Essential ingredients of beach design

Ask any good realtor or home designer and they’ll tell you that a well decorated home should be a reflection of its natural surroundings. Beach homes are no different.

However, there’s a lot to sort through – from the accents, the colors, the décor, the furniture, all of it. This month, we’re going to discuss what the essential ingredients of any beach house should have from a décor standpoint.

Keep things simple

When it comes to decorating a coastal home, the rule is that the simpler it is, the better it is. Coastal homes should feel like a getaway – an escape from the constant business of the world and a place where simplicity isn’t something that’s nice to have – but an essential ingredient for a happy life.

Keep the clutter to a minimum. Look for larger, brighter sightlines. Add touches that pique interest and minimize drama. Soften the overall vibe.

Bringing the outside in

The great thing about beach homes is you don’t have to shopping for a million and one accents. Most of the time, you can find them on the beach. Take your kids on a seashell hunt and use their treasures in a bowl or vase. Find driftwood and repurpose it.

Nothing brings a sense of place than when you combine the outside with the inside. Purchase your necessities, but don’t go overboard and always try to maintain the sense of fun and play inside the home.

History’s mysteries

The great thing about beach décor is that it’s pretty timeless. Everything should tell a story – from a memory with loved ones to something that conveys the sense of mystery and wonder that only the sea can convey. Both of these elements will add a sense of fun and depth to the charm of your home.

Form and function

Coastal homes have a sense of durability about them. The salt in the air, the storms – they can pound anything man made. So your home décor should reflect that in it’s sense of integrity and strength. Don’t skimp when it comes to your fabrics, lighting and flooring. You need it to be strong – but from a design standpoint – it’ll just look better.

And then remember –there’s the practicality of it all. You’ll be strolling through your home with sand on your feet, water sprinkling everywhere and your home needs to have a specific ease of use.

Whether your home is on the shore or miles inland – coastal design can bring both a sense of warmth and charm to it. Follow these tips and you can make every day feel like a getaway!