Your 317 Home Your 317 Home Magazine Spring 2018 | Page 21

B
each 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.
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
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 t hink 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
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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