When we purchased our first Atlantic City Airbnb, we knew we were taking on more than a renovation project, we were building the foundation for a legacy.
Located in Gardner’s Basin in Atlantic City, this beach house renovation was our first investment property and one of the biggest leaps of faith we’ve taken as a family. Our vision was simple: create a stylish, family-friendly coastal retreat that felt elevated, welcoming, and built to withstand the realities of a high-performing vacation rental.
One of the most important decisions we made during the renovation was selecting the right flooring. After evaluating countless options, we partnered with CALI Floors and chose Cypress Preserve Laguna flooring throughout the home, including matching stair treads, to create a cohesive coastal design that could handle everything from sandy feet to suitcase wheels.
Today, we’re taking you behind the scenes of our Atlantic City beach house renovation, sharing why we chose CALI Floors, how Cypress Preserve Laguna transformed the space, and what we learned while launching our first Airbnb.
The Vision for Our Atlantic City Airbnb
When we first walked through the property, we immediately saw the potential.
The goal wasn’t simply to renovate a house, it was to create an experience and a peaceful destination for optimal rest and relaxation.
We wanted every guest to walk through the front door and immediately feel like they had arrived at the beach. Bright interiors, warm textures, comfortable gathering spaces, and durable finishes all became priorities as we designed the home from the ground up.
Because this property would operate as a short-term rental, every design choice needed to balance beauty and practicality.
Why Flooring Matters in a Beach House Renovation
Flooring is one of the hardest-working surfaces in any home, but it’s especially important in a vacation rental.
Beach houses experience unique challenges:
- Sand and moisture
- High guest turnover
- Heavy foot traffic
- Rolling luggage
- Families with children
- Seasonal wear and tear
We knew traditional hardwood flooring wouldn’t be the best fit for our needs. We wanted something that delivered the look of natural wood while providing the durability required for an active Airbnb.
That’s what led us to luxury vinyl plank flooring.
Why We Chose CALI Floors
Our partnership with CALI Floors felt like a natural fit for this project.
Their mission centers around creating authentic California coastal style through thoughtfully designed, high-quality products that balance beauty, innovation, and durability. Founded in San Diego, CALI offers a wide range of flooring options designed for real-life living.
For our renovation, we selected:
- CALI Cypress Preserve Laguna Flooring
- Matching Cypress Preserve Stair Treads
- Coordinating Stair Nosing Components
The flooring immediately became the foundation for the entire design aesthetic.
Why We Loved Cypress Preserve Laguna Flooring
When designing a coastal Airbnb, color matters.
We wanted flooring that felt bright and airy without looking overly gray or trendy. Cypress Preserve Laguna offered the perfect balance of warm wood tones and natural coastal character.
Waterproof Performance
A beach house demands waterproof flooring.
From wet towels and beach bags to rainy summer afternoons, we needed a flooring solution designed to handle moisture with confidence.
Designed for Airbnb Durability
One of the biggest challenges of operating a vacation rental is choosing finishes that can withstand constant use.
Cypress Preserve Laguna delivers the durability we need while maintaining the elevated look guests expect from a professionally designed space.
Matching Stair Treads for a Custom Look
One detail we absolutely love is the matching stair treads.
Instead of interrupting the visual flow of the home, the stairs feel like a seamless extension of the flooring throughout the property. This small detail makes a huge impact and gives the renovation a more custom, designer-inspired finish.
How the Flooring Shaped Our Coastal Design
Once the flooring was installed, the rest of the design vision began to come together.
The warm tones of Cypress Preserve Laguna pair beautifully with:
- Crisp white walls
- Natural wood accents
- Soft neutral textiles
- Coastal-inspired decor
- Layered textures and organic materials
The flooring created the perfect backdrop for the relaxed, elevated atmosphere we wanted guests to experience.
Tour Our Atlantic City Airbnb
Today, the renovation is complete and our Atlantic City Airbnb is officially welcoming guests.
The home features:
- 3 Bedrooms
- 2.5 Bathrooms
- Family-friendly accommodations
- Spacious gathering areas
- Modern coastal interiors
- Thoughtfully designed amenities for beach vacations and weekend getaways
Whether guests are visiting Atlantic City for summer vacations, family reunions, concerts, sporting events, or a relaxing weekend at the shore, we designed the space to feel like a home away from home.
Lessons We Learned Renovating Our First Airbnb
Renovating our first investment property taught us that beautiful design isn’t just about aesthetics.
The best design decisions solve problems.
Choosing waterproof, durable flooring was one of the smartest investments we made because it supports both the guest experience and the long-term success of the property.
If you’re planning your own Airbnb renovation, beach house remodel, or vacation rental investment, start with materials that can handle real life while still delivering the look you want.
Why We’d Choose CALI Floors Again
Looking back, selecting Cypress Preserve Laguna flooring was one of the easiest decisions to stand behind.
The flooring delivers everything we wanted:
- Coastal-inspired style
- Waterproof performance
- Durability for short-term rentals
- Consistent design flow
- A warm and inviting foundation for every room
As we continue our Legacy Moves journey and build long-term wealth through real estate, we’re grateful to have partnered with CALI Floors on a renovation that transformed this property from a fixer-upper into a destination.
Book Your Stay at Inkwell Cove, Atlantic City NJ
Want to see the transformation in person?
Our Atlantic City beach house is now available to book and experience for yourself.
From the coastal-inspired interiors to the thoughtfully designed spaces for gathering, every detail was chosen with comfort, beauty, and lasting memories in mind.
This renovation started as a dream and a leap of faith. Today, it’s a place where families can create memories of their own and that’s the most rewarding part of all.
To Cali Floors, thank you for trusting me with this partnership. If you want to get your hands on this exact flooring, here’s the link.
