A Guide to Designing a Home on the Jersey Shore

As Spring winds down, we all have the Summer season in mind. Today, we're taking you inside to explore the design of our Deal Beach House, located in one of the country’s most exclusive zip codes along the Jersey Shore.

Made for Gatherings, Made to Last

Maximize your summer beach home with these three tips: optimize the layout for effortless entertaining, create a space that feels both modern and timeless, and think long-term by creating a legacy home that could be passed down through generations. For us, it all starts with openness.

Leading with openness is the best way to create a summer house that is practical and fully personalized, and, as interior designers, we know a thing or two about that.

"Light materials and unique features make a summer home feel like a true vacation getaway every time." - Jack Ovadia

Let's Dive In.

It was essential to the owners that the design of their home serve as a relaxing space for their married children and future grandchildren while still accommodating large gatherings with friends. These key aspects rooted our design in creating an heirloom for their growing family —a token that could be passed down. To do just that, our concept incorporated an open layout, suites for family members, and private suites for weekend guests, enhancing the home’s functionality.

Expansive Foyer.

Upon entering the home, we aimed to create an open layout enhanced by natural, ocean-inspired elements.We integrated polished Pallisandro blue marble to serve as a visual guide, allowing the eye to travel upward and enhancing the illusion of height while adding depth and visual interest.The foyer is complemented by a custom-made chandelier created in collaboration with Preciosa. Inspired by seabirds, the two-story chandelier features hand-blown glass and captures the essence of birds in flight.

Our use of neutral tones, coastal elements, and natural materials accomplished our goal of designing a timeless entryway that’s grounded in its location and surroundings. Deal, New Jersey, is known for its serenity and calmness; we wanted that same feeling to intertwine with the home's story.

"We Believe that Small Details Matter Most."

Effortless Hosting & Connecting

For our kitchen design, we aimed to create a space that’s sophisticated and infused with a coastal ambiance. We achieved this by combining natural wood tones with crisp white panels, creating a contemporary feel that’s both balanced and warm. The Gabriel Scott geometric pendants above the islands, inspired by jewelry, feel light and airy while mimicking the cabinets' trim details. The homeowners are passionate cooks and entertainers. To enhance their lifestyle, our team incorporated double islands and a dinette in the kitchen, ideal for hosting.

We always look for opportunities to create spaces that inspire memorable moments, especially those that happen when family comes together. The kitchen flows seamlessly into the dinette and living room, making it easy to share family meals, enjoy afternoon conversations, and everything in between. A summer home should always offer areas where everyone feels comfortable and connected, allowing good times and great company to flow naturally.

Wellness Within Reach.

The house features eight spacious bedrooms, each thoughtfully designed with its own en-suite bathroom to ensure comfort and privacy for every guest. From the guest rooms to the discreet staff quarters and across every corner of the home, light and airy design elements evoke the gentle ocean breeze. These touches create a peaceful, refreshing atmosphere—a subtle yet constant reminder of the home’s seaside location and the relaxed vibe of the season.

Seamless Indoor/Outdoor Living.

For the patio area, we created a timeless outdoor living space that accommodates a large group of friends and family.

Floor-to-ceiling windows provide an unobstructed view of the patio, creating an immersive experience enhanced by the sights and sounds of the nearby ocean.

Accessing the outdoor living area is seamless thanks to multiple entry points located along the rear of the home.

The cabana was designed with all ages in mind, making it the perfect space for dining and lounging alongside the pool. This outdoor living space caters to the homeowner’s needs while still maintaining a serene connection to nature, right at home.

Made with Future Generations in Mind.

This seasonal getaway seamlessly blends contemporary coastal design with the functionality and warmth of a family home.

As Jack Ovadia describes it:

"This home is a timeless gift and a safe haven that will be passed down for generations."

This project was shortlisted for the International Design & Architecture Awards 2024

Read more about this project in the August/September 2024 digital and print issue of Design NJ Magazine