Coastal Decorating - French Knot's Guide

Coastal decorating is all about bringing a natural, beachy vibe into your home. It's a style characterised by light colours, airy spaces, natural texture, and beachside accents. Whether you're by the beach or just love the laid-back nature of coastal living, you can turn any space into the serene coastal beach house of your dreams. In this guide, we will explore some of the key features of coastal decor and give you the inspiration you need to create a calm, inviting space.

Coastal Living: Start with a Netural Base

Coastal living is all about creating a comfortable and relaxed environment that reflects the serenity of the coast. To achieve this, try to create airy spaces that let in lots of natural light. Choose light, neutral colours for your walls, window treatments and large furniture pieces like bookshelves, sofas and tables. When choosing furniture, look for pieces that are comfortable and functional. This will help create the relaxed, laid back look you're after.

Once you have your neutrals in place, start to incorporate coastal colours. Stick to the colours you see at the beach - the deep blues of the ocean, the lighter blues and aquas from where the waves run over the sand, the warm beiges of sand and driftwood and the greens of beach grasses. These will evoke the coast and create a calming atmosphere.

Using Natural Textures

Using natural textures is key to your coastal decorating. Look for materials like seagrass and rattan for your storage baskets and planters. The colours of these materials reflect what you would find on the beach - sandy grasses and aged driftwood. You can also add texture through your soft furnishings. Add cushions and throws that feature fringes, tassels, tufting or thick woven yarns.

Add Seaside Accessories

Add some nautical accessories to bring your coastal theme together and create a stunning space. One way to incorporate coastal accents into your space is by using natural materials, like driftwood, seashells or pieces of coral. These can be incorporated as statement pieces on your sideboard or coffee table. Or as smaller accents like bookends or candle holders. Natural materials are a key aspect of coastal decor and adding them into your space brings a sense of calm and serenity into your home.

How Accents Can Transform your Beach Decor

Unique accent pieces can transform your beach decor. Consider adding vintage decor items which still fit in with your coastal theme and personal style, such as antique glass bottles, vintage maps or even decorative vintage fishing gear. These add a sense of history to your space and can bring a nostalgic vibe whilst still maintaining a coastal atmosphere. Through a fusion of vintage and coastal elements, you can truly create a one-of-a-kind space that is both stylish and full of your own, personal character.

But remember, when it comes to coastal decor, less can often be more. It can be tempting to add just one more home accessory but hold yourself back. Get rid of clutter and focus on choosing a few statement pieces that evoke the coastal ambience. With the right balance of colour, texture as well as natural elements, you can make any space have a coastal vibe that feels inviting, comfortable, and serene.

Adding a Key Focal Point

No home is complete without some beautiful artwork on the wall to create the right atmosphere and provide a crucial focal point for the room. When decorating your coastal style home, choose pieces that will help to create that light, airy and spacious feeling. So opt for a large artwork that heroes the horizon line because it will really help to give you that sense of space. A large framed canvas painting of the waves lapping the shore of a beach with the sky above will make an ideal focal point.

Enhancing Your Coastal Decor

Once you've set the key elements of your coastal decor it's still important to enhance the space with extra details and accents. One of the easiest ways to do this is by incorporating patterns and textures which reflect the natural ambience of the coast. Consider throw pillows with wave patterns or rugs with sandy patterns. Small accents like these add a depth of character and interest to your space.

Use Lighting to Create Ambience

One of the other ways to enhance your coastal space is by creating a warm, inviting atmosphere through lighting. Consider utilising a variety of ambient light sources such as lamps, string lights or even sheer curtains to allow light whilst still maintaining privacy, creating a cozy welcoming ambience. Soft, warm light creates a soothing and relaxing atmosphere which is perfect for your coastal living.

How to Create a Coastal Hamptons Style

Coastal Hamptons style is a popular variation of the classic Hamptons look. It combines the chic tailored style with an eclectic mix of vintage and modern pieces to create something unique to you. To create this look in your home, start with a neutral colour palette and traditional architectural features like wide skirtings and architraves and even tongue and groove wood panelling on the walls. Choose some elegant, tailored sofas and tables and bookshelves with classic styling. Once you have your classic Hamptons elements in place, add a wonderful mix of decor pieces. Choose some traditional large ceramic ginger jars and team them with natural pieces like coral, shells and driftwood. Create a lived-in, homey feel with book stacks, candles and little personal touches like brass crabs, beaded garlands and little trinket boxes. Finish with storage baskets in handwoven rattan and a selection of charming cushions.

Overall, the key to Coastal Hamptons-styled homes is finding a balance between elegance and a relaxed coastal atmosphere to create a stylish and comfortable space.

Incorporating Coastal Hamptons style within your home is a fantastic way to create spaces that are both elegant and stylish as well as giving you an inviting coastal ambience. With neutral colour pallets, natural textures and sophisticated pieces you can transform your home into a space that doesn't compromise on style or comfort.

Creating a Coastal Home

Adding style to your coastal home is all about ensuring the perfect balance between comfort and style. By following these tips and exploring new ways to enhance your coastal decor, you can create a laid-back coastal home that is perfect for relaxing or entertaining. From vintage charm to coastal living, there are endless possibilities for creating a space that reflects your love for the coast. So grab a cup of coffee, put on some beachy tunes, and start creating your dream coastal living space today!

Find a gorgeous range of coastal style home decor in our latest collection.