If you’re yearning for a trip to the beach, why not bring the beach to you? Coastal-inspired home décor is the ultimate way to create a light and easygoing atmosphere where you can relax and recharge. With that in mind, we’ve brought you some tips on how to create the perfect coastal retreat in the comfort of your own home.
• Choose light and breezy linens
White or light-colored bed linens and window treatments are quintessential for re-creating a cozy, beach cottage feel. Thin, breezy fabrics and mismatched textures give you a laid-back, soft aesthetic. We love this sophisticated blue-trimmed sheet set from Serena & Lily made from soft, crisp percale. Add a waffle-weave quilt on top, and you’re on the way to beach-inspired bliss.
• Mix and match dark, white and reclaimed wood
A key component of beach décor is wood furniture. It doesn’t all have to match, though. Consider mixing darker and lighter pieces, and even reclaimed wood for a balanced (and not overly white) composition. This bed from Pottery Barn features a subtle sleigh-curved headboard and timeless aesthetic that would work in any coastal-style bedroom.
• Create a cozy glow
Warm-hued lighting is the optimal way to make your coastal space the coziest it can be. We love these Robin’s-Egg blue lamps from One Kings Lane for symmetrical side tables.
• Pick your paint palette carefully
A coastal retreat wouldn’t be one without its soft pastel color palette. Choose muted or dusty blues, sea foam greens, beiges and even pastel yellows to evoke feelings of a seaside oasis. These Behr colors are a great starting place, but you can find a wide array at your local home improvement store.
• Collect and display your coastal finds
From conch shells and coral to anchors and miniature boats, find pieces that speak to you and place them throughout your space. This faux coral from Pottery Barn is modeled after natural spike coral and lends itself perfectly to any coastal décor.
• Find the right foliage
Adding foliage is a must for any beach-inspired space. Bring the freshness of the outdoors inside with faux palm trees, ornamental grasses, or philodendron leaves.
• Add texture with wicker, straw or rope
Nothing says “beachside retreat” more than wicker, rope or straw baskets, rugs or furniture. Mix and match dark, light, thick and thin-woven items for the ultimate coastal look. This tote basket from Pottery Barn is a perfect way to store throw blankets and pillows or hold a large potted plant.
• Add some artwork
You can keep the rest of your décor fairly simple if you stick to a beachy color scheme and add some artwork. We love this misty photo and the antiqued white frame from World Market.
• Think outside the box
While the word “coastal” typically evokes thoughts of a classic beach cottage, consider stepping outside the box. Not everything in your coastal décor has to be rustic, shabby chic or traditional. You can add bright pops of color for a more tropical (yet still coastal) look.