Living in a beach house is something I've always dreamed of. There is nothing more soothing than listening to the waves crash at night as you fall asleep.
We all know that owning a home near the sand has gotten harder and mega expensive as the demand is so high. So until then - why not bring the beach to us!? One of the most requested styles I get from clients is the effortless Malibu beach house meets Hamptons meets Nantucket cottage. I'm telling you its not that hard to do - even if you're on a budget.
Here are 5 essentials to help you transform your space into the beachy haven you dream of... (minus the sand!).
1. PAINT COLORS/ COMBINATIONS:
**Nautical colors like navy, muted blues, seafoam greens and grays work well when paired with stark white molding or white wall paneling. TRY THIS: paint alternating thick navy and white stripes on an accent wall.
**Sticking with earthy colors is always a safe bet and will blend with just about everything. Think the different shades of sand.
**Bright colors immediately make you think of somewhere exotic and are a bit more contemporary. Try a bright turquoise or coral accent wall. If you go this route, then I'd look for accessories and pillows in the same color family.
2. FABRIC/ UPHOLSTERY:
**stick to linens and cottons as they have a freshness about them and never feel dated.
**a white cord welt on a navy sofa for a tailored look - the contrasting colors look nice too!
**burlap is a great inexpensive way to make pillow cases and table runners (your local hardware store will carry this). TRY THIS: cover an accent wall in burlap using wallpaper glue.
**Stripes. Any quintessential coastal interior is going to have stripes in some fashion. Ticking stripe is one of my favorite patterns for sheets.
**try beach inspired fabric prints for drapes, pillows or a rug. If you choose a bold pattern for the rug, then I'd go neutral/ white sofas and walls.
3. ACCESSORIES:
**find a conversation starter. This could be an antique sailboat, lighthouse or a hung pair of oars above the fireplace.
**mix modern with traditional by having fun with throw pillows. TRY THIS: mix a chevron print next to a floral in the same colorway.
**sea colored glass is beautiful and a perfect accent. These can be found by the dozens at any flea market.
**bookshelves are the best place to accessorize. They are not just for books! Mix books, framed photos, candles, faux coral, seashells
**artwork. photos of the beach never go out of style. TRY THIS: go to Costco and have them blow up one of your favorite photos of the beach in black and white. HomeGoods carries a lot of beach inspired motif prints usually in sets of three. These are great for an entry way or above a headboard.
**fill a couple vases with your favorite fresh flowers.
4. WOOD:
**painted/ distressed furniture. TRY THIS: take an old wooden side table and paint it muted turquoise. Once dry, have fun with the hammer and sander creating a distressed worn in look. Avoid furniture with any shine or lacquer finish.
**natural wood floors are great for beach homes. If you live in an apartment with bland carpet - try a natural woven rug instead to keep with the theme.
5. TEXTURE:
**combining different textures is not only more interesting to look at but it will make your guests want to get up and feel things around the room. Try incorporating a cute wicker basket to house your throw blankets
**fill a dining bowl with sea urchins and starfish
**bamboo shades are perfect for beach homes. I'd add a second set of sheer white floor to window height drapes to soften the look and add height to the room.
**chunky throw blankets - chenille, animal prints, herringbone prints,
**sisal rugs are great - try finding one in a neutral oatmeal color
**good lighting is everything! If you don't have a lot of natural light - find a couple of table lamps with stripped shades. Try your local flea market for some unique lanterns and chandeliers.
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