How to create a coastal home.
Your Guide to creating a coastal style home.
Are you ready to start entertaining again and making the most of the beautiful weather that Spring and summer has on offer?
Do you want to create a coastal home?
And do you want to know how to decorate a coastal home?
If your answers are yes, then this Coastal Home Guide will be perfect for you.
Where do we start?
Let's first understand what a coastal style home entails.
Eternally popular, coastal style sets most of us dreaming of seaside getaways and, by following our pointers below, it's easy to bring the coastal-beachy look home. Just pair watery hues with natural textures, like rope, driftwood or wicker, and mix in a few nautical touches like anchors, oars or shells. Whether you live by the sea or miles from the nearest body of water, incorporating just a few beachy decor touches can give any space a cool, coastal vibe.
Nautical items like brass ship bells, captain's wheels, colourful signal flags or boat oars are a common (and fun!) feature of the coastal style and when hung on the wall, they're a great stand-in for standard art.
After a long and wet winter it is time to refresh our homes and get ready to start entertaining again.
To make it easier to focus on and not get overwhelmed, I have separated each of the discussion point into seperate segments.
WallsWalls are generally the largest surfaces in your home and it's a must to have them in good condition.
White walls in coastal homes is a preferred colour as it spreads natural light and works beautifully with other ocean-inspired tones. I generally suggest Dulux Vivid White as it has no undertone colour. If you want to create more interest, wallpaper can be a great option.
Besides having clean walls, art is an absolute must. I know that people can find it very confronting to select art but I always take my clients through a process of understanding the look and feel that they want to achieve and based on that focus on colour, pattern and design to select the perfect pieces.
I have included some beautiful art pieces which we have in our range to give you an idea of art that will compliment a coastal home.
After walls, your flooring takes up the biggest part of your home, making it imperative to have these surfaces looking their best.
Rugs are the perfect solution to create warmth and coziness in a home.
Rugs also offer texture which is important when you want to create a coastal home. Layering of carpets creates interest and can also be used to hide a mark or stain on your floors and carpets - a sneaky little trick if needed.
Windows
The options are endless, whether you prefer Plantation Shutters, roller blinds or curtains.
The sun and the direction your home faces will have an impact on the window coverings you need. Also to take into consideration is the privacy that is required.
Plantation shutters are a perfect solution for a coastal home, however can be very costly.
White sheer curtains are just gorgeous. Its fine texture always reminds me of the ocean mist. It creates a beautiful softness in a room.
If you do have blinds and would like to soften a room you can always layer the windows by adding sheer curtains over the blinds.
If nothing needs to be replaced then cleaning is key. A freshly washed curtain always looks so much better.
People always underestimate the power of light fittings and the impact it has on their home, not only from an ambiance point of view but also from a design point of view. When creating a coastal home, you can select light fittings that are made from rattan, bamboo and other natural materials.
Hanging them correctly is important and I have included a guide for you.
This is a solution that will instantly have impact.
From flooring to coastal furniture and beach décor, the more texture you can add the better. Textural elements not only remind us of sand, shells and other coastal comforts, but they add intrigue to a home and evoke that element of nature.
Blond timber furniture, jute rugs, cane furnishings, and driftwood accessories are perfect to create the coastal look and feel.
Adding a rattan accent chair or coffee table to upholstered furniture will instantly add to a relaxed coast feel.
Soft Furnishing
Soft furnishings are super important and can instantly dictate a style.
I love using cushions and art to completely change the look of a room.
As mentioned, I love to style responsibly where I can. The Cushion Accessory Co. has beautiful coastal style cushions that will create beautiful focal points in your home.
Undoubtedly pattern, texture and colour are also key when you think about soft furnishings. Woven textures, neutral colours with some blue are perfect for this look.
We style our homes differently in the winter, our fabrics and colours are darker and warmer, whereas in Spring we opt for cooler fabrics like cotton or linen and lighter colours.
Pro Tip: You don't have to spend a fortune on all of your cushions, invest is one or two accent cushions and purchase cheaper plain cushions from (don't laugh) Ikea or Kmart. No one will know that your plain white cushion is from Ikea and not another high-end retailer.
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