Ah, the beach.

Are you dreaming of living in a quaint little beachside cottage?

Or are you in the process of designing your home?

Coastal Dining

Credit: Annie Schlechter, Writer: Perry Del Favero

Play up the coziness of your cottage with this color, pattern, and design inspiration.

In this case, it’s sea blues and nautical decorative elements.

Add wicker chairs for warmth and contrast.

to chairs by window

Credit: Annie Schlechter, Writer: Perry Del Favero

It will beshoreto catch everyone’s eye.

A stylish large-scale pattern like this traditional damask lends a feeling of warmth to any room.

Pile it high with pillows for a snug spot to watch the water.

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The woven hanging lamp and pretty patterns offer texture and interest to this small space.

Include items from your travels in your home, and you’ll always have a story to tell.

We also love the bookshelf, which makes for the best lazy reading nook.

coastal couch corner

Organic extras such as the driftwood coffee table and decorative beach stones have a natural coastal charm.

The art piece ties in the whole room, and will make any space feel more personal.

Sweet prints like polka dots and gingham look mellow and fun on woven white chairs like these.

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Credit: Annie Schlechter, Writer: Perry Del Favero

A colorful mixer and a bright dish towel add cheerful color to this neutral space.

Such details as twin sconces lend charm.

After all, the beautiful scenery is probably the main reason you live on the coast.

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Add matching cushions to your chairs, and voila!

The perfect coastal dining space it all yours.

Kelly green is an ideal counterpoint to wood accents.

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A dark wood bed and crisp white chandelier add elegance to the space.

Add wood pieces for warmth and contrast.

Vary the patterns and hues as well to prevent the look from being too monochromatic.

sophisticated reading nook

Big windows will aid in letting the light in and connecting the outside with the inside.

Go Green

A clean colorless background allows you to have a little fun with your cabinetry.

This cool Key lime hue really pops and is as refreshing as it is sweet.

daybed and driftwood table

A painted island adds a splash of color, that is carried out throughout the house.

The metal chairs and light fixtures create a sleek and glossy look to the kitchen.

A flirty light fixture gives this kitchen a twist of unexpected fun.

airy a-line white bedroom

People will be happy to sit and stay awhile, as long as there’s comfortable furniture around.

Colors that reflect the beach are a natural fit with these decorative coral accents and parading sea star pillows.

These beautiful accent colors make the white room feel playful, yet serene.

Light-Filled Living Space by the Coast

Surprise additions, like this shell-patterned chaise and vintage dresser-turned-vanity, insert a little luxury into your morning routine.

The backsplash in thewalk-in showertruly takes center stage here in this airy, light-filled bathroom.

The clawfoot tub adds an extra lavish touch.

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Credit: Tria Giovan, Writer: Perry Del Favero

Install an Oyster Chandelier

Leave the color to the landscape having a primarily white interior.

Add extra pops of color with vases filled with colorful flowers.

Meek prints need not apply!

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Credit: Tria Giovan, Writer: Perry Del Favero

Add a few pieces of art to create an elegant space.

Repurpose Vintage Finds for a Unique Look

An ivory bedroom lends serenity to your sanctuary.

Go Organic

This simple platform bed feels welcoming covered with cozy organic linens.

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Add a precious bedside lamp like the one shown for late-night reading.

Let in Lots of Light

Wall-to-wall windows allow for the enjoyment of gorgeous ocean views.

Simple bamboo furniture adds a touch of warmth to the predominantly all-white space.

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The comfy couch and chairs will have people wanting to stay in all day.

Complement Your Space with Blues

Be daring with bold prints and colors.

In this den, shades of blue harmonize without being matchy-matchy.

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A large white lantern is a whimsical touch.

pop kick open the doors to let a little fresh salt air in.

The weaved rug adds major texture to this sleek space.

coastal living room

Credit: Roger Davies, Writer: Perry Del Favero

Lighting is strategically placed throughout.

Get an Antique Appeal

Vaulted ceilings give this simple bath an elongated, light, airy feel.

The claw-foot tub and vintage desk lend old-school charm.

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It’s not your typical bathroom set up, but that’s just what we like about it.

Try a Monochromatic Style

Sometimes simple is better.

The monochromatic bath features a beautiful footed tub, along with a waterproof woven-vinyl floor.

simple kitchen

Large windows let in natural light to complete the simplicity of the space.

The woven rug adds texture, and the ottoman and wooden door makes the space feel warm.

Abundant windows and a sloped ceiling embrace the beachy, outdoor feel.

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Add pops of color like the green bedding, gorgeous artwork, and wooden dresser for a beautiful style.

The hand-painted pattern takes the traditional wood floors from standard to striking.

On the mahogany countertops, a clear coat of varnish lends a nautical look.

