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Collection by Kelsey Keith

Ways to Deck Out a Wooden Beach House

Vacation homes shouldn't be a pain—they should be low-maintenance places for respite. Here's how ten lakeside and beachfront retreats use the most low-maintenance of materials: wood.

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Make it float! On the edge of a tiny island on Lake Huron, accessible only by boat, this buoyant summer home lives the life aquatic.
Make it float! On the edge of a tiny island on Lake Huron, accessible only by boat, this buoyant summer home lives the life aquatic.
The kitchen cabinetry echoes the new blue ceiling. The brick tile is from Heath Ceramics, as is the dinnerware. Behind the Viking stove is powder-coated corrugated metal (“Very trailer,” says the designer). The refrigerator is from Big Chill. On the table is a bowl by Victoria Morris.
The kitchen cabinetry echoes the new blue ceiling. The brick tile is from Heath Ceramics, as is the dinnerware. Behind the Viking stove is powder-coated corrugated metal (“Very trailer,” says the designer). The refrigerator is from Big Chill. On the table is a bowl by Victoria Morris.
Eight-year-old Emily peeks out from a sliding panel door with matte marine hardware that will age gracefully in the salty air.
Eight-year-old Emily peeks out from a sliding panel door with matte marine hardware that will age gracefully in the salty air.
The exterior is clad in 100-year-old cypress meticulously crafted for the home by former shipbuilder George Velmachos of Wright and Company. Courtesy Architects and Artisans.
The exterior is clad in 100-year-old cypress meticulously crafted for the home by former shipbuilder George Velmachos of Wright and Company. Courtesy Architects and Artisans.
The vacation complex is designed to promote an easy flow between the two families' spaces, which include guest cabins and a shared porch for hanging out and eating.
The vacation complex is designed to promote an easy flow between the two families' spaces, which include guest cabins and a shared porch for hanging out and eating.
Alex enjoys a sun-filled breakfast at the built-in dining table and bench, one of many space-saving designs.
Alex enjoys a sun-filled breakfast at the built-in dining table and bench, one of many space-saving designs.
Matthew Peek and Renata Ancona built an elevated modern structure near Stinson Beach, California, with mesmerizing views of both the coast and nearby Mount Tamalpais. Photo by: Mathew Scott
Matthew Peek and Renata Ancona built an elevated modern structure near Stinson Beach, California, with mesmerizing views of both the coast and nearby Mount Tamalpais. Photo by: Mathew Scott
Arriving guests can see straight through the house to the lagoon beyond.
Arriving guests can see straight through the house to the lagoon beyond.
Inside the cedar-framed pool house are a 40-foot-long lap pool and a hot tub. Should that feel too limiting or too tame, the Atlantic Ocean is only a short 200-yard stroll away.
Inside the cedar-framed pool house are a 40-foot-long lap pool and a hot tub. Should that feel too limiting or too tame, the Atlantic Ocean is only a short 200-yard stroll away.