2011 Ultimate Beach House

This year, we went to East Beach in Norfolk, Virginia to build a seaside retreat from the ground up. Go inside to find pretty decorating ideas and smart design finds.

2011 Ultimate Beach House Room Tour

Check out our East Beach Idea House in Norfolk, Virginia. It's packed with fantastic decorating ideas--all yours to steal!

2011 Ultimate Beach House Side Yard Living Area

Photographer: Tria Giovan, Stylist: Heather Chadduck , Writer: Steele Thomas Marcoux

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The Side Yard Living Area

All-Weather Wonder: Sturdy teak seating (previous slide) and aluminum-framed wicker, which can endure through rain and chill, let this outdoor space be used like an indoor one all year long.

Made in the Shade: A retractable awning and manual roller shades made of weatherproof fabric offer protection from bright sunlight and strong sea breezes.

Eco-Chic Rug: With wide stripes, super-soft ribbing, and 50 percent recycled content, this indoor/outdoor rug is good-looking and good for the environment.

Hedge Fun: A row of tall, slender elm trees creates a privacy screen (with enough height to shield the second floor, too!); silvery green maiden grass beneath softens the fence with beachy texture.