Our 2008 showhouse in Galveston, TX, went virtually unscathed after Hurricane Ike ravaged the town. (Photo: Jean Allsopp)

With hurricane season off to an active start, making sure your coastal home will stand the test of Mother Nature is as important as ever. Whether it’s something as small as a two-inch nail or as large as an entire roof, the materials you choose for your home can greatly influence its durability in a storm. Tune into Fox News’s Fox & Friends (6 – 9 A.M. EST) on Tuesday, June 18, to watch our editor-at-large, Amy Goodman, give tips on building near the coast.

Below, check out a few storm-resistant materials that you might want to consider when renovating a home or building anew:

Composite window shutters: We often hear from builders that the most vulnerable parts of a home in a hurricane are the windows, so protecting these areas is imperative. Permex Hurricane Shutters are crafted of CPVC (a type of composite) and reinforced with impact-resistant fiberglass, but made to resemble traditional wood shutters (from beaded board to louvered Bahama style)—meaning you can keep the traditional coastal aesthetic without sacrificing durability.

Cement patio tiles: While there are numerous options in patio flooring, we’re seeing homeowners opt more and more for inherently strong choices, like stone and concrete. That may be in part thanks to a departure from the gray, dull, industrial concrete of yore; today, stained, stamped, and painted concrete is taking hold. Granada Cement Tiles (which are made especially hardy by pressing the cement under 2,000 pounds of pressure) are one example of concrete beautified.

Fiber cement siding: Choosing between the charming look of a shingle-style home and the hardiness of a hurricane-resistant structure is tough…Luckily, you don’t have to. James Hardie crafts textured wood-like shingles and planks of fiber cement (a mixture of sand, cement, and cellulose), so your siding can take virtually anything Mother Nature throws at it. The hardy material won’t crack, dent or lose its shape when hit with debris in high winds, and is resistant to damage in floods.

Hurriquake Nail: Many builders say that what makes a home hurricane-resistant is how well it is put together. So, little things like nails can matter just as much as larger items. The Hurriquake nail by Stanley Bostitch is crafted with a grooved, “ring shank” bottom, meaning it’ll grip wood better in high winds. Its twisted steel top also keeps planks from wobbling and joints from loosening.

Metal roof: Often considered one of the strongest materials when it comes to wind-resistance, metal can withstand winds of up to 120 mph. Metal roofs are also applied in long strips, so there’s no need to worry about losing individual tiles or shingles in a hurricane. The storm-strong material is popular in coastal homes along the Gulf and East coasts—stop by our 2013 showhouse on Daniel Island, South Carolina (Open June 28, Wed-Sat: 10-4;  Sun: 12-4) to see one from the Metal Roofing Alliance in person.

Impact-resistant windows: Add an extra layer of protection to your home by installing impact-resistant glass windows, like ones from Marvin’s StormPlus series. Crafted with a layer of laminate, the windows are designed to crack or fracture, but remain intact, in a hurricane, allowing no wind, water, pressure, or debris to enter your home.

Photo: Ted Tucker

If you’re anything like we are, your idea of the perfect summer day spent on the sand is vegging out with a cool drink and a hot new read. But how to navigate through the endless selection on bookstore shelves and Kindle recommendation lists for the perfect sand-between-your-toes tome? Join our Beach Reads Book Club! We’ve scoped out our favorite new page-turners, and we’d love for you to read along and share in the discussion. At the end of the month, grab your BFFs (and a pitcher of margaritas) for a live chat with our featured author. Here’s how it works:

1. Follow us on Facebook, or right here on our blog, Daily Catch, to stay on top of our monthly book picks. We’re kicking it off in July with Elin Hilderbrand’s newest, Beautiful Day, set against the backdrop of picturesque Nantucket (Hilderbrand’s hometown).

2. Read along with us (or, as beach time allows). Throughout the month, we’ll post updates, commentary, and discussion topics on our blog, plus have our featured author weigh in on our most burning questions so far. Feel free to join in on the discussion!

