Beach House Style: Traditional Features

Beach houses are often designed to reflect the natural beauty of their surroundings, with a focus on creating a relaxing atmosphere. They are usually painted in light, neutral tones, such as beiges, blues and yellows, that evoke the colours of the beach. Beach houses typically feature open-plan living areas, large windows and balconies, and seamless connections between indoor and outdoor spaces to maximise natural light and sea breezes. Natural materials such as wood, stone, and brick are commonly used, and the décor is often light and airy, with glass features and natural fibre rugs and linen.

Beach houses are designed to reflect the natural beauty of their surroundings

The design of a beach house is carefully considered to create a relaxing atmosphere for guests. The colour palette of a beach house often includes neutral and cool tones, such as beiges, blues, and yellows, inspired by the colours of the beach and ocean. Beach houses usually have a lot of natural light, with large windows and glass doors that maximise the ocean views and allow the sea breeze to flow through the home.

Natural materials such as wood, stone, and brick are commonly used in beach house design, adding to the rustic, beachy feel. Beach houses may also incorporate natural elements like bamboo flooring, natural fibre rugs, and wood panelling. The use of natural materials helps the home blend in with and enhance its surroundings.

Beach houses often have a streamlined and simplistic design aesthetic, with simple lines and layouts that create a calm and relaxing feel. They typically have spacious, open-plan living areas that provide a sense of spaciousness and encourage socialising among family and friends. The layout of the rooms is designed to flow naturally, with stack doors opening onto balconies or the beach, allowing for easy movement between indoor and outdoor spaces.

In addition to their aesthetic appeal, beach houses are also designed to withstand the unique challenges of their coastal environment. They are built to weather the local climate and may require special paint to protect them from saltwater. Beach houses located on sloping lots or in areas prone to high tides and storms may be built on stilts, piers, or platforms to protect them from the elements.

They are painted in light, cool tones to protect them from saltwater

Beach houses are usually painted in light, cool tones to protect them from saltwater. The salty air and tendency for rust to set in faster than in properties inland means that beach houses require more maintenance. Painting the exterior of a beach house in light, cool tones helps to protect the property from the elements.

Lighter colours reflect the sun's rays, keeping the interior of the house cool. Dark and dull colours absorb the sun's energy and pass it into the building, making it hotter. Light colours also reflect heat away from the building, keeping the interior cool and preventing the sun from bleaching the paint.

White is the most effective colour for keeping buildings cool, as it reflects the most amount of light and heat. However, bright colours are also used to deflect heat and are more effective at refracting the sun's rays than darker colours. For example, the iconic Greek isles are painted in white walls and bright blue roofs. The white reflects the sun's rays, and the bright blue reflects heat away from the roof, keeping the interior cool.

The colour of a beach house can also be chosen to stand out against the natural landscape, making it easier for fishermen to find their way home. This is why many coastal towns in colder climates, such as Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, also have brightly coloured houses.

In addition, light and cool tones complement the natural beauty of the beach. Beach houses are often designed with a casual, relaxed feel in neutral tones of blue, beige, and yellow. Light colours and natural light create a breezy, airy atmosphere, which is calming and helps to encourage relaxation.

They are designed to be light and breezy, with large windows and balconies

Beach houses are designed to be bright, breezy, and inviting, with an emphasis on natural light and airflow. Large windows and balconies are key features in achieving this.

Large windows are a defining characteristic of beach houses. They are often designed with an abundance of windows to let in natural light and sea breezes, amplifying the beauty of the location. Tall windows, floor-to-ceiling windows, and even wall-sized windows are common features, providing stunning views of the ocean and flooding the interior with light. Windows may be traditional glass or incorporate modern sliding or fixed-glass designs, such as portholes and bay windows. Smaller accent windows may be crafted from multicoloured beach glass, adding a touch of rainbow illumination to the interior.

Balconies are another important element in beach house design. They provide outdoor living spaces that extend the functionality of the home, offering areas for relaxation and entertainment. Balconies can be found on both the front and back of beach houses, and they may be spacious enough to accommodate outdoor furniture, such as lounge chairs and dining sets. Some beach houses even feature multiple balconies, including second-floor balconies that wrap around the home, providing panoramic views of the surrounding scenery.

The combination of large windows and balconies creates a seamless indoor-outdoor transition, blurring the boundaries between the interior and exterior spaces. This design concept encourages a connection with nature and enhances the overall sense of relaxation that beach houses aim to provide.

In addition to these features, beach houses often incorporate other design elements that contribute to the light and breezy atmosphere. High ceilings, open-plan layouts, and sliding glass doors further emphasise the sense of spaciousness and promote airflow throughout the home. The use of light and neutral colour palettes, such as soft blues, beiges, and yellows, also contributes to the airy and calming ambiance.

They are built with natural materials like wood, stone and brick

Beach houses are often built with natural materials like wood, stone, and brick. These materials are chosen not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their durability and ability to withstand the harsh coastal climate. Wood, for example, is susceptible to the elements and requires more maintenance, especially in salty and humid conditions. However, it is a popular choice for those seeking a Cape Cod or cottage-style beach house, adding a rustic charm to the exterior.

Stone and brick, on the other hand, are excellent choices for their longevity and low maintenance. Stone, in particular, has been a popular material for beach house exteriors due to its ability to perform well in humid and salty conditions. It is a versatile material that can be used to create a variety of looks, from rustic and country to contemporary and elegant. Stone veneer, for instance, adds an earthy feel to any space and is perfect for both large and small projects.

The use of natural materials like wood, stone, and brick is also prevalent in specific styles of beach houses. Shingle-style beach houses, commonly found in the Northeastern United States, often feature wood shingles and stone. These homes have a distinctive asymmetrical design and large wraparound porches that showcase stunning ocean views. The natural materials used in their construction contribute to a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Additionally, beach bungalows, a type of small, detached beach house with a low-key aesthetic, often incorporate wood into their design. Bungalows are typically found in neighbourhoods and communities built in the early to mid-20th century, particularly in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. They are known for their cozy and low-maintenance appeal, making them ideal for those seeking easy access to the beach.

Overall, the choice of materials like wood, stone, and brick plays a crucial role in the design and functionality of beach houses, ensuring both a visually appealing and resilient structure that can withstand the unique challenges posed by the coastal environment.

They are often raised off the ground to allow waves to pass underneath

Beach houses are often raised off the ground to allow waves and floodwater to pass underneath. This is especially important for houses built on shorelines or in flood zones, as it helps to protect the house from waves, floodwater, and storms. The height at which the house is raised is typically dictated by base flood elevation certificates, which are determined by flood maps created by FEMA and enforced by local building departments.

There are several ways to raise a beach house off the ground. One common method is to use pilings, piers, or stilts made from materials such as steel I-beams, concrete columns, or timber piles. These structures are designed to provide support and stability, even in unstable soil conditions like shifting beach sands. Helical pilings, for example, are piers that are screwed deep into the ground and are often recommended for shoreline homes or those with sandy soil.

By raising the main floor of a beach house, waves and floodwater can pass underneath, minimising damage to the property. This design also offers additional benefits, such as usable space for parking, storage, or even an extra story for recreation. It also provides opportunities to take advantage of water views and enjoy the outdoors, with features like wraparound porches, sun decks, and verandas.

In addition to protecting against flooding, raising a beach house can also help anchor it to the underlying ground during harsh winter storms with high winds. It is important to consider the local building codes and regulations, as well as the specific needs and budget of the homeowner, when deciding how high to raise a beach house.

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