Homes & Interiors: Coastal cool
Fresh, breezy and relaxed, coastal interiors can make you feel like you’re on holiday all year round. Here are some pointers to help you recreate this irresistible look.
Think of sunny days by the sea, a cooling breeze, the taste of salty air and the gentle sound of waves in the distance. Who wouldn’t want to evoke that feeling all the time? To bring this sunshine style into your home, employ essential elements that are inspired by the sea, shore and sky, then let that holiday feeling wash right over you.
Chic colours A bright yet calm vibe is the essence of coastal chic, and colour goes a long way towards achieving this. Go all white everywhere, with whitewashed walls, white-painted woodwork and white furniture and fabric, or else think pale paintwork with accents of grey, beige and – of course – blue. While a mid-blue is traditional, anything from pale blue (very pretty) to navy (smart and sophisticated) will work. You could also add touches of bold red for a nautical vibe, or yellow for that beachy feel. Vivid yellow is best kept for small doses, but a softer, mustardy yellow looks great teamed with darker blues.
Stripey style There’s something essentially coastal about a stripe, whether it’s a chic Breton stripe, a broad deckchair stripe or a narrower, more delicate stripe for a subtle pattern. Bold stripes are more nautical, while barely-there stripes are more utilitarian. Use them in the form of table linens, cushion covers, crockery and more to create a strong pop of colour and pattern against a plain background.
Natural textures Bring the outside in by including gorgeous natural elements. Driftwood is perfect, as are the natural tones of timber and beautiful stone, ceramic and rattan. Painted wooden wall cladding is another favourite of this look – simply add some natural floorcoverings in seagrass, coir or jute for gorgeous contrast.
Simple fabrics Choose fabrics for their crisp or floaty feel. Simplicity is key, so opt for linen, muslin and ticking, plain or with a stripe – either way, the look is completely charming. Think of heavy vintage grain sacks made into cushion covers, crisp cotton sheets and the lightest of voiles at the window.
Light and bright Speaking of windows, coastal homes are all about being airy and refreshing, so maximise light by hanging filmy curtains or white-painted wooden shutters that fold right back. The aim is to blur the distinction between inside and out. Arrange artificial lighting so that the main light source is supplemented by a versatile selection of wall, table and floor lamps, choosing shades that complement the look – perhaps simple card, clear glass or textural rattan.
Comfortable furnishings A feeling of utter relaxation is top of the list with this style, and chairs and sofas should be ample and comfortable. Avoid heavily patterned upholstery in favour of plain colours or subtle stripes in cotton, linen or even denim. You can transform older pieces using slip covers in pale cream or white fabric, or a ticking stripe. In small rooms, furniture raised on legs rather than reaching all the way to the floor will enhance the sense of space and light. Add a scattering of cushions and throws so that you can curl up and relax in an instant.
Seaside accessories While the general feeling should be open and uncluttered, it’s great to include a small selection of accessories, perhaps personal mementos from holidays by the sea, or pieces that complement the overall look. House plants contribute to that feeling of bringing nature indoors, while a few chunky woven baskets can be useful for storage, and a rope-framed mirror or knotted-rope doorstop conjures up that ship’s-interior feeling. If you want to go all out for the nautical look you might want to add a small ship’s wheel or anchor motif somewhere, or perhaps display a charming model boat. Use a clear vase or bowl and fill it with pebbles or sea shells, and perhaps add a beautiful piece of coral (ethically sourced, of course) on a shelf or coffee table. On the walls, hang art featuring calming vistas of waves or beaches, beautiful pressed seaweed or prints of fish, coral or sea creatures. Simple and individual, these finishing touches will add up to a serene interior that invites you to unwind and recharge.
Words: Katherine Sorrell
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