Coastal Vibes: Achieving the Perfect Beach House Look
The sound of waves crashing and the feeling of sand under your feet and a slightly chilling breeze? That’s what makes the beach, there’s something magical about it. And you don’t have to live by the ocean to achieve that same breezy, relaxing feeling in your home. Decor inspired by the coast creates the chill vibe of beach living wherever you live. The right colors, textures and design elements used, it is possible to turn your home into a beachy sanctuary that evokes that easy laid back vibe of the holiday coast. Here’s how to do the perfect beach house look.
1. Embrace Light, Airy Colors
Light and airy colors are vital when it comes to coastal design. I think soft whites, creamy beiges and cool grays as well as shades of blue that look like the sky and the sea. The faces of these colors yield an open breezy atmosphere reminiscent of the beach in tranquility. For this room, I choose a light, soft white or light gray wall because it makes for a fresh, clean canvas which allows maximum natural light and creates a more open, larger feeling.
And, throw pillows, rugs, etc. can also add in accent colors to your room, such as seafoam green, turquoise, or nautical navy blue. The colors don’t swallow the space but still bring a sense of freshness, relaxation like the beach.
2. Natural Materials: Materials that can be found in a natural environment.
Using natural materials can be the key to bringing a true coastal look, bringing the textures you’re looking to emulate in closest. Bringing organic feel into your home? Wood, wicker, rattan, linen and stone are perfect for that.
Weathered wood in a coffee table, side table or shelving, all brings a rustic charm feeling almost like driftwood washed up on the shore. Chairs, light fixtures, and baskets are common examples of items, like these, made with wicker and rattan, which bring a breezy, coastal element while still being put together and elegant.
Your furniture upholstery, curtains and throw blankets can be made, textiles in soft hues such as linen or cotton. The light airy feel of the room is added to by the these fabrics which are breathable. Jute rugs also feel nice underfoot and pay tribute to the natural materials of coastal regions.
3. Maximize Natural Light
If you’re looking to achieve beach house vibes, you are going to want to let the sunshine in – coastal homes are known for their abundant natural light! If your space doesn't have the luxury of large windows or glass doors to draw in natural light, you can still bring that feeling of brightness to your space with the illusion of it.
Lighter, sheer curtains which still provide privacy, but allow lots of light to pass through. I want to keep it feeling open, airy, much like the wide open beaches. Blinds or shades in light or neutral tones will provide you with a little more privacy and the ability to regulate the amount of light coming in if that’s what you need.
4. Coastal-Inspired Accessories
You can’t have a beach house without the right accessories. Use seashells, driftwood and things that are marine inspired to instantly bring that coastal theme to life. These accessories make the space without going too far.
You can start with placing sea shells or sand in glass jars or bowls and that’s quite simple and elegant. Yours is free to hang artwork or prints with ocean scenes, palm trees and nautical motifs such as anchors and sailboats.
Driftwood accents are used as a signature coastal decore element. Driftwood can be used as a base for a coffee table, as a frame for mirrors or art, or even as wall art such as a sculpture or mobile. A couple of coastal pieces placed well in a room can add this beachy, rustic vibe, from a rope wrapped mirror to a sea glass vase.
5. Create Open, Flowing Spaces
The space in a beach house should be relaxing and inviting. Don’t overcrowd rooms with too much furniture and instead make comfortable spaces where there is easy access and moving fluidly is easy.
There are also rules about where you put furniture, how much space you leave between each piece, and how you arrange the furniture so conversation and relaxation occur between all involved. Take as an example the sofa facing a set of chairs around a central coffee table, with the set being the common gathering point for people. Opt for a simple, clean lined table in light wood tones in the dining room and unfill the space.
6. Indoor-Outdoor Living – Introduce
A beach house is one of the best houses because it can be able to connect the outer spaces to the indoor spaces. However, if you have a patio, a balcony, or even a small outdoor entitled space, don’t stop there and extend your beach house aesthetic here.
Outdoor furniture in comfortable wicker or teak chairs in this case, and some cushions and throws in coastal inspired colours and patterns. Consider string lights or lanterns as lighting to warm up evening get togethers. By bringing the same light, breezy vibe outdoors, you seamlessly transition between the indoors and beachy space you have made.
7. Add Local Coastal Inspired Artwork.
Much of the defining of a coastal style will be done with art. Pick beach related art such as wave paintings, seascapes prints of beach art, or coastal creatures. They can be framed or printed in low tones that will match your room’s color scheme.
8. Add Greenery
Every beach inspired home needs to have plants. They don’t only bring a bit of life in your space, but also a bit of nature. The best types of plants for a coastal vibe are big tropical plants that will remind you of the lush scenery of beach destinations (palm trees and the like). Small succulents or even potted plants in basic ceramic pot both go well with the natural aesthetic.
Conclusion
The perfect beach house look isn’t about specific finishes but about achieving a relaxed, light and natural feel in your space. However, you can make your home into a peaceful coastal retreat no matter where you live simply by using light colors, natural materials, and beach inspired decor. The right combination of colors, textures, accessories, etc., and your home can become a sanctuary of sorts; a home that is that is constantly on vacation.
