In the quiet town of Bayside, Texas, where hurricanes have raged and resilience has been tested, a coastal home emerges as a beacon of tranquility, blending the elegance of design with the raw beauty of the coastal landscape. Owned by the spirited duo Juan Carlos and Debbie Rios, this home is a salute to life on the water and an invitation to kick back without formalities.
This coastal home is a space where walls seem to dissolve into the horizon, and the division of exterior and interior is practically optional. Rejecting window coverings is a declaration — an embrace of unfiltered communion with the ever-changing theatrics of sunlight, moonlight and the cadence of waves orchestrated by nature.
Upon arrival, guests will see a chapel-like facade of windows. The house takes advantage of the southeastern sun from the Gulf, inviting plenty of light to cascade in. “We allow all the natural lighting into our home. No window coverings or shades; we allow nature to spoil us every day, all day long,” said Rios.
The double-door entry leads to an open floor plan that seamlessly combines a reading area, a spacious living room and a striking black, white and gold kitchen. The upstairs loft serves dual purposes as an office and a dining space, offering flexibility and an area of refuge to unwind. The bedrooms are thoughtfully designed, with the second bedroom’s access to an outdoor deck making it an inviting space for guests to lounge, enjoy the waterfront view and sip some heavily sweetened iced tea as summer rolls in.
“When we welcome guests into our home, we want them to be comfortable and to enjoy the time we spend together, and know that they are always welcomed back,” said Rios.
The neutral interior color palette and open spaces contribute to a meditative ambiance, and with the help of Rios’ sister, self-taught interior decorator and designer Lorie Hernandez, the decor adds another layer of warmth.
Accents of driftwood decor embellish various spaces; each piece was found along the waters of Bayside from different storms. This texture provided by the local environment supplies pieces for conversation and adds an organic element that complements the interior color scheme and well-lit spaces. Tranquility permeates through carefully chosen accents, manifesting a peace that echoes the broader sentiment of Bayside — a calm amid the storm.
The Rios home is a testament to the unpretentious beauty of living by the Gulf. This home is an extension of the lovely couple as retirees enjoy their space etched against the backdrop of Bayside’s coastal canvas.
