After a winter blotted with Nor’easters, school closings, sick days and awaking to yards littered with fallen trees and live wires that suggest the apocalypse, we’ve given up on hygee. Strong drink and enough electronic time to contribute to the recent power outages is a quicker fix when faced with suburban armageddon. Spring’s imminent arrival would be put into question if it were not for all the camp and tick brochures padding our mailbox. If the calendar is accurate, and we are not experiencing climate change doomsday, genuine beach living approaches. More than ever we crave laid-back, coastal spaces that advocate opened windows in lieu of air-conditioning. Colors inspired by the sea with a sun bleached feel. Light furnishings, cotton textiles, and nautical motifs that seal an organic style reminiscent of water activity. Relaxed Coastal Stye by Sally Denning aptly illustrates this sand crusted lifestyle. Featuring a concentrated dose of authentic beach homes with the veneer of sea air and beach collections, the weariest of winter storm veterans will be satisfied.
Following a sea-inspired palette along with trappings of the beach creates a coastal space.
Denning does not pander to those who live by the seaside, she encapsulates its essence into a visual home decor package. Says Denning, “The coast is a treasure trove of inspiration–everywhere you look, you’ll find natural color schemes that transfer brilliantly to interiors.” Denning begins by reviewing the fundamentals of the relaxed beach look and then profiles thirteen homes that inspire.
A mix of functional pieces can weather the beach lifestyle.
A combination of pieces with a rustic farmhouse feel pull together the look by sharing texture and color.
Thrift store finds are replenished with fresh paint, complimenting the room’s decor.
Denning’s Elements of Beach Style
Emphasize color palettes and textures, drawing inspiration from the natural colors of the ocean, as well as the textures of weathered wood, bare floorboards, sun-bleached fabrics and robust linens.
I also look at dressing windows and choosing lighting and furniture, as well as how to curate and display decorative accents such as navigation charts, maps and other nauticalia alongside shells, driftwood and beachcombing finds.
For a serene feel combine plain linens with woven furniture in light tones that have an affinity with one another.
The most obvious color palette when it comes to coastal interiors is one that’s calming–the sea is synonymous with relaxation and tranquillity, after all. But it can be hard to pull off. A palette combining off-whites or pale neutrals is a good place to start.
Everyday design inspiration from coastal homes
Copyright Ryland Peters & Small 2018. Photography by Benjamin Edwards.
