There are few things as uplifting and rejuvenating as time spent by the ocean. Sandy beaches, coastal breezes and spectacular scenery are part and parcel of those long anticipated but far too infrequent summer getaways. Drawing inspiration from the sun, sea and sand, the coastal interiors theme is a timeless and versatile one that can be used in any room for a relaxed, tranquil appeal.

Whether you’re updating your day-to-day living spaces, revamping a second home or creating the perfect Airbnb for guests, we’ve put together a few tips to help you introduce coastal décor into your interiors, for all year-round summer vibes.

Colours of the Coast 

When introducing any specific décor theme into your interiors, the first thing to consider is colour. Not to be confused with the nautical theme, which is based around a navy, red and white palette, the coastal theme favours more subdued hues. When choosing your colour scheme, think about the tones and textures you associate with the coast. Sandy beiges, mint greens, duck egg blues, pebble greys and an abundance of crisp white, are all representative of different natural elements you will find by the ocean. Choose one and complement with another or get creative with three to achieve the perfect coastal canvas.

Natural Materials

The materials you choose are almost as important as the colours. Again, base your choices around what you would expect to see at the coast. More often than not, those idyllic coastal retreats and honeymoon hotels utilise natural materials to accentuate the feelings of serenity that being by the sea evokes. Wooden flooring, driftwood tables, rattan chairs and sea grass baskets are all typical of coastal interiors. Complement with natural woven linens, hessians, muslins and cottons for your soft furnishings, and you’ll be halfway there. 

Clear the Deck 

When you think of your ideal coastal retreat, we’re certain that you won’t envisage cramped spaces and piles of clutter. To create a light and airy feel and make a room look as spacious as possible, pay particular attention to the layout of the area and placement of furniture and storage solutions. A coastal living space should be easy to navigate and feel as though the sea breeze is flowing and circulating freely. Go easy on the accessories which adorn your surfaces and ensure you have sufficient storage for your possessions. Nothing distracts the mind quite like clutter, and busy floors and surfaces won’t complement the sense of calm, the essence of the coastal appeal.

Destination Inspiration

Consider how you want your coastal retreat to make you feel; that is, don’t just focus on the typical aesthetics. Ideally, the space will transport your mind to beautiful places and reflect the serenity of the shore as you feel it. We all have a different idea of paradise so base your coastal decor around yours. Whether it’s a bucket list destination or a place where you have already made treasured memories, adding meaningful accents to your interior will take you somewhere special. A framed print, a gallery wall of holiday photos or even just a few souvenirs scattered around, will serve as reminders of your most loved getaway spot. 

Don’t Go Overboard

As tempting as it may be to fill your space with seashells, pebbles and knick-knacks emblazoned with seaside associated motifs, these may not create the chic interior you are ultimately looking for. Your colour scheme, layout and furniture will be enough to ensure your room reflects those calming coastal vibes, without going ‘overboard’ with accessories! Glassware is a particular good choice for creating an uplifting coastal space as it pays homage to the reflections created by the sea. Pampas grass is still very much on trend and suits today’s contemporary approach to coastal décor. The key is to keep it simple and let colours and textures do the talking.

At Hartleys, we offer a wonderful range of natural furniture finishes which will help bring the coastal theme into your home. We also offer a spray-painting service, so we can colour match to your specification, whether you’re looking to reproduce a soft pebble grey or a fresh foam white.

Since all our furniture is bespoke, every one of our designs will maximise the space available to create a fresh and airy appeal. Our mirrored wardrobe doors and reflective surfaces will also lighten the room and create the illusion of space. If you’d like our input into creating your room design, we’d be delighted to help. Call us on 01756 700471 or contact us here.