Beach interior design exudes a calm excitement that comes with a well-deserved holiday. Not only do these spaces feel open and free, but they also have a certain casual, light-hearted quality. Fortunately, you can instill this peaceful vibe at home or your holiday bungalow. Read on to find out how to create soothing beach-inspired interior design!
What is Beach Interior Design?
As one of the top interior design styles, beach-themed interiors can soothe and calm through design. But what are the driving factors behind beach-style interiors? All in all, it comes down to what makes them so relaxing and aesthetically pleasing.
Distinct Oceanic Atmosphere
Beach home interior design has an undeniable connection to the sea and shore. An air of serenity fills these casual coastal interiors. The reason lies in their layout, furniture and décor picks, lighting, and color schemes. When done correctly, the blissful balance of these spaces is undeniably relaxing as they channel the energy of sunshine and water.
Cool Color Palette
Colder hues, like greys and blues, typically feature in beach home interiors. These color schemes tend to be cool, calm, and collected. However, contemporary versions can lean to warmer tones, resembling a sandy beach or a seaside sunset.
Free Flowing & Open
At times minimalist, but always airy and open, beach home interior design is surely neat. A coastal-inspired space with clean tabletops and minimal décor can increase feelings of calm and relaxation. What’s more, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces is easier with less clutter.
8 Expert Tips for Getting the Beach House Interior Design Style
With insight and inspiration, you can certainly pull off an elegant beach house interior design. So, we’ve put together helpful tips to guide your home decorating.
1. Go for a Casual Air
The lovely thing about vacation homes is the casual atmosphere that encourages unwinding. And beach interiors have this effect on high. To create a similar air at home, include a piece of statement furniture that promotes lounging. A hanging chair or low accent pouf, for instance, will add a laidback, easy feel to your interior. Also, opt for wood or stone finishes, linen scatters, durable upholstery, and a textured carpet. Combined, these elements will create a casual look characteristic of beach-style homes.
2. Introduce Natural Coastal Elements
Sophisticated beach-style interior design features coastal elements while avoiding over-used nautical motifs. So, instead of shells or fish patterns, include driftwood or dried coral. These pieces can even make striking wall décor. Be sure to make them pack a punch by taking the less is more approach and highlighting one or two items.
3. Celebrate Contemporary Shiplap
Beach homes often have wood cladding on their exteriors and interiors. White shiplap will not only create a beachy look but will also add a touch of a romantic cottage style. Moreover, the straight panels can make the room feel bigger. Vertical panels, for instance, will make the ceiling feel higher while horizontal panels make walls feel wider and longer.
4. Limit Your Color Scheme
Color pops are welcome but restrain your main palette. Different hues tend to stimulate the human mind. So, if a tranquil environment is what you’re after, stick to muted and subdued hues and a limited color scheme. Tones that work especially well in beach house interior design include white, pale blues, natural browns, and cool grays. If you want a splash of color, consider lemon yellow, coral, or seafoam green. Black can also work to emphasize the lighter tones even more.
5. Opt for Rough Textures
Mimic the beautiful rugged seascape through contrasting textures. Smooth surfaces, like manufactured stone, can complement woven décor and raw wood. Sisal rugs and wicker pendants are great options but so is concrete. Surprisingly, cast concrete resembles bubbling seafoam and works really well in a beach interior design as a result. Pairing smooth and rough pieces can also bring balance to your design.
6. Avoid Carpeting the Floor
Since beach-style interior design has a cooling effect, it’s best to follow suit and keep the space well ventilated and refreshing. One way to do so is to pick ceramic tiles, stone slabs, or wood for the floors. These materials have less insulation than carpets, which makes them perfect for the breezy feel of a beach home. Tiles or solid wood also provide a stunning backdrop for rougher rugs, like jute or sisal.
7. Add Abstract Art or Patterns
Waves, splashes, and the rush of wind are best captured in abstract contours. That’s why patterns, indistinct forms, and abstracts fit a beach-style home so well. Use a typical seaside to inspire and guide you when picking artwork. You’ll quickly identify the colors and shapes you like most and select beach-inspired designs that’ll suit your home best.
8. Embrace All Things White & Bright
Sunny days by the coast can come with almost blinding whites as light reflects on the rolling waves and sandy beaches. Fortunately, you can control the level of brightness while layering different white tones. A mix of the lightest shades, combined with minimal patterns and color, will give a beach-themed interior design a pristine look.
Our Favorite Beach Interior Decor Picks
All beach home interiors feature similar characteristics and elements. Among these, furniture and beach interior décor stand out as favorites. Not only are they covetable, but they are also easy to incorporate into an existing home. Here are a few of our top picks to help along the process of perfecting your coastal-inspired abode. Use them for inspiration or to guide your next décor shop!
- Net Curtain
- Woven Pendants
- Oceanic Abstract
- Sea Fan
- White Sofa
- Palm Leaves
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