3. Chat live with the author! We’ll provide the hashtag (#clbookclub); you provide the questions. After completing the book, join us on Twitter, where you’ll be able to talk directly with our featured author. Make sure to pencil in our first Twitter chat with Elin Hilderbrand on July 22 from 7 – 7:30 PM EST.

Happy Reading!

I tell myself this is reasonable (even smart!), so I keep adding to my Noah’s ark of possessions. A pair of sneakers at home, and another in a gym locker. Two sets of makeup. The same book in print as on my iPad. A batch of lasagna for the table, and another for the freezer—because you never know when a troop of guests will descend on you.

I seem to be cloning everything around me. Where will it end? Unfortunately, I still can’t make one summer weekend turn into two. Or one beach vacation flow into another. But I can bring you a lot of options in this one issue … 22 amazing seafood dives from which to choose, 10 Coastal Design Trendsetters to learn from, 10 of America’s Happiest Seaside Towns, and five meals to make from one bag of groceries. Because when it comes to happy places, delicious recipes, and smart decorating ideas, there’s no such thing as too many.

Enjoy your issue! I hope you like it so well that you buy two (or more!). One copy for your coffee table, another for your beach bag? I second that emotion.

The Multiple Sclerosis Society is a collective of passionate individuals who want to do something about MS NOW—to move together toward a world free of multiple sclerosis. The Greater Carolinas Chapter serves over 14,400 individuals with MS and their families in 82 counties in North Carolina and all of South Carolina. The MS Society helps each person address the challenges of living with MS through programs, services, and research funding.

“We are honored to serve as the beneficiary of this amazing opportunity with Coastal Living, Daniel Island, Max Crosby Construction, and the other team members involved. This is a truly unique and exciting way to raise funds and awareness to help create a world free of MS,” said Jeff Furst, President of the Greater Carolinas Chapter of the National MS Society.

The Greater Carolinas Multiple Sclerosis Society will also be supplying volunteers to manage the house during tours. This year’s Showhouse is anticipating around 10,000 visitors from across the nation. If you live in the greater Charleston area or are interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities, please e-mail coastaldreamhomedi@gmail.com.

From roofing to custom lighting the Showhouse exterior has been transformed in the last few weeks. The Metal Roofing Alliance roof is officially installed. This high quality metal roof complements our coastal architecture—plus all MRA roofs are made from 30-60% recycled material!

We’ve also started installing the striking Bevolo Gas & Electric Lights (below). These hand-made, open-flame copper lanterns fit seamlessly with the Showhouse’s relaxed, island-inspired design and blend especially well with Daniel Island‘s aesthetic.

The inside of the Showhouse has made phenomenal progress as well. We’ve been busy painting (the brighter the better), staining the floors and installing the cabinets and countertops.

June is just around the corner and we’re gearing up to get our gorgeous furnishings, plumbing fixtures, and more installed and ready for you to see.

Planning a trip to Charleston this summer or fall? Make sure to include a visit to the Showhouse in your itinerary. You can purchase tickets online or at the door.

June 28, 2013–August 18, 2013
Wednesday–Saturday 10AM–4PM
Sunday Noon–4PM
August 23, 2013–October 20, 2013
Friday & Saturday 10AM–4PM
Sunday Noon–4PM

Learn more about the 2013 Showhouse architecture here.
Learn more about the 2013 Showhouse interiors here.

Check back next week for more updates and photos from the Showhouse!

Photo: Lisa Romerein

Whether your days are filled with surfin’ safaris or itsy bitsy teenie weenie yellow polka dot bikinis, it feels good to sing along to your favorite hot-weather tunes. We’re celebrating beach songs by selecting our all-time faves — and asking you to to help us choose the ultimate summer anthem. Listen to all of our picks below, and join us on Facebook to vote for your favorites starting June 3.

Architectural designer Suzanne Stern of Our Town Plans discusses the design and historical inspiration behind Coastal Living‘s 2013 Showhouse on Daniel Island.

