A coastal community known for its elegant and understated architectural style. The community blends classic Southern charm with modern coastal design, creating a refined yet approachable atmosphere. Designed to harmonize with the surrounding natural beauty, WaterColor’s architecture prioritizes timeless aesthetics, functionality, and a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living. Watercolor is nestled between the Gulf of Mexico and Western Lake, one of the rare coastal dune lakes found in the area. The community of Watercolor is nestled around the Town of Seaside.
Architectural Style
- Key Influences
- WaterColor’s design draws inspiration from Southern plantation-style homes, traditional coastal architecture, and modern simplicity.
- The style reflects an emphasis on blending natural materials, open spaces, and inviting exteriors.
- Community Design Vision
- Developed as a New Urbanism community, WaterColor focuses on walkability, community gathering spaces, and environmental preservation.
Architectural features
- Wooden Exteriors
- Homes in WaterColor are clad in wood siding, often painted in soft, neutral tones or weathered finishes to complement the natural surroundings.
- The use of natural materials like cedar shakes, exposed beams, and reclaimed wood adds warmth and character.
- Metal Roofs
- Reflective metal roofs, a staple of Gulf Coast architecture, are both functional and stylish, offering durability and resistance to the coastal climate.
- Porches and Outdoor Living Spaces
- Large front porches, screened-in areas, and wraparound verandas are central to the WaterColor lifestyle, encouraging outdoor living and neighborly interaction.
- Second-story balconies are common, often offering views of the Gulf, Western Lake, or the lush greenery of the surrounding environment.
- Open Floor Plans
- Interiors typically feature open layouts with plenty of natural light, high ceilings, and an emphasis on spacious living areas.
- Homes are designed to maximize ventilation, keeping spaces cool and comfortable in the coastal climate.
- Neutral and Coastal Color Palettes
- WaterColor homes often feature soft, muted tones like white, beige, gray, and seafoam green, reflecting the natural beauty of the Gulf Coast.
- Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Living
- Many homes incorporate sliding glass doors, outdoor kitchens, and fire pits, blending indoor comfort with outdoor spaces.
- Landscaping Integration
- Lush, native landscaping, including magnolia trees, palmettos, and pine forests, is carefully integrated into the community, maintaining the area's natural beauty.