Quiet Evenings in Calabash: Crafting a Two-Person Retreat With Fire-Lit Comfort

Introduction

Calabash, NC might be famous for its seafood shacks and sunset marsh views, but for one healthcare couple it serves a very different purpose—pure downtime. Their vacation bungalow sits on an open, treeless lot that bakes in the coastal sun, and after back-to-back hospital shifts they wanted nothing more than a place to sit shoulder-to-shoulder, kick off their shoes, and breathe. My name is Susan Slone, design consultant at Casual Furniture World, and my task was to turn that blank patio and porch into a haven where two people can decompress the moment they arrive in town.

Understanding the Client’s Vision

“Just the Two of Us”

Most of the outdoor rooms I design revolve around hosting friends and extended family, but these owners made it crystal-clear: less is more. They asked for a seating group scaled specifically for two—no extra chairs to shuffle, no sprawling sectional to vacuum. The non-negotiable: deep cushions that cradle tired backs, teamed with a fire feature for low-key ambience after night shift naps.

Recovery Mode, Activated

Because both clients work unpredictable, high-stress hours in healthcare, every design move needed to lower heart rates. That meant neutral, calming colors; fabrics that feel good on skin still sensitive from PPE; and silhouettes that cue the brain to relax, not entertain. In short, the space had to say: “Welcome home. Exhale.”

Design Strategy

Hub #1 – Terrace Lounge With Fire

Berlin Gardens Classic Terrace club chairs and loveseat became our anchor—substantial enough to survive coastal gusts yet perfectly proportioned for two people and their weekend duffel bags. At center stage sits the Donoma round fire pit, gas-fired for instant flames. Its broad rim doubles as a coffee-table ledge, so mugs of tea don’t teeter on laps.

Hub #2 – Al-Fresco Dining That Stops the Glare

To the side we set a compact Bristol dining table with matching side chairs. While the homeowners might only eat quick breakfasts here, the table height lets them prep shrimp skewers without stooping. A Frankford cantilever umbrella—50-pound base included—swings wide enough to shade both dining and lounge zones, critical in their tree-free development.

Hub #3 – Front-Porch Welcome Spot

Calabash afternoons often draw neighbors out for a wave, so I mirrored the Bristol look on the front porch: two Bristol rocking chairs and a petite accent table. The repetition ties front and rear elevations together, and the rockers add gentle motion worthy of any southern coastal porch.

Color & Contrast That Calm the Eye

The cottage sports pale gray siding, so we opted for charcoal poly-lumber frames to pop against the façade without blinding anyone at high noon. Cushions wear a misty sage performance fabric—quietly natural, soft on the eyes, and stain-resistant enough to survive spilled sweet tea. Accent pillows in a muted driftwood stripe nod to the nearby Brunswick River without shouting beach clichés.

Built for Vacant Weeks

Because this is strictly a getaway home, every component had to shrug off long stretches of neglect. The high-density poly-lumber won’t warp, and powder-coated stainless hardware laughs at salt spray. Quick-dry foam means a thunderstorm rolling through mid-week won’t leave the cushions soggy by Saturday arrival. Even the umbrella canopy is solution-dyed acrylic, so fading is a non-issue season after season.

The Outcome: A Fire-Lit Oasis for Two

Instant Transition From Work to Weekend

The first evening the couple arrived after installation, they FaceTimed me, feet up on the Donoma ledge, gentle flames dancing between them. No setup, no cushion shuffle—just sit, ignite, relax. Exactly the friction-free shift they hoped for.

Shade on Demand

The Frankford umbrella’s infinite-tilt arm now tracks the sun from brunch to dusk, so sunscreen isn’t the first to-do of the day. When coastal winds pick up, a quick crank collapses the canopy and the weighted base keeps everything grounded.

Ease That Lasts

After two months of intermittent visits, the frames still look factory-fresh and the sage cushions haven’t collected a single mildew spot—a testament to durable materials doing their quiet job.

A Space Meant for Silent Moments

Perhaps the best review came from one owner’s text: “We sat an hour without talking. Just what the doctor ordered.” Furniture can’t cure burnout, but a thoughtful setup can certainly help heal it.

Conclusion

Designing this petite retreat proved that outdoor luxury doesn’t have to mean a crowd; sometimes it’s just two chairs, a crackling fire pit, and a sky full of Carolina stars. If your own getaway home could use that kind of restorative comfort, drop by Casual Furniture World—I’m always ready to sketch a space that lets you simply be.