There’s something undeniably alluring about coastal-style homes. They exude a relaxed, breezy charm that instantly transports you to the seaside. Whether you live by the coast or miles away from it, you can bring the coastal vibes into your home. In this article, we’ll explore the do’s and don’ts of coastal-style home decor, as well as some tips on how to maintain the look.
The Do’s
- Nautical Color Palette: Coastal style revolves around a fresh, soothing color palette. Think shades of blue and aqua for the sea, soft creams and whites for sandy shores, and hints of coral and green for that coastal vegetation. These colors instantly set the tone for your coastal decor.
- Natural Materials: Embrace natural materials like weathered wood, rattan, jute, and seagrass. These elements evoke the feel of driftwood, beachcombing treasures, and the raw beauty of the coastline.
- Nautical Decor: Incorporate nautical decor items such as anchors, ropes, seashells, and sailboats. These elements add a playful touch to your coastal theme.
- Lots of Light: Coastal-style homes thrive on natural light. Opt for sheer curtains or even leave your windows bare to maximize the sunshine that spills in. Mirrors can also help bounce light around the room.
- Beachy Textures: Layer your space with beachy textures like soft, comfortable slipcovers, plush throw pillows, and cozy blankets. This adds an inviting and relaxed feel to your coastal home.
- Marine-Inspired Furniture: Consider furniture with a maritime flair, like a distressed wooden coffee table, a rope-wrapped lamp, or a driftwood headboard for your bedroom.
- Beachcomber’s Gallery: Showcase seashells, beach glass, and other coastal treasures in glass jars, shadow boxes, or as table centerpieces. These collected items add authenticity to your coastal style.
The Don’ts
- Overwhelming Theme: While it’s tempting to go all out with beach-themed decor, avoid overwhelming your space with too many nautical elements. Less is often more, and a subtle coastal touch can be more effective.
- Harsh Lines: Coastal style thrives on a soft, relaxed atmosphere. Avoid sharp, modern lines and instead opt for rounded or weathered furniture pieces.
- Dark Colors: Coastal style is all about light, bright spaces. Avoid heavy, dark colors that can make your home feel gloomy.
- Overly Perfect Surfaces: The beauty of coastal style lies in its imperfections. Avoid overly polished, brand-new furniture and instead opt for items that embrace wear and tear.
- Excessive Clutter: While beachcombing treasures are charming, don’t let them take over your space. Keep the beachy decor in moderation to maintain a balanced look.
Maintaining Your Coastal Style
Maintaining your coastal-style home is relatively straightforward.
- Regular Cleaning: Coastal homes tend to accumulate sand and dust. Regular cleaning keeps your space fresh and inviting.
- Furniture Care: Natural materials can be susceptible to wear. Protect and maintain wood and rattan furniture to ensure it lasts.
- Textile Refresh: Periodically wash or replace slipcovers, cushions, and curtains to keep your space looking and feeling fresh.
- Seasonal Updates: Change out decor items seasonally to keep your home feeling beach-ready year-round. For example, add warmer textures in the winter and bright, airy elements in the summer.
- Embrace the Outdoors: Make the most of outdoor spaces by incorporating coastal-style furniture and decor on your patio or deck.
Conclusion
Coastal style in your home is not just about decor; it’s a lifestyle choice that invites you to relax and unwind. By following the do’s and don’ts and implementing a simple maintenance routine, you can create a tranquil coastal retreat that brings the soothing vibes of the sea right to your doorstep. So, set sail on your coastal decorating journey and let the coastal breezes inspire your interior decor!
