We previously shared our beach house style inspiration while the pink house was still in the early stages of its transformation. Now that the duplex is reaching that same point, we want to outline our design vision for it — from materials and color palettes to room functions and features we plan to include.
Major renovations mean making thousands of small decisions, and it’s much easier to space them out and settle on ideas gradually. From the moment we put in an offer on the duplex, I’ve been collecting inspiration on a large Pinterest board. Over the months that followed we kept adding images and notes so we wouldn’t have to make every choice all at once and burn ourselves out.
John and I have been narrowing things down recently to identify the strongest ideas. That way, when it’s time to pick paint, counters, tile, lighting, rugs, and the countless other details, we won’t be scrambling at the last minute. We’re not completely locked into every choice yet, but we’re much more focused than when we first started collecting inspiration. Below is a summary of what’s shaping up to be the duplex’s primary design direction.
The Overall Plan
We want the duplex to feel relaxed, uncomplicated, comfortable, and like a thoughtful mix of old and new. The goal is to avoid overdecorating so the homes feel airy and easy to maintain — particularly important since these units will be rented. We love preserving original architectural features, so we’ll retain doors, refinish original floors, and highlight the diamond-grille windows. We also uncovered an old brick chimney that runs through both units; when finished it will become a charming niche with shelving in each main bedroom.
At the same time, we want the interiors to read fresh and coastal. Many historic details were removed over years as the property functioned as a rental, so we’ll lean into a breezier, beach-inspired palette to bring warmth and character back in. Expect soft, relaxed colors — mint, pistachio, soft pink, blue-gray, aquamarine — paired with crisp white and warm coastal wood tones.
Because the building contains two separate residences, we have double the rooms to plan: two living rooms, two kitchens, two dining areas, two mudrooms, and a total of six bedrooms and six bathrooms. We don’t plan to make each side identical; rather they’ll be like cousins rather than twins. For example, both powder rooms might use the same tile style, but in different colorways. This approach will give each unit its own personality while maintaining cohesion.
Below is an updated floor plan of one side (the other is mirrored). This helps visualize how the spaces will flow and where the main zones will fall.
With that context in place, here are some of the more specific ideas for each area of the duplex.
The Exterior
The duplex sits in a historic district, so the exterior will remain largely faithful to its original look while receiving durable, long-lasting repairs. We’ll replace rotted siding with HardiePlank in a clean white tone but plan a few changes to boost curb appeal and introduce a coastal personality.
To add beachy color, we’ll install operable mint green shutters and paint both original front doors the same mint shade. Because there’s a lot of shutter surface on the façade, the mint accents will make the house read more colorful rather than purely white. We’re also considering a soft pink porch ceiling as a subtle nod to the nearby pink house, creating a friendly streetscape conversation between the properties.
We’ve been testing mint paint options using removable paint decals and will commit after painting a single door as a sample.
The Transom Window
One recent decision was to add an interior transom window above the opening between the kitchen and the main living area. The opening was already framed wider, and the contractor believes the header can be adjusted to accommodate a high transom. Seen from the entry, this will be an immediate, elegant detail that brings back a sense of original charm to a space that lost many historic elements over the years.
We’re exploring whether to incorporate diamond paned details to echo the front windows and an old diamond door we salvaged for the mudroom. While images are still elusive, a tall transom over a wide opening will be a standout architectural moment.
The Kitchen
Color in the kitchen is a priority. One option is to paint the cabinet fronts in soft hues — perhaps soft blue on one side and mint on the other — while keeping most of the room white so the single window keeps the room bright. An exposed corner of the brick chimney will provide texture and historical context.
Because two fully custom kitchens can be expensive, a more budget-friendly alternative is adding color through backsplash tile, while keeping cabinets simple white or natural wood. Each unit could then feature different tile patterns or palettes to create distinct personalities without doubling custom cabinet costs.
The Stair Railing
We opened previously enclosed stairways on both sides, which leaves the railings exposed. Although traditional wood newel posts would be period-appropriate, we’re considering mixing in new, coastal-feeling elements to balance the preserved historic features. A metal horizontal railing could feel modern and fresh and would contrast nicely with original wood floors and doors.
We’re still pricing options and talking to a local metalworker about potential designs, so the final decision may change depending on cost and feasibility.
The Main Living Area
The largest downstairs room will serve as a combined living and dining space. To avoid a long, empty feel, we’re considering some kind of moulding treatment on the walls or ceiling to provide scale and interest. We may even explore shiplap in a subtle way to add texture without overwhelming the room.
The Powder Room
Each unit has a compact downstairs powder room tucked under the stairs, and these small spaces are perfect for bold choices. We may use colorful wallpaper or a decorative wall treatment to turn the powder room into a delightful little hideaway. Since the first-floor hardwood will likely continue through most rooms, wallpaper or wall moulding can create contrast without extensive material changes.
The Full Bathrooms
Upstairs full bathrooms are modest in size, which presents an opportunity to experiment with tile patterns and shapes. We love playful solutions like subtle stripes or zig-zag patterns using the same tile in different colorways across units. Tile needs to be durable and cost-effective, but because the areas to cover are small, we might be able to justify a slightly more interesting tile selection.
This overview doesn’t cover every room (bedrooms, backyard, and laundry plans will come later), but it captures the direction we’re most excited about: beachy colors, retained historic elements like pocket doors and original floors, new focal points like interior transoms, and carefully chosen materials that balance durability with style. We’re looking forward to sharing progress as the duplex comes together.
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