Seabrook is such a charming town. I love homes with character — especially weathered beach cottages that feel lived-in and inviting. I often stroll or drive through neighborhoods and come home inspired by details I want to incorporate: a lantern on a porch, a pop of color on a door, or a simple picket fence. Sometimes that inspiration turns into a fleeting urge to move. Mostly it becomes a list of small changes I can make to bring that seaside feeling to my own home.
When I notice that pull to change houses, I try to identify what specifically caught my eye. If it’s something achievable — like adding a lantern or planting hydrangeas — I keep it as a plan. If it’s a larger dream for “someday,” I let it inspire future projects instead of acting on impulse. And yes, I do admit to opening my Redfin app sometimes and daydreaming about new houses. I suspect I’m not the only one who does that.
Would you like to take a walk around Seabrook with me? I visited recently and took lots of photos of seaside details and curb appeal elements that make the town so appealing.
At the end of this post I share curb appeal ideas and a few favorite exterior decor finds to help you recreate a similar coastal look.
If you missed my two-part Seabrook Dream Beach House tour, you can view it for a full home tour and more inspiration.
A few curb appeal elements I love from these beach homes:
Lanterns
Flags
House name plaques (like “Forget Me Knot Cottage”)
Small cast iron garden signs
White picket fences with hydrangeas and daisies
Adirondack chairs and rocking chairs
Starfish or coastal accents in window panes
Charming, characterful garage doors
Round or porthole windows
Colorful pots and planters
Cupolas
Weather vanes with nautical motifs
Pops of color on doors
Wood shutters
Trellises and climbing plants
Unique door knockers — a playful detail that adds personality
Distinctive house numbers that complement the home’s style
Welcoming doormats
String lights and outdoor lanterns for evening ambiance
Wreaths on doors for seasonal or year-round charm
What else do you notice?
If you missed my two-part Seabrook Dream House tour, be sure to check it out for a full walkthrough and more ideas. I’ll be sharing more from this trip soon.
We’ve enjoyed sharing drive-bys and neighborhood walks here on The Inspired Room for well over a decade. Thanks for coming along — it’s fun to have friends who love homes and details as much as I do.
Click here for all of my past drive-by posts!