Book excerpt: The beach house is more than just a place to live—it is a symbol of a life well lived. —from the Introduction Coastal homes capture our imagination because they hold the promise of freedom, escape, and pure relaxation. Celebrity decorator Tim Clarke is acclaimed for creating residences that are deep reflections of the people who live in them, as well as of the gorgeous natural environments that surround them. In these luscious pages, you will be transported to fifteen of the most extraordinary homes inspired by the essence of the coast—every one a unique blend of beauty and comfort. In a style Tim identifies as Scandia surf, white paneling, blue-gray hand-blocked curtains, and timeworn driftwood side tables offer a quiet retreat from the owners’ busy lives. Tim’s native woods aesthetic plays out in a sprawling outdoor living room with a reed ceiling and a Balinese light fixture; lush foliage planted around the perimeter lends an exotic ambience. And in a refined beach classic home, where nothing is too precious for the everyday and where flip-flops are welcome, furniture made from weatherproof fabrics and vintage nautical objects make the rooms feel as timeless as khakis and a white shirt. Noted photographer Noah Webb captures the warmth and elegance of these seamlessly connected interiors and exteriors. Paired with Tim’s unique insights into sophisticated yet undeniably fresh design, this beautiful volume will inspire you to channel all that you love about the shore into a truly livable modern home.