Creating a Home That Feels Like a Coastal Cool Retreat
The sound of waves crashing, that feeling of your toes in the sand, the fresh aroma of salty air… I don’t think I’m alone in saying that all our worries melt away when we’re on the beach. It’s no surprise that many of us long to recreate this relaxed, coastal feeling in our own homes! Sign me up. Studies have shown that coastal living can improve mental health, and having just returned from a family vacation to Hawaii, I second that!
Of course, the sheer beauty of nature is a big contributing factor, but it’s more about the feeling, isn’t it? The sights and smells and sounds. The soft colors and natural textures. That overall feeling that everything just effortlessly flows together.
The good news? You don’t need to live by the coast or book your next vacay to experience this feeling. You can transform your own home into a personal coastal retreat. I introduce you to… the newly dubbed “Coastal Cool” style.
If you’re itching to fill the nearest vase with shells and splatter nautical maps all over your walls, resist! This isn’t your grandma’s beach house. (No offense, Gran!) Today, I’m sharing 3 ways to nail Coastal Cool style for a home that feels like a no-holds-barred retreat...
1/ Play Up Coastal Textures & Airiness
Think about the tactile experience of going to the beach—sand beneath your toes, rocks in your hands, water grazing your feet, the breeze blowing for miles and miles. There are so many different textures and feels!
The most obvious way to bring the coastal feeling into your home is to bring that natural texture and airiness indoors. The key is to keep the design almost minimalist and go for layers. Less is more.
For example, choosing natural wood tones will help provide the perfect amount of warmth to make a space feel inviting. When selecting furnishings, you could pick light weathered woods, rattan, or lightly distressed furniture.
In this bright and airy kitchen designed by Cortney Bishop, the pattern on the linen upholstery adds the perfect touch of minimal yet coastal texture to this space. The combination of the woven basket and the liveliness of the plant helps to add movement and brings the element of nature into the room.
For rugs, you’ll want to stick with woven, jute, grasscloth, or seagrass to keep the space elevated with minimal effort. The organic character that these textures bring is enough to transport you to any coast instantly.
Last but not least, don’t forget about light fixtures! You can carry coastal textures from the floor to the ceiling. The woven basket lighting in my outdoor dining area is the perfect example…
Pro Tip: Natural light is essential when designing a home with a Coastal Cool style. It gives the perception of being open and airy while eliciting the feeling or standing on the sunlit shoreline. So if you’re going to dress your windows, be sure to keep them light and airy.
2/ Color Palette
When considering a coastal cool color palette, we immediately think of crisp whites, sandy beiges, deep navy, and soft blues. Color psychology tells us that blue is associated with feelings of calm, peace, and groundedness, so it only makes sense to carry this into a coastal home. After all, aren’t these the exact feelings we’re looking for?? Yes, please.
That said, there is no one Coastal Cool color palette. It can range in hues and moods that vary as much as the ever-changing sky! For example...
Ahhh, this kitchen! The clean, fresh color palette sets the tone for a serene mood that matches the expansive feeling of standing on the sand. The goal is to create a soothing but not overly designed space, and with the use of neutral tones, you can do just that. As a result, your home will become a peacefully warm yet breezy retreat. What could be better??
If white and blue aren’t your cup of tea, don’t panic. The beauty of Coastal Cool style is that it’s easily tailored to fit your taste. What we’re after isn’t just a color scheme, we’re looking to create a relaxed, effortless vibe. Here’s another great example on the other end of the color spectrum...
Would you take a look at this space designed by Nicole Hollis?! I love that it’s edgy yet still has that casual, comfortable, and easy coastal feel. It’s helpful to remember that one size does not fit all when it comes to coastal styling.
The one thing that crisp white and dark and moody have in common? Minimalist design, layered textures, and a palette of natural colors that could be found on a coast… maybe during a thunderstorm in this case, but to each his own!
3/ Skip the Themed Clichés
Seashells and starfish belong in the ocean, not in a vase on our shelves. Sorry, but you’ll thank me later. Instead, keeping your coastal interior unthemed helps to mirror the actual coastal mood. The goal is to keep your design interesting without being overloaded. Remember, we’re also going for airy and breathable, so the last thing you want is clutter.
Instead, add in a few subtle coastal touches here and there. Texture is the easiest way, but you could choose natural driftwood pieces or a timeless, handcrafted clay vase to display on your shelves. Woven pillows are a great way to cozy up a space and bring in texture. You want the space to feel easy and natural but not overdone.
Or, like this styled shelf, add a vase made from a shell-like material, wooden cutting boards, and a landscape photo of the beach!
Simple touches of cool coziness will elicit the feeling of bringing the natural elements inside. It’s the perfect way to get a coastal cool space together without screaming “beach.” When in doubt, take advice from nature. ;)
Takeaways and Inspiration
A home should feel like a happy space, one that reflects your personal taste, your family memories, and the way you want to feel each day. It should be a place where you can retreat when the rest of the world feels a little crazy (*cough* 2020). It should be a safe haven and bring you natural calm… just like that feeling you get from visiting the coast.
If you’re dreaming of a home that will never go out of style — AKA, a home designed for you — reach out to me here. I can’t wait to bring tasteful style and functional design into your home to make every day feel like vacation.
Xoxo,
Susie