Design selections for a home on the Gulf Coast presents unique challenges and opportunities. From selecting materials that withstand the salt air to designing luxurious and functional spaces, there are many factors to consider. In an earlier post, we explored the best construction practices we use at Twin to build our coastal homes. Below, we explore key questions and expert insights from Laurie Fulkerson, one of our Twin designers, to help guide your coastal interior design choices.

General Interior Finish Questions

What materials hold up best in a humid, salty environment?

“For exteriors, metal roofing is a popular choice due to its durability, but cedar shake roofs also age beautifully in the salt air. For siding, we often use Hardie fiber cement siding for its longevity, but cedar lap siding is an option for those with a higher budget.

Lastly, clad doors, which are almost zero maintenance, are a popular choice over wood doors, which can warp over time. Fiberglass doors are another cost-effective option, though they may require repainting periodically.”

How do you balance durability with luxury in a coastal home?

“With so many resources and price points, it is a challenge I welcome. Striking the right balance between luxury and durability depends on how the home will be used. Durable yet high-end choices for lighting, plumbing fixtures, cabinetry, and hardware ensure longevity without sacrificing elegance.

Outdoor features like fireplaces, swimming pools, and high-quality tile selections elevate the whole space while remaining practical.”

What flooring options are best for sand and moisture exposure?

“We use a lot of engineered wood flooring, tile, and natural stone for flooring materials. These materials are easy to maintain and can withstand the moisture and sand common in coastal areas.”

How do you ensure a cohesive design while incorporating coastal elements?

“Typically, I am working with a few different colors and tie those in throughout the house to achieve a cohesive design. Also, the use of textures is a must in most all of my designs, and works very well at the beach.”

Private Beach Residence vs. Rental Property

Whether you are using your gulf home as a rental or private residence, we utilize different design choices and materials for functionality.

How do the interior design choices differ between a primary beach home and a vacation rental?

“My clients that plan on renting their homes typically prefer a well-made sofa, but often invest in quality furniture without opting for the most expensive materials, as replacements are expected every few years.

I focus on main pieces that are less likely to be damaged by rentals—case goods, lighting, beds, lamps, and dining tables. We incorporate and save on rugs, pillows, island stools, accent chairs, bedding, and sofas which get the most wear from renters.”

What are the best low-maintenance materials for a rental property that still feel high-end?

“Rugs! There are a lot of great rugs that are considered ‘outdoor’ that are pretty enough to be used indoors and easy to keep clean.”

How can we maximize sleeping arrangements without sacrificing style?

“Bunk beds remain a popular choice, especially for rental properties. One of my favorite ways to maximize sleeping arrangements in a larger room is a row of twin beds or a room with 2 queens.

With the plan designers, we look for nooks in hallways to add bunks. Most people prefer to sleep on a bed over a pull-out sofa.”

What type of countertops balance durability and aesthetics in a rental home?

“While natural stone is a favorite of mine for beach projects, quartz is an increasingly popular choice due to its durability and is available in a variety of colors and patterns.”

Are there specific color palettes or design choices that make a rental more appealing to guests?

“For coastal homes, blue hues in various shades are always a popular choice, as well as greens, corals, and pinks.”

What high-end design elements add the most value to a Gulf Coast home?

“Some of the luxury features that we use are elevators, designer lighting, premium tile, countertop selections, and outdoor living spaces. Our clients love the option of having that extra space being outside.

Additionally, creating spaces for guests to gather, dine, and sleep comfortably is essential for both private and rental homes.”

What types of lighting work best to highlight Gulf views while maintaining a cozy interior atmosphere?

“Dimmer switches are an essential feature—allowing homeowners to adjust lighting levels to suit different moods and times of day.”

How do you design indoor-outdoor spaces that flow seamlessly?

“Outdoor spaces are very popular at the beach because everyone wants to spend the majority of their time outdoors.

Providing a space to watch TV and dine is the easy part— I’m always looking for other ways to enjoy the outdoors. We’ve placed Adirondack chairs near a grill, swings on the front porch, or additional tables for board games to relax and have fun.”

What small luxury touches—like an ice maker or beverage fridge—add functionality and appeal?

“An extra refrigerator in a garage, pantry, or guest house is always nice and practical for extended stays—visitors want to avoid extra unnecessary trips to the store.

Extra dens with built-in beds provide space for younger guests, while outdoor areas featuring TVs, fireplaces, or fire pits create inviting year-round gathering spaces.

Often, our homes are being used year-round, even during the winter, so these outdoor spaces can be warmed by a fire to create a comfortable spot during a cooler season.”

Feature: A Past Santa Rosa Beach Project

Here at Twin, we’ve worked with numerous clients around the Santa Rosa Beach area. We can’t wait to feature more in the near future! Here’s one of our past projects— primarily serving as a rental home.

Blue Mountain Beach House

Designed for large family gatherings, this home includes a second-floor workout room, bedrooms that accommodate four or more guests, en-suite bathrooms for each bedroom, multiple laundry rooms, and a well-planned outdoor space. Features like a pool, volleyball net, outdoor grill, porches, and a yard make it a standout vacation property.

Designing a coastal home requires careful selection of materials, layouts, and features that can withstand the elements while providing luxury and comfort. Whether building a private retreat or a rental property, thoughtful planning ensures a home that is both durable and stylish. By incorporating smart material choices and adding small luxury touches, homeowners can create a space that is beautiful, welcoming, and well-equipped for the coastal lifestyle. Interested in building on the coast with us? Contact us for more information!