Right about now, you probably feel like you could use a vacation—the kind where you while away the days on the oceanfront. But it’s not just the beach that relaxes you. It’s the beach house and all it symbolizes: nothing to do but dream about the sunny days ahead. Couldn’t your home use a healthy dose of that? Get some inspiration on how to give your home a beach house feel, so you can keep that vacation spirit alive.
Pick a Calming Palette
It doesn’t matter what it’s like outside. Inside, you can create spaces that are bright, breezy, and inviting. It’s best to start with white walls or shiplap paneling for a little texture. Beyond that, think “sun-washed.” Stick with light neutrals for any upholstery, and add some color with knickknacks, oversized throw pillows, and art. You can’t go wrong with watery blues that have a calming effect, especially when combined with white stripes. Pastels are best for a serene room, but if you like bold primary colors, you can achieve a nautical vibe.
Bring the Outdoors In
If it’s the kind of furniture you’d normally have on the patio or in a sunroom, bring it inside. If you can sit on it with a wet bathing suit, you’re on the right track. Gravitate toward natural materials like:
- Wicker
- Rattan
- Distressed wood
- Sun-bleached wood
- Driftwood
- Bamboo
- Woven rope
Even adding a beachy piece here and there can loosen up a room and make it more casual and comfortable. Throw a sisal rug on the floor if you don’t want to track in any sand.
Keep Things Airy
Can you imagine a breeze wafting through your home? A wind machine is a bit much, but you can evoke the idea by leaving plenty of open space. Call attention to the natural sunlight coming in with sheer panels instead of heavy curtains. Hang them a few inches above the window frame to create the illusion of height, and let a little extra fabric pool on the floor. You can also use loosely tied cotton slipcovers to give your home a beach house feel (and keep the furniture clean). You might not have a view of the Atlantic, but you can collect windswept seascapes to hang on the wall. When your surroundings inspire you to clear your mind and breathe deeply, you can begin your permanent staycation.
