Subtle beach decor can work both seaside and in suburbia

Designer Shawn Evans, owner of the design firm P Four, joined Washington Post staff writer Jura Koncius recently on the Home Front online chat. His Rehoboth Beach, Del., weekend home was recently featured in the Post. Here is an edited excerpt.

Question: I want to design a beach home with a welcoming vibe. Where should I start?

Answer: Talk with the owners to understand how they want to live in the space. Ensuring that a home is both beautiful and functional is critical in residential design. I encourage clients to share personal stories, photos, and artifacts to help with inspiration and determine the direction. Also ask clients what existing items (furniture, art, etc.) are important to them. Then it's about creating a space that reflects the owners' personality and ensuring comfort and style prevail.

Q: My husband and I have enjoyed our beach house in the Outer Banks of North Carolina and are considering making it our permanent home. But it is not friendly for "aging in place." We would need to install an elevator, if possible, and figure out more storage space. Do you have any specific ideas for making such a home more accessible?

A: Adding an elevator is possible, although it can be difficult from a structural perspective. I recommend consulting a builder who can facilitate the structural engineers, etc. An in-home chair lift or "stair lift" is a possibility that may be easier to install.

Q: For years I've brought the beach to suburbia, in what I hope is a tasteful way: seascape paintings, shells displayed in shadow boxes, wicker furniture on the porch, etc. I am now moving to the beach full time. Will my decorating style be too much?

A: I try to be subtle in my beach house design and bring the vibe inside in some nontraditional ways. I think it's whatever makes you happy and if you are living at the beach, why not celebrate it in your home? I love shells and beach art, so perhaps it's selecting a paint color that doesn't make it too much.

Q: Blue-and-white nautical never gets tired unless it's the winter holidays. How can I make fabric and other choices that can easily transcend the seasons? Obviously pillows and linens are easy and maybe enough, but what about our blue sofa?

A: I love the idea of a blue sofa (I actually have a navy one in my Washington, D.C., home). Blue is one of the most widely accepted colors. A bold blue sofa allows you to easily change pillows and accessories seasonally.

Q: We have a house overlooking the water. Every paint color I try reflects off the ceiling, appears dull, and takes on a greenish tint. What paint colors would you suggest to lighten up the room?

A: I would let the water view be the star and paint a light neutral color such as Sherwin Williams' Accessible Beige.

Q: What's the best way to incorporate a beachy color palette into an urban apartment?

A: If you don't want to paint the walls, add beachy accessories such as pillows and artwork.

Q: What is a good host gift if you are going to visit someone for a long weekend at a beach house?

A: We have friends stop by farm stands on their way to the beach and pick up fresh corn, a homemade berry pie, or a bouquet of fresh-cut flowers. I recommend bringing a board game or a beach game, such as badminton. You can never have enough games, and it's a lot of fun to enjoy them with your guests. Of course, I never get tired of a nice bottle of wine or champagne. Another fun idea is putting together a basket of mixers and ingredients for a specialty summer cocktail.

Q: You have a pool, which means there must be people running around in wet bathing suits. Do you often ask them not to sit on the indoor furniture?

A: We don't ask guests to not sit on the indoor furniture with wet suits, as most of our guests respect the home and furnishings. But I did choose durable fabrics and finishes because the home gets a lot of use with large groups.

Q: Do you have a summer wardrobe in your beach house so you don't have to pack every weekend? Also, do you schlep stuff and supplies from Washington or buy it in Rehoboth?

A: We keep a closet full of clothes at the beach house to eliminate the hassle of moving clothes back and forth. Plus, our beach attire is not always D.C.-appropriate. When we travel to beach destinations, we typically pack from our beach home closet. We buy other supplies such as food, drink, and everyday household items in Rehoboth. We also have things delivered via Amazon and Costco.