Coast to Coast

Landlocked Missourians don’t have to rely on expensive trips to the beach to embrace this laid back lifestyle. Decorating in coastal design uses calming colors, light and breezy spaces and a comfortable vibe to achieve that vacation feeling

year-round.

By Moe Godat

Design by Lisa Michael Interiors.

Photography by Jessica Glynn.

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Sun, Sand, Surf Beachy interiors aim to feel as refreshing and relaxing as possible. To emulate the coastal color scheme in your modern coastal design, think about sun, sand and surf; light yellows, white, beige and plenty of blues. Less is more and the lighter the better in this color scheme. To create interest, learn to play with and layer neutrals, such as white, cream and sandy tones. White walls will make the interior appear more spacious and airy as well!

 

Lovely Linen As much as we may love rich fabrics like satin, coastal design calls for a more casual fabric palette. Crisp linen and clean cotton add a comfortable, touchable texture to your space, perfect for a lazy afternoon spent at home. Looking for more ways to incorporate fabric into your design? Use custom slipcovers for your furniture, especially in families with children. Slipcovers can be washed and replaced, allowing you to get creative with the patterns and colors. Use light fabrics to enlarge the space, use pops of color to uplift your look.

 

Let it Flow Let one room flow seamlessly into another with an open floor plan, creating an airy atmosphere no matter where you are in the United States. If using an open floor plan isn’t an option, no worries! Keeping your design cohesive from room to room is another way to make spaces flow into each other. Leave no room unaccounted for, including hallways. Using an accent piece or color to unite the design in each space keeps it connected.

 

Achieve the Feeling Modern coastal design is much more about achieving the relaxing feeling of a beachside lifestyle rather than bringing the beach indoors! Rather than choosing nautical decor, opt for subtle seaside touches like abstract artwork or textures like driftwood and rock. Add bluegreen glass, handmade ceramics and jute accents to amp up the coastal feel.

Color Waves To keep your space from feeling washed out, using a standout color or two can make the design memorable. When choosing an accent color, don’t stray too far from the sea; think of brink corals, palm frond green or a deep burnt orange from the sun.

Carpet-Free Coastal If there’s one thing every beach goer knows, it’s that sand and carpet DO NOT MIX! When choosing your flooring for a coastal design, think about easy cleanup. While the occasional jute rug is a fine touch, avoid adding carpet anywhere in your design. Light wood floors mimic the charm and timelessness of seaside driftwood; blond woods such as ash and beech make amazing options for this design while remaining durable and attractive for years to come. Not to mention easy to clean!

Let the Light In Soak in your fill of vitamin D no matter how far from the coast you may be! Choosing large windows throughout your home lets the sun’s rays flood your home year-round. To optimize natural light and catch the breeze, use lightly colored window treatments in sheer or delicate fabrics.