11 People, 1 Roof: The Siegel Family’s Secrets to Sharing a Vacation Home

Smart layouts and "his and hers" suites define this U-shaped family getaway.

By
Cathy Still McGowin
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The brothers, their wives, and all their children (William and Kim Siegel have four kids; David and Marianne Siegel have three kids) have a close relationship—one made even stronger by a shared love for beach life. “We are aware of what a blessing it is to have this family bond,” David says. // Photography by Dustin Adams

Sharing a vacation home requires a truly special relationship—even when it comes to the tight bond between identical twins William and David Siegel and their families. Thankfully, as co-owners of Twin Construction—not to mention having a shared childhood—the brothers know each other pretty well. They also have plenty of experience in knowing what works and what doesn’t when designing a home. Plus, they had designer Laurie Fulkerson of Twin Interiors to help them weigh wants and needs while formulating a cohesive style.

Large screened-in porch with a modern fireplace and ample seating, designed for comfortable group living and sharing a vacation home.
“When we began the design process, one goal was to preserve the native trees,” William Siegel says. “The U-shape design became the starting point.”

Strategic Planning for a Shared Family Home

To ensure things stayed that way, smart planning was a must. Careful thought was given to the project from the drawing board up.

It was important that each space allow for both shared experiences and opportunities to retreat.

Laurie Fulkerson
Seamless transition from a covered lounge to a private pool deck, highlighting the outdoor amenities enjoyed when sharing a vacation home.
Set close to the beach, the home enjoys ample water views while also taking in views of the pool. “The pool can be seen from the covered porch and almost every room in the house,” says William. 

With this goal in mind, the Twin team worked together to design a home that would serve all interests.

The size and layout of each room ensure it can accommodate specific furniture pieces and function. “For example, the dining room comfortably fits a large table so everyone can gather together for meals or game time,” says David. “With its three walls of glass surrounded by native scrub oak trees, it has become one of our favorite spots.”

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Sun-drenched dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows and a long wooden table for hosting large groups when sharing a vacation home.
By utilizing floor-to-ceiling glass on three sides, this dining area dissolves the boundary between the interior and the surrounding canopy, anchored by a heavy-timber table that mirrors the organic textures outside.

Private Suites and Guest Accommodations

Other considerations that came into play included separate owner suites—each with a private balcony—as well as another bed and bath suite for guests. A third floor devoted to the kids offers his and hers bedrooms and baths that access an upstairs den with TV and game area.

The kids’ rooms are long spaces that allow for single beds to accommodate the three boys in one and the four girls in another. They’ve grown out of the bunk bed stage.

William Siegel
Spacious children's bedroom featuring a row of four custom twin beds to maximize sleeping capacity while sharing a vacation home.
The girls’ room and the boys’ room mimic each other in layout and feature custom twin beds in fabric from King Cotton.

Interior Design and Layout Details

Bedrooms and baths are plentiful for this combined family of 11. Each couple enjoys a private suite. Laurie decorated the personal spaces by using each couple’s favorite color: Green for David and Marianne; blue for William and Kim.

Sophisticated primary bedroom featuring a sage green color-drenched palette, providing a private sanctuary when sharing a vacation home.
This space utilizes a singular hue—muted sage—applied across walls, trim, and doors. The “color-drenching” technique creates a cocoon-like atmosphere, broken only by the crisp white textures of the coastal bedding.
Bedside vignette with natural textures and linen drapery, showcasing the quiet personal spaces essential to sharing a vacation home.
Natural materials take center stage here. The combination of a woven grasscloth nightstand, a ceramic glazed lamp, and sheer linen drapery creates a layered, tactile experience that feels sophisticated yet relaxed.
Modern bathroom design with vertical-stack emerald green tiles, offering high-end finishes for multiple families sharing a vacation home.
“I wanted each owner’s suite to feel distinct while still complementing one another beautifully,” Laurie says. The high-gloss finish of rich forest-green subway tiles reflects light throughout the space, offering a bold, jewel-box contrast to the matte vanity.

Entertaining for Eleven

Designed to accommodate a crowd, the home includes:

  • A kitchen island with barstool seating for 6.
  • A dining room that seats 10.
  • A covered outdoor dining area.
  • A self-serve bar stocked with a mini-fridge and snacks overlooking the pool deck.
A self-serve bar stocked with a mini-fridge and snacks overlooks the pool deck.

The Siegel Family Tips for Sharing a Vacation Home

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

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

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

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