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Radiant heating underneath keeps toes toasty warm.

Add wood accents to continue the au natural look.

It warms the room and brings a traditional element into the cottage home.

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Large windows bring up the space and welcome views, sunlight, and coastal breezes.

The wooden flag hanging above the window adds an Americana vibe to the coastal space.

Consider painting your cabinets a fun color, like this beautiful green color.

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Incorporate Functional Style

A large, galley-style kitchen is a perfect fit for a modern beach cottage.

The planked wood siding, marine-chic pendant lights, and light blue cabinets enhance the coastal style.

Dressed simply with a coverlet, it feels pretty and relaxed.

bright living room

Credit: Dominique Vorillon, Writer: Perry Del Favero

It’s also the perfect spot for an afternoon nap!

With an all-white space, it really is important to add some color.

The wooden stool and bucket of flowers do just the job.

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Credit: Richard Leo Johnson, Writer: Perry Del Favero

Natural textures like sea grass, leather, and lacquered wood keep a colorless room from going flat.

The rug along with the wicker ottoman adds texture to this space.

The circular woven rug adds texture and interest.

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Cypress wood walls, rocking chairs, and muted colors enhance the homey feel.

A few throw blankets and pillows create the comfort you’ll desire.

Design the Perfect All-American Kitchen

Authentic blue tile provides the perfect backsplash for this classic colonial kitchen.

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Honed stone countertops and a butcher-block island give the space personality and warmth.

The wood chairs with blue accents add interest to the space.

Don’t Forget the Details

Small details can make a big impact!

warm dining space with patterned rug

Consider tiled countertops for an extra splash of color.

Sophisticated chair covers add to the simple elegance of the space.

The driftwood on the table is the perfect detail to incorporate a little extra coastal charm.

White beachy bedroom with wood white-washed closet doors and small side tables and chairs

Credit: Richard Leo Johnson, Writer: Perry Del Favero

Pair Navy and White

It doesn’t get more coastal than a navy-and-white pairing.

Display your most-loved dishes in a wooden chest like the one here.

Customize Your Kitchen

Floor-to-floor cabinets maximize storage in the contemporary kitchen.

True Blue

Credit: Annie Schlechter, Writer: Steele Marcoux and Lydia Somerville

The custom green-and-blue tile backsplash provides personality.

The all-white walls, cabinets, and marble countertops make the space feel clean and sleek.

organic vibe

Credit: Lisa Romerein, Writer; Rachel Bertone

lots of light

Credit: Tria Giovan, Writer: Rachel Bertone

Complementing Blues

Credit: Annie Schlechter, Writer: Steele Marcoux and Lydia Somerville

Swanky Space

Credit: Jeff McNamara, Writer: Suzanne Gannon

Breathing Room

Credit: Jeff McNamara, Writer: Suzanne Gannon

Antique Appeal

Credit: Deborah Whitlaw Llewellyn, Writer: Susan Stiles Dowell

simple white bathroom

Credit: Timothy Street-Porter, Writer: Rachel Bertone

bright and white living room

Credit: Timothy Street-Porter, Writer: Rachel Bertone

Repurposed Space

Credit: Richard Leo Johnson, Writer: Rachel Bertone

Graphic Floors

Credit: William Abranowicz, Writer: Steele Thomas Marcoux

Pebbled Floor

Credit: Deborah Whitlaw Llewellyn, Writer: Rachel Bertone

dining room with lots of windows and an oriental rug

Credit: Tria Giovan, Writer: Rachel Bertone

Classic Charm

Credit: Deborah Whitlaw Llewellyn, Writer: Susan Stiles Dowell

Functional Style

Credit: Deborah Whitlaw Llewellyn, Writer: Rachel Bertone

day bed by window looking out to the coast in sitting room

Credit: Tria Giovan, Writer: Rachel Bertone

white and airy kitchen

Credit: Tria Giovan, Writer: Rachel Bertone

bright and white sitting room

Credit: Timothy Street-Porter, Writer: Rachel Bertone

Bold Tranquility

Credit: Peter Murdock, Writer: Steele Thomas Marcoux

Cypress wood walls, rocking chairs, and muted colors enhance the homey feel.

Credit: Jean Allsopp, Writer: Anna Lee Gresham

Fresh Spin

Credit: William Abranowicz, Writer: Steele Thomas Marcoux

All-American Kitchen

Credit: Tria Giovan, Writer: Rachel Bertone

Charming Touch

Credit: Richard Leo Johnson, Writer: Rachel Bertone

Coastal View

Credit: Deborah Whitlaw Llewellyn, Writer: Susan Stiles Dowell

Natural Navy

Credit: Tria Giovan, Writer: Rachel Bertone

Custom Creation

Credit: Deborah Whitlaw Llewellyn, Writer: Rachel Bertone