Here are ten top tips from interior design expert Sylvia James at HomeHow.co.uk on how to achieve that serene coastal vibe without actually having to be anywhere near the sea:
Use a Light Colour Palette
One of the first steps in any interior design project is choosing a colour palette for our walls, floors, and furniture. For a coastal look, select a light palette that mimics the colours of the ocean, sand and sunsets. Colours like soft blue, white and beige are ideal for the design.
Incorporate Natural Materials
To evoke a relaxed beach environment in your home, you will want to use natural materials such as woven wicker, bamboo, driftwood, and rattan. These can be incorporated through furniture and decorative items or as accent pieces for walls and shelves.
Add Nautical Accents and Artwork
Nautical accents such as vintage sea maps, model sailing boats, seashells, and anchors are all perfect decorative pieces and go a long way towards creating a coastal feel. The artwork you select to adorn your walls will further add to the vibe, and you will want to select images such as seascapes, boats, and sea creatures. Keep it subtle, though – Too much of a good thing can leave your home looking a little tacky!
Bring in Plants
Using indoor plants to bring the outside inside will add life and freshness to your coastal-themed space. Succulents and air plants are ideal choices and, as well as adding to the aesthetic, can do wonders for both your physical and mental health.
Add Striped Accents
Add striped accents through bedding, rugs, blankets, and pillows to create a beachy vibe. Blue and white is the perfect colour combination, and it is a good idea to invest in quality fabrics such as linen or soft cotton to add to the cosy, inviting atmosphere.
Get Creative with Furniture Choices
Incorporating nautical-themed furniture into your home is an ideal creative enhancement to the coastal vibe. A great idea for a unique storage option is a boat-shaped bookcase; this will prove to be highly functional as well as look great in your beach-themed home!
Light Those Candles
Investing in scented candles will leave your home smelling amazing and really add to the atmosphere you are aiming to create. To recreate the feeling of spending a day at the beach being engulfed by the ocean breeze, opt for candles with notes of sandalwood, white tea, sea salt and coconut.
Take it Outside
If you have a garden or terrace area, it is a wonderful opportunity to extend your beach theme further outdoors. Using weathered wood, pebbles, seashells and maritime-themed decorations, you can create a beautiful coastal haven for relaxation and entertaining guests.
Embrace Open Spaces
To recreate the feel of being by the beach, we want to create an open space that allows a free flow of air and light and, therefore, need to remove any unnecessary furniture and clutter. The effect can also be enhanced by large windows that let in plenty of natural light and reflective surfaces such as mirrors that will allow it to bounce around the room.
Carefully Select Lighting
It is essential to select lighting that complements your coastal theme if you want to achieve the full potential of the look. Go for soft, diffused lighting hanging from fixtures made of rope, rattan and wood to achieve the feeling of spending an evening relaxing by the sea.
Final Thoughts
Keeping décor uncluttered and furnishings practical will enhance your home's serene beach vibe. The beach house style is centred around being laid-back and comfortable and is a great opportunity to create a peaceful and tranquil retreat to come home to after a long day.
