When embarking on a summer refresh of her 125-year-old beach cottage, entrepreneur Alexa von Tobel was keen on layering in “bright, fun, and playful elements.” With three young children, she wanted to ensure that her family retreat felt worry-free and functional. Rooted in her initial sources of inspiration—the designs of Miles Redd, Harbour Island vacations, and her Florida hometown—von Tobel selected stripes, animal prints, and botanical designs that would compliment both the cottage’s original charm and the initial work of interior designer Casey DeBois.
STRIPES, SHELLS, AND SAFARI
For the home’s cheery living room, Alexa selected items from The Inside: two Cube Ottomans in Porcelain Coquina by Scalamandré and Leopard Throw Pillows to add golden warmth and edge.
ORIGINAL CHARM
In the kitchen, the island steals the show; the butcher block counter is the home’s original. “It’s a space the whole family passes through countless times each day…particularly when we do fun cooking projects with the kids. Making watermelon popsicles is our summer go-to. I chose a fun tile from cletile for the floor,” shares von Tobel.
BEACHY BLUES
Just beyond the home’s vibrant front door, von Tobel created a sitting area dressed in traditional blues. The French Blue Clarence Stripe Tuxedo Chair and Blue Aviary by Scalamandré are punctuated by pops of Fawn.
CLASSIC PRINTS
The Master Bedroom features a blue-and-white mix of two interior design classics: the Ticking Stripe and French Blue Check. “For our master bedroom, we always like plain white linens that feel nice and clean. We invest in nice mattresses, duvets, and sheets (and fun touches—like a hand-painted Indian textile blanket). When in doubt, I love a blue-and-white stripe (you’ll often find all my kiddos wearing a stripe of some sort),” shares von Tobel.
A POP OF SUMMERY SCALAMANDRE
The Scalamandré Lanai print makes a statement in the corner of the Master. Adding a pop of tropical fun keeps the space feeling fresh and beachy.
COZY NOOKS
To create a calming escape for guests, she selected a palette of neutrals. The shape of the Art Deco Bed adds intrigue, while the Fawn Throw Pillows tie the room together.
LAYERED LOUNGING
For her beach setup, von Tobel opted for a chic red and grey palette, choosing iconic fabrics that didn’t fit alongside the blue hues inside: a classic Cabana Stripe, the ubiquitous Scalamandré Zebras, and the timeless Baldwin Bamboo.
BEYOND THE BEIGE LIVING
“Because the house is small, we weren’t afraid to be bold and pack a lot of flavor into the small nooks and crannies of the property…I love Christiane’s style and the whole #beyondthebeige vibe of The Inside (which is why I’m a seed investor). Christiane was instrumental in helping me add colorful touches this summer that are both stylish and 100% functional for the whole family,” shares von Tobel. “We love entertaining out here and enjoying family as a break from the hectic pace of NYC.”