Beach homes have an unmistakable vibe - light , airy , casual , yet tailored , and always warm and welcoming . It ’ s this very aura that first attracted me to beach living , and it ’ s the starting point for every home I design and build for my clients . But not everyone lives on or near the beach . In fact , according to the NOAA , in 2010 , only 39 percent of the U . S . population lived in counties directly on the shoreline . But that doesn ’ t mean that the remaining 61 percent that don ’ t live at the shore can ’ t get that same beach feeling in their home . Coastal interiors are about so much more than seashells and boat decor - and below , I ’ ve shared how you can capture the essence of the beach in your home , wherever your home may be .
A WHITE PALETTE
White is the color of airiness , breeziness and casualness . It ’ s the color of seagulls and ocean foam and fluffy summer clouds . White is also the perfect backdrop for peace and tranquility . It ’ s no wonder , then , that it ’ s perhaps the first thing that comes to mind when you think of beach home interiors . Take a cue from the coast and try your hand at an all-white space . Just remember to incorporate different shades and plenty of texture to keep it from looking sterile . Creamy whites with yellow or red undertones , paired with brass and copper , create a warm feeling . For a cooler space , whites with blue or purple undertones and accents of silver and chrome work best .
NATURAL TEXTURES
Texture is important in any room , but in the light , often all-white palettes of the coast , texture takes on a much more significant role . Here at the beach , natural textures take the form of driftwood , rope , seagrass , linen and rattan , to name a few . To bring natural texture to your home , try classics like weathered wood , jute , and wicker , or find inspiration in the landscape where you live .
COLORS OF MOTHER NATURE American Coastal style homes are often accented with the colors of sea and sky - mostly blues , but also lighter colors , like the pastels of an ocean sunrise . This helps tie what ’ s inside to what ’ s outside . Think about the colors where you live . If you ’ re surrounded by forest , incorporate deep greens and earthy browns . If you live in the desert , try clay reds , burnt oranges , and dusty pinks . Mother Nature creates her own palettes , and they never disappoint !
TAILORED YET CASUAL FURNITURE
Life at the beach - with all that sand and water - can get messy , which is why slipcovered furniture is a coastal home staple . The result is a casual , yet tailored vibe that creates an inviting space that still feels buttoned up . Slipcovers are especially great for anyone who lives with kids or pets . If slipcovers aren ' t your thing , create the same feeling by choosing comfortable furniture with clean , simple lines in unfussy textiles .
WALL PANELING AND MOLDING
Anyone who has seen a Marnie Custom Homes build knows that I love wall paneling and molding ( my love started with my maternal grandfather , who was , among other things , a master carpenter ). But I ’ m not alone - these elements are beach house go-tos and for good reason : they add visual interest , texture and a feeling of customization to any space . And the best part ? These details go in just about any home style in any location . Some of my favorites are beadboard , shiplap and crown molding over doors and windows . If you want to test the waters , start with something small , like a chair rail in a powder room . It ’ s a simple DIY that will have a major impact on your space .
THOUGHTFUL LIGHTING , HARDWARE , & FIXTURES
Here at the shore , we tend to opt for maritime-inspired lighting and hardware , like lantern sconces and boat cleats as cabinet pulls . These little , thoughtful details give our homes a sense of place , without whacking you over the head with it . Think about what makes sense for where you live ,
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