Bringing the Beach with You
If you love the beach like I do, you’re always bringing the beach with you in the form of sand that clings to your body and hides in your belongings after you leave the beach. However, you probably want a more permanent and less messy reminder of the beach. That’s where decorating fills the bill.
Photo courtesy of Coastal Living. All rights reserved.
Beach Inspired Decorating
The above picture is from my Pinterest board, Beach House Dreams. That’s where I pin my dream house pictures. Naturally, it’s a beach house. This is what my idea of heaven looks like: a porch overlooking the ocean with comfy swinging beds so I never have to leave.
The picture’s taken from Coastal Living, my go to place for beach décor. Coastal Living is highly aspirational, but you don’t have to be wealthy to enjoy the pictures and read the lifestyle advice on everything from decorating to food to travel. If you’re a DIYer, you can implement many of the beach inspired decorating and recipe ideas without spending a lot of money.
Photo courtesy of Coastal Living. all rights reserved.
Creating Beach Themed Living Rooms
How can you make your living space more beachy on a budget?
Arrange Found Objects — Gathered seashells, driftwood, and spare trinkets in a wooden bowl make for a simple, yet charming centerpiece.
Make Art from Beach Bounty — Don’t let random shells and other beach finds go to waste—use them to warm up a kitchen or entryway by creating a rustic, relaxed display alongside baskets and glass jars.
Lighten Up the Living Room — Wicker and raw wood, cotton rugs, two earthy perches in place of a traditional coffee table, and extra sunlight from an uncovered window all invite vacation-house serenity.
Loosen Up Your Bed — Effortless layering of natural cottons and linens offers refreshing, unfussy comfort. White sheets serve as a clarifier, keeping the bed from looking overly disheveled.
Stage an Airy Tableau — Summerize a spot you walk past a thousand times a day. Open pieces—an X-shaped stool, a see-through lamp, and a delicate, homemade sea garland—bring an ethereal quality because they let light through.
Photo courtesy of Sally Lee by the Sea. All rights reserved.
Choose a Sunny Color Palette– Crisp whites combined with punches of bright colors immediately transport you to the coast.
Bring Outdoor Furniture Inside – For example, Adirondack chairs are comfortable and come in a variety of colors.
Put the Focus on Details — Details such as painted wood floors, louvered doors, and bead board cabinet fronts add casual beach house styling.
Create Your Own Beach Cabana — Transform your backyard into an outdoor oasis. An open air pavilion with a blue-and-white color scheme, canvas curtains, porthole-style window, and lots of chairs for lounging all reflect coastal style.
Pick Coastal Motifs — Adding just one seaside reference, such as a palm-patterned rug, is all you need to give a subtle suggestion of the beach.
To many joyful beach experiences!
— Lisa Dworkin
