Tuesday, November 27, 2018

Coastal Cottage Style: Dos and Don'ts

When you think about coastal cottage décor, many images may float through your mind, such as tiki bars, neon palm tree lights, fishing nets, tons of seashells, and pink flamingoes. Not that touches of kitsch isn’t good for a fun and funky vibe, and if you love a little pink flamingo, by all means, put some in. But too much is too much.

Coastal Style should evoke a casual, breezy, relaxing mood without overdoing it with beachy paraphernalia. However you do coastal, it should have these things in common:
  • Plenty of natural sunlight
  • Ocean-inspired colorway
  • Casual furnishing that features natural textures and fibers
  • Hints of sparkle and shine from glass, metals, and mirrors
  • Natural elements found by the seashore as accessories
That gives you a lot of leeway to create a home that fulfills your vision of a calm, tranquil retreat by the sea – even if the coast is miles away. Once you have the basics down, here are some dos and don’ts to fine-tune your coastal style.

coastal cottage furniture

Do Choose the Right Colors

The coastal color palette is inspired by the sky, ocean, and sand. This means neutrals such as warm, soft sand and weathered driftwood grays as well as nautical navy blue, crisp whites inspired by sailboat canvas and bleached white seashells. Navy walls create the perfect backdrop for the crisp white of the Sandcastle Buffet by Hooker Furniture. Woven panels on the door fronts emanate coastal style and give the room a relaxed feel.

Do Add Color with Accessories

If you like a little color, choose subtle greens found in sea glass, beach grass, and kelp, aquas, and watery sea blues, and steel grays and deep blues reflective of storm clouds over the ocean. Muted reds and oranges are also great accent colors.

Do Let in Tons of Natural Light

When you think of the beach, of course, you think of sunshine and plenty of it. Coastal homes are never dark and gloomy. Keep the window treatments simple, airy, and light so that the sunshine streams in.

traditional shapes in rattan furniture

Do Choose Traditional Shapes in Tropical Woods

The furniture in coastal style is comfortable and casual, but still elegant and stylish. Choose natural materials such as rattan, wicker, cane, and seagrass for chairs. Slip-covered sofas help keep the look casual, or choose durable fabrics for a more tailored feel. Bring in a distressed accent piece to round out the look. Look for pieces that reinvent traditional styles, such as the Bali Hai Cedar Key Oval Back Side chair from Tommy Bahama. Modeled after a traditional side chair, this version features a striking rattan back that is gently rounded with smooth curves and an oval back.

Don’t Get Too Theme-y

Seashells, fish netting, and beach-themed fabric from pillows to sheets will make your coastal cottage style look dated. This goes for lighthouses and life preservers, too. Bring in touches here and there with a nod to classic coastal style. For example, use fish netting as a whimsical curtain tie-back and let the subtleness impress.

Do Add Area Rugs

While carpeting can be a problem if you actually to live near the ocean – think sand, humidity, and musty carpets – area rugs are perfect for this look. Not only are they easier to clean, but they also complement the style and show off gorgeous flooring underneath.

Don’t Forget to Add a Little Artwork

Prints that feature the ocean, sea life, or seascapes are great for coastal cottage walls. A piece of driftwood with your favorite quote painted on it adds a personal touch. Framed prints of pictures you, or someone in your family, has taken add a personal touch.

Do Accessorize with Found Treasure from the Sea

This is where you get to let you and your family’s personality shine. Coastal accessories include glass jars filled with shells or sea glass, specimen pieces of coral, driftwood, and more. Add some brass lamps, silver vases, and coastal prints of throw pillows.

This is also where you can have a little fun. Still thinking about that pink flamingo? Wouldn’t it look great on a throw pillow? Remember, it’s your home, after all, and if you can’t have a little fun with it, who can?

Follow Baer's Furniture on Facebook for more design inspiration. Find out more and read Baer's Furniture reviews on Glassdoor.

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