Summer is in full swing. Soft sands, cool water, blue skies and breezy days invoke a sense of freedom and fun. Celebrate the summer season by creating a beach inspired decor. The neutral tones and laid back style are sure to be hit.
Relax
Summer is all about relaxing so a casual decor is a must. Create a place where you can put up your feet or lay down and read a good book in a sunny spot in the room without worry. A room where afternoon naps are invited is a place you and your family will want to be. Whether it is a living room, rec-room, family room, bedroom or den, casual elements are the way to go. Opt for furniture that is not fussy or high maintenance. Distressed, painted pieces will go a long way to both practicality and beauty. Choose upholstery that is neutral and forgiving. Leather wipes clean easy and can be a good option. Furniture slipcovers may provide the answer to neutralizing coloured furniture. They are also washable and therefore more forgiving. Slipcovers are an affordable way to instantly update your furniture. For a beach decor, opt for light, neutral colours reminiscent of linen.
The warm colours of sand and sea make a great summer palette. As you can see by our feature photograph, courtesy of Benjamin Moore, light taupe, sky blue and crisp white are a great summer time colour trio. The neutral carpeting in this bedroom is reminiscent of a sandy beach. Soft blue bedding mixed with crisp white linens creates an inviting place to curl up. Light taupe walls (Benjamin Moore Pashmina) set beside white trim (Benjamin Moore Winds breath); doors, great ceramic lamp and white furniture provide an open and breezy feel. The light wood tones of the headboard frame, bedside table and the picture frames bring the outside in. To keep the room from looking too precious, soft orange accessories are set amongst the bookshelf knickknacks to add a pop of colour. Don't make your palette too neutral. Liven it up with a splash of colour via fresh flowers, artwork and/or accessories.
Great accessories
The framed, beach-themed items on the wall are a great look for a beach-inspired decor. A sea sponge and ceramic clamshell are whimsical touches to this lovely bedroom. Other natural elements that can add to a beach décor are items like a bowl filled with beach pebbles or beach glass, clear containers of sand with a few seashells mixed in (a small fishbowl could be fun for this project), painted driftwood in white or in a pale colour, starfish and/or sea horse images.
Nautical items can be thrown into the mix as well by using thick, braided rope as curtain tiebacks, using fishing nets on the walls, adding fishing buoys, boat oars (can make a great headboard if you can find enough of them), dock cleats (great for coat hooks) and so on. Bring in some texture by incorporating woven rugs, baskets, matchstick blinds or wicker furniture.
Have some fun
In a more relaxed space, like a screened-in porch or teen's room, items like colourful kites, surfboards, flip-flops, beach balls and cabana-striped material will add some colour and whimsy. Paint a palm tree or some waves on the wall for a playful backdrop. Children's plastic beach pails can be used to hold craft supplies on a desktop or dresser. A canoe-shaped bookshelf can be a great addition and wonderful for displaying games and books.
Other fun ideas
Frame a mirror with seashells using hot glue. Shadowbox frame some vintage fishing lures to create a unique collection. Collect beach glass and display in an open charger or clear vase. Display vintage wicker hats and beach baskets in your beach inspired space. Go through your grandparents' photo albums in search of vintage beach photos that you can copy and frame. Some muslin fabric draped on a fishing rod creates a unique window treatment. Hang fishing lures, seashells or starfish from the muslin for added appeal.
If you don't know where to go with your decor and you want a fresh, new look, a beach inspired coastal decor might be the right fit for you. The relaxed style leaves lots of room for your personal touches and also makes this an affordable option. Spend some time at the beach and pay attention to the colours, textures and components that make it such a wonderful place then incorporate these elements into your new decor.
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