A Conversation with an Outer Banks Designer

When you’re on vacation, it can be a fun experience to stay in a home that is different from your own home’s design. It allows you to explore a new space and provides a cozy environment to unwind in; which is essential to a memorable vacation. By staying in a well-designed home during your vacation, the home can enhance your comfort, well-being, and happiness, making it a worthwhile investment in your vacation experience.

Design is important because for some of us, we might have stayed in a hotel or rental home before that made you not want to spend time there, and you didn’t feel comfortable and relaxed inside the space. Or, maybe you have stayed at a place where you have felt inspired by the home and wanted to come back and vacation again. The difference between these two experiences is the design of the home, and creating a space where you feel comfortable creating memories with your family. 

When Danielle thinks about the aesthetic of the Outer Banks, she thinks about a few things. Of course you have the traditional flat tops designed by Frank Stick in Southern Shores, but you also have coastal elements inside many homes. While some vacation homes might have coastal themes (like a fish on the wall or a seashell pillow), to tastefully create a space that resembles the beach, think concept not theme. 

To resemble a beach, choose elements that favor the beach like natural elements, linen curtains, lighter palettes, etc. You can keep your bowl that resembles a seashell, but make it more functional and put remotes or other gadgets in it. 

Ways to bring the Outer Banks style back home with you

Paint goes a long way!

If your home feels outdated, freshen up with a nice off white color. She also recommends sticking with one color in the common areas, and you can be bold in a room that is separated from the common area, like the game room or powder room. 

Revamp accessories

Don’t be afraid to mix patterns! Throw pillows go a long way, and you can mix sizes. And, remember the rule of thirds for coffee tables, bookshelves, and other shelves. You can cluster 3 items with a variety of color, texture and sizes. 

Artwork is a great way to refresh your home

Keep artwork on an appropriate scale on the wall, it should fill up 60% of the wall. Remember to hang artwork at eye level – the center of the artwork should be 60 inches from the ground. And same applies for a gallery wall, the center should be 60 inches from the ground. 

Window treatments are a great way to upgrade your space

Throw away plastic blinds and upgrade to curtains or drapes, and go as high and wide as you can. Don’t be afraid to have the rod 2-3 inches from the ceiling, this will make the room feel larger. Go as wide as you can too, have the rod go 10-12 inches from the window frame. Curtains should also go all the way to the floor, and no more than an inch off the ground. For the puddle effect on curtains, keep a couple inches on the floor. She’d recommend for rental homes that an inch above the floor is good. 

Lighting holds the key to great design

Transform your home with carefully chosen fixtures, multiple light sources, and the right bulbs. Don’t rely on overhead lighting alone, use illumination to guide you in crafting an inspiring and uplifting space. With floor lamps, sconces, and table lamps, you’re able to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. 

Even if you have the most beautiful fixtures, the wrong bulb can ruin everything. Opt for ‘soft white’ bulbs at 2700 kelvins for a cozy ambiance. Consider dimmer switches for versatile lighting control. By installing a dimmer, you can adjust the lighting according to your mood and the activity in the room. Overall, installing dimmers is a great way to improve the lighting in your space.

Looking to stay in a well designed space?

Check out some of Danielle’s favorite Twiddy Homes and other homes that are beautifully designed:

Need some inspiration?

Danielle loves using Pinterest as a way to get the ideas flowing. Architectural Digest is a good source of inspiration as well. Other designers that she admires are Aymee & Molly of Light and Dwell (for a more European inspired country house), Brooke Taslma (who isn’t afraid of wallpapers and mix matching), and Lindye Galloway for a more moody design. 

Be sure to check out our Top 10 Modern Vacation Homes on the Outer Banks blog for even more inspiration.