Coastal Chic

Outfitted head-to-toe by Interior Philosophy, a whimsical beach house dispels classic waterfront clichés.

Upon arriving at the beach house of Mandy Mayers, in Florida’s picturesque Watercolor community, it’s difficult to decide whether to first enjoy the outdoors or in. The enchanting emerald green waters are a definite draw, but it’s hard not to let the home’s air of relaxed sophistication wash over you, as well.

In a departure from conventional waterfront décor, Mayers—along with Jessica Roan, friend and business partner in their successful Buckhead home furnishings shop, Interior Philosophy—took a more subtle approach to design. In lieu of oft-expected starfish and conch shells against a blue-and-white backdrop, Mayers and Roan lifted colors from the surrounding area—soft grays, blues and greens—and brought them into the space. “Just like in our shop, we are drawn to more calming colors,” Roan says. “Then we added punches of graphite grays and turquoise to give some depth and contrast.”

Throughout the home, a mix of touchable textures adds visual interest, from linen and sisal to burlap and bamboo, while layers of natural elements keep the subtle color scheme from falling flat. In the dining room, a chandelier made of coral commands attention while, in the adjacent hallway, a natural oak console displays antique zinc finials and a Mercury vase beneath a driftwood mirror. Shells were intentionally kept to a minimum. “There’s so much of that in the design market right now that we didn’t want to go overboard. We really took our time and selected the most sophisticated pieces,” Mayers explains.

Deciding to eschew typical beach house design wasn’t a complicated choice; it was deciding what stylish items from Interior Philosophy would make the cut. Known for its fresh and breezy décor, the shop was the perfect one-stop resource for Mayers’ home. “It was great not having to trek all over town to find the right furnishings; [they were] already in our store,” she says. But the West Palm Beach native playfully goes on to share, “Florida is in my veins, so I had to be sure to reel it in.” Enter Roan’s editing skills. “Jessica’s the practical one,” Mayers muses. “She had to remind me that I have two very young children who’ll be eating popsicles on the sofa.”

“It was important that the home remained uncluttered and comfortable,” adds Roan. “After all, it’s a vacation home.”