Life’s a Beach
The key to making a vacation home feel more than a temporary landing spot comes from adding warmth and personal touches that reflect the family home. “For me, life is better at the beach,” says Kelley Frost, owner, and principal of Frosted Home in Alamo Heights. “But I’m not a fan of kitschy beach décor. Striking a balance between comfort and sophistication keeps me from going all-in on seashells and palm trees.”
The high ceilings in this home’s central core provide openness, and the color palette of creams, blues, and greens reflects the Gulf waters and beach nearby. “Chip and Jo would be proud of the shiplap throughout the house,” says Frost. “Keep in mind that the beach, lake, or mountaintop cabin are places where you can do things differently from your primary residence. Here is a place to have fun with your décor and lighten up the aesthetic from your everyday home environment.”
The large kitchen island makes gathering around for entertaining as easy as a summer breeze. Quartzite countertops offer a beautiful aesthetic with lower maintenance than marble. Glass and acrylic on the tables and bar cart give the room a fresh, contemporary vibe. Slipcovered sofas provide comfort and softness and can be easily washed to keep their crisp linen appearance. “Ask about performance fabrics,” Frost advised. “We’ve come a long way since Sunbrella hit the market, and the new finishes take the sweat equity out of cleaning up spills.”
“Second homes bring family and friends together, so focusing on guests’ comfort becomes a priority,” Frost suggests using bedding that combines luxury and practicality, like one of her favorite lines by Lili Alessandra. “Crisp cotton and lush velvets are perfect for the beach, and most of the line is machine washable making it perfect for the guest room. I always get asked about keeping whites bright and am amazed by how well the Lili Alessandra coverlets look after washing them. With my pair of Westies jumping up on the bed, I favor lines that are dog friendly.”
With so many family-friendly options when it comes to decorating a beach house, the world truly is your oyster.
Frosted Home
5800 Broadway in Alamo Heights
www.frostedhomestyle.com
