As residents of New England’s seacoast, we’ve had the pleasure of working on numerous design and architectural projects in beach towns along the coast of Maine and New Hampshire. With the ocean as our backdrop, it’s no wonder many of our clients desire a coastal theme for their home renovations and new construction projects. Let’s explore how to create an inviting beach house escape that captures the essence of coastal living!
What is Coastal Style?
Coastal Style is a design aesthetic that mirrors the natural beauty of seaside living, featuring soft, muted color palettes inspired by the beach. Think sandy beiges, seafoam greens, and soft sky blues as foundational hues for your beach home. Here are some popular coastal colors to consider:
Soft Neutrals
- Benjamin Moore: Collingwood OC-28, Simply White OC-117, Stonington Gray HC-170
- Sherwin-Williams: Alabaster 7008, Natural Choice 7011, Pearly White 7009
Sea-Side Blues
- Benjamin Moore: Newburyport Blue HC-155, Ocean Air 2123-50, Yarmouth Blue HC-150
- Sherwin-Williams: Naval 6244, Rain 6219, Topsail 6217
How to Achieve a Coastal Look in Your Home
To create that relaxed coastal vibe in your home, start by focusing on these key elements:
- Lighting: Choose fixtures in soft whites or sandy beiges. Glass and rattan fixtures are a popular choice for this design theme. Minimalist designs that emphasize natural light, like the Dundee Glass Pendant by Pottery Barn and the Paloma Chandelier by Arhaus, work well for a coastal-casual inspired space.
- Tile: Use warm, sandy beige tile for a natural look, or consider blue tiles for a fun kitchen backsplash or shower to mimic the ocean’s waves.
- Cabinetry: We tend to keep cabinetry pretty natural with shaker white oak or walnut finishes, as well as painted white cabinetry with glass doors to showcase your kitchenware.
- Wall Accents: Add shiplap to your walls or ceiling for a nice coastal touch. We love working with Nantucket Beadboard, as they offer a variety of sheet and strip products that can beautifully enhance your space.
- Natural Materials: Incorporate natural textures like sea grass, bamboo, rattan, and wood to add texture and warmth to your coastal home.
Finishing Touches
- Fabrics: Stick to a neutral color palette that allows natural light to illuminate your space. Fabrics like linen or cotton in soft whites and creams are great choices and can be paired with pops of blue fabrics for throws and accent pillows. Light, airy curtains and bedding also provide a nice breezy touch.
- Decor: Avoid excessive seashells and mass-produced decor, as this can make your home look tacky! Instead, focus on fewer, high-quality pieces that feel authentic. Check out Summer House Furnishings in Rye, NH for a variety of curated coastal decor.
- Mirrors: Incorporate mirrors around your home to enhance the light and create a sense of space. The Tulum Round Wall Mirror by Pottery Barn, with its natural rattan frame, perfectly complements the chic coastal style without going overboard.
If you’re ready to transform your home into a relaxing coastal retreat, we invite you to schedule a free consultation with us today!
