Take the Beach Home with You

Take the Beach Home with You

Coastal decor takes its inspiration from the sea. Think sun-washed colors, natural fabrics and scrubbed finishes To create a color palette, ask yourself which coastal elements stir your emotions and fill you with calm. Is it the pinks and creams of the shells? The sea-foam greens and the ocean blues? Maybe it's the cool gray of the lighthouse fog.

Whatever your color scheme, incorporate crisp clean whites for a light airy feel. For maximum versatility, select neutral tones for investment pieces (e.g., beds and sofas) and permanent elements (e.g., walls, ceilings and floors). You can then pop color through accents—side tables and chairs, throw pillows, even the back of a cupboard.



Bold stripes, fetching florals, pretty plaids, smart solids--mix and match textiles in unexpected ways. For instance, says Wegman. How about a solid chair with a striped welting and throw pillow paired with a striped chair/floral pillow combination. The choices are endless.

Natural fibers keep your room soft and casual. "For slipcovers," says Wegman, "there's nothing better than a beautiful linen."  Cottons, seersuckers and light wools also lend themselves to a coastal feel.

In decorating your coastal room, resist the urge to overdo shells, starfish and other nautical collectibles. Remember, the idea is to capture the simplicity and natural beauty of the seashore. Make your statement through color and texture. Then choose a few truly meaningful souvenirs—like that perfect shell you found at sunset or a watercolor print by a local artist—for daily reminders of why you love the coast.