We’re nothing if not house optimists. Even as our beach house comes apart — literally: mold, termite damage, bad wiring, no HVAC, a failing foundation, and a host of other problems that mean we need careful rebuilding — we’ve learned that sometimes you have to focus on the fun, exciting aspects of a renovation to survive the grimier parts. We’ll update you on rebuilding progress soon (it’s moving slowly), but today we’re swinging open our brains and sharing the much-more-fun-to-imagine beach house style ideas that are bouncing around up there. Thinking about décor and finishes is keeping our renovation mojo alive. So without further ado, welcome to my brain.
Before diving into the pictures, you may want to refresh yourself on our floor plan and preliminary renovation ideas in the house tour post. There’s a full house tour video there and a floor plan we’ve included for quick reference. Note: our only significant change since creating that original plan is that we intend to move the downstairs bathroom door into the mudroom, rather than having access from the dining area.
Our general inspiration for the interior can be summed up as relaxed, uncomplicated, comfortable, and old-meets-new. We want to resist the urge to overfill or overdecorate the house, since the goal is an easy, light feel — not something overly styled or meticulously organized. It’s an old home, and that’s one of our favorite things about it. We plan to embrace that: keeping original doors and knobs, refinishing the heart pine floors, preserving the curved wall and the back staircase, and even exposing an old brick chimney we uncovered.
Of course we’ll add updated touches for guest comfort, mainly through new mattresses, bedding, and curtains rather than furnishing the house entirely with antiques so it feels like a period set. I noticed many of the inspiration images are quite white — and while we’re definitely aiming for light and airy, we’ll probably introduce more color than these images show to keep the spaces warm and inviting.
Let’s start with the bedrooms, since they epitomize our intent to be relaxed and uncomplicated.
Bedroom Inspiration:
A bedroom, especially one intended for guests or renters, doesn’t need much. The bedrooms in this house aren’t large, so the main objective is to create beds that look extremely comfortable without being fussy. A simple nightstand, some thoughtful artwork, and a good light or two will be sufficient. The idea is to make each room feel welcoming and calm rather than stark or cluttered.
Bunk Room Inspiration:
In addition to the three main bedrooms, we’re carving out a small bonus sleeping zone for kids. It will be cozy and efficient — likely wall-to-wall bunks with a ladder — and we’ll probably keep the beds white to help the compact space feel larger. We want something casual and fun rather than overly formal; a rope ladder or similar playful detail could be a nice touch. Dibs on the top bunk!
Bathroom Inspiration:
We have a clawfoot tub very similar to one of the images — scratched, rusted, and not yet painted on the exterior, but full of potential. The tub needs reglazing and to be returned to the bathroom (it’s currently sitting in a bedroom because the original bathroom structure was literally falling off the house). We’d love to introduce natural tones or colorful accents through a vanity or floor tile. Classic hex tile is a contender — perhaps a medium gray rather than black so the room stays bright.
Mudroom Inspiration:
The mudroom will be practical: a place to corrall sandy beach gear and provide direct access to a full bathroom so guests can shower straight from the shore. We’ll house the washer and dryer in this space for easy towel laundering, add some closed storage for beach toys and towels, and rely on simple shelves and hooks for everything else. It’s meant to be functional and affordable, not an everyday, heavy-use mudroom for coats and backpacks.
Kitchen Inspiration:
The beach house kitchen only needs a few cooking and serving essentials, so we won’t pack it with gadgets. We like unfussy base cabinets, open shelving, and possibly a touch of color on the lower cabinets. We’re open to a slightly rustic, lived-in look rather than something ultra-sleek. Butcher block counters — perhaps on the island — plus wood stools and a freestanding cabinet or hutch would add warmth and character without breaking the bank.
Dining Inspiration:
“Dining room” feels too formal a term for what this will be; it’s more of a casual eating area. The mix of a round pedestal table, bench seating, and mixed chairs feels cozy and approachable. Natural tables and woven pendant lights give a relaxed, seaside vibe that suits the house. Durable fabrics and practical seating choices will keep the area welcoming for guests and renters.
Door Inspiration:
My love for the original wood and chippy-painted doors in this house is strong. We have a smorgasbord of original doors — a “doorgasboard,” if you will — and our plan is to reuse as many as possible. Our contractor has warned us about the challenge of making old, crooked doors function, but if we can restore them, they’ll add enormous character. We’re committed to keeping them if at all feasible.
Living Room Inspiration:
The living room is modest in size and features a unique curved wall that will influence the layout. We envision only a few well-chosen pieces: a sofa, a chair, a coffee table, and a TV. Those pieces should be interesting and durable since this is the first room you’ll see. Clean-lined wood furniture and a pop of color — perhaps a blue or green sofa or a vibrant chair — could create a welcoming focal point without overwhelming the space.
Bookcase Inspiration:
We want at least one or two book-filled spots that feel lived-in and cozy. A bookshelf stocked with novels, magazines, and games makes rainy days at a beach house much more enjoyable. Whether it’s a packed built-in or a casual wood rack in the bunk room for kids’ books, these cozy touches will make the house feel like a home.
Stair Inspiration:
The main front stairs will remain wood, and we’re excited to restore them to their former glory. We also adore the bonus back staircase; many neighbors lost theirs over the years and regretted it, so we’re thrilled to keep ours. It’s in rougher shape, so we might add a splash of color to the risers — maybe a minty green — or fully refresh the treads if needed. The stairs are a great place to introduce personality.
And so ends the in-my-head tour of how the beach house could look. There will undoubtedly be twists and practical compromises as we move from vision to reality, but it’s fun to test out ideas and see what sticks. One thing is certain: there will be built-ins, blue-green accents, old doors, light walls, peachy textiles, and lots of wood. For now, it’s back to dealing with the less glamorous parts of renovation — like the bathroom that’s practically falling off the house. Thanks for daydreaming with me.
*This post contains affiliate links*