Dreaming of Warmer Weather? Go Coastal with Your Decor

If you often daydream of the beach but are miles away from the ocean, coastal décor can bring the charm of the seashore to your doorstep. When browsing through Albany homes for sale, you may wonder how to make your choice feel like summer all year round. Luckily, our real estate agents are fans of coastal interiors, and they share their best tips to evoke this style in your home below.

What Is Coastal Décor?

A coastal interior uses the texture and colors of seaside elements like the blue sky, white fluffy clouds, and sand to reflect the breeziness of the beach. Coastal interior designs differ between regions, depending on the style you desire. For instance, the Mediterranean coastal vibe features beautiful tile work, vivid colors, terracotta flooring, and warm and earthy textures.

In the U.S., designers use natural textures, neutral and airy hues like blue and light blue, natural light, and bright white focal points to mimic the shore. The major goal of designers when setting up coastal interiors is to blur the lines between the outdoors and indoors. Explore some coastal decorating ideas below.

• Use Soft and Subtle Colors
  A minimalistic color scheme complements a coastal interior perfectly. You can't go wrong with a clean white interior as it makes your space feel bright and airy. Crisp whites pair well with true aquamarine or sky blues or blue-green shades for elegance. You can paint rooms in different shades of white to show off accessories and furnishings.
  
  Neutral colors like pale light blues, warm grays, or beige also make great primary colors. For your accents, use warm hues like red or orange to mimic the sunset or playful shades like aqua and deep-sea blue.
  
  
• Add Natural Textures and Materials
  Natural elements add a relaxed and breezy vibe to a coastal interior. Use furniture made from wicker or rattan or light and distressed wood. Add vibrant cushions and throws in bright, contrasting shades like light blue and peach or seagrass green and lemon yellow. Sisal and jute rugs complement a coastal interior, as do seagrass baskets, driftwood pieces, bamboo mirrors, and scavenged seashells.
  
  Also, consider cotton seating slipovers, which you can easily wash if you have pets or children. Linen is a popular coastal fabric, especially when paired with warm beiges, clean whites, and other soft neutrals. Sheer curtains reinforce the coastal décor, but you can use sea-related prints.
  
  
• Open up Your Space
  Resist the urge to crowd your space with many decorations. Instead, pair down your rooms to create a spacious and airy feel. If you have an open space, arrange furnishings and accessories in such a way that a calming ocean breeze could flow through it. Keep the rooms uncluttered and expansive to evoke a relaxed vibe.
  
  
• Embrace Rustic Elements
  Wood has a timeless charm that works well in a coastal retreat. You can combine light finishes with dark tones to add texture and depth to your space. For example, wooden counter stools and a bleached kitchen island on white oak floors create a beautiful beach house allure. When in doubt, use lighter woods to bring a light and airy vibe. However, don't shy away from mixing and matching different wood stains for a unique interior.
  
  
• Decorate with Art
  You can decorate for the shoreline even if you're landlocked. Water and clouds make great coastal photography motifs and transport you straight to the beach. Another tip is to use abstract art that alludes to the water and sandy beaches without being too obvious. For example, gentle, flowy brush strokes can mimic crashing waves.

A coastal décor replicates the serenity of the shore through airy spaces, soft color palettes, rustic accessories, and natural textures. However, don't over-accessorize with too many seaside elements. Instead, keep your rooms bright, airy, and uncluttered to evoke a sense of calm. Contact us today to discover the perfect home for your coastal designs.