5 Design Tips for a Family-Friendly Beach house: How to maximize your space and make it comfortable
A beach house can bring with it a lot of fun, sun, and memories that last a lifetime. When planning a beach house, it’s important to think about the needs of your entire family and how the design will lend itself to those needs. Whether you’re looking for efficiency, plenty of storage space, or a playful atmosphere, there are plenty of options to choose from when designing your family-friendly beach house. From décor choices to finishes and furniture placement, consider the following tips for creating the ultimate ocean-side retreat for your family.
Choosing the Right Location
Location is key in designing the perfect beach house. Be sure to spend some time researching and visiting the various areas before you make a decision. Consider factors such as proximity to main attractions, waterfront location, local amenities, and potential rental potential if that is important. Think about how easy or difficult it will be to access this location with respect to your family’s needs — whether that’s a two-hour drive or simply popping down the street on foot.
Other important considerations include which beach area fits best with your family’s lifestyle—from rustic and laid-back oceanside towns to bustling beachfront cities—and validating the safety of the neighborhood whenever possible. Some questions you may want to ask yourself in order to help narrow down your choices include: How close do I need to be for activities my family will enjoy? Do I need access within walking distance or can we drive an hour away? Are there restaurants, stores, and attractions nearby? What type of atmosphere do I want while using my beach house?
Designing the Exterior
The exterior of your beach house is the first thing that guests notice and should be designed in a way that complements its environment. Developing a design plan can help make sure all the parts come together to create a cohesive aesthetic. You can choose from many designs, such as mid century modern beach house, but make sure all the components are well-designed. Many exterior design elements, including siding, windows, fences, doors, decks, and other components require careful planning to ensure they are worthy of your family’s beach getaway.
In selecting siding for your beach house, one option may be clapboard siding made from wood or an engineered material such as fiber cement. While wood has the advantage of being more easily shaped and customized for an individual property, fiber cement will not rot or two prone to damage from salt air or wood-boring insects that are common near the coast. Another option is vertical siding which adds distinctive shadow lines for dramatic appeal during changing light conditions.
Installing windows with hurricane/impact-resistant glass can also protect from rough coastal weather conditions as well as potential break-ins in high-traffic areas near popular beach resorts. Also, consider installing sliding glass doors with screens so guests can enjoy the cool ocean breeze without letting nearby critters inside!
Porches serve as practical common spaces where families can relax outdoors while still enjoying some shade. Decks and stairways crafted with durable materials like pressure-treated lumber and composite flooring will hold up well against moisture exposure even in wet climates like those often found near beaches!
Incorporating Natural Elements
Nature can be the perfect partner when you are creating a calming, family-friendly atmosphere in your beach house. Natural elements like wood, rocks, and plants bring a sense of peace and beauty to your home. Here are some ways to incorporate these elements into your beach house for maximum impact:
- Reclaimed wood furniture can enhance the look and feel of your home with its rustic charm. Chairs or tables can add a unique look that instantly creates an inviting environment in any room.
- Interior rock features like wall panels or river rocks placed inside planters give visual appeal without overpowering a room. They also provide many benefits such as balancing humidity, reducing noise levels, and improving air quality when used correctly.
- Plants are not only aesthetically pleasing but they also help increase oxygen levels in the room while absorbing toxins from the air you breathe. Add plants to every room to create an inviting environment with natural beauty.
- Natural light is an essential element that should be taken advantage of whenever possible when designing a beach house. Utilize windows and skylights to bring natural sunlight into the house so indoors can have the same energy as outdoors - resulting in a tranquil atmosphere that every family member can appreciate.
Maximizing Space
Maximizing the space in a beach house is a great way to make it both hospitable and aesthetically appealing. Here are some tips on how to use the space in your family-friendly beach house:
- Choose furniture items with dual functionality: Invest in pieces like ottomans, coffee tables, and chairs that can transition from a comfortable seating area to an emergency extra sleeping space.
- Create tiny nooks for additional storage or cozy seating areas: installing additional shelves or small alcoves creates additional storage and seating options that can help maximize the room in your house.
- Utilize walls for decorations and knickknacks: hang up pictures and art on the wall instead of displaying them on the surface. Hang up hooks for hats or bathrobes or buy wall organizers for small items like sunglasses and phone chargers.
- Choose lighter colors for paint, fabrics, rugs, and furniture: lighter colors have the natural tendency to make rooms look bigger than they actually are. A lot of whites, off-whites, neutrals, or light pastels will brighten up the room without making it seem overly cramped.
Adding Fun Touches
Choose pieces that evoke memories of days spent at the shore. Look for decor items with a beachy vibe, such as sea shells, sand dollars, fish and starfish motifs, or driftwood pieces. Some other ways to add fun touches include neon lights, surfboards and nautical images like boat anchors or lighthouses—anything that will remind you of being at the beach.
For fabrics, go for bright colors and light materials such as linen or cotton canvas, as they are easy to clean should they get sandy or wet—perfect for a family-friendly beach house. To give your space an even more inviting feel, hang art with an ocean theme – think seascapes in vibrant blues and turquoises – which will seamlessly deepen the natural beauty of your surroundings while adding whimsy to your family room or bedroom.
Designing a beach house that is both family-friendly and stylish can be a daunting task. However, with the help of these tips and tricks, you can create an inviting space that accommodates all members of your family while still maintaining its aesthetic appeal. Whether it’s through incorporating natural elements or creating functional yet fun pieces for the kids, there are plenty of ways to make sure your beach house is a place where everyone feels welcome and comfortable.
