Their Style

Architect Bobby McAlpine and designer Susan Ferrier know a thing or two about beach houses. The design duo has completed about 40 seaside projects on all U.S. coasts, as well as the Caribbean. But all it takes is one glimpse at this Rosemary Beach, Florida, house to grasp that their coastal style is anything but typical.

Instead of nautical stripes, kicky colors, or shell-themed accessories, Bobby and Susan are known for a refined mix of muted shades with gradations from room to room; layered textures such as distressed wood and soft, organic fabrics; and clean lines found on everything from gridded panes of divided-light windows to pared-down versions of traditional furnishings.