How to Make Room for a Big Family Without Giving Up the Beach

Living in Surfside is a dream — turquoise waters, walkable charm, and that peaceful, easy rhythm of life that just feels right. But if you’re like many of my clients (and let’s be honest, like me too), you’ve got a growing family and limited bedrooms… and you’re not willing to give up that beach breeze for a bigger footprint inland.

The good news? You don’t have to.

As a mom of many and a style-obsessed real estate advisor, I’ve been there. Here are my go-to ideas for adding bedrooms — without leaving the Surfside magic behind — plus a few chic organization strategies to keep your space functional and beautiful.

Creative Ideas for Adding Bedrooms in Surfside Homes

1. Convert a Florida Room or Enclosed Porch
Many Surfside homes feature charming enclosed patios or Florida rooms drenched in light. These spaces are often underutilized and can easily become a guest room, nursery, or teen hangout with the right flooring, insulation, and French doors.

Joyce’s tip: Add custom blackout curtains and a Murphy bed to keep it flexible.

2. Divide an Oversized Primary Suite
If your primary bedroom feels like a ballroom (thank you, 1950s layouts), consider a luxe wall partition or partial build-out to create an additional kids' bedroom or home office that converts to a sleeping space.

Joyce’s touch: Use frosted glass or a custom bookshelf wall to keep the elegance while maximizing function.

3. Build Up — Not Out
For single-story homes on standard Surfside lots, a second-floor addition is a game-changer. It’s an investment, yes, but one that pays back in resale and peace of mind. You’ll get more bedrooms without losing backyard or outdoor space.

Joyce says: Think of it as creating a sanctuary — bedrooms upstairs, life and entertaining below.

4. Repurpose a Garage or Utility Room
If your garage is mostly beach chairs and holiday bins, it may be worth converting. With some clever design, it can become a cozy bedroom suite with a separate entrance for older kids, guests, or live-in help.

Bonus: Surfside's zoning is generally friendly to thoughtful conversions. Always consult a local architect or contractor familiar with city permits.

5. Bunk Room Magic
When you can’t add square footage, think vertically. Built-in bunk beds with drawers underneath and wall sconces are both functional and chic. Perfect for siblings or grandkids.

Joyce tip: Add their initials in brass hardware or monogrammed linens for a personal, elevated feel.

Organizational Tips That Make Small Spaces Feel Big

Let’s be honest: with big families come big messes. These are a few of my tried-and-true strategies to keep your home flowing and your mind calm.

1. Built-In Everything
From window bench storage to floor-to-ceiling closets, every Surfside home should have at least one built-in that multitasks.

Joyce says: If it doesn’t serve two purposes, it’s not earning its square footage.

2. Matching Baskets = Visual Peace
Use identical storage baskets in entryways, kids’ rooms, and laundry areas. Label them with chic tags (try leather or acrylic) and keep the aesthetic clean.

Design inspo: I love a row of seagrass baskets in a white mudroom — it feels Hamptons-meets-Miami.

3. Go Vertical
High shelves, floating desks, and wall hooks are essential in Surfside’s charming but cozy homes. Mount the things you don’t need daily and keep floor space open.

4. Zone Your Rooms
Even in open layouts, use rugs, bookshelves, or color palettes to separate functions — a play corner, a reading nook, a workspace — so the home flows with intention.

5. Declutter Seasonally
Make “Surfside Sunday” a tradition. Once every season, gather the kids and do a 1-hour whole-home reset. Donate what’s not used, rotate out-of-season items, and reset your flow.

In Summary...

You don’t need to give up the beach lifestyle to gain space for your growing family. With a little creativity, a lot of intention, and the right design mindset, your Surfside home can evolve with your family — beautifully.

And if you ever need help visualizing what’s possible (or finding a home that’s already one step ahead), I’m just a walk away. Let’s turn your space into something that works for your family and your soul.

With style, heart, and sunshine,
Joyce Azria