Airlie News
5 Must-Have Features in a Coastal Carolina Home
Living near the water isn’t just about the view, it’s about the way you live. From breezy layouts to durable finishes, the best coastal homes are designed to fit both the landscape and the lifestyle. If you’re building a home along the coast of North Carolina, these five design features are worth considering for your custom coastal home.
- Breezy, Open-Concept Living Spaces
Coastal living is all about connection, to nature, to family, and to the flow of everyday life. Open floorplans help create that seamless transition between spaces, letting natural light move freely and making entertaining effortless. In 2025, we’re seeing more homeowners lean into multi-functional layouts with combined kitchen, dining, and living areas that open onto outdoor spaces.
Bonus tip: Look for ways to extend the openness with oversized sliding doors or folding glass walls that blur the line between inside and out.
- Light, Airy Finishes That Reflect the Surroundings
Coastal homes shine when they feel fresh and natural. Think soft whites, sandy neutrals, ocean blues, and organic textures like rattan, white oak, and linen. These light-reflecting finishes make your home feel larger, brighter, and more serene, especially when paired with plenty of windows.
What’s trending? White oak floors, quartz countertops with soft veining, and matte brass or brushed nickel hardware that adds warmth without overpowering the space.
- Smart, Durable Materials Built for Coastal Conditions
Homes near the water face unique challenges, from salt air and humidity to intense sunlight. That’s why coastal homes need finishes that are not only beautiful but built to last. Fiber cement siding, impact-rated windows, and weather-resistant decking are all smart choices that hold up in the coastal climate.
Pro tip: Choosing materials designed for longevity can help reduce maintenance and protect your investment long-term.
- Covered Outdoor Spaces for Year-Round Living
In North Carolina’s coastal regions, your porch or patio can easily become the most-loved room of the house. Covered outdoor spaces are essential for beating the heat, catching a breeze, and enjoying the view. Think wide front porches, screened-in back patios, or second-story balconies with ceiling fans.
Current design trend: Adding fireplaces, built-in grilling stations, or retractable screens to turn your outdoor space into a true extension of the home.
- Functional Features That Fit Everyday Life
Designing for coastal living isn’t just about style, it’s about practicality, too. Mudroom storage for sandy shoes, drop zones for beach bags, and laundry rooms that can handle post-pool towels all make life easier.
Smart design idea: Tuck a drop zone just off the garage or side entry with built-in cubbies, hooks, and a bench. It’s simple but incredibly useful.
Bringing It All Together with Airlie Homes
If you’re building near the coast, choosing the right design features is key to creating a home that feels both beautiful and livable. At Airlie Homes, we make that process easy. We design and build custom homes throughout Wilmington, Hampstead, Southport, and along the coast from Ocean Isle to Emerald Isle, always with a focus on comfort, quality, and coastal style.
Through our personalized selections experience and in-house Design Center, we help homeowners choose the finishes and features that best fit their lifestyle. From your first floorplan to your final finish, we’re here to make sure your home looks and lives exactly how you imagined.
