Siding: James Hardie. Windows and doors: JELD-WEN. Exterior trim: AZEK Trimboards. Roof: Metal Roofing Alliance. Porch draperies: Sunbrella.

A Room for Living
Casual and inviting, yet refined—that's how interior designer Tammy Connor describes the living area she created at our Idea House. Like readers' favorite getaways, "it's a space where you immediately feel comfortable kicking off your shoes," she says. Taking a cue from the coastal setting, Tammy chose a muted palette of ocean blues and greens, then washed the cypress walls with a soft khaki. "We drew inspiration from the area's natural beauty—the water and the wetlands," says the Alabama-based designer. Cheryl Hackett-Galvin constructed the Roman shades and draperies here from recycled sailcloth. The hand-sewn material adds history and visual interest. "Every sail has a story to tell, and no two are alike," says the Rhode Island designer.

Paint: Valspar. Upholstered furniture: Thomasville. Accent pillow fabrics: Robert Allen. Windows: JELD-WEN. Rug: Elizabeth Eakins Inc. HVAC: Lennox.

coastal cool
Energy-efficient and nearly silent, the technologically advanced HVAC system regulates heat and humidity. Instead of roaring on and off like traditional systems, it automatically adjusts fan speed to refresh the air.

Table for Six
Informal meets formal in the dining area, where a pair of casual settees provides contrast to the more-traditional upholstered slipper chairs. The settees' generous dimensions balance the visual weight of the 7-foot table, custom-made for the space from salvaged red oak. Above the table, a wrought-iron lantern makes a dramatic statement. "Introducing a hanging element brings a third dimension into a room," Tammy says. "It completes the space."

Upholstered furniture: Thomasville. Fabric on chairs, settees, and solid pillows: Robert Allen. Paint: Valspar. Rug: Elizabeth Eakins Inc.

grand scheme
Tammy suggests using large-scale accents for instant impact. Here, she boldly chose an oversize hanging lantern to illuminate the intimate space. Its size and proportion create a simple yet graphic look.

A Chef's Dream
Anyone who loves to cook—or eat—will fall for this state-of-the-art kitchen. With a stainless steel sink and honed-marble countertop, the generous island offers plenty of space for food preparation or a buffet-style setup. Open shelving and colorful cookware recall the kitchens found in historic coastal homes. The design team even customized the space with a punched-tin overlay concealing the fridge. "People always congregate in the kitchen," Tammy says. "That's why we made it one of the most inviting rooms in the house."

Sink and fixtures: Franke Consumer Products. Blue cookware: Le Creuset. Cabinetry: Plain & Fancy Custom Cabinetry. Appliances: Jenn-Air. Roman shades: Robert Allen. Paint: Valspar. Windows: JELD-WEN.

kitchen confidential
Dual dishwashers (talk about luxury!) simplify cleanup after a night of waterfront entertaining. A built-in warming drawer and versatile pot filler provide restaurant efficiency. Pendants deliver valuable task lighting for island food prep.

Best Seat in the House
What do you hope for in a breakfast room? Sunshine! That's why the architects designed a space with three exposures and harbor views. Below the coffered ceiling, they added a shallow display ledge for sea-color bottles. Every element in the room—from the chandelier to the door hardware—adds subtle elegance.

Windows: JELD-WEN. Door hardware: Schlage. Furniture: Thomasville. Paint: Valspar. Rug: Elizabeth Eakins Inc.

transparent choice
Durable aluminum-clad, double-hung windows stand up to harsh coastal weather, including 150-mph winds. These windows are suitable for use anywhere, but ideal for regions vulnerable to brutal storms. The wood core is specially treated to resist water and pests.