Home Design Trends on Whidbey Island: Coastal Modern Ideas

Home Design Trends on Whidbey Island: Coastal Modern Ideas

Imagine… Coastal Modern Living on Whidbey Island

Life on Whidbey Island has a rhythm all its own. The salt air, the ferry rides, the long summer evenings, and yes—even the rainy days—all shape the way we live and the homes we create. That’s why I love coastal modern design for Whidbey. It blends clean lines with natural textures, calm spaces with functional living. It’s not just pretty—it’s practical, livable, and rooted in place.

Here are some of the ways I’ve seen coastal modern ideas come to life on Whidbey homes (and how I’ve woven them into my own projects):


Siting That Frames the View

On Whidbey, siting is everything. Do you orient your home to catch the Sound and the Olympics? Or tuck it into the trees for privacy and peace? The best designs don’t fight the land—they flow with it. Raised decks, terraced gardens, or big glass walls can all frame the views without stripping away the nature that makes Whidbey special.


Materials That Weather Beautifully

Our island weather asks a lot from a house. Salt air, sideways rain, hot sun—all in a single week sometimes! I always recommend materials that age gracefully: cedar that silvers in the sun, metal roofs that shrug off moss, and stone that feels like it could have been here forever. Design that partners with nature lasts the longest.


Windows That Connect You to the Outdoors

Natural light is our greatest design tool. South-facing glass for sun, narrow north-facing windows to keep that forest feel, sliders that let you walk straight from the kitchen to the deck. And please—make them operable. There’s nothing better than island cross-breezes instead of air-conditioning.


Interiors That Feel Calm but Warm

Coastal modern on Whidbey isn’t stark—it’s soulful. Wide-plank wood floors that hide sandy toes, plaster or limewashed walls that add soft texture, stone counters that bounce the light around. Layer in warmth with handmade tile, reclaimed wood accents, woven textiles. Spaces should feel calm but never cold.


Open, But Flexible

Yes, open living works beautifully for gatherings, but island life also calls for nooks: a mudroom for boots, a tucked-away office for Zoom calls, or a quiet corner to curl up with a book. Flexibility is everything—homes that adapt as your life changes.


Outdoor Living Is Non-Negotiable

On Whidbey, our decks and patios are as important as our living rooms. Covered outdoor spaces for rainy afternoons, fire pits for crisp fall nights, gardens filled with native plants that feel like they belong here. And don’t forget the stone pathways that lead to the beach, the bluff, or just a spot to watch the sunset.


Design With Care for the Island

We’re caretakers here. Rainwater catchment, heat pumps, permeable driveways, solar panels—they’re not just “eco-upgrades,” they’re part of living responsibly on an island. Good design should be both beautiful and thoughtful.


Local Craft, Local Story

The most memorable homes I’ve walked through are the ones that lean into local craft. Cabinets built by island makers, stonework set by people who know how our damp climate behaves, art commissioned from Whidbey creatives. These touches add soul and connect your home back to the community.


Imagine Your Own Coastal Modern Retreat

Coastal modern on Whidbey is about more than style—it’s about lifestyle. Calm, connected, rooted in nature but open to modern life. Whether you’re building new, renovating, or just refreshing a single room, it’s about creating a home that feels like you and reflects the island we love.

And here’s where I come in—I’m not the contractor or the builder. I’m the connector. I help you see what’s possible, link you with the right people, and encourage you to make choices that turn a house into a home.

Because good design doesn’t just look beautiful—it changes how you live.

—Amy Gulden

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