At first glance, the oceanfront setting of this 6,500-square-foot Bethany Beach vacation home seems like the obvious star of the show. But when designer Stephanie Gamble first stepped inside the early-2000s structure, the Atlantic was surprisingly difficult to see. The windows were small, the interiors compartmentalized and a series of columns and awkward angles broke up what should have been sweeping views of the sea. “You had to walk up to the windows and look out to realize there was an ocean there,” she recalls.

Even with these hurdles, Gamble knew that there was plenty of potential. The homeowners envisioned the property as a retreat where their adult children, extended family and friends could gather—a place that felt luxurious but relaxed, with spaces that encouraged conversation, shared meals and long weekends by the sea. Achieving that meant reimagining nearly every corner of this six-bedroom, three-bath, two powder-room home.

The transformation began by reworking the architecture itself. “If you remember late-’90s and early-2000s design, they loved angles,” Gamble says with a laugh. “But those aren’t great for the use of space.” Working with Dewson Construction Company, Gamble removed walls and reshaped awkward corridors, starting with the staircase in the entry that connects the home’s four levels. Previously, the staircase had been fully enclosed, blocking light and interrupting the sense of flow. Opening it up instantly changed the arrival experience, allowing daylight to filter through the home.

Even more transformative was what happened in the main living area. Gamble focused on taking away the columns in the great room—not an easy feat, as they were structural. The result was worth the effort: It opened the sightlines and—thanks to the replacement of tiny windows with huge expanses of glass—allowed for stunning ocean vistas. “The views are spectacular,” marvels the designer. “Why wouldn’t we capitalize on that?”

Setting the tone for the rest of the home, the great room’s palette is intentionally restrained. Muted neutrals dominate: Creamy whites, sandy tones and gentle grays with the softest touch of occasional blue allow the shifting hues of the ocean outside to provide much of the color. The furniture arrangement was pertinent, with Gamble ensuring that nearly every seat offered a sea view. “We wanted the eye to go straight out to the water,” she explains.

The coastal location also drove textile choices. Performance fabrics cover all the seating, ensuring everything from counter stools to the sofa can withstand sandy feet and wet swimsuits.

Natural wood touches come into play with white oak ceilings in the living area, a woven light fixture above the dining table and a butcher-block counter extension that adds both warmth and function.

While the great room naturally becomes the home’s main gathering place, the family room offers a quieter moment for retreat. The space is swathed in the same neutrals as the rest of the home, but a beach photograph by Olivo Barbieri adds a bold pop of color while serving as a nod to the setting. Arranged with deep seating and anchored by a television built into custom cabinetry, it is for movie nights and relaxed downtime—all while providing another set of stunning views. “This is where everyone piles in if they want to watch something together,” Gamble muses.

Upstairs, the primary suite continues the home’s calm, textural aesthetic. A rich walnut ceiling adds warmth overhead, while linen wallcovering lends a subtle tactile quality. The upholstered bed—swathed in a softly striped fabric—introduces a note of pattern while maintaining the tranquil atmosphere. A pair of swivel chairs positioned near the windows ensures the ocean view remains part of the experience, while a desk offers a place to catch up on work when the house is full of guests.

The adjoining bath was completely reconfigured during the renovation; its previous layout had been divided into smaller, inefficient spaces. “We reclaimed space from a closet to make the bathroom function much better,” Gamble says. Thanks to this and reworking the surrounding walls, she created a more generous retreat with a wet-room arrangement that houses both the soaking tub and the shower.

Occupying the same level, guest bedrooms were also designed with a relaxed sensibility. The homeowners wanted visitors to enjoy the same level of comfort they do, so each room features plush bedding, inviting textures and a palette that echoes the rest of the house.

At the very top of the house, a fairytale-like whimsy unfolds. Two bunk rooms—one paneled in an ocean hue, the other encompassed in an idyllic patterned wallpaper—introduce a playful energy. Built-in beds accommodate large groups—sleeping six in one room and seven in the other—while windows provide outlooks to the beach. The charm is so undeniable that the idea of sleeping there appeals just as much to adults as to children. “The bunk rooms are my favorites,” Gamble muses. “We took advantage of the house’s gabled rooflines, so the rooms are layered, fun and cozy.”

The finished design, Gamble says, reflects the essence of her approach to coastal interiors. “I love homes that feel comfortable but still refined,” she says. “Spaces where people can gather, enjoy the view and truly relax.”