The coast has its own elements of style.
Find inspiration in soft hues from the shore and fabrics in cheery patterns to mix and match.
Sea blues pair with pops of coral, and sandy tones provide balance.
Credit: Photo: Andrew Giammarco; design by Hoedemaker Pfeiffer
Use these designer tips to create a welcoming living space.
(Don’t forget the sconces: Every good dinner party needs a little mood lighting.)
Incorporate Tomorrow’s Heirlooms
Grandmother passed down her vintage dhurries.
Credit: Photo: Andrew Giammarco; design by Hoedemaker Pfeiffer
Your aunt bestowed treasured Slim Aarons estate prints.
Today’s beach houses have their own emerging class of investment pieces that is emblematic of 21st-century coastal style.
“It’s a no-brainer for furniture that’s in the middle of the action.”
Credit: Maura McEvoy Photography
Add it to the busiest room in the house by choosing graphic tile.
Consider Rustic Touches
What’s the rush?
The simple wood-and-iron table and Hans Wegner chairs in this kitchen are an invitation to linger over coffee.
Credit: Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller
The rustic wood complements the rest of the light kitchen.
Pick Retro-Chic Appliances
A powder-blue Smeg fridge lends this sweet kitchen an air of nostalgia.
It’s a throwback that adds a touch of cool to your kitchen.
Credit: Alison Miksch
Bonus points for the old-school metal table fan.
Wood is clean and simple, giving the kitchen an unexpected twist.
The look feels beachy but not overpowering.
Credit: Courtesy Of Celerie Kemble/@Celerie
Size them so the top layer is at least a foot smaller on all sides.
When you’re ready to switch up your decor, swap the top layer with something else.
“It’s especially great for roofs because it’s a long-lasting metal,” says architectBeau Clowney.
Credit: Photo: David Tsay; styling by Liz Strong; design by Celerie Kemble
Plus, copper’s timeworn patina is a character-builder.
Or contrast pastel or gray walls with trim painted a few shades darker for a tonal pairing that sings.
Here, a look at how it’s weaving its way into 21st-century furniture design.
Credit: Photo: Bess Friday; design by Allison Bloom
The cane’s natural look pairs nicely with crisp white.
Patinas often darken over centuries to create a similar monochromatic contrast.
“The combination is timeless and classic.”
Credit: Photo: Eric Piasecki/Otto; design by Steven Gambrel
Play With New Neutrals
Brighten up the basics.
Try using these spirited naturals on walls or on larger upholstered pieces, like sofas.
“Include it sparingly to increase its impact.”
Credit: Photo: Annie Schlechter; design by Tracey Overbeck Stead
Simple touches like using rope instead of chains to hang lighting make a big impact.
Here, banquette seating adds a super shot of warmth and pattern to dining tables.
(Plus, you could squeeze in more people for dinner.)
Credit: Photo: Max Kim-Bee; design by Tilton Fenwick
Try using outdoor-rated fabrics for easy cleanup and worry-free drying.
Put a spin on classic coverings, like this decorative trelliage.
Ornamental latticework paneling is a genius way to reinforce a room’s kinship with the outdoors.
Credit: Courtesy of Manufacturer
Soften With Jewel Tones
Grasscloth gives a room depth and dimension.
The natural fiber offers subtle texture.
Try its organic weaves in jewel tones to reinforce the natural beauty of the beach.
Credit: Lauren Rubenstein
The wood’s character and finish add sophistication and charm.
Bold colors play well off the wood’s natural beauty.
The visual impact of your walls will bring the outside in.
Credit: Photo: David A. Land; design: Andrew Howard
Design a Bombshell Bar
Cocktail hour at the beach is no shrinking violet.
“Having a bar in a prominent gathering room immediately puts people at ease,” saysChristopher Spitzmiller.
Spice yours up with local art, quirky curiosities, and vintage glassware.
Credit: Courtesy of Manufacturers
Install Brass Hardware and Fixtures
“Brass can soften any interior,” saysAnne Maxwell Foster.
“The key is to use unlacquered brass because the patina changes over time.
It has character, which brings a feeling of timelessness to a room.”
Credit: Photo: Durston Saylor Photography; design by Ike Kligerman Barkley
The easy style adds playfulness and color without being overdone.
Credit: Julie Soefer Photography
Credit: Photo: Christina Cernik Photography/www.christinacernik.com; design by McCann Design Group
Credit: Laurey W. Glenn, Robbie Caponetto / Styling: Matthew Gleason
Credit: Photo: Max Kim-Bee; design by Andrew Howard
Credit: Photo: Courtesy Of Mcgrath II; design by McGrath II
Credit: Photo: Jessica Klewicki Glynn; Design by Blair Harris Interior Design
Credit: Photo: Francesco Lagnese/Otto; Design by Marshall Watson
Credit: Photo: Sara Essex Bradley; Design by Logan Killen Interiors
Credit: Robbie Caponetto; Styling: Lydia Pursell
Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller
