The Finishing Touches

Details Make the Design

By Hannah Vermillion

When you look at a beautiful house, you see the big picture immediately, but after spending some time inside, you start to notice the small details that make all the difference between a house and a dream home. In the words of Charles Eames, “The details are not the details. They make the design.” The closer you look at the VIE Beach House, you’ll notice nothing has been overlooked. From the beautiful tile at the steps of the front door to the custom lighting seen throughout the house, this home exudes style.

At the very beginning stages of the show home’s design, developers Suzy and Jim Accola of Q Tile + Design Studio and Coastal Elements Construction knew they wanted the home to be unlike any other seen on 30-A. Using their talents in design, construction, tile, and finishings, they, along with the many other show home partners, crafted a home like no other. From the moment you walk through the custom Clark Hall door from Frank’s Cash and Carry, you get a feeling of being home. The work of Jonah Allen instantly greets you in the front entryway, and your eyes are immediately led to the handcrafted staircase with iron handrails. Don’t forget to look up! The foyer chandelier by Q Tile + Design Studio, with its contrast of metal and chains against the wood ceiling, is not to be missed!

The open-concept kitchen, dining, and living room are what beach house dreams are made of! Suzy Accola brought not only function but also high design to this spacious kitchen, which is perfect for entertaining large groups. Designer Cindy McCarley worked with Suzy to achieve the perfect cabinet layout and created an artistic rendering of the design team’s overall concept. “Cindy’s detailed, vibrant drawings brought the vision to life for me,” Suzy says. “She is such a talented artist.” The contrast of the open reclaimed-wood shelving and the sleek lacquer cabinets makes for a great blend of modern farmhouse and beach chic. The breakfast nook with its custom concrete table designed by Chris Bailey of Maison30a Home + Garden is the perfect spot for morning coffee and quiet time. As you look into the living room—designed in partnership with Melissa Skowlund of Summer House Lifestyle—you’ll see the massive white sectional, slipcovered in a performance fabric, facing the grand fireplace. It’s the perfect spot for an evening glass of wine with girlfriends.

“The details are not the details. They make the design.”

If all of this doesn’t immediately wow you, let’s venture into the master suite designed by Summer House Lifestyle. From the upholstered iron canopy bed to the custom mosaic tile in the walk-in shower, this is the perfect place to reenergize after a long day at the beach! As you peek into the other two bedrooms by Betsey Mosby Interior Design and the upstairs bunkroom by Summer House, you’ll see that each one has been imbued with a unique character and charm.

If the beach isn’t your thing, look no farther than the backyard for outdoor fun! Tricked out for entertaining, this al fresco living area, complete with a serene pool featuring hand-painted tile from Mexico, will serve your every need. Gas lanterns from Bevolo Gas & Electric Lights create the perfect ambience for your next outdoor barbecue or dinner party. Speaking of barbecuing, did we mention the outdoor kitchen has a gas grill and a Big Green Egg from Mobile Appliance? No detail has been overlooked when it comes to this home at the beach! See for yourself as you flip through the rest of this issue, and be sure to watch all the behind-the-scenes videos online at VIEmagazine.com as we document the VIE Beach House from start to finish!

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