What prompted you to start working in architectural design?
SS: Architecture has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. My father is Jim Strickland, founding partner of the award-winning architectural design firm, Historical Concepts. I was young when he attended architecture school at Yale University, but I remember a lot from those days. Later, when he was a builder, my brother and I spent more time than we care to remember on the job sites checking progress and working at various odd jobs. We learned so much about good design and how a house goes together. I knew that I was hooked when I returned to work for him supervising construction after college. After that, I was fortunate to work for a wonderful commercial architecture firm in South Georgia and then spent 14 years at Historical Concepts before coming to Our Town Plans. My time at Historical Concepts had the greatest influence on my design sensibility.

How would you describe architecture in the Lowcountry? What are some of the key architectural elements?
SS: To me ‘Lowcountry architecture’ is represented by high ceilings and deep roof overhangs, large windows and generous porches. These are also elements that are seen in traditional vernacular architecture all along the East Coast. They were necessary in homes that were built in hot climates in a time before air conditioning. Today, these are the things that make us say a house is “open and airy.”

How has a traditional Lowcountry aesthetic been incorporated in this year’s Showhouse?
SS: This year’s Showhouse incorporates the simple massing and regular symmetry of classic Greek Revival architecture with casual coastal elements like exposed rafter tails and board and batten siding. Its most prominent feature is the secondary roof that is supported by large brackets and has deep overhangs—evoking images of Caribbean architecture. Inside, the trim is simple and well-proportioned. The design for the garage was inspired by life-saving stations that were built along the coasts of the Carolinas and Georgia in the 1800s. (Stern looked to The U.S. Life-Saving Service: Heroes, Rescues and Architecture of the Early Coast Guard when designing the 2013 Showhouse garage.)

(left) Cape Fear Life-Saving Station by Richard Boonisar, (right) 2013 Showhouse garage under construction

What has been the most challenging aspect in the design of this year’s Showhouse?
SS: The site is very straight forward with beautiful views of the river. We all knew immediately that those views would be the focus of the house and that the main living spaces should take advantage of the natural beauty that is on display. With such a great opportunity, the design actually came together rather quickly and the finished house looks very much like the initial sketches.

What inspires you? Who are your favorite architects and designers?
SS: Typically, I am very much inspired by location and the architecture of the surrounding area. In most ways, Daniel Island is a ‘new’ place, but the Charleston area and surrounding islands have a long history and a rich architectural precedent to follow. I wanted the house to be exciting, yet recognizable in its setting. I think it is important to give a nod to tradition even as one strives to create something new. Being a traditionalist with roots in Atlanta, I have to say Philip Trammell Schutze is a favorite architect and the years I spent in Albany, Georgia gave me an appreciation of the architecture of Edward Vason Jones. I might be biased, but the work that Historical Concepts is doing today is very impressive!

Read more about Suzanne here.
Explore the 2013 Showhouse floor plans here.

—Erin McFarland

Trendsetters, design professionals and home enthusiasts gathered in High Point, North Carolina this past week for High Point Market.

Over 75,000 people mingled in showrooms and mused over beautiful spring furnishings. It’s no wonder High Point Market is the largest furniture industry trade show in the world.

Ginger Brewton, 2013 Showhouse Interior Designer, and our Coastal Living team have been looking forward to Spring Market for months! This year we wanted to bring you into the showroom and give our readers a glimpse into the inspiration behind our Showhouse selections.

1. Gorgeous showrooms. The photo above is a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the LEE Industries, 2013 Showhouse sponsor, showroom. Who knows, maybe you’ll see a few of these LEE Industries upholstered pieces when the Showhouse opens in June!

2. Premium products. We love how LEE Industries products exude premium quality and style without sacrificing comfort. Their spring furnishings were full of bright pops of color and sleek lines―plus every piece is eco-friendly!

3. Great people. Here’s Ginger catching up with Darren Green from The Old Wood Co. Darren’s work is beautifully crafted using reclaimed wood to make exquisite pieces. We can’t wait to see what custom furnishing The Old Wood Co. will create for this year’s Showhouse.

