The Atlantic shore of the southern Delmarva Peninsula has become a very popular destination not only for vacationers but also for new full time residents. Many of the new homeowners in this region have arrived from urban and suburban areas of Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York and Virginia.
Although we’re just a few hours away from our old homes, we really are a world away. The bucolic setting, access to the beaches, less congestion and lower cost of living are things we anticipated when choosing this area. There’s much excitement and anticipation planning in building a new house. How many square feet, what setting and which views? There are kitchen cabinets and surface selections, flooring materials, lighting and bath fixture selections not to mention exterior colors and finishes. These are all hard choices you have to make when buying a new home.
Many new residents arrive without giving consideration to the relaxed lifestyle, the focus on outdoor activities and outdoor entertaining, the longer summers and shorter winters when they plan their home décor. Things to keep in mind when designing your interior and exterior living space include wet bathing suites, sand and suntan lotion. You don’t want your friends and family to be afraid to sit and relax in your home.
It’s ok to bring along some furniture pieces that are important to you an your family but include furniture, fabric choices, colors and art that reflect your new surroundings. Color trends in the beach community include neutrals, blues and oranges that symbolize the sand, ocean and beautiful sunsets. Appropriate outdoor fabrics will resist stains, the sun, salt air and high humidity. When making furniture choices, they should be casual with appropriate scale to your new home. Slip covered furniture can be a practical option to keep that casual feel. Mixing casual furnishings with your more traditional pieces will provide an inviting eclectic setting in your home. A designer can help you make the transition to the shore and can assist you in achieving your new dream home from the beginning stages to the end.
Tom Klingler, Design Consultant
Creative Concepts