365 DAYS OF summer

Life is a beach at this adorable bungalow in Ocean City, MD.

- CHRISTINA WRESSELL

Playtime! Pink siding and a sunburst design in the gable set the tone for the family's laid-back lifestyle. The living room and kitchen open to an expansive deck by Trex-a space that's equally geared toward kiddie-pool dips and entertaining. The bar window swings out to let in the breeze.

Seanna and Matt Covell spent their childhood summers in Ocean City, MD, eating French fries on the boardwalk and biking barefoot with friends. They wanted the same for their girls, so when this 1,000-square-foot bungalow-just two blocks from Matt's parents' place came on the market, they snagged it. Matt, a builder, and designer, took the lead on transforming the dilapidated 1960s house. He and his team gutted it, vaulted the ceilings, and installed white oak floors and shiplap throughout. "In a beach house, you can easily go overboard with the nautical theme," says Matt. The Covells wanted a fresher vibe and layered in modern geometric tile, vintage surfer swag, and bri pops of color. "It's a tiny house, and it didn't take much to trick out every space," Matt says. His daughters approve. "They get to wake up every morning in a funky paradise," says Seanna, "then head down the street to get spoiled by their grandparents."