There’s a reason why coastal is one of the hottest styles of decorating, it evokes the beachy sensations of summer. But achieving true coastal style involves much more than displaying a few seashells and hanging fishing net on the wall. It’s about developing a true aquatically-inspired interior. Here is everything you need to know to pull off the look and feel of coastal style.
If you’ve ever walked into a beach house and felt a feeling of transcendent tranquility wash over you, you’re likely already familiar with coastal style. How do you get that feeling in your home? A commitment to all things light and bright. After all, the words “dim” and “cramped” don’t exactly come to mind when you think imagine the vast ocean, does it?
When decorating in coastal style, ample light is everything. Lots of windows, glass doors and surfaces, and skylights allow the sunlight to stream in. Simple lamps, sconces and sheer window treatments enhance the aesthetic.
Comfort is another characteristic of coastal style. Float-y sheers, cotton rugs, and linen slipcovers all help create a laid-back ambiance. Weathered wood, wicker, straw, jute and seagrass furnishings, linens, accessories and rugs add warmth and texture. Remember, there’s no place for the formal or fussy.
A rule of thumb when decorating in the coastal style? If a piece of furniture or finish won’t hold up to salt air and sand, it shouldn’t be at home in your seaside sanctuary. After all, beach life isn’t supposed to be hard or complicated. Nor is decorating in the coastal style.
The crisp clean colors of a coastal palette can be both casual and chic. Think warm whites, soft creams, sand dune beiges, driftwood greys, muted greens, washed-out pastels, and serene sea blues. Conversely, heavy, dark colors can weigh down the room, and keep sparkle, shine, glimmer and gloss to a minimum to avoid sacrificing coziness. Tailored stripes and/or nautical-print fabrics also qualify as coastal style, but keep it minimal to avoid venturing into coastal kitsch territory.
Which brings us to our next point…subtlety is everything when it comes to coastal style. Introducing too many references to ocean and beach decor is the quickest way to overshoot “restful retreat” and land on “local lobster shanty” instead. Use accents smart and sparingly to hint at the feeling of ocean life without hitting anyone over the head with it.
Another tenet of coastal style? The more open space and less clutter, the better. If you have acquired a collection of nautical accent pieces over the years, consider swapping them out seasonally instead of using them all at once. This also allows you to refresh your space at whim.
One of the best things about coastal style? You don’t have to live on the water to replicate the feeling in your own living space. Even if you’re hundreds of miles inland, you can immerse yourself in beachy bliss by keeping these coastal style ideas in mind.
Find Your Home Decorating Style at Stowers Furniture
Whether you love coastal style or modern farmhouse interiors, you can find it at Stowers. If you’re looking for a custom piece, ask us about our Design Center. You will have access to thousands of fabrics and catalogs, and have your personal designer to help you with any questions you might have. Visit our showroom today and let’s see how we can turn your house into a home.
© Stowers Furniture | Powered by OmniVue® | Design and Development: MicroD, Inc.