8 Unspoken Rules for a Smooth Stay at the Beach House

The Siegel twins of Twin Construction and designer Laurie Fulkerson reveal how they mastered the art of the "multi-family" retreat, hosting 11 people at once in total harmony.

By
BHG Staff
-

Sharing a beach house requires a truly special relationship. This is especially true for the tight bond between identical twins William and David Siegel and their families. As co-owners of Twin Construction, the brothers used their professional experience to design a multi-family vacation home that balances style and function.

To create the perfect beach house layout, they collaborated with designer Laurie Fulkerson of Twin Interiors. Together they managed the needs of 11 family members, including William and Kim Siegel and their four children along with David and Marianne Siegel and their three kids. This shared love for beach house life has made their family bond even stronger. David says they are fully aware of what a blessing it is to have this shared space. Here are their 8 ideas for successful house sharing:

1. Prioritize Two Owner’s Bedrooms

Two owner’s bedrooms with adjacent baths are a must. Consider larger closets to store beach clothing and other vacation items.

Blue-themed owner's suite bathroom in a beach house with a double vanity and coastal decor for a private couple's retreat.
Designer Laurie Fulkerson customized the personal suites by using each couple’s favorite color to create a sense of belonging. This space features Kim and William Siegel’s signature blue to distinguish it from David and Marianne’s green suite.The layout also includes larger closets to allow for each owner to have a stackable washer/dryer unit. // Photography by Dustin Adams.
Beach house main suite four poster bed.
Symmetry and soft textures take center stage in this suite. The elegant four-poster bed and layered neutral linens offer a peaceful sanctuary for homeowner’s to recharge, proving that a house full of people can still have quiet corners.

2. Create a Private Guest Space

Create an additional guest suite or space for parents and friends. Visitors need their own private area to retreat.

Compact guest bathroom in a beach house with a white pedestal sink and clean, minimalist design for visitor privacy.
The clean and compact design ensures guests can have their own space for privacy. It allows guests to maintain their own schedule and routines in a quiet, secluded corner of the home.

3. Separate the Kids’ Hangout

Create a kids’ hangout space separate from the adults. The Siegels’ children share bedrooms and a TV lounge on the third floor.

Beach house kids' bedroom featuring twin beds and bright green accents designed for multi-family vacation stays.
Bright green accents and coastal-inspired art bring a youthful energy to this kid’s room.” Twin beds and durable King Cotton finishes ensure this space is as practical as it is charming for the younger generation. This room has access to an upstairs den with TV and game area.

4. Invest in Multi-Generational Amenities

Don’t forget the elevator. Enjoyed for convenience now, an elevator will also serve the needs of aging, multi-generational families later.

Modern beach house entryway with stairs and elevator access for multi-generational living.
This open staircase is the primary route for kids and younger guests to move between floors. A nearby elevator prevents congestion by handling the heavy lifting of beach life. It moves overflowing grocery bags, bulky coolers, and large suitcases straight to the upper floors.

5. Expand Your Outdoor Living

Include outdoor amenities. An outdoor fireplace provides a cozy gathering spot in the winter, and an outdoor shower keeps sandy feet clean.

Expansive porch of a beach house with a brick fireplace and comfortable lounge seating for outdoor living.
Featuring a cozy brick fireplace for chilly nights and plenty of plush seating, this porch serves as an outdoor living room. “The fabric choice was critical,” says Laurie. “The Siegels wanted a place where they would be comfortable and not have to worry about wear and tear. The use of performance fabrics and outdoor materials gives the family a piece of mind.”

6. Plan for Heavy-Duty Storage

Be mindful about storage. The Siegels hung racks in their garage for bikes, beach equipment, and paddleboards. They also installed a second refrigerator and ice maker. They advise adding temperature and humidity control to storage spaces. It’s essential for preventing rust.

Beach house kitchen with seafoam cabinets and marble island designed for large groups.
In a kitchen that serves 11, storage is the ultimate luxury. Beyond the sprawling marble-topped island, seafoam cabinetry hides clever organizational zones designed to keep a rotating cast of guests fed. The open layout ensures that even when the house is full, everything from beach snacks to Sunday dinner has a designated home.

7. Solve the Parking Puzzle

Who’s driving? Street parking can be a challenge in most beach neighborhoods.

Aerial view of a U-shaped beach house lot showing the pool area and ample off-street parking for multiple vehicles.
The Siegel home features a smart U-shaped lot design that maximizes off-street parking for a fleet of vehicles. This layout ensures there is plenty of room for everyone to arrive and depart without the stress of searching for a place to park.

8. Coordinate the Calendar

Whose weekend is it? A calendar is key for planning. The Siegels share common holidays and allot times for individual families as requested.

Light-filled beach house entryway designed for smooth guest traffic flow.
By pairing curated coastal accessories with an open, sun-drenched layout, the Siegels created a hub able to handle the high-traffic flow of a multi-family vacation without losing its sense of calm.

Want to See More?

Tour the Full House

Resources

Home design and build: Twin Construction; Interior design and furnishings: Laurie Fulkerson, Twin Interiors; Dining room wallpaper: Thibaut, through Twin Interiors; Countertops: Surface One Tile: Triton Stone Group; Rug in den: Billy Brown Flooring

- Sponsors -

Get the best of Birmingham delivered to your inbox

Stunning local homes, inspiring before & after projects, Southern recipes, entertaining ideas and more!

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR