and incorporate fixtures , lighting and hardware that are a nod to whatever that pastime or geographical feature may be . For example , a cabin in the woods would be a perfect place for an antler- or twig-inspired chandelier , or a city apartment could incorporate industrial faucets and lighting .
ABUNDANT LIGHT
Coastal interiors are all about light , bright spaces and embracing natural light wherever possible . That ’ s why we have windows , skylights and glass doors everywhere , including hallways , stairwells and showers . Natural light is flattering in any space , and can even improve your mood . If adding natural light isn ’ t an option for you , use artificial lighting to create a similar effect . Make sure each room has the three types of lighting : ambient ( or general ), task and accent ( or mood ). Install dimmers so you can adjust brightness as needed .
PITCHED CEILINGS
Remember way back at the beginning of this post when I said coastal homes are all about airy spaces ? One of the most surefire ways to create that feeling is with pitched ( also called vaulted or cathedral ) ceilings . Not only does this architectural feature literally create more space in your home , but it also draws the eye up , making the room look as large as it feels . When I build pitched ceilings , I like to dress them up with beams , exposed trusses , shiplap , or other details . Get this same feeling where you live by opening up your ceilings . Older homes often have beautiful beams that can be exposed , or you might be able to open a top floor to the rafters to create a sense of grandeur . Just make sure your home is still properly insulated .
OPEN & UNCLUTTERED SPACES
Building a home from the ground up means I can design the layout , and at the beach , the number one request is an open floor plan . Homes here are built for entertaining and enjoying family and friends , and open concept spaces are the most conducive to doing so . If you can remove some nonload bearing walls , go for it ! If that ’ s not an option , or if you prefer separate spaces , get a similar feeling by decluttering . The beach vibe is all about light and breezy , and there ’ s nothing light or breezy about a space full of unnecessary objects .
EASY CARE FLOORS
The same reasons that beach people love their slipcovers also apply to our floors - all that time spent in the sand and surf , entertaining loved ones , and just living in our spaces can wreak havoc on the floors . That ’ s why we opt for easyto-clean and low-maintenance flooring like hardwood and tile in high-traffic living areas . Bring this same laid back vibe to your home by selecting flooring that doesn ’ t require you to walk around on eggshells . After all , it ’ s not just sand and water that destroy flooring - it ’ s children , pets , and just life in general ! Want the best of both worlds ? Install woodlook tile for the feeling of wood with the easy care of tile .
FOUND OBJECTS
Beachcombing is pretty much a prerequisite for coastal living . With so many beautiful treasures washing up on our
shores each day , why not use some of them as decor ? To avoid looking too cliché and theme-y , we use these finds only as accents . Do the same where you live . Make nature walks a new family habit ( or a solo activity ) and then display the best of what you find . Use larger objects on coffee tables or atop a stack of books , and create groupings or collections of smaller ones on a shelf or in a bowl , glass cloche or other vessel .
INDOOR-OUTDOOR LIVING
Coastal dwellers live where they do because they love the ocean , and they want to enjoy it as much as possible . That ’ s why homes here have tricked out backyards , multiple decks and porches galore to create true indoor-outdoor living . But the ocean isn ’ t the only outdoor scenery worth savoring . Whether you have mountains , lakes , deserts , fields or the urban jungle outside your door , create your own space where you can appreciate it . From a poolside paradise to a tiny city fire escape , there are few problems that can ’ t be alleviated with a breath of fresh air .
With love from the beach ,
Marnie Oursler has been nationally recognized by Professional Builder Magazine ’ s “ 40 Under 40 ” – a recognition of entrepreneurs to watch in the building industry – and received one of the world ’ s most distinguished business honors , the Gold Stevie ® Award as Entrepreneur of the Year for Women in Business . Additionally , she is a graduate of the Cross Continent MBA program at Duke University ’ s Fuqua School of Business .
Marnie stars Big Beach Builds , DIY Network , airing Monday nights at 9:00 PM EST and 9:30 PM EST .
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