Breathtaking Waterfront Home Designs

Living on the waterfront has its advantages. One of the biggest benefits is the enviable designs that pair so well with the setting; you can get truly creative with interior and exterior designs. Beachfront home design is known by many landscapers, interior designers, and contractors to offer plenty of freedom when it comes to playing around with stylistic ideas. 

There are plenty of waterfront home design trends to take from and each of them offers an extra bit of flair that will turn any home into oceanic eye candy. Some of these can even be considered must-haves for a waterfront home — elements of functionality or design that you just gotta have with a beach view. Incorporating even a few of these designs into your waterfront house plans will create something truly gorgeous for you and your loved ones to enjoy. 

Panoramic Ocean View

Bright Kitchen Designs With Gorgeous Views

What’s the point of living near a body of water if you don’t make use of the amazing view? The rich blue water creates a smooth line between the ocean and the sky and is a sight to behold. Who needs decor when you can have the luxury of looking out into the eternal expanse of blue that is your oceanic view.

To make the sea part of your interior aesthetic, keep your windows open and make them as big as possible. Panoramic windows are a must if you have an oceanfront home as they let you look out at the gorgeous blue horizon. You can even consider floor-to-ceiling windows in places other than where you’d expect them (living room, bedroom), and install them in bathrooms or dining rooms that lead out onto terraces. 

Outdoor Kitchen

A Seaside Outdoor Kitchen Is an Essential

Another one of the many beachfront home design trends is the outdoor kitchen which will elevate your outdoor activities to a whole new level. Nothing says summer like relaxing by the waterfront and enjoying your favorite meals without having to change venues. Eating outside in the fresh air is already a pleasant experience, but eating by the waterfront is even more satisfying. The sound of the waves crashing, the spray of the sea, and the cool breeze all provide a serene ambiance for a wonderful meal. 

Plus, if you can’t entertain your guests outdoors living by the sea, then that’s just sad. So, one of the best additions you can make to your landscape is to create an outdoor kitchen complete with a grill, sinks, and a refrigerator that will keep all your food fresh. Sure, you can always use your normal indoor kitchen and simply bring the food out when it’s ready. But why deprive yourself of the satisfaction that comes with cooking out in the open air with your friends and loved ones?

Infinity Pool

Pool Design Inspiration for Your Next Remodel

You will find all manner of pool styles out there — from above-ground pools to ones surrounded by a deck, and even biophilic pools surrounded by grass instead of pavers. In other words, you have a lot to choose from. But one unique type of pool you can install that is just at home when you’re located on the waterfront is, of course, the infinity pool.

We are all familiar with the sight of swimming pools with a clear-cut border around them which is usually a set of pavers of a brighter color than the rest. What the infinity pool does is deemphasizes this border and makes it look as if the pool does not end but extends into the horizon. At one end of the pool all you will see is water slowly trickling down and it creates the illusion of it simply being frozen in mid-air.

In reality, a special mechanism and notch at the side of the pool collect the water and send it through the system of pumps. So, while it looks like the water is disappearing into an infinite waterfall under the pool, it is actually just cycling through the pool’s plumbing and filter systems, making for a stunning visual effect that can’t be beat.  But this sleek, almost magical effect does not come cheap. Installing an infinity pool is quite expensive if not for the high-quality material that is being used, then for the design and building process. The pool contractor has to be extra careful with the measurements since if their calculations are off by even a tiny bit, the pool’s edgeless effect may not work. 

But in the end, you get what you paid for. As expensive as infinity pools may be, they are well worth the price. 

Serene Blue Interior

Coastal Living Room Design Heaven

Living in a waterfront home is about more than simply having a house that sits by the ocean. It is also about how you embrace the colors around you and how you use them to spice up your interior. You see blue outside all the time, be it the sky or the water - this is plenty of backdrop to inspire an equally entrancing and serene backdrop on the inside.

The color blue is known for its ability to brighten up rooms and create a serene atmosphere. A gentle sky blue or baby blue should do the trick. Blue is just vibrant enough to brighten up the room but not too bright that it gets distracting or tiring on the eyes. Of course, blue isn’t the only color that makes up the perfect coastal style setup. Whites, beiges, and straw yellows also paint a beautiful scene of coziness, calm, and serenity.

Relaxing Lounge on Terrace

Coastal Outdoor Living Room and Lounge Ideas

The sound of flowing water has been scientifically proven as one of the best auditory sensations to help you relax. That is exactly what a waterfront lounge is going to help you do. Terraces are great exterior additions to any home. But they are even more satisfying when they are on the waterfront. A waterfront home without one is incomplete.

Putting a few pieces of outdoor furniture around, a small table for general use, and a couple of soft cushions should be enough to create your outdoor lounge for hosting many activities. Just make sure to pick out weatherproof upholstery and a handful of rattan items for the perfect setup. There are few better ways to unwind after a long day at work.

Mediterranean Exterior Colors

Creating a Serene Atmosphere with White and Blue Exterior

Colors don’t only play a minor role in your interior design. They are also a huge element in the waterfront house’s exterior design. Overlooking the colors of your home’s exterior runs the risk of having it look dull and not taking advantage of the landscape it can play off of. Mediterranean design and architecture echo this philosophy, as you will see in many villages on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, most of which are bursting with vibrant colors.

One of the most famous color combinations in Mediterranean exteriors is vibrant blue and bright white or beige. The blue mimics the ethereal blue of the water, and the white and beige is like having the comforting sand and earth beneath your feet. You can give your home this same mesmerizing appeal by using these two colors in the design of your exterior. 

Coastal Decorations

DIY Coastal Decor Can Be Perfect for Waterfront Homes

Interior design is all about the little details. Every small piece of decor or ornament is going to contribute greatly to the overall vibe and aesthetic of your interior. This can be an important element in coastal design too. While the colors, space, and other aspects of the interior are designed to reflect coastal aesthetics, it is through the little details that you can really bring the style to life and add your personality.

To really accentuate the coastal look of your interior, decorate the walls and furniture with some fitting patterns and materials. But to give it that truly personal touch, use souvenirs and other memorabilia from your own trips as decor. These little touches are going to go a long way in creating a coastal vibe in your interior while making it your waterfront home in particular. 

Gentle Lighting

Exterior Lighting Layouts for Evening Dinners, Picnics, and Cookouts

Some homeowners like going all out with their lighting. But when it comes to waterfront landscaping, landscape designers often recommend going with more gentle lighting in order to complement the natural beauty of your surroundings. It is very easy to fall into the trap of thinking that more is better. However, installing all kinds of lighting fixtures from old-school wrought iron posts to wrapping string lights around every tree in your lighting layout isn’t going to make for the best look. 

Try installing accent lights instead of primary lighting fixtures as they offer plenty of light but without being too bright. Accent lights are practical as they allow you to see where you’re going but also work great as decor since they can highlight the various details of your landscape. 

Install recessed lighting under steps, next to pools, and other areas of your landscape with trip hazards. String lighting is also a good idea, but don’t overdo it as you should not obstruct the view of the ocean. Install some lights around the trees and the larger features of your oceanfront landscaping design, such as decks, patios, and natural elements like stones and boulders. This will enhance the coastal feel of your beachfront landscaping design and provide enough light for a functional backyard.