Guest Picks: Contemporary Coastal
Coastal style goes from shabby to streamlined with these 20 updated beach house picks
My husband and I are building a contemporary beach house down here in Lowcountry. We want to incorporate some coastal elements into the decor, but still stay true to the modern style we love. Here are a few pieces we either currently own or have on our wish list. — Beth from Modern Home
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A chunky jute rug adds an easy touch of coastal decor to the room. It works as a neutral backdrop for whatever furnishings you choose.
by Iron Fish Art
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We have so many talented local artists here in Lowcountry. Chase Allen is one I know personally. He has an extensive collection available and is willing to create custom pieces for his clients. My husband and I have talked about adding a school of stingrays to the entry wall.
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| Timid Whale, by Don Carney, is on my wish list. There are a limited number of prints available, so I need to stop lusting over it and just pull the trigger already. |
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The Egg Chair is an icon of modern Scandinavian design. Wicker, typical in coastal decor, adds softness and natural beauty. Though it can be used outdoors, I would put this in the living room or library.
by Bleu Nature
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The Lustre Tundra would be perfectly at home above our dining room table. I like that it's somewhat customizable and that my family and I can add to it with driftwood we find along the beach.
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Inhabit has several collections that would work well with a contemporary coastal scheme (for example: Seagrass, Kelp, Coral and Plankton). Plus, the brand makes it easy to mix and match your art, bedding and other accessories throughout your home.
by DwellStudio
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These fish serving boards are too cute. They might just have to stay out on the counter at all times.
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Nothing says nautical like a striped rug. I'm planning on adding the Draper rug from Dwell Studio to the boys' room and can't wait to see how the punchy bold stripes add to the space.
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by Design Public
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| This shell bath mat currently lives in our guest bath. It's both fun and sophisticated and works well in the space. |
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by Pottery Barn
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| Buy these weathered oars now! They are awesome! I was so sad when they sold out last season and I'm thrilled to see Pottery Barn brought them back. |
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Ikea has carried the Alseda stool for quite some time now, which is a testament to the popularity of this item. I've seen it in a few magazine home tours and it looks very high end.
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My family is in the market for a new dining table. The top contender thus far is this one. The clean lines and exaggerated thickness suit our modern taste, while the light wood and the bench-style seating fit in with the coastal style of our beach house.
by Z Gallerie
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Faux coral is still a hot trend. How about foregoing white and opting for a nice punch of color with red instead?
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Etsy is a great source for vintage glass fishing floats. The floats come in a variety of beautiful colors and some even have the original netting.
by Bleu Nature
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This is a driftwood lamp from Bleu Nature that I like. The mod shape is reminiscent of a Sputnik lamp.
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by Pottery Barn
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| I found these amazing giant clamshell bowls in a shop window in downtown Beaufort a while back and knew I wanted one for our house. The bowls can be used for a variety of things, but I'm thinking of filling it with succulents and putting it on the back porch. |
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I love the pretty ocean blue color of this handmade vase. The price is hard to beat.
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Place a faux palm frond in a simple vase for a quick and easy coastal decoration. Ikea has some great affordable options.
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by Pottery Barn
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| Used as vase fillers, these monochromatic sand dollars are simple enough to be minimal and modern rather than kitschy. |
by Crate&Barrel
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I'd like to add a large and small driftwood ball to the vignette in my entry, but I'm sure my two little boys would break them in no time, thinking they were fun new toys. I'll have to keep an eye out for something a little more kid friendly.
Next: Book Tour: 'Coastal Modern'
Next: Book Tour: 'Coastal Modern'
Ideabook published on May 23, 2012.
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Also, I really don't think there is a graceful way to get out of the egg chair. Maybe wait until every else leaves the room? :)
@ newmouse - Those are very pretty. I like the colors. Pottery Barn has a really good selection of coastal accessories.
Same goes with the sputnik looking lantern, lovely, but too many small surfaces and difficult to access every element. Just keep in mind the practicality of up keeping.