Do you struggle with what your home décor style is? Do you often feel like you like everything and then can’t figure out how to make it all work? Do you hear or see people talking about different décor styles and you have absolutely no idea what they are? If you have answered yes to any of these questions, Style Made Simple is a series just for you!
Last August, I kicked off this brand new series with an introduction and an overview and a promise that the first style I’d dive deep into was coastal style. For this series, I spent a lot of time researching, planning and writing only to write the first post and then never post another one. One of my big goals this year is to bring it back and stick to it because I know from the people I talk to this is a topic so many of you struggle with.
Well today is the official return and as promised, the first décor style we are going to dive deep into is Coastal Style.
Whether you live near the ocean or simple want to bring the breezy, airy, beach-like casual feel home then coastal style may be a great option for you.
What is coastal style?
Coastal style is basically incorporating the natural seaside elements you’d find at the beach into your home (surf, sand and sky) through texture and colors. Coastal style is all about a casual calmness or peacefulness like you feel when you are sitting on the beach.
There is a natural tendency for some to confuse coastal style with nautical style which is not the same however I think it’s easy to do because coastal style does tend to vary a bit by region so coastal style doesn’t always look exactly the same everywhere. Costal style isn’t literal (seashells and fish netting) but instead, it’s more of an interpretation or a feeling you create.
A Few key elements of coastal style:
- Color: Coastal style incorporates a lot of white mixed with other neutrals. Accents of other colors like bright and airy colors (aqua, blue, greens, etc. And one could argue that Navy blue is another great accent despite it being darker.
- Pattern: Pattern may vary slightly depending on your region but stripes are always a safe bet.
- Lighting and Texture: Lots of natural light is good but plenty of accent lighting can help create the feel as well. Textures in furniture and accessories layered together also add to the coastal style. Think jute rugs and raw wood or weathered wood furnishings.
- An overall relaxed and laid back feeling. Furniture and accessories, fabrics and lighting should avoid feeling too formal. Clean lines and not a ton of bling. Slipcovered furniture is a must and plenty of open space.
As with any style, it’s OK to infuse your own taste and break the rules a bit. That’s exactly what we’ve done at the beach cottage!
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