Not everyone is lucky enough to live seaside. But that does not mean that one cannot recreate the calm and comfort of a beachside house.
Coastal style interior design can exude cool, carefree and comfortable vibes without going overboard.
There is no need to go full nautical with anchors and seashell wallpaper.
Good design is subtle and natural, not forced. Such a design is the result of an interplay between natural elements like sun, wind and rain.
When done right, it can mimic that light and breezy feeling you get after stepping into a beach house, post a morning swim.
So, whether you live in suburban Sydney or rural Western Australia, here are some clever ways to infuse your home with some coastal charm:
1. Embrace a Coastal Palette
The right colour mix can often have the desired effect in interior design. Strategic use of colour can change the whole perception.
In the case of coastal design, think of ocean-inspired colours like soft blues, seafoam greens, sandy beiges and crisp whites.
The aim is to mimic the natural tone of a beach. For the cost-conscious, a full repainting may not be required.
If a person is renting, going for more temporary options like removable wallpapers would be a good choice. Changing the colour of cushions, curtains, rugs, and throws can also add the desired effect.
Opting for contemporary coastal wall art would also shift the tone of a space.
2. Use Natural Textures
Nothing says coastal like natural textures. Utilising the appropriate materials can level up the feel of the place.
Consider using the following:
- Wood: Timber tends to bring an organic and earthy touch to a home. It’s a pretty versatile material that can be used in different places and contexts. Be it the dining table, flooring or even decorative pieces, wood is a safe pick.
- Rattan and wicker: Rattan is the cheat code to making any place ‘beachy’. It is quite lightweight, and when paired with wicker, it exudes relaxation. Woven armchairs, wicker outdoor furniture, rattan light fixtures and even wicker baskets are some ideas that can look in place in a coastal setting.
- Linen: This fabric screams comfort. It is the perfect choice to create a breezy atmosphere by utilising it in curtains and bedding.
3. Rely On Ventilation
Another easy approach is to design for ventilation.
Well-lit rooms and airy spaces are great anyway, but when combined with everything else, they can recreate that coastal magic.
Maximise it wherever you realistically can. Swap heavy curtains for sheer linen drapes or leave windows bare when privacy isn’t a major concern.
Use mirrors to reflect daylight and opt for larger windows. For lighting, select warmer tones in floor lamps, table lamps and wall sconces.
This will recreate the sunlit effect, which would suit the coastal colours and natural textures.
4. Think About Architecture
Building upon the previous tip, coastal-inspired homes tend to have open plan layouts.
Large glass doors, windows and skylights can help blur the line between the indoors and the outdoors.
Other common features in such homes would include shutters, wooden floors, exposed wooden beams and even tongue and groove panelled walls.
These elements can combine to mirror the elegance of a coastline.
5. Use Coastal Décor Sparingly
There is no point in trying too hard. Collections of shells here and there, a fancy fishbowl, and even a driftwood sculpture can work in isolation.
But overusing decor pieces and coastal-inspired objects can make the house feel like a theme park.
The best bet is to be subtle and less obvious. Remember: the goal is to keep things relaxed and breezy.
You don’t always need crashing waves outside your window to bring the coast into your home.
A well-thought-out design can work wonders to evoke the seaside feel.
Start by zeroing in on a colour palette that is inspired by the sea.
After that, try to infuse natural materials and textures like wood, linen and rattan.
Having airy spaces and a well-lit home can make the transformation easier. Finally, don’t pepper the house with decor items everywhere.
At its core, coastal style is less about location and more about feeling. Let the space feel relaxed. Ensure that practicality remains a core principle, as living has to go beyond aesthetics.
