Embracing the Essence of Coastal Design
When it comes to creating a harmonious and serene living environment, the coastal design aesthetic has long held a special allure. Inspired by the natural beauty of the seaside, this design style seeks to bring the tranquility of the beach into the very heart of our homes. It’s a sophisticated approach that evokes a sense of easy, luxuriously understated living, as described by Sarah Solis, a Malibu-based interior designer and founder of Sarah Solis Design Studio.
At the core of coastal design is the notion of drawing inspiration directly from the scenic landscape to seamlessly integrate the outdoors within the indoor space. This is achieved through the strategic use of colors, textures, and materials that are inherently connected to the coastal environment.
The Essence of Coastal Style
So, what exactly defines the coastal design aesthetic? Angela Hamwey, a Massachusetts-based interior designer and founder of Mackenzie & Co., explains that the key lies in the colors and natural elements used throughout the space.
“Coastal interiors often focus on a soft, washed or faded neutral-toned color palette paired with natural materials and soft-touch experiences such as washed linen, cashmere, wool, and alpaca,” she says. Additionally, you’ll find royal or navy blues and crisp whites alongside an abundance of natural textures like wood, jute, and rattan.
Solis adds that sophisticated materiality choices that complement, rather than compete with, the view are essential. Large-scale windows that expand the outdoor landscape and architectural details that elevate the relaxed experience are also hallmarks of this design style.
Coastal vs. Beachy: Subtle Differences
While both coastal and beachy design styles draw inspiration from the natural world, there are some subtle differences between the two. Coastal design tends to have a more tailored, traditional, and refined aesthetic, often with clean lines and defined shapes in the furnishings.
On the other hand, beachy design is described as breezier, lighter, and less precise, with a more relaxed, laid-back feel. You’ll typically find natural oak tones, relaxed linen textiles, and accents of Aegean blue in a beachy home, compared to the darker wood tones, vintage or patinated pieces, and a color palette that reflects the deep, rich tones of coastal waters and the cragginess of the shoreline found in a coastal-inspired space.
| Coastal Design | Beachy Design |
|---|---|
|
– Tailored, traditional, and refined – Clean lines and defined shapes in furnishings – Darker wood tones, vintage or patinated pieces – Color palette reflects deep, rich coastal tones |
– Breezier, lighter, and less precise – Relaxed, laid-back feel – Natural oak tones, relaxed linen textiles – Accents of Aegean blue |
Bringing Coastal Calm into Your Home
If you’re looking to infuse your living space with the serene, relaxing essence of coastal design, there are a few key strategies to keep in mind. Hamwey advises avoiding kitschy or expected decor, such as shells, starfish, and navy blue stripes, and instead drawing inspiration from the natural environment for your color palette and materials.
“Lean into earth tones, natural textures, and thoughtfully layered blues,” she suggests. “This aesthetic is meant to evoke the feelings of relaxation and ease that waterside living brings to everyday life.”
Solis echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of sophisticated materials in soft, comfortable tones and fabrics. She also recommends looking for ways to blend indoor and outdoor living with understated elements that complement the landscape, creating a lighter and airier interior. Incorporating luxurious natural materials, clean lines, and classic architectural elements will help to ground the space in a timeless coastal look.
Timeless Coastal Design
Both Solis and Hamwey agree that coastal design is not only in style, but also likely to remain so for the foreseeable future. As Solis eloquently states, “Coastal interiors are 100% in style because they are 100% timeless. The color palettes are so beautifully tonal and restful – it’s a forever cool style.”
Hamwey adds that considering whether a style is “in” or “out” isn’t often the most helpful approach when designing your home. Instead, the focus should be on creating a timeless aesthetic that is authentic to the way you use and enjoy your living space. After all, design is a means of expression and storytelling, not a set of rigid rules to follow.
By drawing inspiration from the natural beauty of the coast, coastal interior design offers a tranquil and serene way of living that celebrates the harmony between the indoors and outdoors. Whether you’re located near the sea or simply seeking to bring the calming essence of the coast into your home, this design style is a timeless and versatile choice that can transform your living space into a haven of relaxation and comfort.
So, if you’re ready to embark on a journey of coastal-inspired serenity, consider partnering with the expert design team at Urban Grace Interiors. Their personalized approach and dedication to crafting unique, luxury-infused designs can help you achieve the coastal-inspired living of your dreams.
