Coastal interiors are hands-down my favorite interiors to design as there is such a wide variety of elements, colors, and textures available to re-imagine and infuse into the home and I do prefer to use the power of suggestion when designing a coastal home, rather than a literal or ‘kitschy’ interpretation.
Coastal-inspired spaces are light and airy and evoke an effortless, care-free feeling whether casual or formal, so we want to keep the eye moving in the space by allowing it to travel freely around the room. If you’re looking to decorate your home in beach home decor, there’s no better place to start than in the bedroom.
Consider using glass-topped tables, furniture with legs and see-through backs to keep the eye moving around the room, which will be perceived as larger and more expansive than if you incorporate heavy, block-like sofas and other furniture. Using reflective surfaces and accessories like mirrors will also help move the light around the room. Any room that is lighter is also generally perceived as being more open, spacious, and, generally, happy! If considering the use of some of the darker coastal colors, like grey or green, keep them as accent colors or use in just one area to reduce the impact on the light, flowing feeling typical in a coastal-inspired room.
When considering wall color, use a tone of soft white or a light tone of the actual color. White will help move the light around the room, whether it’s from a natural source like a window, or from a light fixture. A light tone of color will provide a similar effect. If you want to make the room darker, this can always be accomplished through drapery, however, I have found it best to have the option to go from light to dark through the simple pull on a drapery panel.