We’re house optimists, so even as our beach house literally comes apart — mold, termite damage, faulty wiring, no HVAC, a failing foundation and more — we focus on the fun design ideas that keep us motivated. The structural work is slow and painstaking, and we’ll share updates on the rebuild as it progresses. For now, here are the style concepts and room-by-room inspiration that are floating around in our heads and keeping our renovation mojo alive.
If you want more context about the layout and our initial renovation plans, refresh yourself with this post. It includes a full house tour video and the floor plan we’ve been working from. The only notable change since publishing that plan: we’ll move the downstairs bathroom door into the mudroom instead of accessing it from the dining area.
Our interior approach can be summed up in four words: relaxed, uncomplicated, comfortable, and old-meets-new. We want light, airy rooms that feel effortless rather than overly styled. This is an old house, and we’re leaning into its character — keeping original doors and hardware, refinishing heart pine floors, preserving the curved wall and back staircase, and even exposing an uncovered brick chimney.
We’ll balance the historic elements with modern comforts aimed at guest needs — fresh mattresses, quality bedding, curtains, and a few new fixtures — rather than filling the home with period antiques. Many inspiration images here skew very white and airy; we love that look but expect to add brighter accents and more color in the finished spaces to keep things lively and welcoming.
Bedroom Inspiration:
Bedrooms in this house aren’t large, so simplicity is key. The goal: beds that look irresistibly comfortable and unfussy nightstands, a piece of artwork above, and interesting lighting. A pair of adjustable wall sconces in a couple of rooms would be functional and stylish. The point is to make bedrooms feel calming and approachable — cozy instead of stark.
Bunk Room Inspiration:
We’re creating a compact bunk zone for kids that maximizes floor space. White-painted beds will help the small area feel open — one idea is an IKEA-style hack — and playful details like a rope ladder could add character. The design will be casual and kid-friendly, prioritizing durability and function.
Bathroom Inspiration:
We actually have a claw-foot tub like one of the inspiration photos — though ours is scratched and rusty for now — so reglazing it is high on the to-do list. The tub will return to a restored bathroom once the structural issues are resolved. We’d like to introduce natural tones or colorful accents through vanities or floor tiles. Classic hex tile in a medium gray appeals for its timeless look without feeling too dark.
Mudroom Inspiration:
The mudroom will be a functional beach-entry space for sandy gear, with direct access to the downstairs bathroom so guests can rinse off and toss towels into the washer and dryer located there. Expect closed storage for beach toys and towels, plus affordable open shelving and hooks — practical, simple, and built to handle sand and salt.
Kitchen Inspiration:
The beach house kitchen will be intentionally simple, equipped with essentials rather than an overload of gadgets. We like unfussy base cabinets, open shelving, and the idea of adding color on lower cabinets. Butcher block counters — especially on an island — and a few wooden accents like stools will bring warmth. A freestanding cabinet or hutch could add personality and storage without feeling too formal.
Dining Inspiration:
“Dining area” better fits this home than formal dining room. We’re drawn to round pedestal tables with bench seating, warm metallic chairs, and soft pillows for a cozy, casual vibe. Natural wood tables paired with woven lighting feel inviting. In a rental setting we’ll avoid delicate materials like sheepskin-covered chairs and focus instead on durable, comfortable options.
Door Inspiration:
We love the house’s original doors and chippy paint — there’s a whole array of unique doors to reuse. Our contractor cautions that restoring old, uneven doors can be challenging, but we’ll salvage and refinish as many as possible because they bring authentic character the new materials can’t replicate.
Living Room Inspiration:
The living room is small and features a layout challenge with a curved wall. We envision minimal furniture — a sofa, a chair, a coffee table, and a TV — but each piece should be interesting. Clean-lined wooden tables appeal, and a colorful upholstered piece might be a bold, wear-friendly option to anchor the space.
Bookcase Inspiration:
Even while keeping the house simple, we want one or two cozy, book-filled spots for rainy-day comfort. A well-styled bookshelf with books, magazines, and games will make the home feel lived-in. If we can’t fill large built-ins, smaller rustic racks or casual wooden shelves will work well — especially in the bunk or family areas for kids’ books and games.
Stair Inspiration:
The main front stairs will remain wood, and we can’t wait to restore them. We’re also thrilled to keep the original back staircase for the character it adds, even though it complicates the layout. That back stair is in rougher shape, so it presents an opportunity to add color — minty risers or a painted full run — if the treads can’t be salvaged. Either way, the stairs will be a focal point when restored.
This is the dream version of the beach house in our heads: built-ins, blue-green accents, original doors, light walls, peach pillows, and lots of wood. There will certainly be surprises and course corrections as construction moves forward, but planning the look keeps us excited between the less glamorous fixes. For now, back to dealing with the bathroom that’s practically fallen off the house. Thanks for daydreaming with us.
*This post contains affiliate links*