Outfit a Beach House From Deck to Drawer Knobs
Make your livin' easy with these hand-picked products, paint colors and materials for a coastal-style getaway
Whether you are in the process of fixing up a beach house or dream of owning one, this ideabook is chock-full of ideas for fixing up your getaway. Here you'll find products, ideas and color schemes, from outdoor showers and wraparound decks to paint colors inspired by the sand and sea.
Beach Style Outdoor Wall Lights And Sconces
Classic nautical-style outdoor light fixtures look right at home on beach houses of all kinds. This one from Design Within Reach is stunning and would work equally well indoors.
Copper Metal Outdoor Light
This adorable copper outdoor light provides plenty of beach chic for less than $40.
Think flexible, open and easy. If your current setup has many small rooms, consider working with a pro to tear down a few walls and open up the space.
Side by Side Carpet Tile
With salt, sand and damp towels, the floors of a beach house take quite a beating. Avoid wall-to-wall carpeting, which will only drive you nuts — instead, consider carpet tiles where you want a bit of color and softness. They are stain resistant, and you can replace each one as needed.
Emerson Electric CF765 60-Inch Loft Ceiling Fan
A great fan (or two or more) is a must in a sultry climate. Swap wobbly, noisy old ceiling fans for sleek new models like this gorgeous and extremely powerful version from Emerson Electric.
Maskros Pendant Lamp
A statement light fixture is a fun touch, especially in a great room with high ceilings. This pendant light from Ikea is a designer favorite yet costs only 50 bucks.
Sea Salt SW6204 Paint
When it comes to selecting paint colors, allow the landscape outside your windows inspire you. Sea Salt from Sherwin-Williams is a lovely pale blue-gray reminiscent of misty morning light at the beach.
Camouflage 2143-40 Paint
A classic sandy neutral like Camouflage from Benjamin Moore won't steer you wrong.
Crisp white walls and ceilings make the perfect backdrop for colorful art collections, and a tiled floor feels delightfully cool on hot feet.
Regina Andrew Apple, Saucer and Cigar Jute Pendants
Woven materials and natural fibers are a perfect fit with seaside homes. Jute, sisal and sea grass rugs are an inexpensive and always-welcome touch, but I especially love these jute pendant lights. Hang one or a cluster over the dining table.
Contemporary Floor Tiles
These slate tiles are stunning and practical. Put them in the entry, in the kitchen or throughout the entire living area.
A beach house is a natural draw for weekend guests, and it's inevitable that everyone ends up in the kitchen. Keep yours open with easy-access open shelves and glass-front cabinets, and include an ample island.
If it seems there is never enough pantry space when you are feeding a crowd, consider devoting an extra corner of your kitchen to food storage. Pullout pantry shelves like the ones shown here keep everything neat and accessible.
Kohler Brockway Wash Utility Sink
A triple sink like this one from Kohler would be just the thing to keep little ones from tramping through the house without washing up.
Muir Beach Shower
You can't go wrong with glass tile in Caribbean blue paired with a simple glass shower in the bath. Just remember that if little ones are frequent guests, you might want to also have a tub in one of the guest baths — otherwise they are bound to end up using the master tub.
Eight-Arms Hook
This octopus hook from Anthropologie is on the pricey side, but it would add a lot of bang for your buck in a small bathroom.
Solistone Anatolia Honed Agate Natural Stone Pebble Mosaic
This gorgeously textured pebble mosaic tile would look amazing in the master bath.
Painted floors feel fresh and calming in the bedrooms. They're also a great cost-saving trick for covering imperfect wood floors.
Matte Aqua Paint
This pale aqua would look amazing on the floor of a beach house bedroom with white walls and airy white curtains.
A great budget trick for carving out extra sleeping space is hanging curtains. They give each guest privacy but maintain a fun, carefree camp atmosphere. Perfect for hosting a large clan.
Deck Stripe Shade Pendant Light
A good classic striped pendant light like this is just the thing in a guest room or child's space.
Sunny Side Up Paint
As vibrant as the sun shining outside, this warm yellow paint would cheer up a tiny guest room or den.
Jute Rope Knot Knob by Kris Krafting
Swap out boring old knobs with these jute rope knots for a quick upgrade that can change the look of an entire room.
A proper outdoor shower is a beach house essential. If you have the space, a full walk-in shower with hot and cold water is a luxury worth splurging on.
Outdoor Shower
A great budget option is a freestanding outdoor shower like the one shown here — just hook it up to a hose and go.
Whenever you have the choice, add more ways to get outside — French doors and sliding glass doors from each bedroom leading to the deck are a lovely touch.
Tell us: Do you have a beach house or dream of owning one?
Guides and homes: Find your own coastal style
Guides and homes: Find your own coastal style
Go with teak for a classic look that will weather to a faded gray over time, or choose hard-wearing composite decking.