Room With A View
5 Easy Coastal Decorating Ideas for Your Home
07
May
May
Creating a beach-themed home is more than just splashing blue paint on the walls or scattering seashells on the coffee table. Sure, having an ocean view is nice, but revamping your living space to embody beachside charm doesn’t require a seaside address. The coastal aesthetic is all about creating a cohesive style that captures the essence of the ocean and beach life and is achieved through a variety of interior design tools, such as the strategic uses of space, light, color, and decor. From subtle textures found along the shore to panoramic window well scenes, the right combination of elements can deliver the calm and beauty of the ocean directly to your front door.
Here are five easy ways to infuse your home with a beach-inspired style:
1. Nautical Wall Art
Arguably the most crucial component of achieving a coastal aesthetic is incorporating oceanic artwork. Nautical wall art that captures the alluring tranquility of the sea is the easiest way to transform your space.
Consider a variety of ocean scenes, from a serene beach scene to a picturesque coastal sunset. You may even opt for an ocean reef or shark reef mural for a truly subterranean and immersive experience.
Besides brightening the mood of a space, wall murals of the ocean and seashore can define the color scheme and set the tone for the rest of your coastal decor. As one of the largest visual decor pieces in a room, sea-themed wall art often stands as a striking focal point, drawing the eye immediately and serving as a point of reference for the rest of the design aesthetic. Decide whether you prefer a bold statement piece to spark conversation or a more subdued symbol of tranquility.
2. Coastal Elements – Natural Textures and Fabrics
Enhance your coastal theme by incorporating natural materials that add texture and depth. Driftwood, wicker, and rattan are all ideal natural materials that may be utilized in both major furniture pieces and smaller, decorative accents.
Driftwood is commonly used for crafting tables and can be repurposed for chandeliers and light fixtures. Consider a rustic driftwood chandelier, an entwined ceiling light, or a dome pendant light for an unmistakable coastal charm. Known for its rustic appeal and eco-friendly nature, driftwood adds a distinctive nautical elegance to any space.
Wicker baskets and lounger chairs are also classically beach-inspired, reinforcing tranquil vibes. Additionally, rattan, with its sandy color, naturally evokes the seaside. Made from the solid and durable rattan plant, rattan is an ideal basket material.
However, you may also consider a rattan rug for your living room or table mats for the dining room. Maintaining consistencies in different rooms can strengthen the oceanic theme of your space.
3. Maritime Accessories and Functional Decor
Incorporating a range of maritime accessories and functional decor can enrich your coastal theme. Consider accenting ropes in a mirror or lamp, decorative anchors, and furniture with nautical wheels and spokes. Choosing pieces that complement your wall art subtly enhances the beachy charm and maintains aesthetic consistency.
Functional decor includes picket rail coat racks, shell-shaped bowls, and trays, or a bamboo coffee table. These pieces serve as both focal points and conversation starters, elevating the ambiance and fulfilling practical needs within the home.
4. Coastal Colors and Layered Lighting
Create a light and airy coastal ambiance using a soft color palette of whites, gentle greys, and various shades of blue reflecting ocean hues. Complement this scheme with beach-themed accents like a sandy tan area rug or pearl-colored curtains. Add layers of textiles—plush throw blankets, cushions, breezy curtains—to enhance comfort and create a welcoming atmosphere.
Lighting plays a crucial role in mimicking the natural ambiance of a seaside setting. Utilize a variety of light sources to create a layered sunset look that captures the diverse lighting environments found at the beach, from the bright noon sun to the soft glow at sundown. Consider soft white LED candles, solar lanterns, and string lights to conjure an evening glow reminiscent of stargazing on the beach.
Additionally, strategically placed mirrors can amplify this effect by reflecting light and mimicking the sparkling oceanic surface. Opt for mirrors with frames made from driftwood or other natural materials to stay true to the coastal theme. You may also consider mirrors embedded with nautical features, such as rope designs, pearl or oyster shells, or bright white trim, evoking a distinctly fresh coastal vibe.
Experimenting with different light fixtures, temperatures, and reflective decor can play a significant role in enhancing the visual expansiveness of your space and provide for a seamless transition from the indoor aesthetic to the outdoor elements.
5. Panoramic Ocean Window Well Scenes
Nothing captures the coastal essence quite like a stunning ocean vista. For houses that feature basement window wells, introducing ocean scene liners can revolutionize the space. These artistic liners effortlessly transform a lackluster or uninspired basement view into a vibrant seascape brimming with the tranquility of rolling waves and the warmth of sandy shores.
Rather than staring out into a dreary conglomerate of backyard dirt and grass, window well liners can replace the view, and do so while retaining the window’s natural light. Indeed, while plastering traditional artwork over a window with an unpleasant view blocks natural light, window well scenes are specifically designed to preserve incoming sunlight. An interior design breakthrough, window well picture scenes keep the basement bright and welcoming, thus countering typical basement gloom.
The installation process of these liners is straightforward, offering a budget-friendly and impactful way to breathe new life into spaces that are often left idle. Moreover, they are customizable to different-sized window wells and are specifically crafted for semi-circular wells.
Beyond their functional benefits, window well liners augment the home’s overall design narrative, seeding the potential for an extended coastal-themed decor that can flow throughout the living space. Choosing liners that display soothing blues and warm sandy tones further encapsulates the coastal atmosphere, and can transform a once-overlooked area into a distinctive feature of your home that reinforces its overarching seaside theme.
With a spectrum of designs encompassing everything from the subtle charm of gentle beachfronts to the striking beauty of coastal sunsets, there is a window well liner to suit any personal preference. Choose from: a vast ocean view, idyllic island coves, and vibrant coral reefs. They offer a lasting transformation, yet are easy to swap out and adjust, allowing for your to experiment with different styles and moods.
While basement design initiatives are often an afterthought, showcasing coastal artwork can be an easy way to give your basement an integral role in your home’s nautical story.
Bringing the Beach to Your Doorstep
By incorporating these five coastal decorating ideas, your home can exude the spirit of the sea and provide a peaceful space that reminds you of your favorite beachside memories. Whether through panoramic ocean scenes or expansive wall murals, each element should contribute to a cohesive and serene atmosphere. While you can’t always be on a beach vacation, experimenting with these decor strategies allows you to bring a little piece of coastal tranquility home every day.
