Welcome to Coastal Living by Design, a journal of timeless coastal homes, family-centered living, and the local stories that shape life on Long Beach Island.

What to know before building a new home on LBI

Cass Thurston 8/22/25 Cass Thurston 8/22/25

What to know before building a new home on LBI

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Your September knockdown roadmap: The final weeks before demo day

Cass Thurston 8/13/25 Cass Thurston 8/13/25

Your September knockdown roadmap: The final weeks before demo day

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Behind the Design: A coastal exploration for Driftmark’s junior suite bathroom

Cass Thurston 8/11/25 Cass Thurston 8/11/25

Behind the Design: A coastal exploration for Driftmark’s junior suite bathroom

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Why moodboards are essential to nailing your style before demo

Cass Thurston 8/8/25 Cass Thurston 8/8/25

Why moodboards are essential to nailing your style before demo

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Building your home’s aesthetic: A step‑by‑step guide

Cass Thurston 8/5/25 Cass Thurston 8/5/25

Building your home’s aesthetic: A step‑by‑step guide

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Why a designer is essential even if your builder has a coordinator

Cass Thurston 7/29/25 Cass Thurston 7/29/25

Why a designer is essential even if your builder has a coordinator

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The truth about furnishing a coastal home

Cass Thurston 6/8/25 Cass Thurston 6/8/25

The truth about furnishing a coastal home

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Why summer is the smartest time to plan your fall new build

Cass Thurston 5/28/25 Cass Thurston 5/28/25

Why summer is the smartest time to plan your fall new build

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5 easy ways to refresh your coastal home for Memorial Day Weekend

Cass Thurston 5/18/25 Cass Thurston 5/18/25

5 easy ways to refresh your coastal home for Memorial Day Weekend

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Behind the Scenes: The Design Presentation Meeting

Cass Thurston 3/17/25 Cass Thurston 3/17/25

Behind the Scenes: The Design Presentation Meeting

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A Color Story: White

Cass Thurston 3/5/25 Cass Thurston 3/5/25

A Color Story: White

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Fireplace as Art: Elevating the Heart of a Luxury Coastal Home

Cass Thurston 3/4/25 Cass Thurston 3/4/25

Fireplace as Art: Elevating the Heart of a Luxury Coastal Home

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The Ultimate Guide to Long Beach Island’s Hidden Gems

Cass Thurston 2/11/25 Cass Thurston 2/11/25

The Ultimate Guide to Long Beach Island’s Hidden Gems

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Part 3: Why Working with Skilled Cabinet Makers Makes All the Difference

Cass Thurston 2/6/25 Cass Thurston 2/6/25

Part 3: Why Working with Skilled Cabinet Makers Makes All the Difference

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Part 2: Choosing the Right Door Style & Finish (Coastal Kitchen Series)

Cass Thurston 2/6/25 Cass Thurston 2/6/25

Part 2: Choosing the Right Door Style & Finish (Coastal Kitchen Series)

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Part 1: Designing a Functional Beach House Kitchen (Coastal Kitchen Series)

Cass Thurston 2/6/25 Cass Thurston 2/6/25

Part 1: Designing a Functional Beach House Kitchen (Coastal Kitchen Series)

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How to Plan Your Coastal Home Renovation for Summer 2025

Cass Thurston 1/13/25 Cass Thurston 1/13/25

How to Plan Your Coastal Home Renovation for Summer 2025

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Design styles I’m leaning into in 2025

Cass Thurston 1/6/25 Cass Thurston 1/6/25

Design styles I’m leaning into in 2025

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Creating functional family-friendly spaces: Tips for a home that works hard for you

Cass Thurston 12/18/24 Cass Thurston 12/18/24

Creating functional family-friendly spaces: Tips for a home that works hard for you

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Project Reveal: A Family-Friendly Bayfront New Build

Cass Thurston 11/17/24 Cass Thurston 11/17/24

Project Reveal: A Family-Friendly Bayfront New Build

Discover how we transformed a cherished family lot into a timeless bayfront home, blending decades of memories with modern design for a forever retreat.

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