A local designer transforms floating villas into waterfront escapes
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — When most people think about coastal living, they picture a beach house. But along the Cape Fear River, one local designer is showing that coastal living can take on an entirely different form.
Designer Laura Dodd has helped transform a collection of floating villas at Port City Marina into waterfront retreats that combine thoughtful design with the unique experience of living on the water.
While the villas gently float along the river, Dodd says her design philosophy remains firmly grounded in comfort.” I want people to feel like it’s their home,” Dodd said. “It’s a different experience than they would have at home, but I also want them to feel very comfortable.”
Dodd oversaw nearly every aspect of the design process, from selecting flooring, tile, paint colors, and furnishings to adding the finishing touches that give each floating villa its own personality.
Rather than relying on obvious coastal décor, Dodd chose subtle design elements throughout the spaces, creating interiors that reflect Wilmington’s waterfront lifestyle without overwhelming guests.
“I don’t want it to be seashells everywhere,” she said. “I want it to be more of a subtle experience, calm and relaxed, with the feeling you get when you’re looking at the ocean.”
Her advice extends beyond floating villas. For homeowners looking to refresh their own spaces, Dodd recommends designing for the people who live there, not future buyers.” Design for what makes you happy,” she said. “You’re the one who’s going to live in the space.”
She also encourages homeowners to begin renovations with lasting elements, such as flooring, countertops, tile, and paint, before selecting furniture and décor.
According to Seascape Properties, which manages the floating villas, the carefully curated interiors have helped create a memorable guest experience for visitors looking for something different during their stay in Wilmington.
From sipping coffee on a private deck at sunrise to watching the sun set over the Cape Fear River, the floating villas offer guests a fresh perspective on coastal living, one where thoughtful design makes every stay feel like home.
