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    Home » Home Decorating » Room Makeovers

    Published: Nov 4, 2015 · Modified: Apr 12, 2021 by Rachel

    Coastal Decorating – Decide Your Beach Escape!

    This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure.
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    Are you ready to dip your toes in the sand and surf even when it is snowing outside? Well, I say that if you can’t make it to the beach, bring the beach home. One of my favorite trends in home decorating right now is the beach style decorating trend. I feel the fall rolling in and, exhilarating as that is, part of me never wants the summer to end. I have been all about the beach cottage trend for a few years now and I will be decorating our larger guest bedroom in a similar style.

    But before collecting those beach mementos, take a moment to consider personal style. Even within particular styles, niches abound. For example, when you hear the phrase “Coastal Decor”, many different styles or images may flash across your mind. Of course, this cozy style of decorating has several hallmarks. Light and naturally bright interiors that evoke a sense of relaxation. Comfortable spaces that feel classic, yet inviting. Yet, there are also many different subsets within the seaside style. Although many think of what is termed American Coastal Style,  there are seaside retreats in many different climates from Bali to Nova Scotia. Do you want a tropical look? A Nantucket? A classic nautical escape? An easy, breezy beach cottage?

    Here are some examples to help hone in on your desired destination beach escape.

    Beach Cottage

    Light and bright coastal living room in white palette with blue decorative accents with view of dining room in background.

    Source :BHG

    Indicative of the New England style, this niche keeps things interesting by mixing old and new. Antiques and rustic, natural items are paired with modern accents.

    Neutral coastal bedroom decor with large wooden bed. white with gray and wood accents, black and white framed beach photo above bed.

    Source: Lexington

    Comfort is definitely king in the beach cottage style. Layers of soft and usually lighter weight fabrics like linen are used here. The beach theme doesn’t have to be over the top with the use of accents and reclaimed items mixed with beach accents can achieve a similar vibe.

    American Coastal Style

    Coastal bedroom with wood and wicker bed, teal bedding with white pillows, soft green walls with framed mirrors, and white side table.

    Source: Wii Bedroom

     Because coastal style generally uses a soft color palette, texture shines in beach style decorating. Think rattan, thick woven rugs, or distressed furniture pieces.

    Beige framed Cape Cod map on white plank wall over wood table with blue ceramic

    Source: BHG

    Light and breezy, this style definitely draws on the classic beach elements such as sand, shells, and sky.

    Large white Shelf with collection of white coral with soft green background with gray chair in front.

    Source: Houzz

    Don’t go overboard with all the memorabilia you can get your hands on. Keep pairings small with accents. A simple display case of “found” beach objects or an accent wall with driftwood keeps the airy feeling without being overwhelmed.

    Beige sofa on soft green rug in living room with jewel chandelier, green chair and footstool, metal side table, flowers, and pelican painting.

    Source: How to Decorate

    Not all coastal style is shabby chic. You can get the seaside feel with keeping the look high-end and sophisticated. Details such as the nail heads on upholstery and a glamorous capiz shell light fixture can add a sense of refinement.

    Nautical Themed Decor

    Chest of drawers with navy blue chalk paint finish with white whale image painted on front, topped with framed painting, and glass bottles.

    Source: Shades of Blue Interiors

     What about a coastal theme that takes you off the dry land? Nautical elements such as anchors, a ship’s wheel, or buoys can work in any style of beach decor, but grouping them together can give a very distinct feel that differs from a trip to the beach.

    White vanity cabinet with glass doors filled with linens and baskets below white framed mirror and light fixture against white paneled wall.

    Source: Pottery Barn

    While it isn’t a rule, the color scheme of the nautical theme lends itself more to bold primary accents such as red and navy. Classic nautical prints are an easy way to bring this style into your home.

    Tropical Seaside Retreat

    Dining room with white walls and white vaulted ceiling with wood dining table and teal upholstered chairs, topped with lanterns. Cabinets topped with framed picture, plant, and glass vases.

    Source : House of Turquoise

    A personal favorite is the calm breezy tropics. Elegantly placed tropical plants are definitely popular but don’t go overboard.

    Geometric wooden credenza with large plant in blue ceramic pot, white candles in glass vessels in front of white paneled wall with framed pictures.

    Color hues in the tropical coastal style are definitely more forgiving. Feel free to use a few jewel tone colors like coral or emerald-green in select spots around the room.

    The point is that are as many different beach styles as there are locales and different cultures around them. The Caribbean is obviously very different from Nantucket. If you are looking for a way to bring the beach vibe into your home, first ask yourself where do you envision your escape. I would love to hear all about it!

    If you love decorating, you may like to look at a few of our home tours:

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Mary says

      January 27, 2022 at 6:28 pm

      Really appreciate your bringing out the different styles within beach/coastal. I love a soft organic look, driftwood, water birds, oyster shells, (I so want to do a mirror in oyster shells).
      I can see weathered blues, greys and even a faded coral in my mind. A move to the North Carolina coast is in our future a few years from now. But I don’t know how to label the look I see in my mind. Thanks for showing the variety.

      Reply
    2. Judy says

      December 20, 2021 at 5:48 pm

      Where can I purchase the white heron canvas painting?Love your decorating!

      Reply
      • Rachel says

        December 23, 2021 at 9:51 am

        The white heron painting is available here at Ballard Designs.

        Reply
    3. Jen says

      November 22, 2015 at 5:55 pm

      5 stars
      If I could decorate my house in this entire style I totally would! It just feels so cozy, like someplace you could really relax. Thanks for sharing some beachy inspiration over here!

      Reply
      • Rachel says

        November 23, 2015 at 1:15 am

        I bet your house is cozy, yet lively at the same time- a really fun place to be!

        Reply
    4. Brian says

      November 20, 2015 at 9:16 am

      5 stars
      Really interesting article. Very well written. I’m amazed at how you put these pieces together.

      Reply

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