For many that own properties at the Shore, it is important that their coastal retreat offers all the amenities and comforts of their main residence, but also look and feel completely different. Drawing inspiration from the surrounding locale, modern Shore homes are incorporating both simple and sophisticated design elements that are fitting for the destination.

Achieving that distinct beachy vibe can be obtained a number of ways, whether choosing the right paint color, distinctive doors, functional yet stylish outdoor furniture or other components to help enhance both the home's interior and exterior.

Paying close attention to the latest design trends can certainly serve as inspiration as you envision ways to transform your living space at the Shore. Maximizing open living spaces, capturing sun and taking advantage of picturesque views, and creating a relaxed aesthetic are frequently at the top of many homeowners' wish lists.

"We find Shore house design consistent and distinct—light and airy, with natural materials ... white and soft colors to help beat the summer heat," says Jeremy Cressman, owner of One Day Doors & Closets of Delaware Valley. "Shore homes are designed in all manners of style, but more embrace the open, minimal-elegant compliment to sun and sea. Today, a number of Shore owners are challenging the beachy feel with rich, deep-tone colors, natural woods and vintage furniture."

Audra Delconte, owner of Royal Billiard & Recreation, has also noticed homeowners using more freedom with their design choices.
"I do feel like second homes offer an opportunity to take more of a design risk. Some may use a bold color that they would not want in their main home. Or maybe a fun upholstery option on counter stools or the couch," she says.

"Homeowners will definitely take the opportunity to have some fun with the décor of their vacation homes," agrees Jackie Fama, an interior design consultant at Oskar Huber Furniture and Design's Ship Bottom location.

This may include the additions of whimsical, colorful coastal stripes, starfish and seashell fabrics to represent living by the water, while others might go for a more natural, elevated coastal design with soft neutral colors, cotton and linen fabrics. Utilizing natural accessories and adding layers of textures can also help bring that authentic resort-like vibe into a vacation home.

Of late, Fama says she's observing folks gravitate toward a more modern coastal style with clean lines, soft or white wall colors, lighter hues of soft-performance boucle or linen fabrics, while adding contrast with silhouettes of sculpted darker light fixtures, and black or dark colored window panes.

What's more, live edge dining tables accompanied by complimentary upholstered or weathered leather dining chairs with metal framing has become another popular choice because it combines those coastal elements with contemporary style.

"In coastal home design, the trend has always been creating spaces that feel natural, breezy and connected to the outdoors while offering comfort and elegance," Fama says. "There are many design styles that can get that look and feeling for each individual home. ... Driftwood-inspired furniture, weathered wood paneling and vintage touches create a sense of history and coastal charm. Coastal art is also a fun way to [incorporate these design elements]."

Cressman says he sees a wide variety of materials, textures and finishes in today's Shore homes, but clearly the influence of nature, water and sun provide for the peace and relaxation that homeowners seek at the Shore. And sometimes, the best way to highlight those influences is by championing the color white throughout the home.

"Without question, white walls with white doors, trim—and even white closet systems—complement the sun and water at the Shore. Nothing reflects light and brightens a space more than extra white," he says.

From Delconte's viewpoint, it's about forming a cohesive plan while still mixing in characteristics that give each room its own personality and charm.

"It's about creating different spaces. This can be accomplished just by changing paint colors from one area to another. If building walls are not an option, which they are often not, room dividers can do the trick as people are dividing up the large, open floor plans to create cozier spaces," she says. "Perhaps a darker space that offers a speakeasy feel with a smaller game like darts or shuffleboard as a fun accent. ... We are seeing larger games such as billiards or ping pong being placed in separate rooms [as well]."

When it comes to doors, Cressman says ditching your "old, paper-thin" versions can go a long way to giving your home's interior a much-needed boost. More and more he sees Shore home owners leaning into luxury panels, farmhouse-influenced shaker-style doors as well as authentic, natural woods. "These doors make a distinctive statement," he affirms.

"Our Valencia, Manhattan and Savannah raised panel doors show clean, elegant construction with luxurious transitions. And with all-wood stile and rail construction, our Legacy shaker doors are still our most popular at the Shore. Some homeowners and their designers also opt for authentic six-panel pine or knotty-alder wood doors," Cressman says.

All the doors that Cressman and his team offer can be installed in just a matter of hours and are custom-made to fit into existing frames, no matter the dimensions, age or condition. And new hinges and hardware further ensure an exact fit for every door, no matter if it's located in the bedroom, the bathroom, the kitchen or otherwise.

"Back at the main residence, the emphasis is on the practical, with connection to the outdoor as well. Owners lean toward luxurious interiors, kitchens, and especially outdoor living space, but always with a nod to function, daily life and practicality," says Cressman. "Our customers are always looking to improve their aesthetic, but first, the doors and the closet systems need to work for daily use."

For those conscious of combining indoor and outdoor living spaces, marrying the two in order to maximize livable space is paramount. Choosing the right outdoor furniture is a crucial first step and there are several options that cater to varying needs and desires.

Polymer-aluminum and resin outdoor furniture with powdercoat finishes are a great choice according to Fama and offer a variety of styles, colors and fabrics to choose from. Another sought-after option is polyethylene lumber, which is very durable and won't warp, crack or splinter. Synthetic rattan and wicker are another great choice because they are highly resistant to UV rays, moisture and mildew and can be used for lounge chairs, sofa seating or dining sets.

Teak furniture also remains highly in-demand and Fama calls it a "gorgeous choice."

"Because [teak] is a truly natural material, over time the wood will patina from a rich wood tone to a grayish driftwood color. The patina just adds to the richness and natural aesthetic to the outdoor oasis," she says.

Ultimately, finding the design-ethos of one's Shore home will always boil down to a matter of personal preference and sense of style. Whether you're looking to capitalize on natural light, bridge the gap between interior and exterior living spaces, or merge vintage vibes with modernized touches, the possibilities are seemingly endless.

"There are so many ways for a homeowner to bring a coastal feel to their vacation home," Fama says. "It comes down to what they like and what style will bring that feeling of relaxation and peace. It really is all about the individual detail."

RESOURCES
One Day Doors & Closets of Delaware Valley
Marlton, N.J.
(856) 486-4006
OneDayDV.com/Promo10

Oskar Huber Furniture & Design
Ship Bottom, N.J.
(609) 494-8127
Southampton, Pa.
(215) 355-4800
OskarHuber.com

Royal Billiard
& Recreation
Colmar, Pa.
(215) 997-7777
RoyalBilliard.com

Published (and copyrighted) in House & Home, Volume 25, Issue 1 (Spring 2025)
For more info on House & Home magazine, click here.
To subscribe to House & Home magazine, click here.
To advertise in House & Home magazine, call 610-272-3120.