Urban dwellers often long for a coastal lifestyle – the sound of crashing waves, the smell of salt in the air, and the feel of sand between their toes. But for many, the reality of living in a cramped city apartment is a far cry from their coastal dreams. However, there are ways to bring a taste of the coast into your urban dwelling without going overboard.
The key is to incorporate coastal elements into your interior design scheme moderately. Doing so will create a relaxed and inviting space that will make you feel like you’re on vacation all year round. This article will discuss our top coastal-inspired decorating tips for creating a modern beach-style home without being tacky or over-the-top.
How do I make my apartment or house look “beachy?”
As anyone who’s ever stepped foot in a beach house knows, there’s something about coastal interiors that feels serene. Maybe it’s the laid-back vibe or the endless supply of natural light, but there’s no denying that coastal living has a certain appeal. Luckily, you don’t have to live by the water to enjoy the benefits of coastal decorating. With simple tips and tricks, you can bring coastal vibes into your urban dwelling and create a space you’ll love coming home to.
1. Keep it bright and breezy
First, ditch the heavy drapery and opt for light and airy window treatments. Some excellent ways to transform your windows for a modern coastal design include:
1. Swap out heavy curtains for lighter-weight fabrics like linen, voile, or sheer panels. Pale colors and crisp whites will help reflect light and make the space even brighter, while sheer curtains will let in natural light and give the room an airy feel.
2. Consider installing blinds or shutters that can be easily opened when needed. Not only can you add a touch of coastal style with pretty patterned Roman shades or bamboo blinds, but they are great for privacy.
3. If you want something a little more unique, try macramé curtains or hanging beads in front of your windows.
2. Embrace natural materials
Start by incorporating some natural textures and materials into your space. Woven or wicker baskets, jute rugs, driftwood sculptures, sea glass accents, shells, rattan, bamboo, or wicker furniture are all excellent ways to stick to the modern coastal theme in your space subtly. With the rise of repurposed and secondhand furniture, you can often find vintage rattan and wicker furniture affordably!
3. Beach house design is all about layering up texture
One of the essential elements of achieving a modern coastal aesthetic in your home is layering various textures throughout the space. This can be done with throw blankets, oversized rugs, and moderate decor items. By mixing and matching different textures, you can create a balance that is both subtle and stylish.
For example, try layering up on natural fibers like jute or sisal rugs that will add a texture to your floor while also giving off a relaxed and coastal vibe. Incorporating throws and pillows made of natural materials like linen, cotton, or wool or adding a soft and durable slipcover to your living room sofa will also help to achieve this layered and textured look.
4. Bring in some stripes
Stripes are one of those timeless patterns that work in any space. When it comes to modern coastal interior design, stripes can add a touch of sophistication and elegance to the room. Whether you use them on walls, furniture, or accessories, stripes can help create a modern and cohesive look. When selecting stripes for your space, it is essential to consider the overall color scheme. Try using stripes in shades of blue, green, peach, or creamy whites for a modern coastal look.
What makes stripes so perfect for coastal decor is their ability to create an illusion of space. Vertical lines make rooms appear taller and horizontal lines make them look wider. This is ideal for tiny coastal homes needing extra visual space.
If you’re looking for a way to add coastal charm to your home, consider incorporating stripes into your design scheme. From furniture to window treatments, they’re a staple of the seaside look and can help to create the illusion of more space.
5. Use coastal color schemes
If you’re dreaming of coastal living but are stuck in the city, never fear! You can bring the coastal vibe to your urban home with a suitable color scheme. Think sandy beige tones, whites, blues, and greens – colors that evoke the peacefulness of the beach and ocean. But if you’re not careful, it can be easy to veer into the tacky seaside territory. The key is to use a modern color scheme. Think crisp white or light blue walls with bold accents in navy, yellows, or subtle pinks and peaches.
6. Incorporate modest seaside accessories
Most people picture tacky souvenirs and over-the-top nautical themes when considering coastal decor. However, it is possible to create a coastal decor scheme look without going overboard. A good rule of thumb is to always leave some empty space on shelves and surfaces. This will help to create a sense of balance and prevent your room from looking too busy. Alternatively, you should try only to have three to five decor items per room.
Start by incorporating nautical theme accessories, such as coral branches, shore flowers, and weathered wood, into your home. You can also add coastal-inspired accessories, such as seashells, coral sculptures, and driftwood pieces. Whatever decor items you choose, with a little bit of planning, you can quickly achieve the perfect balance of modern and seaside style in your home without going over the top.
7. Keep it clean and subtle
When it comes to modern interior design, the key is to keep things clean and subtle. Adding too many decor items or elements into the space will go from feeling like a relaxed vacation home to a tacky tourist trap. Instead, focus on a casual simplicity with a limited color palette and accessories. This will create a calming effect that makes you feel like you’re on vacation, even at home. And who doesn’t want that?
8. Vintage and modern touches
If you’re looking for a way to add extra personality to your modern or coastal interior design scheme, consider adding some vintage or mid-century touches. A few well-chosen pieces can help complete the look; if you purchase them secondhand, you can do it affordably.
For example, a beach house living room would benefit from adding a vintage rattan coffee table or side table. And in a dining room, an oversized rectangular natural wood dining table with a set of mid-century modern chairs can give the space an instantly vacation-worthy and luxurious feel. Even in a more traditional beachy setting, like a beach cottage or beach bungalow, adding some mid-century pieces can help embrace the space’s natural character while creating a modern and coastal feel.
So, if you’re on the hunt for affordable furniture with personality, don’t forget to check out secondhand stores and antique shops for some vintage or repurposed finds. With a bit of hunting, you’re sure to find just what you need to perfect your beachy feel.
Kaiyo
No matter what interior design theme you’re trying to achieve, Kaiyo’s extensive selection of vintage and modern secondhand items has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a beach-themed focal point for your living area or want to add some coastal flair to your rooms, we have something for everyone. With top-rated brands and only the highest quality items, we will help you achieve your most significant interior design dreams at the most affordable prices.
