Coastal style been totally reinvented in this gorgeous, contemporary North Carolina beach house

Bedroom, kitchen, study

Lindsey and Wes Carter dreamt of building a vacation home for themselves and their young family in the beach town – Wrightsville Beach – where they grew up. 

The look? Relaxed, coastal, modern. 'They hoped to achieve a relaxed atmosphere with a touch of sophistication, maintaining an approachable and kid-friendly environment,' says interior designer and Homes & Gardens contributor Cortney Bishop. 'They preferred a foundational palette of black and cream, complemented by subtle pops of color and organic textures.'

The catch? The house has an upside down floorplan.

The ground floor entry was purposeful and practical, equipped with a bench and hooks for beach accessories and wet towels. We loved the feathered tile we used in this area (Image credit: Cortney Bishop)

'Due to the narrow lot, we knew we had to work with a three-story reversed floor plan,' continues Cortney. 

'The entrance (above) was on the ground floor, with a winding staircase at its center leading up to the kitchen, living area, and bedrooms (below). 

The living room and kitchen space was the central hub for family hangouts and entertaining. The living room sofa with a chaise from Verellen added a touch of relaxed elegance, making it perfect for the family room (Image credit: Cortney Bishop)

'This type of layout can be tricky to create a clear sense of space and direction upon entry. We were well aware of this challenge and aimed to incorporate visual interest and texture that would guide gracefully and without confusion to the second-floor living spaces.'

The banquet nook was custom-made with casters, as per the clients' request, allowing them to move it for longer occasions and providing versatile bench seating. (Image credit: Cortney Bishop)

'Our choice of materials and the intentional placement of their directions resulted in a delightful experience that drew you towards the kitchen and living area, where the home felt more connected to its surroundings.' 

'For the kitchen cabinetry, achieving an integrated look was essential to maintain a 'living room feel'. The custom cabinet finish and style were meticulously crafted to meet our high standards, with a beautiful bleach oak surfing detail. The cabinet team truly excelled in their craftsmanship,' says Cortney (Image credit: Cortney Bishop)

'We opted for a soft white paint color on the horizontal shiplap along the outer wall of the staircase, complemented by vertical white oak accents on the inside of the stairs. To top it off, we added a brilliant touch – an architect's idea of a glass window from the second floor of the staircase into the living area (above) – all of which eliminated any sense of perplexity. 

The kitchen pendant, specifically the Apparatus pendant, was an ideal choice for the modern kitchen. The island featured a stunning marble waterfall design that added flair and became the focal point of the room (Image credit: Cortney Bishop)

'The kitchen and living space are absolute showstoppers, thanks to the incredible materials we used in the construction. We added so much character to the project with wide plank shiplap running horizontally, complemented by vertical oak accent panels on accent walls and in the office.'

(Image credit: Cortney Bishop)

'The bedrooms got a fun touch with wallpapered coverings, while the primary bedroom was wrapped in oak, creating a captivating narrative as you explore the house.' 

(Image credit: Cortney Bishop)

'In the primary bedroom, vintage lamps added a special touch of character and style,' continues Cortney. 

(Image credit: Cortney Bishop)

'The space exudes a captivating blend of organic elements and sophistication, with a touch of black elegance carried into the bathroom (below).'

(Image credit: Cortney Bishop)

'The boys' room (below) had a fun tribal surf vibe, complete with bunk beds for friends to enjoy. The girls' room had a fresh and fun atmosphere, with matching cabinet accents throughout the house featuring bleached white oak Kerfing.'

(Image credit: Cortney Bishop)

From beginning, to concept, to installation, the project took two and a half years. 

'I am thrilled with the house!' says Cortney. 'It speaks to both Lindsay and Wes’ characters and personalities – it’s very much a vibe. I believe they were thrilled with the result as well. They were gracious enough to wait for the big reveal which is always so much fun!'

Interior Design / Cortney Bishop Design