Beach House Decorating

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Category: Interior Decorating Blog
Posted/Updated: 12/21/2011 21:09:50
Views: 466

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No, you do not have to own a beach house in Florida to give your rooms a beach house flair. Instead of the traditional and (dare we say) boring decor that everyone seems to have, why not surprise everyone by just doing something a bit unexpected with your decor? And besides, if you find yourself too busy to take a vacation, why not just bring the vacation to you?

For the most part, there is something refreshing about the way a beach house is decorated. The freshness in the air, the gentle breeze that wafts through the windows and the brightness of the sunshine as it hits every wall in the room. This type of decor relaxes us and induces a feeling of happiness, does it not? Now, imagine having this feeling every day in your very own home! Even if you live in a cold part of the country and have to muddle through an endless pile of snow to get to your car in the morning, just imagine having a room that you could go to to escape all that.

Excited yet? Here is how to decorate beach house style!

WHITE, WHITE AND TONS OF WHITE

Yes, we have to begin by stating the obvious. The reason why a beach house looks so crisp and refreshing is mainly because of the pale color palette. Mostly, white is used with some other accent color. The accent color reflects the surrounding nature. It could be the turquoise or deep blue reflected in the ocean, a pale brown and beige that mimic the beach sand, or maybe even a crisp green that reflects a nearby lush landscape. Incorporating the colors of nature are very important against the white predominant color.

This beautiful design by Tobi Fairley, as featured in House Beautiful, is a perfect example of what to do in a beach house design. Of course, the off white walls and furniture make the space appear larger, while dark blue and turquoise accents bring in a feeling of tranquility. The pattern on the drapery and the unique way that the tables are carved give the room a bit of an exotic flair, while still maintaining a crisp and airy feel.

We just love how sophisticated this color contrast is. Designer David Lawrence was able to bring out the deepest ocean blue and use it for this cozy sofa. Even though the blue is dark, notice how a balance is achieved with the white accents around it. White lamps, white decorating pieces and white pillows all are necessary to offset the deep blue sofa. Also notice how the symmetry in the design adds structure and formality to the room. Finally, fresh hydrangeas bring in an element of nature into this open and bright room.

Indeed, beach house design uses a lot of white. Naturally, most beach homes have a white kitchen. An open space is essential and thus an open kitchen island is very common in a beach house kitchen. So are mullion cabinet doors and anything else that invites the most light into the home. Design by Mabley Handler.



TEXTURES AND SYMBOLS OF NATURE

While incorporating the colors of nature is important, it is also essential to incorporate the textures and symbols of nature.

   

Introduce the textures of woven hammocks, rattan, bamboo, and other similar items found in a beach landscaping. Lamps available at Ballard Designs and Crate & Barrel, respectively.

Fabrics are also very important in a beach house setting. Beige linens mimic the sand on the beach, striped fabrics mimic awnings on balconies and patterns with tropical leaves and seashells are also popular. Here are a few examples:

      

Of course, a beach house design is not complete without a design of a seashell or starfish hidden somewhere. This gorgeous room was put together by Mabley Handler as well.

This is quite a clever idea. Instead of using a traditional crown molding, designer Jim Howard decided to add a Vitruvian scroll molding that is carved in the shape of ocean waves. Howard's work was featured in House Beautiful.

Last, but not least, a mirror framed in various seashells is as beachy as it gets (courtesy Country Living). Some homeowners take it upon themselves to make seashell mirrors by gluing seashells collected during their childhoods onto a wide frame mirror. Now, that is a beautiful personal touch to a beach house design!

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