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Elements of Contemporary Coastal Style
As organic as the ocean and as warm as summer sand, this design style brings a light, bright look to interiors
After 14 years of living in Western Australia, I returned home to Falmouth, Cornwall, to live in a terraced house built in 1846 overlooking the harbour. My personal style is an eclectic mix influenced by my travels and my heritage. My favourite projects are those which allow me to design something especially for the client, from a fabric or wallpaper print to a piece of furniture.
After 14 years of living in Western Australia, I returned home to Falmouth,... More »
Contemporary coastal style is defined by clean lines and natural materials and textures — so go bold but stick to simple lines and basic finishes. Create a neutral backdrop with smooth steel, timber and woven materials. Add interest with statement art and furniture, but keep the look uncluttered otherwise. Use deep shades of turquoise, coral, orange and blue for bright accents. Scale up your print sizes and make your stripes bold. Light is vital in the contemporary coastal look — keep things bright and airy, like in an art gallery.
These ideas will help you bring this look into your own home.
These ideas will help you bring this look into your own home.
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Color
Clean, neutral colors highlighted with clear brights are key to the contemporary coastal look. Stick with yellows, oranges and coral for warm hues, and greens and turquoises for cooler hues.
See when to use warm and cool hues
Clean, neutral colors highlighted with clear brights are key to the contemporary coastal look. Stick with yellows, oranges and coral for warm hues, and greens and turquoises for cooler hues.
See when to use warm and cool hues
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| Reenforce the coastal look by using a single accent color throughout the room. This deep coral looks stunning with the soft beach colors in the rest of the space. |
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Furniture
You'll want to go for midcentury and later when choosing furniture for this look. These chairs and table offer clean, modern lines with an unexpected splash of color.
You'll want to go for midcentury and later when choosing furniture for this look. These chairs and table offer clean, modern lines with an unexpected splash of color.
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| Handmade furniture made of beautiful timber can add warmth to your contemporary coastal home. Furniture like this makes for statement, investment pieces that will never date. |
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| Keep shapes simple and remember that you don't have to spend a fortune on furniture. These basic canvas chairs create a more modern feel by keeping to a monotone color scheme. |
| Use the lines of your furniture to evoke your coastal vibe. Although the only coastal colors in this room are in the painting, the design of the bed emphasizes the beachside mood with its wave-like headboard. |
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| Lighting Go for classic, industrial, maritime-inspired lights. This style looks great against a clean, contemporary backdrop. Stainless steel, polished chrome and aluminium catch the eye and work in bathrooms, kitchens and living spaces. |
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| Wall Art Use an oversize or statement piece of art with a coastal theme. In this simply designed room, a beautiful coral-toned piece creates instant coastal chic. |
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I love these turquoise fish. Using multiples of the same object always makes a statement. Keep to the same color and style for maximum impact.
See how to use multiples in rooms
See how to use multiples in rooms
by Iron Fish Art
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The unexpected mix of a contemporary sculpture and a vintage oar against a dark gray wall has all the elements of contemporary coastal style.
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| Flooring This mix of timber and sisal looks great in a contemporary setting. The soft sand and aqua make for a restful coastal palette. As with other coastal styles, you'll want to stick to natural tones for your flooring. Rugs should be simple but hard wearing, which is why sisal and jute are such popular choices. |
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Materials
This chevron fabric in ocean colors works perfectly with the woven lampshades and the rattan ceiling. Mix materials but try sticking to the same color palette for a consistent, contemporary look.
This chevron fabric in ocean colors works perfectly with the woven lampshades and the rattan ceiling. Mix materials but try sticking to the same color palette for a consistent, contemporary look.
by Fiorella Design
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I love this vignette — the print teamed with the coral wall is simple but bold.
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Bold stripes in a mix of primary colors add a very modern vibe to a traditional chair. Teaming the chair with a contemporary sofa balances out the room.
Ideabook published on Sept. 27, 2012.
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