkins, and wall lights by Sonneman. The kitchen boasts a captivating backlit bar made of Cristallo quartzite, complemented by custom marble and granite countertops, and leather counter stools from RH Modern. The dining area is equipped with a custom table featuring a metal inlay by Altura Furniture and a custom console by Berman Rosetti. Special wall nooks were designed to perfectly accommodate the owners' art collection, ensuring each piece is thoughtfully displayed, such as "The Climber." The office space includes a custom-built desk with fluted wood and painted finishes. This desk also features custom-designed bat holders by YN Design, catering to the owners' baseball memorabilia. The article credits various professionals and companies involved in the project, including Plaza Construction as the builder, Place Architecture as the architect, and Rickie Agapito of AOFOTOS for the photography. Other contributors include Ceramic Matrix and Casale Design Source for flooring and tile, Haven Smart for technology, and Hammerton for lighting, collectively contributing to the sophisticated and personalized environment of the Bayshore Boulevard condominium.

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

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

The article details the transformation of a traditional Cape Cod-style Manhattan Beach home, originally characterized by corporate-like colors and commercial carpeting, into a vibrant and personalized space for a young family. Homepolish designer Mandy Cheng was tasked with injecting fun, color, and modernity into the abode while ensuring it retained a timeless appeal that the family could grow into. Her design philosophy centered on utilizing bold accent walls, functional furnishings, and a cohesive color palette throughout the home. Cheng addressed the challenge of an open-concept floor plan by establishing visual cohesion between the family room and kitchen. She achieved this by extending the kitchen's color palette, particularly a dark blue used on the island, to the living area's fireplace. Additionally, dusty orange throw pillows in the living room echoed the leather barstools in the kitchen, creating a subtle yet effective link between the spaces. The dining room's design was initiated by a small turquoise print, which inspired a bold application of Benjamin Moore’s Sherwood Forest on the walls, transforming a naturally darker, central room into a striking focal point. Large-scale art and light window treatments were introduced to balance the dark walls. For the boys' bedroom, Cheng introduced accent walls as a test for her clients' willingness to embrace bold design choices. Instead of wallpaper, she used Benjamin Moore’s Blue Macaw and Bluebelle paints, meticulously applying celestial-inspired decals. This approach not only showcased the impact of an accent wall but also resonated with the client’s profession in aeronautics, making space a central theme. The success of this room paved the way for more adventurous choices in other areas. In the nursery, Cheng fully embraced wallpaper, opting for a pink elephant print on two adjacent walls. To manage the budget and create visual contrast, the remaining two walls were painted a soft blue. This strategic application ensured that the most visible walls featured the decorative element, maximizing its impact. The master bedroom was designed as a serene retreat, incorporating a Japanese woven silk wallpaper for the headboard wall, complemented by greenery and sheepskin rugs. Floating shelves were chosen over traditional artwork to allow for easy display and rotation of personal items. Cheng emphasized the natural beauty of mixed wood tones, using brass brackets and wood planks, adhering to the principle that different wood colors can coexist harmoniously if their tones are consistent. An unexpected design challenge arose with the formal living room's vintage spindle back chairs. An order mix-up resulted in chairs with an incorrect stain color and seat cushion. Cheng resolved this by having the chairs bleached by a wood finisher, ultimately achieving the desired aesthetic. The room was further personalized with a six-foot-tall print by photographer Toby Cheng. Finally, in the kids' bathroom, the design prioritized fun and budget-friendliness. A bold floor tile was selected for the small area, complemented by standard wall tiles, demonstrating how a striking design can be achieved without excessive cost, especially in less-frequented areas like children’s bathrooms. #ManhattanBeachHome #InteriorDesign #AccentWalls #ColorPalette #HomeRenovation #FamilyHome #DesignInspiration #MandyCheng #Homepolish

