Layers of texture and thoughtful details in this custom Bethany Beach home create a serene atmosphere that capitalizes on the property’s surroundings
Written by Kristen Hampshire I Photography by Brian Wetzel I Styling by Kristi Hunter
A new build on Bethany Beach offered a blank canvas for a coastal-modern interior that is “fresh yet serene,” and loaded with custom detail designed by C&E Furniture + Design’s Katie Winnington, who partnered with the owners to explore an extensive menu of options for furnishings, accessories, materials and finishes.
“This collaboration allowed us to create a unique and personalized design that perfectly matched their vision,” she says, noting that the project is one of the firm’s most contemporary outcomes. “It gave us a chance to explore and push modern design trends more than we usually do,” Winnington relates.
From Arabescato marble countertops in the kitchen to Shou Sugi Ban wood walls in a bedroom, Winnington specified high interest yet organic selections to accomplish a thoughtful retreat, exclusively sourcing furniture from C&E’s Fenwick showroom. She says, “By curating our collection in-house, we ensure that every element contributes to creating spaces that are inviting and distinctive.”
A Well-Balanced Kitchen
Rich, custom wood cabinetry with sleek, linear hardware complements dramatic veining in the Arabescato marble—a surface swirling with soft whites and dusty grays. “This combination not only enhances the kitchen’s aesthetic appeal but also creates a balanced atmosphere,” Winnington says.
A range hood crafted from Limestone Venetian plaster by Katie Dubree Designs offers subtle texture and a clean finish. Meanwhile, a generous island equipped with seating and plenty of room for prep houses a sink. It runs parallel to the kitchen’s cooking space with ovens to deliver a user-friendly galley-style layout for preparing meals and dining with guests.
An adjacent pantry can be closed off from the kitchen with a glass pocket door with black metal gridding. “This is one of those small details that make a big impact,” Winnington says. “It adds a lovely design element to the kitchen while also providing practical functionality for the pantry.”
A Well-Balanced Kitchen
Rich, custom wood cabinetry with sleek, linear hardware complements dramatic veining in the Arabescato marble—a surface swirling with soft whites and dusty grays. “This combination not only enhances the kitchen’s aesthetic appeal but also creates a balanced atmosphere,” Winnington says.
A range hood crafted from Limestone Venetian plaster by Katie Dubree Designs offers subtle texture and a clean finish. Meanwhile, a generous island equipped with seating and plenty of room for prep houses a sink. It runs parallel to the kitchen’s cooking space with ovens to deliver a user-friendly galley-style layout for preparing meals and dining with guests.
An adjacent pantry can be closed off from the kitchen with a glass pocket door with black metal gridding. “This is one of those small details that make a big impact,” Winnington says. “It adds a lovely design element to the kitchen while also providing practical functionality for the pantry.”
Walls of Interest
Employing a Japanese technique called Shou Sugi Ban that involves charring wood to achieve a natural charcoal finish adds depth and interest to the master bedroom walls. The wood was hand-burned on site, Winnington says, “and the resulting texture and character truly make this room stand out.”
The Sugi wood juxtaposes white oak slat ceilings and creates visual contrast.
“The texture of the herringbone tile makes this primary bathroom a showstopper, turning the space into a place that feels truly special and luxurious.”
Style Meets Sensibility
C&E embraces black trim as an accent to accomplish a “sharp, bold look” with a modern edge, Winnington says, specifically pointing to the dining room floor-to-ceiling windows. “Despite the contemporary touch, these windows maintain their functionality with traditional open-and-close mechanisms, ensuring practicality alongside style,” Winnington says.
As with all rooms in the home, this space was furnished from the C&E showroom, where Winnington helped the owners select a statement table with two pillar legs that resemble tree trunks and basket-weave seating—an organic touch with clean-lined black accents that complement the windows.
Subtle Sophistication
A thoughtful furniture layout promotes gathering and offers various conversation spaces, flowing seamlessly into outdoor living spaces. Every view was considered. Choosing neutral camel, taupe, cream and earthen hues for furnishings and accents such as pillows allows all of the artisan materials selected throughout the home to speak.
Across the board, Winnington says the team directed a great deal of attention toward curating pieces that “harmonize seamlessly with the overall design vision.”
Overall, Winnington says, “We loved collaborating with the clients to bring their vision to life and create a home that’s truly one of a kind.”
