Beach House Style Decorating
Even without a coastal view or a sea breeze, you can still have beach house style anywhere anytime. Borrow a few ideas from these inspiration photos and incorporate a nautical influence in your home. Just don’t go overboard.
When searching beach house images, we always find whitewashed walls, light filled rooms, and varied natural textures. Color palettes are generally based on the seascape with shades of blue, green, beige and dabs of coral. Fabrics are worn and woods are weathered. Rugs are usually casual and durable in striped flat weave or seagrass. And of course, accessories should evoke a walk on the beach or an evening sail. Look for shells, coral, rope, maps, and driftwood details.
If combining all these elements in one room makes you sea sick, then just select one. Maybe try a lovely shade of sea glass paint on your walls or throw on a white slipcover with a rope edge trim. Basically, do whatever floats your boat (okay, no more puns).
1. This casual coastal dining area has neutral layered textures on the table, white glass front cabinets and a unique shell chandelier.
2. The blue glass vases and canvas lamp bring a coastal charm to this rustic dining table.
3. A blue painted floor with mermaid stencils is a bold nod to the sea. Tone down the look by just having a white or blue enamel painted floor. . .then let it get scuffed and worn.
4. This kitchen from House Beautiful is a nice take on a contemporary beach look with its cool color palette, glass table and sea green pendant lamps.
5. Add a definite nautical note with deep blues and a sailing chart as wallpaper.
6. For less of a commitment, try painting a nook in aqua or sea glass paint, then accessorize with quirky beach collectibles.
7. Another literal version of sailor chic is to use an actual sail to make a slipcover for the headboard.
8. If blue becomes boring, try yellow in a sunny grass cloth. Add accents in sea-glass tones and coral sconces (these are really antlers) or a coral chandelier.
9. This beach glam bathroom is almost sinful with its sink as-a-half-shell, opalescent mini subway tiles, and mirrored console.
10. Even without a seaside location, you can relax in a hammock on a porch with louvered shutters and a refreshing breeze. Just pretend you hear the waves breaking.
Ready to bring on the beach? Find the instructions to make your very own sea souvenir shadowbox here, thanks to Crafty Nest. If you’re not crafty, you can turn to Etsy to buy a shell covered mirror from The Seashell Collection. Other great items that can be yours at the click of a mouse are these map covered lampshades, this rough linen duvet, and our favorite “seaside” print.
MORE BEACH STYLE DECORATING ON APARTMENT THERAPY:
• Beach House Beauty on Texas Coast
• Grace and Collin’s Coastal Cottage
• Layla and Kevin’s Country Coastal Cottage
Images: 1. Lisa Romerein/Coastal Living, 2. Lisa Romerein/Coastal Living, 3. Tria Giovan/Coastal Living, 4. Laura Moss/House Beautiful, 5. James Merrell/House Beautiful, 6. Country Living, 7. Kindra Clineff/Coastal Living, 8. Dominique Vorillon/Coastal Living, 9. James Merrell/House Beautiful, 10. Country Living