Coastal Decorating Style
Bring the beach home with these decorating tips
In recent years the coastal decorating style once exclusive to island
paradises such as the Caribbean and Hawaii has become more popular
everywhere. Coastal brings to mind those stress-free summer days of
childhood – light and pleasurable.
The coastal look is ideal for both an
active family and a soothing way to rejoice in reclaiming the house once the
children have left for good.
Let the beauty of the ocean and the sand guide you in your choice of color palette, keeping the
décor on the quiet, pale, subdued side with lots of fanciful touches.
Try these time-proven island solutions if you live somewhere warm: make
shade on terraces and verandas with canopies and overhangs, add louvered
shutters to keep rooms cool, and put in sheer window treatments to filter
sunlight.
Think about wood pieces washed in light colors for a more
contemporary flair. Fun and cozy upholstery help to create a wonderful
escape.
The coastal dwelling, whether a main home, vacation address or weekend
escape, delights in down-to-earth style. The way of life is simple and
interiors are oriented to the sea, cleverly adding in beachcombing souvenirs
throughout the home décor.
There are no formulas or conventions for the
coastal color palette. Time-honored sand and sea colors, for example
variants of blues, greens and neutrals are particularly eye-catching when
highlighted using soft, sun-bleached color groupings.
Transporting the appeal of the coast to your home through the use of
color is fairly simple to accomplish, whether you call the seashore home, or
live in a manor in the English countryside.
Blue and white are the principal coastal schemes. You can warm up your
space with a variety of accents, for example textured tiles and rustic
furniture.
Paint can be used successfully to give a seaside atmosphere throughout a
home. Painted maritime signs or classic nautical works of art can be propped
up on hearth mantels or hung on external walls to balance outdoor living
spaces.
A deftly sponged blue sky and other special effect paint methods can
mirror your coastal theme.
Coastal décor is chic and comfort all rolled into one. New flooring,
accessories and slipcovers for the furniture may be all the changes you need
to make to get the coastal look, regardless of your current décor.
If you
can’t install new floors, you can work with what your have by covering them
with area rugs in a coastal style or a sisal rug if you are going for a more
contemporary feel.
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