There’s nothing like a holiday on the coast. The gentle sound of the waves lapping against the shore, the calming scent of seaspray, and the warmth of the sand beneath your feet… the seaside evokes an undeniable sense of serenity.
But what about when you come home?
In this article we’ll show you how to recreate that feeling with coastal-inspired design. We’ll look at colours, textures, your home flooring, and the art and decor you’ll need to feel like you’re on vacation every day. Soon your space will be a breezy tranquil retreat reminiscent of a beachside haven. Let’s dive in.
Using texture and tone
Texture and tone create depth and warmth, especially when it comes to coastal styles. For an inviting seaside feel, think natural materials in a range of tactile surfaces. To get the look, think rattan furniture and other coastal elements such as seagrass wallpaper, bamboo pendant lights, jute mats and burlap cushions. These tactile textures bring a warmth as well as visual interest, and layering the rough and rustic natural materials with smooth finishes create depth and balance.
The sandy shores of the beach can be mimicked underfoot too, with the light tones of wood-look hybrid floors such as oak or birch. Stone benches, sleek whitewashed furniture, smooth ceramics and glass decor also blend beautifully into the coastal aesthetic.
Embrace a breezy colour palette
Imagine yourself relaxing at your ideal oceanside escape – what colours do you see? Adding these to your home will evoke that feeling of calm, and add to the holiday vibe. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Coastal vegetation brings gentle grey-greens, taupe, and sage. Start with this colour palette to ground the foundation of your design, using it for large surfaces such as flooring, wallpaper or paint, furniture and curtains or blinds.
- Next, set the scene with sandy neutrals. Think light beiges, soft whites, and creams reminiscent of rolling sand dunes, driftwood, shells, seagrass and tufts of bunny-tail bush.
- Consider the deep cool waters of the seaside. Bring in shades of blues and green ranging from bright turquoise and aqua, emerald, navy or even indigo. Complement these with crisp whites that evoke seafoam on a crashing wave.
- Bring in sun-kissed warmth with touches of coral, blush, or pale peach. These colours look great as accents on vases and tableware, cushions, throws, and other decor.
Take inspiration from nature
Being inspired by the colours and textures of the coast goes a long way in creating a serene seaside feel, but for true authenticity it helps to bring nature in.
Add organic elements like pieces of driftwood and glass, artfully sculpted by the sea. Use coral and seashells to add coastal character to the space. Breathe life into your home and boost your wellbeing by filling it with lush indoor plants such as ferns, palms, or succulents.
Finally, nothing replicates the innate quality of natural light, so open your spaces up. Keep windows unobstructed with sheer curtains, add a few strategically placed mirrors, and let the sun’s rays flood your space with glorious mood-boosting light.
Use art and accessories
Art and accessories are a great way to add to the feel of your coastal retreat. They give you the opportunity to personalise the look, highlighting your favourite parts of the seaside experience.
Artwork is a fantastic way to add interest to bare walls, while creating focal points that you can use in your coastal design. It should follow the coastal theme, so think watercolour prints, nautical maps, or abstract sea-inspired designs. The colours and images you choose should also reflect and complement the colour palate used in the rest of your space.
Accessorise with items like lanterns, rope décor, or ceramic pieces in ocean hues to complement the overall look. But remember—less is more. Choose a few statement pieces to add impact, rather than lots of smaller items.
Use finishing touches to add relaxation
It’s now time to add the finishing touches for a polished and immersive experience. Luxurious plush throws to snuggle into, textured cushions to enhance comfort, or a cosy area rug for a welcoming feel. Create the right ambience with lighting that is soft and layered, such as dimmable lamps or the calming twinkle of fairy lights.
Finally, use the power of scent to evoke memories and emotions tied to beachside holidays and relaxation. Choose a few scented candles or diffusers with coastal-inspired fragrances like sea salt, eucalyptus, or coconut to transport you to the coast.
Being at home doesn’t need to feel different than a beachside holiday. By using natural textures and tones, looking to nature for materials and colours, and tying it all together with nautical artwork and accessories, you can transform your home into an idyllic coastal retreat.
With a few thoughtful design choices, you can make your tranquil seaside escape an everyday reality.