Homepolish designer Mandy Cheng transformed a traditional, corporate-feeling Cape Cod-style house in Manhattan Beach, California, into a vibrant and modern home for a young family with two children. The initial state of the house was characterized by 'office colors' and commercial carpeting, which did not align with the clients' lively personalities. Cheng's design philosophy centered on injecting color, print, and mixed wood finishes to create a timeless yet contemporary aesthetic that the family could evolve with. One of the primary design challenges was achieving cohesion in the open-concept living spaces, particularly between the family room and the kitchen. Cheng addressed this by employing a consistent color palette across both areas. For instance, the dark blue used on the kitchen island was extended to the fireplace in the living room, and dusty orange throw pillows in the living room echoed the leather barstools in the kitchen, effectively tying the spaces together. The dining room provided an opportunity for a bold statement. Inspired by a small turquoise print, Cheng opted to paint the walls in Benjamin Moore’s Sherwood Forest, creating a dramatic and eye-catching effect. This choice aimed to counteract the room's inherently darker orientation within the house and infuse it with a distinct personality. Large-scale artwork and light window treatments were incorporated to balance the bold wall color and introduce a sense of airiness. In the children's bedrooms, Cheng experimented with accent walls as a means of pushing design boundaries with her clients. For the boys' room, instead of immediate wallpaper, she used Benjamin Moore’s Blue Macaw and Bluebelle paints, meticulously applying celestial-inspired decals. This approach served as a temporary solution to demonstrate the potential impact of accent walls, particularly relevant to the wife's profession in aeronautics. The nursery featured a combination of wallpaper and paint to manage the budget and create visual contrast; a pink elephant print wallpaper was used on two visible walls, while the remaining walls were painted in a soft blue. This strategic application maximized visual impact without overspending. The master bedroom was designed as a tranquil retreat. Cheng incorporated Japanese woven silk wallpaper, lush greenery, and sheepskin rugs to foster a serene atmosphere. Floating shelves were chosen over traditional gallery walls, allowing the family to display personal items and easily update family photos. The designer emphasized the use of mixed wood finishes, explaining that varying wood tones, as long as they share a similar base tone, emulate natural environments and add texture to a space. Brass brackets and wood planks on the shelves further enhanced this design element. A particular challenge arose with the vintage spindle-back chairs for the formal living room when an order went wrong, resulting in an incorrect stain color and seat cushion. Cheng resolved this by having a wood finisher bleach the chairs repeatedly until they matched the desired aesthetic, highlighting her adaptability in unforeseen circumstances. The room was completed with a significant print by her brother, photographer Toby Cheng. Finally, for the kids' bathroom, Cheng prioritized a fun yet budget-friendly design. She opted for bold floor tiles in a small area and used standard wall tiles, demonstrating that impactful design can be achieved without excessive spending, especially in less-frequented spaces. The overall project showcases Cheng's ability to transform a dated house into a vibrant, personalized home through thoughtful color coordination, strategic use of accents, and innovative problem-solving. #ManhattanBeachHome #HomePolishDesign #AccentWalls #ColorPalette #OpenConceptLiving #ChildrensRooms #MasterBedroomDesign #MixedWoods #CustomFurniture

