Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: Clean-Lined and Casually Coastal
New Pieces, Weathered Accents and Collections Create a Beachy Vibe
Neutral colors created a calm base for this Atlantic coast condominium. Atop it, interior designer Liz Williams layered distinct textures, reclaimed architectural pieces, unexpected artwork, her clients' collections, and pops of punchy patterns. The result is a breezy and relaxing retreat where her clients can get away to the beach, entertain friends and host visiting family members.
Accomplishing this look was no easy feat. When her clients purchased this condominium on Amelia Island, about 30 minutes from Jacksonville, Florida, the decor and finishes were very heavy and formal. The color scheme was mostly teal and orange, right down to the stain on the floorboards. Let's take a look at the cool and relaxed transformation.
20 Spectacular Beach Houses | Browse beach-house photos
Accomplishing this look was no easy feat. When her clients purchased this condominium on Amelia Island, about 30 minutes from Jacksonville, Florida, the decor and finishes were very heavy and formal. The color scheme was mostly teal and orange, right down to the stain on the floorboards. Let's take a look at the cool and relaxed transformation.
20 Spectacular Beach Houses | Browse beach-house photos
This is a second home for a couple who now spends more time here than in their primary residence in Atlanta. A cozy sitting area in the master bedroom adds to the retreat. The oversized upholstered ottoman also serves as a coffee table.
Williams selected neutral tones for the larger upholstered pieces and added color with accents like these throw pillows upholstered in Zinnia fabric by Galbraith and Paul. The shutters that demarcate the dining space were picked up at The Scott Antique Markets in Atlanta.
The beach out front played a big role, inspiring the color and texture palettes as well as the relaxed style of the design.
The client's penchant for found objects and collecting played a big role in the design. One of her collections included old glass bottles, a few of which you see displayed here. "We were always on the lookout for blue and green ones as well as adding to her amber glass collection," Williams says.
Finding the best way to display and edit her clients' collections was an important part of the design, and Williams was careful not to step into shell overload. "The idea of one large shell on each shelf seemed to be the answer and made more of an impact," Williams says. "The darker color on the ceiling and inside the bookcases gives a little drama without overwhelming the room, and the large shells really pop against the dark color."
The living room is a combination of the client's collections, new pieces and antiques. The floor lamps add history and a weathered patina; they were crafted from reclaimed architectural pieces. These lamps, the chairs and the old train-cart coffee table were purchased through South of Market.
The living room is a combination of the client's collections, new pieces and antiques. The floor lamps add history and a weathered patina; they were crafted from reclaimed architectural pieces. These lamps, the chairs and the old train-cart coffee table were purchased through South of Market.
Antiques urns add some history and frame the painting over the mantle. The painting is by artist Elizabeth Stockton.
Dry lentils hold candles in place in these square hurricanes. Williams also recommends using sand for this purpose.
The dining room combines soft window treatments, a custom drum lamp, a sisal rug, a painted sideboard and handsome wicker chairs. It's a small space, but the open iron base and light-colored round wood top on the dining table, open weave on the wicker chairs and light green paint on the sideboard keep things relaxed and airy.
The trim on the light fixture picks up on the sideboard's light green hue. It was designed by Williams and custom made through Jerry Pair. The main fabric is Hable Construction's Chocolate Dots; the ribbon trim is by Samuel and Sons.
The trim on the light fixture picks up on the sideboard's light green hue. It was designed by Williams and custom made through Jerry Pair. The main fabric is Hable Construction's Chocolate Dots; the ribbon trim is by Samuel and Sons.
These hefty frames were found at 14th Street Antiques Market, and are a good example of client/designer collaboration. "We loved the weathered color but weren't sure exactly what to do with them," Williams explains. "I thought they might just go on the wall and stand alone; my client had the collection of white pebbles from her travels and when she placed them on the frames I loved it!"
Would you believe that these kitchen counters are teal Corian underneath? Williams had them treated with a special paint finish to look like limestone. She also had some of the upper cabinet doors removed to create open shelving.
Would you believe that these kitchen counters are teal Corian underneath? Williams had them treated with a special paint finish to look like limestone. She also had some of the upper cabinet doors removed to create open shelving.
The breakfast area combines new and antique pieces. The chairs are by Lee Industries and Williams had them covered in a Peter Fasano Stripe.
Williams covered the bedroom floors in chunky wall-to-wall sisal carpeting. A neutral palette allows the textures and black accents to stand out, from the wicker headboards to the writing on the antique European mortar basket (you can find these at antique stores and the occasional Army/Navy store). Round mirrors over the twin beds mimic porthole windows without being too literal.
A closer look at the curtains reveals that they are trimmed in tiny delicate shells. "I love the smaller size; it is a subtle detail that is a nice surprise," Williams says. The shell trim is available from Samuel and Sons.
"I felt like this room needed a punch of color, but I couldn't imagine painting the walls green," Williams says. Painting the ceiling does the job without overwhelming the room. This color is "Dill Pickle" by Benjamin Moore.
The headboard was fashioned from an old door, and the basket overhead is an old tobacco basket. "I love its sculptural quality," Williams says.
The headboard was fashioned from an old door, and the basket overhead is an old tobacco basket. "I love its sculptural quality," Williams says.
The guest room was another opportunity to display a collection in a pine cabinet the clients already owned. The Majolica pottery and bucket pick up on the Dill Pickle green.
If you peruse Williams' portfolio, you'll see she has a knack for hanging plates. Her advice for getting the composition right? "I always try to think of them as sculptural and want to compose an arrangement that is interesting. I usually play with different arrangements on the floor first to come up with a good combination."
Williams found the drabware and finials at The Scott Antique Markets and the wooden chair and painted chest were found at some of her favorite antique stores.
Williams' design results in a feeling of sophisticated yet relaxed comfort, where her clients can unwind and feel at home with their favorite things around them.
Williams found the drabware and finials at The Scott Antique Markets and the wooden chair and painted chest were found at some of her favorite antique stores.
Williams' design results in a feeling of sophisticated yet relaxed comfort, where her clients can unwind and feel at home with their favorite things around them.
Williams had the upholstered headboard in the master bedroom custom-made. Because the room was quite large, she had her upholsterer make it to her specifications to stand up to the scale of the room.
The terrace is the best spot for soaking in the view while enjoying a meal al fresco. The outdoor dining table combines the contrasting patinas of a zinc top and iron base. The chairs are teak.
Just a few steps from the building...
More beach style:
20 Spectacular Beach Houses
Urban Beach Style at Beach Bungalow 8
Craft Modern
A Colorful Cottage in the Hamptons
Browse beach-house photos
More beach style:
20 Spectacular Beach Houses
Urban Beach Style at Beach Bungalow 8
Craft Modern
A Colorful Cottage in the Hamptons
Browse beach-house photos