Surf Shack - Laid-Back Living by the Water

For those who combed through Cabin Porn for inspiration and The New Bohemians for authenticity, here are bungalows, trailers, cabins, and beach homes where surfers retreat after a day on the waves. Peek inside the homes of longtime enthusiasts and dedicated newcomers that reflect not just a sport or passion, but also a way of life. Blake and Heather Mycoskie of TOMS, hotelier Sean MacPherson, Gypset author Julia Chaplin, and others have set up their spaces to embrace a casual ease and be the break between the waves. With vibrant photographs of design details and bright beaches from Malibu to the Rockaways, from Japan to Australia this book captures the soulful milieu of a lifestyle we all aspire to.

"Surfers are a breed onto themselves and their homes . . . Nina Freudenberger has taken a good look at not only a number of these vastly different abodes but also a quick glimpse into the particular and even peculiar lives that are lived there. Because after all, to a surfer at least, surfing is the only life." - Gerry Lopez, renowned surfer, innovator, and author of Surf is Where You Find It

Published on: 2017-04-11

Released on: 2017-04-11

Original language: English

Dimensions: 11.30" h x 1.20" w x 8.30" l,

Binding: Hardcover

272 pages

Review 

"Surfers are a breed onto themselves and their homes; hideaways and surf shacks are just as unique no matter where in the world they may be found. A nice rack to store surfboards, maybe an outside shower to wash off the ocean and sand, and an ideal spot to hang and dry wetsuits or surf trunks are mandatory everything else comes after. Nina Freudenberger has taken a good look at not only a number of these vastly different abodes but also a quick glimpse into the particular and even peculiar lives that are lived there. Because after all, to a surfer at least, surfing is the only life."  - Gerry Lopez, renowned surfer, innovator, and author of Surf is Where You Find It

"Surfer or not, you’ve probably found yourself enchanted at one time or another by the thought of a life lived near the water . . . Some lucky ones are living that dream, with homes perched close enough to the sea that they can be in the water and on a board any time the wind is right and the swell is up and the mood strikes. It is this lifestyle and the home decor choices driven by it that inspired interior designer Nina Freudenberger's new book Surf Shack: Laid-Back Living by the Water."  - Vogue

"A surfer's life is a weird dichotomy. We live for fleeting micro-moments of glorious sliding, but the act of surfing is a small percentage of what we actually do. We also struggle against currents, wind, cold, and grumpy troglodytes. We lie to bosses and loved ones. We suffer sunburn, reef rash, earaches, and flat spells. We endlessly analyze weather forecasts and tide charts searching for the moment to paddle out. We constantly dance the passive aggressive 'my turn' dance in the lineup. More often than not our efforts end in failure. And still, it’s SO GOOD we come back for more. We live for it. This book perfectly shows the wildly varying sanctuaries of damp, sandy tribesmen, and where they return for brief comfort to 'mind surf,' recharge, and plan the next amazing struggle for that finite resource." - Fletcher Chouinard, shaper/designer

"Even if you don’t own a surfboard, there’s so much to learn from this gorgeous book about living a creative, authentic life." - Emily Henderson, author of the New York Times best seller Styled

"This book highlights many of the aspects that make surfing such a compelling pursuit with captivating photographs of homes that reflect the owners' authentic love of wave riding and a deep respect for nature." - Paul Speaker, CEO, The World Surf League

"For me, the home is never about decoration, it's about personal expression and creating a foundation for an active life, which is exactly what Nina has captured here. This book gives me a ton of ideas!" - Maxwell Ryan, author of Apartment Therapy Complete and Happy Home

"Surf Shack pulled at my heartstrings. While I'm not a surfer, I grew up on the coast and in the water. The homes in this book speak to that love and not only inspire you to reimagine your decor, but how to live. You'll want to return to this book time and again." - Rebecca Atwood, author of Living with Pattern

"This book perfectly captures the dreamy living of California surf culture and casual beach-chic interiors." - Helene Henderson, chef-owner and author of Malibu Farm Cookbook

"As both an interior designer and surfer, I feel Surf Shack is the perfect blend of my personal and professional passions. I could not be more excited about this book Brittany Ambridge’s images are breathtaking and inspiring." - Jeremiah Brent, television personality and interior designer

"Wannabe bettys and brahs can pore over Surf Shack, which showcases homes from Australia to the Rockaways: beachside bungalows, trailers, cabins, and more." - Publishers Weekly

About the Author 

NINA FREUDENBERGER received her BFA and bachelor of architecture from Rhode Island School of Design before launching a career in interior design. Founder of the boutique design firm Haus Interior and a line of nationally-distributed Haus candles, she lives with her family in Mar Vista, California.