Guest Picks: Beach House Chic
20 Ways to Get the Coastal Look Without the Kitsch
Author of the lifestyle blog DomestiKatedlife, visit her at: http://domestikatedlife.com
Author of the lifestyle blog DomestiKatedlife, visit her at: http://domestikatedlife.com... More »
Growing up in the Northeast, I've come to love the design styles of the New England coastal towns from Nantucket to the Hamptons.
But the "beach house" look can quickly go from white linen and worn wood grains to an overly kitschy nautical theme. Here, I've pulled together pieces for every room in the home that say "beach house chic" without going overboard. — Kate from DomestiKated Life
But the "beach house" look can quickly go from white linen and worn wood grains to an overly kitschy nautical theme. Here, I've pulled together pieces for every room in the home that say "beach house chic" without going overboard. — Kate from DomestiKated Life
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| Nautical maps have beautiful colors and interest, almost like an abstract painting, and are a nice way to add some local flavor to the walls. They're also often an inexpensive way to cover a large wall. |
Somehow white upholstery always says "beachy," despite it's unnatural place next to sandy feet and wet bathing suits. But white slipcovers are good compromise for the high-use pieces and look extra crisp next to blonde rattan.
This cotton throw is a perfect accessory to toss over the side of one of the armchairs and would be nice to cuddle up in with a beach read.
These pendants are reminiscent of lobster traps with their rattan basket weave shades. A key to the beach vibe is to keep things light and airy and these won't weigh down the room.
Beach houses are a mecca for huge family events and hosting friends — so an over-scaled and rustic table is great for gathering everyone for dinner.
by Ballard Designs
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Sisal rugs are super durable and perfect for the high traffic (and sandy!) spaces in beach house. This version from Ballard Design has a touch of sophistication with the subtle herringbone pattern.
by Ballard Designs
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The simple stripes on these crisp classic curtain panels give them just a hint of a preppy Nantucket vibe.
by Ballard Designs
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For just a touch of nautical masculinity, I like the idea of using these rope finials to compliment the crisp classic curtain panels.
Every beach house needs a bar cart; this CB2 rolling bar table is multifunctional and can be moved from the indoors to outdoors and room to room depending on where guests are gathering.
One of my favorite things about renting a beach house is all of the books that get left behind from years of visitors. This is a great coffee table book for the beach house living area; it'll inspire a little glamour on your vacation and spruce up your bookshelf.
by Jonathan Adler
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Jonathan Adler's whimsical whale bookends are a fun way to prop up beach reads on a mantle or bookshelf.
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| Set the tone for your house with boating-inspired cleat hooks on your entryway walls. Or put some by the back door for guests to hang their beach towels on. |
These striped sheets have just a touch of the nautical theme to them and are super playful — they would be great for twin beds in a guest room or kids room.
by Anthropologie
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For a master suite or more formal guest bedroom, I love the idea of using this Anthropologie bed. The four poster style and strong geometric lines remind me of a ship's sleeping quarters.
by Garnet Hill
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Garnet Hill has adorable printed canvas storage bins with little minnow patterns. You could use these all around the house to gather beach towels, sand toys, flip flops — the possibilities are endless!
Borrow this idea from luxury hotels: Stock your beach house with fine crisp white linens. The simple navy border on these is so timeless.
For just a pop of interest on the plain white linens, add a bold blue pillow. I'm a big fan of this Jonathan Adler embroidered pillow for it's texture and anchor motif.
If you're going to embrace the nautical theme in any room, I say go over the top in the bathroom. It's a small space that you can make bold decisions in — like this blue anchor printed wallpaper.
This vintage nautical knot print would look great framed anywhere — in a beach house or not. It's graphic and has clean, simple lines and colors.
And don't forget about making the outdoors comfortable and stylish too! Indoor/outdoor pillows are a nice way to add a soft touch to some of the in-between spaces like three-season porches. I love the bright ocean blue color of this Hable and Construction version.
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Ideabook published on July 16, 2011.
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My clients would not appreciate me recommending they buy a $2k+ coffee table. Maybe add to this with more realistically priced items. Love the lamp shade, the bedding...thanks