Upstairs, Downstairs

Upstairs, Downstairs Inside a designer's eclectic, bohemian beachside abode

words by Virginia Chamlee photos by Agnes Lopez

254 East Coast Drive

In a word, the beach cottage located at 254 East Coast Drive in Atlantic Beach is “charming.” And the charm extends well beyond the home’s bones. “It’s a classic beach house and it’s been well-loved by its previous owners,” says Robyn McQuiston who, along with her husband Stan and their son Miller, has lived in the house for four years. When the McQuistons bought the fourbedroom, four-and-a-half bath, it was owned by a Georgia family, and used primarily as a vacation retreat. Prior to that, it had been a duplex. So, when the couple purchased the property, it was still divided in much the same way, with kitchens upstairs and downstairs, and living spaces on both floors.

Initially, the couple planned on removing the second kitchen and making it more of a traditional home. “We tossed around the idea of getting rid of the upstairs kitchen and putting in a pool table or game area,” Robyn recalls. “But I’m so glad we didn’t. The upstairs space is now the hangout spot for my son and his friends and we often have out-of-town guests, who use that extra kitchen a lot.”

The extra kitchen also came in handy when the couple transformed their downstairs cooking and entertaining area. “We replaced all the flooring, removed a wall and expanded the kitchen into an area that was once a porch,” she says. And while they added modern appliances, Robyn—an interior designer herself—was anxious to preserve the home’s charm. “I didn’t want a bright and shiny kitchen. I wanted it to reflect the age of the house.”

Cutie Pie is the family’s newest addition. The rescued Jack Russell mix had lived in two homes prior. "The third time’s a charm,” says Robyn. "He likes hanging out in the kitchen and on the couch. He's the best.”

The only thing the McQuistons changed in the downstairs living room was the flooring. The couple even kept a couple of the previous owners’ design choices—buying the two rugs and the coral chandelier from them to keep in the home.

In addition to entertaining in the kitchen, the McQuistons often spend time on their patio, which features an outdoor fireplace and space to relax.

An upstairs porch was converted into a fifth bedroom—a bunk room that, though slim, can accommodate four. “My son Miller spends a lot of time up here. It’s the ideal sleepover area.”

When the McQuistons purchased the home, the kitchen was a 1960s style, smaller and with dated fixtures. They completely revamped it, inspired in large part by the kitchen in a Brooklyn townhome Robyn fell in love with via Pinterest. “We found wood at Eco Relics and wrapped the existing beam to give it that rustic look.” Any remaining wood was used for shelves, supported by industrial pipes. For contrast, they installed floor-to-ceiling subway tile and had new countertops cut.

Robyn's Tips for Adding Coastal Flair

Don't overdo it.

The best way to reference the beach is through accessories— upholstery on a chair, artwork, pillows. “It doesn’t need to be obvious,” says McQuiston.

Mix materials.

Coastal doesn’t just mean rattan or wicker. Weathered wood also conveys a, beachy feel.

Provide some contrast.

“I could have gone way overboard with coastal here, but I tried to reign it in.” In her upstairs living area, for instance, McQuiston pulled in a lucite chair to juxtapose the more weathered elements.