1 of 6
Array
2 of 6
Array
3 of 6
Array
4 of 6
Array
5 of 6
Array
6 of 6
Array
Nashville-based interior designer Lori Paranjape — of Mrs. Paranjape Design + Interiors — is known for her work transforming spaces across the country and making her clients’ design dreams a reality. Recently, she took her expertise to the beach: designing and renovating a short-term rental property affectionately named the Buttercup Bungalow. The bungalow-style home located in Santa Rosa Beach is perfect for families and small groups looking for a dreamy getaway. Tucked just a short walk away from the beach, the home is expertly designed to make your stay feel relaxed, welcoming, and oh-so-sweet from the moment your trip begins.
The home embodies all that we love about a vacation by serving as an escape from the monotony of everyday life. Vibrant pops of color pair beautifully with crisp whites, and Paranjape’s intentional use of textures brings the space to life for a breezy, beachy feel.
“I really wanted punchy and fun color for a house that people visit, but don’t live in full-time. I love the idea of it being a happy getaway house that’s maybe more infused with color than a primary home might be,” Paranjape explains. “I also challenged myself to avoid blue, which is such a traditional color for a beach house, (and of course I love it), but I also really enjoyed bringing fresh greens and some coral to the interiors.”
The two-bedroom, two-and-a-half bath home is located on its own little boardwalk, ideal for a peaceful stay in the privacy of its own charming community while still being an easy walk away from all the beachfront fun. And no detail was overlooked in making the home’s interior as enticing as its location. Exquisite artwork brings character and color into the space, and tasteful touches of texture and wood (including the barstools lining the expansive kitchen counter and a playful light fixture over adjacent dining nook) bring in the calming feeling of the home’s outdoor surroundings.
“Vacations are an escape from everyday life, so a vacation home’s interior can be a little riskier and playful. It should be comfortable, but also feel like you’ve been transported,” Paranjape says.
Whether you’re embarking on a girl’s trip or a family vacation, Paranjape kept versatility in mind when designing a space that felt elevated yet practical. Especially in terms of the bedrooms.
“I love what we were able to accomplish in terms of the double queen bedroom. It feels elevated for a girl’s trip and comfortable as a kid’s room. In fact, when my sweet friend Jody and I were working on the interiors, we camped out in that room together and it was just perfect!” she says.
But what really sets this project apart is that Paranjape designed it on a much different budget than her typical high-end projects. As beautiful as the Buttercup Bungalow is that’s hard to believe, yet it’s a testament to Paranjape’s talent and ability to transform any space.
“A big difference from my typical projects was the budget. We renovated and completely furnished the house for less than what we often spend on one room for our projects,” she says. “It was a challenge, but I think the finished product is still elevated and chic.”
Elevated and chic, indeed. But the home isn’t just eye-catching, it was also designed with guests’ needs in mind for a stay that’s as functional as it is design savvy.
“The Buttercup is a rental property, and we wanted the interiors to hold up to lots of guests. The fabrics and materials needed to be durable and cleanable, so it stays clean for each new visitor. We selected stain-proof fabrics for the seating and crazy durable rugs to help with that,” Paranjape says. “A pro-tip on the splurge side: not skimping on bedding and towels. It makes such a difference to slip into soft sheets at the end of the day.”
Thoughtful design makes the Buttercup Bungalow feel like a true home away from home. So much so, you might just be planning your next beach vacation before it’s time to check out.