A Delray Beach home in Delaire Country Club, initially a spec home purchased at the drywall stage in 2017, underwent an interior design transformation focused on creating an open, flexible, and inviting space for entertaining. The homeowners, who relocated from another country club community in Boca Raton, sought a blend of style and comfort, ensuring every room was livable and suitable for both formal and informal gatherings. Interior designer Jill Jones of Brown in Boca Raton, who had already established the home's organic feel, neutral palette, and mixed media textures, was subsequently hired to complete the final finishes and select furnishings. The 5,007-square-foot, one-level residence features four bedrooms and five-and-a-half baths, with an open floor plan that facilitates a seamless flow between rooms. The design project, spanning approximately nine months, involved a neutral color palette that commenced with the flooring. White porcelain tile, distinguished by non-slip hatch marks, covers most floors, while the master bedroom utilizes wood-grain porcelain. The primary paint color throughout is Sherwin Williams City Loft, a light taupe, with Sherwin Williams Shoji White, a warm white with beige undertones, used in the master bedroom. Beyond subtle hints of sage green, the main color accents derive from the bold, primary hues of the couple's art collection, which includes works by Brazilian pop artist Romero Britto. These art pieces were reframed in a transitional style to integrate seamlessly with the new design. The kitchen exemplifies the theme of multiple finishes and a streamlined aesthetic, featuring a walnut island with stainless-steel uprights, a neutral quartzite top, and matching bar stools. White high-gloss wood cabinetry, complemented by stainless steel, walnut, and frosted glass accents, along with some open shelving, completes the look. The use of walnut in the sofa's back detail and the wall unit connects the kitchen visually to the family room. An electric fireplace, set within a walnut console on a raised stainless-steel base, provides ambiance, while linen wallpaper adds textural interest. Two gray velvet chairs, capable of swiveling, offer views of the golf course, covered patio, and summer kitchen. For entertaining, the living room is equipped with a bar featuring a double-waterfall quartzite top and a wall unit containing twin vertical wine coolers, a wall-mounted TV, and beverage drawers. A bronze grass cloth wallpaper enhances the room's design. The dining room also incorporates mixed media textures, with a Century Furniture table that extends to seat ten, accompanied by chairs upholstered in a linen-textured cloth with metallic thread and wood detailing. A custom mirror is installed above custom cabinetry in a niche behind the table, with a slim rectangular chandelier with acrylic teardrops and arched glass candleholders providing illumination. His and hers offices reflect the homeowners' individual personalities. One guest bedroom was converted into a "man cave" office for the male homeowner, featuring blackout shades, a large TV, and three reclining seats. The powder room, described as a "gem," showcases a custom asymmetrical vanity top with a waterfall edge, a glossy walnut apron, and a gray acrylic sink. Metallic porcelain tiles, chrome and acrylic wall sconces, and porcelain tile resembling slate adorn the walls, with silk-textured wallpaper on the remaining surfaces. The master bedroom serves as a private oasis with serene neutrals and muted metallics, where silver details in the wallpaper are echoed in the linens of the fully upholstered channel bed. Night tables feature linen-textured drawer faces with a "neutral metallic flair," and a silk area rug adds sheen and texture, illuminated by a champagne-toned acrylic chandelier. His and hers bathrooms offer separate personal spaces connected by a common shower. The neutral palette continues with white tile featuring champagne veining, quartzite vanity tops, and soft metallic facing on cabinetry. A significant design challenge involved mitigating the harsh morning sun through the home's large windows. Initially, motorized screen shades were installed only in the family room, but it became apparent that shades were required across the entire back of the house. The solution involved seamlessly hiding the screen shades behind a 1-by-12-inch board at the ceiling line, painted to match the walls, extending the length of the house. The designer expressed satisfaction with the project and the homeowners' happiness with the final result. #InteriorDesign #DelrayBeachHome #OpenConcept #NeutralPalette #MixedTextures #CustomFurnishings #HomeEntertainment #LuxuryLiving #JillJonesDesign

Byron Bay architect Sam Zaher has completed a personal project, a home in the hinterland village of Federal that integrates both elegant design and environmental consciousness. The residence draws inspiration from mid-century modern aesthetics, blending 1960s style with 21st-century liveability. Its design features clean lines, geometric elements, a monochrome palette, and a diverse mix of materials such as stone, concrete, metal, and timber. Practical additions include a large chef's kitchen, spacious bathrooms, a home gym, and a swimming pool, all contributing to a modern standard of living. A key aspect of Zaher's home is its seamless integration with the natural surroundings of the Byron Bay hinterland. The design incorporates floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding doors, maximizing views of the rugged bushland and verdant valleys. This emphasis on indoor-outdoor living allows residents to feel connected to the environment, a priority for Zaher. The master bedroom exemplifies this design philosophy, offering a camping-like experience with large glass doors that provide views of the garden. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the home is also a model of sustainable design, reflecting Zaher Architects' commitment to minimizing environmental impact. During the construction phase, Zaher prioritized the use of recycled materials. For instance, timber used in the home was sourced from a fallen tree on the property, and front door handles were crafted from salvaged rusty water pipes discovered during excavation. These efforts aim to significantly reduce the building's carbon footprint. The finished home includes numerous eco-friendly features, such as rainwater harvesting systems, double-glazing, low-emissivity glass, and thermal curtains to improve heat retention and reduce transfer. A ducted fireplace efficiently distributes heat throughout the house. Additionally, extensive solar panels have been installed on the roof, with future plans for battery storage to enable the home to operate entirely off-grid. This project represents a significant achievement for Zaher, who has worked in the Byron Bay region for over two decades, allowing him to create a stylish and sustainable dwelling for himself after years of designing for clients. #ByronBay #DreamHomes #NewSouthWales #Sustainability #SustainableHomes #SustainableLiving

