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Coast Into Chic Beach Style
Ditch the lifeguard lamps and stock up on slipcovers to make your seaside home awash in graceful allure
We are the mother and daughter behind the blog Design Chic (www.mydesignchic.com).
We are the mother and daughter behind the blog Design Chic (www.mydesignchic.com).... More »
When it comes to a home on the water, let's face it: It's really all about the view. But even though you're there to enjoy the great outdoors, that doesn't mean the indoors can't be the perfect complement. While some beach homes are filled with loud colors, wild floral prints and kitschy shell-themed décor, a gorgeous getaway that's soothing and elegant can still look just as coastal with a few perfect touches. Here are some of our favorite ways to create a chic seaside retreat.
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| Palm trees, sand, surf ... who would even want to go inside? When it comes to front porches, making use of all available space is important. Because waterfront property is so often premium, porches this sprawling are rare. On a smaller deck, we think a dining table with comfy chairs is a great use of space. That way, you have an extra spot to have meals while enjoying the view but can also use the chairs to lounge, sip coffee, curl up with a good book or have a long chat with a friend. |
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A beach house could be a spot to experiment with colors, but we say if you can find the perfect blue, there's nothing more soothing. The ultimate complement to the water outside, a gorgeous blue used all over creates continuity, especially in a smaller place.
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by Julia Ryan
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| Neutrals with pops of well-placed color are wonderful in any living room, but especially one near the beach. Loud floral prints and lifeguard-stand lamps are fine, but with so much to focus on outside, why shift the attention? Whatever palette you choose, slipcovers are a favorite for vacation spots. Kids, dogs, food and sand can do a number on your furniture, so it just makes sense to be able to throw covers in the washing machine. Plus the look is slouchy chic, perfect for relaxation. |
One of the best things about a beach getaway should be the lack of lists. But for keeping track of supper staples and for letting the rest of the family know you're out on the beach, these chalkboard doors are wonderful. For the same look on a tighter budget, painting a blank wall with chalkboard paint works just as well. It's the one time it's OK for your kids to draw on the wall!
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Just because you want to tone down your beach theme doesn't mean you shouldn't be reminded where you are. A grouping of shell prints like this one is a wonderful touch. Shadowboxes with pieces of coral or starfish are also a nice way to get the look and feel of the ocean, no Margaritaville sign required.
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| At the beach, it's easy to get caught up in loud colors and fish-themed décor, but it's so unnecessary. We prefer a soothing, spalike feel with neutrals and a hint of blue. Add bamboo shades and a few pieces of well-placed coral and shells, and you have a room that feels like a real beach getaway. |
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When it comes to kids' spaces, we're all about fun. But with a room that has to function for the kids one week and grown-up guests the next, it's essential for it to be versatile. Sisal, seagrass or other natural fibers are our favorite choices for beach-house rugs and carpets because they hide sand and dirt beautifully. When choosing bed skirts, a darker shade is a great idea because what's near the floor tends to get stained. And it's easy to keep a bright, fun set of pillow shams in the closet and switch them out for younger guests.
Finish everything off with an easy-to-wash blanket cover and you've got a versatile room that appeals to all ages, which is especially crucial if you plan to rent. For an extra coastal touch, fill a munitions basket on the wall with wild sea oats.
Finish everything off with an easy-to-wash blanket cover and you've got a versatile room that appeals to all ages, which is especially crucial if you plan to rent. For an extra coastal touch, fill a munitions basket on the wall with wild sea oats.
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If there's one thing that all beach houses have in common, it's sandy towels. A little sand on the floors (and between the sheets) is to be expected, but hooks like these make it easy for everyone to stash their towel before walking in the door, at least minimizing the mess. Who wants to sweep when they could swim?
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If it's a mudroom at home, then it must be a sandroom at the beach. No matter what you call it, having a place to store everyone's towels and beach toys right at the back door is crucial. For limited space (or budget), this hook and bucket idea is so creative! For the beach, we like it even better than a built-in mudroom. Store flip-flops or beach toys and everyone can grab their things and go.
More:
Coastal Chic Family Getaway
Modern Beach House With a Custom Twist
Using Shells in Your Décor
More:
Coastal Chic Family Getaway
Modern Beach House With a Custom Twist
Using Shells in Your Décor
Ideabook published on Feb. 27, 2012.
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love pictures 1, 2, 6, 8 I own a home on the Gulf, Florida and I wouldn't do any other way.