On Deck

A family beachside deck gets a much needed update.

Beach life is fun, but when it comes to décor, let’s face it, it can be a challenge. The elements all take their toll on fabrics, rugs, and furniture. Brooke Wagner, founder of Brooke Wagner Design, knows this all too well.

For her own beachside retreat in Corona del Mar, California, she needed to update the existing deck and make it more user-friendly, stylish, and durable for her surf-loving family of five. “This outdoor area is steps from the sand and is used daily with kids coming and going. We redesigned the existing space because I knew it could function better.”

One of Wagner’s priorities was to create a space with enough seating to host large gatherings. “We love to entertain so it was important to have enough seating. The bench around the fire pit fits ten to twelve people, the deck chairs seat four, and there is bar seating for five.”

Living by the beach presents a specific set of challenges. Wagner says, “We love Perennials for its versatility. I frequently use these fabrics for indoor and outdoor use as it is just as beautiful as it is durable. Being so close to the beach you need to have a fabric that will withstand the salt air, sun, and wet beach towels.”

For this project, Wagner used fabrics from the new Rose Tarlow collection on the pillows and seat cushions. In addition, she incorporated Sutherland’s Peninsula Bar Stool, in snow powder coat and natural teak, as well as four Camano Deck Chairs in natural teak.