The Most Summery Summer House

Some things run in the family. For Kelly and Vince Tague, it’s summers spent at the shore in the quaint oceanside town of Avalon, NJ. That’s where they each vacationed with their families when they were growing up; it’s where the two met, shortly after college; and it’s where the pair bought a 1900s cottage a few blocks away from the beach for their own brood. They had fun times there, but they couldn’t resist upgrading to a 2,856-square-foot house right on the bay when it came on the market in 2014.

“Vince first took me to see it right at sunset,” says Kelly. “You can’t watch the sun going down over the water and not fall in love with this house.” Still, the home had an unlovable side: It was outdated, with dark wood paneling and old furniture. The couple called on designer Stephanie Kraus, local to their Wayne, PA, home base, to freshen up the interior without a reno. They painted all the paneling white (Decorator’s White by Benjamin Moore) and replaced the shag carpeting with wide-plank bleached-cypress floors. For furnishings, Stephanie bought new pieces, mixed in ones from the couple’s former beach cottage, and revamped a bunch that came with the place. “We kept it pretty simple, like you want shore living to be,” says Kelly. “Besides, nothing can compete with that view!”