There are so many Texas condos near the beach that were built in the ‘70s and ‘80s when interior design was not exactly gorgeous. And since they are so often second homes, people tend to keep the decor just as it is, figuring that it’s just a part-time space so it isn’t as important. But it is!

When my clients bought their condo on Padre Island here in Texas, it hadn’t been updated in quite a while. So this was a project that I was thrilled to take over. I already knew that a top priority would be taking advantage of the gorgeous natural light and to lighten up all of the rooms.

The living room, above, seemed darker than it is. Mostly it was the muddy color palette in the furnishings that was giving the room a “heavy” feeling. The client has owned the condo over 20 years they were ready for an update. The only piece that had to stay was the colorful sail fish, so I brought in a brightly colored rug and accent pillows to complement it.

I lightened things up with brighter colors and neutral accessories. The sofa is custom with a Sunbrella performance fabric, just in case someone sits down in a wet bathing suit. And the chairs are CR Laine swivels to take advantage of the gorgeous views. And how cute is that porthole in the door? I created a complementary porthole look with the mirror.

The original kitchen, above, was very utilitarian and had a dated backsplash.

The neutral greige color gave this kitchen a contemporary update. And I took the cabinets all the way to the ceiling to add more height and more storage. The Quartzite counters add a lot of style with great function.

One of the darkest rooms in the condo was the primary bathroom, even though it had a window right in the shower. It also featured those ‘80s round “Hollywood” lights around the mirror that immediately dated the decor.

Taking out the extra wall and lightening up the palette gave this bathroom an immediate “wow” factor! I added a seat in the shower to give the room a spa-like feeling. It’s the perfect getaway in a vacation home. The shower is constructed of Bianco Mist sandblasted and brushed wall tiles and Misty Bay brushed marble counter tops.

So what do you think of this condo before-and-after? Let me know in the comment section below!

Warmly,

Beth