We've been thinking a lot about the beach and beach houses lately. Somehow being near the beach makes neutrals ok with us. Where we'd normally want some turquoise or contrast, we're ok with beige, white and wood. Maybe it's the quality of light or the more spare interiors filled with textures and simple white, but we're relaxing just looking at the photos we found:
These aren't strictly beach homes, but we thought that the tones and set ups would be perfect close to the beach, or just for a room that you want to have feel a little more open and relaxing.
This dining room designed by Harriett Maxwell Macdonald has great light, nice warm wood accents with some nice patio chairs brought inside to complete a beachy look.
These images come from a Portland Beach House makeover we found on Design Sponge.
From Beach Studios (via Desire to Inspire) we like the flourishes of white on the windows that add privacy and a slightly fancier version of a beachy environment.
A touch of blue in Sidney Australia from Desire to Inspire.
Try adding one of these Driftwood Shelves to really seal the deal.
Ooooooh, painted white floors! Sleeping animals. Time for a nap. From Beach Studios.
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You are so right, those are very relaxing settings. The patina of use, a low level of contrast, anchoring with significant amounts of black/ dark grey, the textures of natural materials....ahhhhhh.
Thank you. I am moving right now and needed a little bit of tranquility.
view vjm's profile
Is there supposed to be a link for the driftwood shelves? I wonder how it was mounted to the wall.
view telechick's profile
the caption on the last photo mentions sleeping animals. all i see is a dog eating. narcoleptic? fell asleep at his food bowl? makes me giggle.
it's the end of a loooooooooong work day. please excuse me.
view HeatherAB's profile
The driftwood shelf is from a posting on Design*Sponge.
http://www.designspongeonline.com/2008/01/diy-project-driftwood-shelf.html
view elizabeth80's profile
I live in the beach house for two years now in original 1930 cottage in desperate need of some rejuvenation!. I'm still learning about living in such close proximity to the mass of water, 20 feet from the edge of the water to the back porch therefore - super high humidity , sun-bleached textiles, painted wood floors scraped by sandy bare-feet , wet dogs lounging on the couches, casual friends drop-ins, salty film from the air on all surfaces, salty tap water from the well, anything what is not in air-tight containers goes soggy within minutes, nothing ever feels dry (towels, blankets, pillows)...I call my house a "mushroom pit", any kind of mold flourishing here. All of the above dictates the decor of the house, all natural fibers, light colors for frequent washing and bleaching, casual furniture with slip covers, open pantry shelves for air circulation, and plenty of extra sleeping spaces for continuous visitors. Love it and would not change it for anything in the world!
view Astrid Vladi's profile
Very serene! I could see myself relaxing here after a long day at the beach.
view suzy8track's profile