a modern day beach house makeover

Dramatic transformations don't always require demolition.

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A beach house is far more than a summer getaway. For the Hall family, their Rhode Island home is a year-round escape. Since it’s an extra special place for this family of six (mom, dad, two adolescent daughters, and two dogs), making sure the style and vibe is just right is important. What’s in store for this family? A magical transformation that only a few could step up to the challenge to tackle. Here’s where Kate Jackson and Sunbrella come in.

See more from this real home makeover. 

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The living room is where the family gathers together. It’s also the inevitable dumping ground for tossing wet bathing suits, sunscreen, and melting popsicles. When you have young kids, some things just start blending into the decor. (Can we get a yikes?) When it comes to the windows, the transoms were left bare and untouched. Time for the right decorative touch…

Jackson started with the windows and hung Sunbrella sheers that won’t fade like traditional window treatments. Throw pillows in a punchy tangerine and navy palette add an instant pick-me-up to the neutral-toned sofa. 

Striped pillows in St. Tropez Tangerine available from Donghia;
Solid pillows in Sunbrella Canvas Navy and Canvas Tuscan

Rearranging is the name of this decorating game. The living space is where the family gathers and where they do most of their indoor entertaining. Plenty of seating options–sofas and swivel chairs–pull this room together and open up the space. A fabric-covered ottoman is a smart choice with kids and pets running around. Plus, it can step into role of coffee table or extra seating. The pillows add an unexpected and pretty touch. If you stick with a complementary color palette, you can have some fun with the patterns. How much do we love these geometric printed pillows. 


Sunbrella Savvy Sunset Decorative Pillow by Miles Talbott;
Decorative Lumbar Pillow in Sunbrella Savvy Sunset available from the MT Company;
Sofas in Sunbrella Posh Parchment
Cocktail table by LEE industries and reupholstered in 
Asia II Mariner available from the MT Company

Okay, this room might look like one that any family would love waking up to. Are we wrong? However, the Hall family wanted something a bit differentroom that felt more lived in and inviting. 

Wooden bar stools surrounding the island are nice, but not quite right for this household. Jackson chose a navy and white striped fabric for an unexpected and stylish covering. 

Bar stools in Sunbrella Hampton Indigo

This room might have a great view, but window treatments transform the room’s look. Dining room drapes in Sunbrella Mist Snow let in morning sunlight. The dining room chairs were upholstered in a neutral fabric with a touch of navy piping. The light palette opens up the space and the fabric’s durability means there’s no worrying about stains and mess. Yep, bring on the kids, pets, and unavoidable dinner party fouls. 

Dining chair upholstery in Sunbrella Sailcloth Salt with Canvas Navy welting

See more from this home makeover. 
Watch and see this project unfold.