This article details the design of a contemporary North Carolina beach house, a vacation home for Lindsey and Wes Carter in Wrightsville Beach, their childhood town. The couple desired a relaxed, coastal, and modern aesthetic with a foundational palette of black and cream, accented by subtle pops of color and organic textures. Interior designer Cortney Bishop was tasked with creating a sophisticated yet approachable and kid-friendly environment. A significant design challenge was the home's upside-down floorplan, necessitated by a narrow lot. This three-story reversed layout features the entrance on the ground floor, leading to a central winding staircase that ascends to the kitchen, living area, and bedrooms on the upper floors. The ground floor entry was designed to be practical, incorporating a bench and hooks for beach essentials and wet towels, and featuring a distinctive feathered tile. To counteract the disorientation potentially caused by the reversed layout, Bishop incorporated visual interest and texture to guide occupants smoothly to the second-floor living spaces. Material choices and their intentional placement were crucial in creating a delightful experience, drawing focus towards the kitchen and living area, which were designed to feel connected to the home's surroundings. The kitchen cabinetry was custom-made to achieve an integrated "living room feel," featuring a bleach oak surfing detail that showcased excellent craftsmanship. A soft white paint color on the horizontal shiplap of the outer staircase wall, combined with vertical white oak accents on the inside of the stairs and a glass window from the second floor into the living area, helped eliminate any sense of perplexity regarding the layout. The kitchen and living space are highlighted as showstoppers, attributed to the quality of construction materials, including wide plank shiplap running horizontally and vertical oak accent panels in various areas, including the office. Bedrooms were given unique touches with wallpaper, while the primary bedroom was wrapped in oak, contributing to a captivating narrative throughout the house. Vintage lamps were used to add character and style to the primary bedroom. The design extended to the bathrooms, where a blend of organic elements, sophistication, and black elegance was maintained. The boys' room adopted a tribal surf theme with bunk beds, and the girls' room featured a fresh, fun atmosphere, with matching bleached white oak Kerfing cabinet accents seen throughout the home. The entire project, from concept to installation, spanned two and a half years, culminating in a home that deeply reflects the clients' personalities and lifestyle, achieving a distinct "vibe" that thrilled both the homeowners and the designer. #CoastalDesign #BeachHouse #ContemporaryHome #NorthCarolina #InteriorDesign #UpsideDownFloorplan #CustomCabinetry #OrganicTextures #ModernAesthetic

Interior designer Ashley Gilbreath designed a high-rise coastal home in Perdido Key, Florida, for retired clients seeking a sophisticated yet relaxing second home. The design prioritizes relaxation while elevating the aesthetic beyond typical beach house styles. The clients, having retired after over 30 years of work, desired an elegant escape where they could spend significant time. Gilbreath ensured all furnishings were durable and family-friendly, utilizing tailored, washable slipcovers and performance fabrics, emphasizing that everything should be "lived in and loved on." A hallmark of Gilbreath's design in this project is the use of over-scaled accessories to create dramatic statements and unique elements in each space. She believes in "pushing limits" to make a space distinctive, exemplified by large art pieces and a prominent chandelier in the dining room. The color palette throughout the home predominantly features a spectrum of blues and greens, with notable elements like a turquoise wallcovering from Phillip Jeffries in the bar area. The living room features classic yet durable furnishings from brands such as CR Laine, paired with a practical Dash & Albert rug. A custom upholstered TV armoire offers a refined alternative to standard media cabinets. In the breakfast room, a chandelier from Ro Sham Beaux and large-scale natural art take advantage of the tall ceilings. The kitchen incorporates Parisian-style barstools from Serena and Lily, complementing the blue-and-white color scheme. Creative solutions for guest spaces include a wide headboard in a guest bedroom displaying vintage bathing suits across two twin beds. A small entryway is maximized with an aqua console, art by Alisa Koch, and baskets for storage. In another guest room, fabric-flanked nightstands hide storage, and antique fish prints adorn the bedside area. To optimize surface space in a compact guest room, sconces from Visual Comfort & Co were chosen, and wooden bowls were hung as textural art above the bed. As the penthouse was new construction, the focus was solely on furnishings and decorative elements rather than structural changes. Gilbreath introduced architectural interest through various means, such as grass-cloth walls and hanging glass shelves in the bar area. The design ensures that the interior elements enhance, rather than detract from, the stunning views of the quiet beachside setting in a state park. The overall goal was to create casual, elegant spaces conducive to making memories, a goal the designer successfully achieved. #BeachDesign #CoastalHome #InteriorDesign #AshleyGilbreath #LuxuryInteriors #FloridaRealEstate #SecondHome #HomeDecor #ElegantLiving