Many homes on the coast offer the expected soft whites, creams and sea foam blues. But here's one house that embraces colors you'd least expect at the beach.
Welcome to my next door neighbor's fresh + colorful beach pad. Their home was decorated by an Alabama designer, which is also where the owners reside. They were kind enough to let me take some snapshots so I could share with you...well sure, what else would one say to a stalking neighbor who lives next door?
The outside...
Once you're on the front porch, the color palette is introduced in a fun fashion with splashes of bright reds, turquoises, greens and yellows. The red front porch swing is the size of a twin bed and is a great spot to sip a glass of wine or just catch a snooze on a lazy afternoon...

I often see our neighbors sipping morning coffee on their porch at this antique table boasting comfy slip covered chairs by Lee Industries. Of course all the fabrics are outdoor to prevent fading and mildewing.
One of my favorite features of their home is the avocado shutters against the pops of red.
When you enter the house, there is this massive red console which houses these modern lamps. By day, the mirror reflects a perfect abundance of sunlight and by night it adds warmth by reflecting the soft light of the lamps.

I know this picture is kind of dark, but notice the very functional L-shaped banquette and fabulous chairs around the table which seats up to ten...
Love the mini bar with glass cabinets which shares space with the foyer and kitchen. The cabinet colors are a delicious mocha.

In the family room, all furniture is cleverly slip-covered in a chocolate fabric. Hello, no stains ever [note to self]. Check out the old door showcasing a painting of a whimsical mermaid...nice touch of red brought into the room for continuity.
The coffee table above is handy for tikes snacking while watching TV and doubles as a foot rest for tired beach feet.
On to the master suite, which is on the main level. Keeping tune with the chocolate brown from the family and dining rooms, the designer nicely offset it with a relaxing sea foam blue.
Now for some bold color as we head upstairs. As soon as you reach the top of the stairs, there is a lounging area perfect for afternoon reading, games or TV...
An up close shot. Love the yellow piping on the turquoise slipcover.
Check out this guest room.

Adorable bathroom...
Here's my favorite room in the house...the bunkroom!
I'm impressed with the fact that it is a very small room yet every square inch has been utilized and it comfortably sleeps eight!
There are two sets of these bunks...
And two full sized beds...

Leaving the bunkroom and going back into the main hallway...
Even the potty room is pure fun...
I love the approach of using hooks to hang towels. Really takes the pressure off.
This is the last bedroom, and it's neutral on walls and window treatments, but look at the tangy punch of color in the pillows.

And last but not least...the porch off the upstairs bedrooms. I could really get used to hanging out in a spot like this. If I had a porch like this, it would my hiding spot from the offspring when in desperate need of Mommy Downtime.
Yes, I have porch envy.

Don't be fooled here. image above is one porch swing and image below is another on the opposite side of the porch. When you're up there it is perfectly relaxing, like if the Ritz had designed a tree house.
Hope you enjoyed this mini-tour. Lesson to be learned here? If you want color in your space, go for it. If you're feeling a little gun shy, then you can keep your walls neutral and really punch up pillows and accessories. Either way, a little color can add a lot of personality to any space.
Hope you enjoyed!