To see more of Ginger’s inspiration check out Coastal Living’s 2013 Showhouse Pinterest board.

For more photos from High Point Market follow us on Instagram.

These last few weeks have flown by as our team has been working around the clock to make this year’s Showhouse unforgettable. We’ve made plenty of progress both inside and outside the Showhouse, and we can’t wait to open our doors for tours in almost two months!

This month, AZEK’s decking was installed. As many of you know, porches are quintessential in Charleston and one of our favorite coastal staples. AZEK’s Low Maintenance decking products are ideal for any waterfront home, because they can withstand anything from sand and seawater to everyday spills.

We can’t wait for our tour guests to sit back and relax on the Showhouse’s spacious porches and enjoy the idyllic outdoor living spaces (check out the backyard’s stunning view to the left!)

Stay tuned for more exclusive updates and progress as our Showhouse comes together.

See our interview with interior designer Ginger Brewton here.
See the Pinterest board she curated for us here.
Meet the rest of the team here.

The state of Washington holds its biggest coastal cleanup this weekend. Visit any of several beaches from Benson to Hobuck to do your part, and stick around for a cookout afterward. Saturday, April 20. Visit coastsavers.org to find a beach near you.

This year, Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii has organized one of the largest beach cleanups in the state’s history. Do your daily dose of good on the island of Oahu and then treat yourself to some fun in the sun, with live bands, food, and Earth-friendly exhibitors at Sea Life Park. Saturday, April 20. 9:30 a.m. to noon for cleanup. Concert until 4:30 p.m. Visit sustainablecoastlineshawaii.org for locations.

Come out for a good cause to the Nothin’ but Sand Cleanup on the Santa Monica Pier—and get rewarded in a big way. After volunteering, head to the Blue Green Beach Sweep and Deck Party for a green market, free aquarium admission, kids’ activities, and a grown-up eco beer crawl, where you can say “Cheers” to Earth Day and the launch of Golden Road Brewing’s Heal the Bay IPA. April 20. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; santamonicapier.org.

Sip your morning Joe while beautifying the public East End Beach in Portland, Maine in this cleanup sponsored by The Surfrider Foundation and Take Action Portland. Volunteers should bring their own gloves and a mug for free coffee. Saturday, April 20., beginning at 10 a.m.; maine.surfrider.org.

Save Our Shores has organized two beach cleanups in Santa Cruz—one at Santa Cruz Beach and one at Monterey Beach. After participating, head over to the Earth Day Santa Cruz festival in San Lorenzo Park for live music, arts and crafts, a recycled fashion show, food, and more. Saturday, April 20, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Cowell/Main Beach or 10 a.m. to noon at Del Monte Beach; saveourshores.org

Show Walton County, Florida, some love by pitching in at the Walton County Earth Day Festival and helping clean up the Emerald Coast. Hang around afterwards for the children’s games, guided hikes, cooking demos, and the Earth Day Sunset 5K race benefitting the Topsail Hill Preserve State Park. Saturday, April 20; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; okaloosa.ifas.ufl.edu.

Enjoy conversation (and a great networking opportunity!) while collecting debris at West Dennis Beach on Cape Cod at the Earth Day Beach Cleanup, sponsored by the Cape Cod Young Professionals. Food and drink is being donated by Treats Catering. Sunday, April 21. 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.; capecodyoungprofessionals.org.

Keep Folly Beach in Charleston, South Carolina, beautiful and help protect the nesting sea turtles by joining the staff of the South Carolina Aquarium in their cleanup efforts on Earth Day. Sunday, April 21, beginning at 4 p.m.; charleston.thedigitel.com.

Hosted by the Keep Brunswick and the Golden Isles Beautiful campaign, the SeaPak Coastal Cleanup will corral volunteers on the beach in St. Simon’s Island, Georgia. Friday, April 26; 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; kbgib.com.